Sharon Withrow received this letter from the Tuscany Homeowners Association regarding her "Yes We Can" holiday lights:
Dear Ms. Withrow,
This letter is confirmation of receipt of the letter you sent to the Association, dated December 3, 2008. The Board of Directors will not pursue fines as you have explained the decorations are part of your holiday display. Please remember that in accordance with the Association's rules and regulations: Exterior holiday decorations may be placed outside no sooner than 30 days prior to the holiday and shall be removed from the exterior of the home no later than 30 days after the end of the holiday.If you would still like to meet with the Board of Directors please contact me at 303-980-0700 so I may place you on the agenda at the next regularly scheduled meeting.
Sincerely,
Rana Valentine
Community Manager Tuscany Maintenance
cc: Board of Directors
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Saturday, December 13, 2008
"Granny Dances to a Holiday Drum" and so do we!
A group of us attended "Granny Dances to a Holiday Drum" last night at the Neuman Center at DU, which salutes religious and cultural diversity. As I looked around the room and heard the dozens of performer's voices, I was touched by the sheer beauty and diversity of Denver. A number of our Obama volunteers or their family members are in the cast, and the room seemed to be filled with HOPE. Tears literally came to my eyes, and I looked around to see the same thing happen to others in our group. Something magical has happened this year and the message of "YES WE CAN have a better world" is everywhere. (If you have never seen the show, I highly recommend it. It is the most amazing live performance I have ever seen, and is literally a highlight of the holiday season for me.)
May the results of our efforts continue to multiply and bring us all together! I could not be more proud to live in this beautiful state!
Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Diwali, Ramaddan, Kwanzaa, Epiphany, La Posadas, Winter Solstice, another major holiday, or just enjoy quiet moments, I wish you peace and abundant friendship in 2009. May the results of your efforts continue to multiply, and transform our communities.
Nemaste,
Nancy
May the results of our efforts continue to multiply and bring us all together! I could not be more proud to live in this beautiful state!
Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Diwali, Ramaddan, Kwanzaa, Epiphany, La Posadas, Winter Solstice, another major holiday, or just enjoy quiet moments, I wish you peace and abundant friendship in 2009. May the results of your efforts continue to multiply, and transform our communities.
Nemaste,
Nancy
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Re-thinking the Death Penalty
I have been on both sides on the issue of the death penalty during my lifetime. As a spiritual (not tradionally religious person), I have considered it often. On one hand, taking a life is something I don't believe anyone has a right to do, unless being asked to do it by someone who is terminally ill and in pain. On the other hand, putting serial child molesters/murderers out of circulation forever sounds great to this Mom.
My son was doing a speech for school on the Death Penalty and I learned a lot. Here are 10 reasons to be against it:
10 Reasons to Oppose the Death Penalty (posted with permission):
Innocence and the Death Penalty The wrongful execution of an innocent person is an injustice that can never be rectified. Since the reinstatement of the death penalty, 129 men and women have been released from Death Row nationally.
The High Cost of the Death Penalty It costs far more to execute a person than to keep him or her in prison for life.
Victims' Perspectives on the Death Penalty Many family members who have lost love ones to murder feel that the death penalty will not heal their wounds nor will it end their pain; the extended process prior to executions can prolong the agony experienced by the family.
International Views on the Death Penalty The vast majority of countries in Western Europe, North America and South America - more than 137 nations worldwide - have abandoned capital punishment in law or in practice.
Inadequate Legal Representation Perhaps the most important factor in determining whether a defendant will receive the death penalty is the quality of the representation he or she is provided.
Deterrence Scientific studies have consistently failed to demonstrate that executions deter people from committing crime anymore than long prison sentences.
Arbitrariness in the Application of the Death Penalty Politics, quality of legal counsel and the jurisdiction where a crime is committed are more often the determining factors in a death penalty case than the facts of the crime itself.
Religious Perspectives on the Death Penalty Although isolated passages of religious scripture have been quoted in support of the death penalty, almost all religious groups in the United States regard executions as immoral.
Racial Disparities The race of the victim and the race of the defendant in capital cases are major factors in determining who is sentenced to die in this country. In 1990 a report from the General Accounting Office concluded that "in 82 percent of the studies [reviewed], race of the victim was found to influence the likelihood of being charged with capital murder or receiving the death penalty, i.e. those who murdered whites were more likely to be sentenced to death than those who murdered blacks."
Alternatives to the Death Penalty In every state that retains the death penalty, jurors have the option of sentencing convicted capital murderers to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The sentence is cheaper to tax-payers and keeps violent offenders off the streets for good.
This list is on: http://www.deathpenalty.org/article.php?list=type&type=24&printsafe=1 .
What do you think? If there are reasons to be for it, tell us!
My son was doing a speech for school on the Death Penalty and I learned a lot. Here are 10 reasons to be against it:
10 Reasons to Oppose the Death Penalty (posted with permission):
Innocence and the Death Penalty The wrongful execution of an innocent person is an injustice that can never be rectified. Since the reinstatement of the death penalty, 129 men and women have been released from Death Row nationally.
The High Cost of the Death Penalty It costs far more to execute a person than to keep him or her in prison for life.
Victims' Perspectives on the Death Penalty Many family members who have lost love ones to murder feel that the death penalty will not heal their wounds nor will it end their pain; the extended process prior to executions can prolong the agony experienced by the family.
International Views on the Death Penalty The vast majority of countries in Western Europe, North America and South America - more than 137 nations worldwide - have abandoned capital punishment in law or in practice.
Inadequate Legal Representation Perhaps the most important factor in determining whether a defendant will receive the death penalty is the quality of the representation he or she is provided.
Deterrence Scientific studies have consistently failed to demonstrate that executions deter people from committing crime anymore than long prison sentences.
Arbitrariness in the Application of the Death Penalty Politics, quality of legal counsel and the jurisdiction where a crime is committed are more often the determining factors in a death penalty case than the facts of the crime itself.
Religious Perspectives on the Death Penalty Although isolated passages of religious scripture have been quoted in support of the death penalty, almost all religious groups in the United States regard executions as immoral.
Racial Disparities The race of the victim and the race of the defendant in capital cases are major factors in determining who is sentenced to die in this country. In 1990 a report from the General Accounting Office concluded that "in 82 percent of the studies [reviewed], race of the victim was found to influence the likelihood of being charged with capital murder or receiving the death penalty, i.e. those who murdered whites were more likely to be sentenced to death than those who murdered blacks."
Alternatives to the Death Penalty In every state that retains the death penalty, jurors have the option of sentencing convicted capital murderers to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The sentence is cheaper to tax-payers and keeps violent offenders off the streets for good.
This list is on: http://www.deathpenalty.org/article.php?list=type&type=24&printsafe=1 .
What do you think? If there are reasons to be for it, tell us!
Monday, December 8, 2008
Difference between a liberal and a progressive.
The last part of that sentence sounds like a joke, but it isn't.
While preparing to set up this website and blog, I considered a lot of names. I live in Tuscany, which is technically part of Piney Creek East. I would prefer to call it "Smoky Valley", since this area is in a valley bordered by Smoky Hill Road, E-470, Arapahoe road, and a hilly ridge in Parker. The city boundaries overlap a lot here, so some subdivisions are in Aurora, while others are Centennial, Foxfield and Parker. Tuscany itself has an identity problem; it is considered Unincorporated Arapahoe County, despite its Aurora mailing address. Across the street is Centennial - go figure! I feel kinship with Democrats in all of these areas, and consider us neighbors. So, alliteration won out, and the name "Piney Creek Progressives" was born, since I didn't want to invent an inclusive new name and confuse people even more.
But this site and blog is for everyone in the southeast metro Denver area! (Especially those of you who helped elect Barack Obama and Mark Udall.)
So, what is a progressive, you ask?
Here is David Sirota's answer, from 2005:
"The answer, in my opinion, is ... there is a fundamental difference when it comes to core economic issues. It seems to me that traditional "liberals" in our current parlance are those who focus on using taxpayer money to help better society. A "progressive" are those who focus on using government power to make large institutions play by a set of rules.
(Read the whole article here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-sirota/whats-the-difference-bet_b_9140.html)
Blogger Samurai Sam says "liberal" and "progressive" are interchangeable terms, then goes on to say, "Choosing whether to be a liberal or progressive is like choosing between a single-malt scotch and a fine anejo tequila". I guess you have to be a member of Drinking Liberally to understand this analogy. (I'm not...yet.) Read it here: http://samuraisam1.blogspot.com/2005/11/difference-between-liberal-and.html
Stirling Newberry at the Daily Kos devoted thousands of words to this question, most of which were completely lost on me, so until I write again, I am studying his article and trying to figure it out. You can find it here: http://www.dailykos.com/story/2005/12/30/84726/983.
In the meantime, I really like the sound of "Piney Creek Progressives" so for now, it is a keeper, even if I don't care much for tequila.
What do you think?
While preparing to set up this website and blog, I considered a lot of names. I live in Tuscany, which is technically part of Piney Creek East. I would prefer to call it "Smoky Valley", since this area is in a valley bordered by Smoky Hill Road, E-470, Arapahoe road, and a hilly ridge in Parker. The city boundaries overlap a lot here, so some subdivisions are in Aurora, while others are Centennial, Foxfield and Parker. Tuscany itself has an identity problem; it is considered Unincorporated Arapahoe County, despite its Aurora mailing address. Across the street is Centennial - go figure! I feel kinship with Democrats in all of these areas, and consider us neighbors. So, alliteration won out, and the name "Piney Creek Progressives" was born, since I didn't want to invent an inclusive new name and confuse people even more.
But this site and blog is for everyone in the southeast metro Denver area! (Especially those of you who helped elect Barack Obama and Mark Udall.)
So, what is a progressive, you ask?
Here is David Sirota's answer, from 2005:
"The answer, in my opinion, is ... there is a fundamental difference when it comes to core economic issues. It seems to me that traditional "liberals" in our current parlance are those who focus on using taxpayer money to help better society. A "progressive" are those who focus on using government power to make large institutions play by a set of rules.
(Read the whole article here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-sirota/whats-the-difference-bet_b_9140.html)
Blogger Samurai Sam says "liberal" and "progressive" are interchangeable terms, then goes on to say, "Choosing whether to be a liberal or progressive is like choosing between a single-malt scotch and a fine anejo tequila". I guess you have to be a member of Drinking Liberally to understand this analogy. (I'm not...yet.) Read it here: http://samuraisam1.blogspot.com/2005/11/difference-between-liberal-and.html
Stirling Newberry at the Daily Kos devoted thousands of words to this question, most of which were completely lost on me, so until I write again, I am studying his article and trying to figure it out. You can find it here: http://www.dailykos.com/story/2005/12/30/84726/983.
In the meantime, I really like the sound of "Piney Creek Progressives" so for now, it is a keeper, even if I don't care much for tequila.
What do you think?
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Send us your ideas!
Love sports? Birdwatching? Hiking? Movies? Let us know what your activity is and I will happily post your Piney Creek Progressives social outing on this site. Meeting other area progressives has never been easier!
Want to start a progressives-only book club? Baby-sitting coop? Ethnic restaurant group? Singles group? Moonbat Bunco? Just keep us posted, and we will help you get the word out!
Some tips:
1. Be creative (or not). Want to have a preserves (jelly and jam) party with a "Yes We Can" theme? How about going dancing as a group and call it "Yes, we can-can"?
2. Make it easy. Have people show up and pay separately, rather than burden yourself with reservations and IOUs.
3. Don't limit yourself to weekend nights only. When you are planning something fun, invite Piney Creek Progressive neighbors to join you. Shopping, walking, cooking, skiing, etc., are much more fun when you make new friends.
4. Keep it inexpensive and more people are likely to attend. Make it a family event, and you will get even more folks.
5. Ask people to chip in. Having a barbecue? Make it a potluck. Poker night? BYOB. You get the idea.
Inauguration is right around the corner. Let us know if you are planning a party and want to meet some of your progressive neighbors!
Want to start a progressives-only book club? Baby-sitting coop? Ethnic restaurant group? Singles group? Moonbat Bunco? Just keep us posted, and we will help you get the word out!
Some tips:
1. Be creative (or not). Want to have a preserves (jelly and jam) party with a "Yes We Can" theme? How about going dancing as a group and call it "Yes, we can-can"?
2. Make it easy. Have people show up and pay separately, rather than burden yourself with reservations and IOUs.
3. Don't limit yourself to weekend nights only. When you are planning something fun, invite Piney Creek Progressive neighbors to join you. Shopping, walking, cooking, skiing, etc., are much more fun when you make new friends.
4. Keep it inexpensive and more people are likely to attend. Make it a family event, and you will get even more folks.
5. Ask people to chip in. Having a barbecue? Make it a potluck. Poker night? BYOB. You get the idea.
Inauguration is right around the corner. Let us know if you are planning a party and want to meet some of your progressive neighbors!
Metaphor for America
We had our neighborhood "Yes We Can" party today, and some fabulous people showed up! Three "Obama-cheers" for Leslie, Sharon, Susannah, Ryan, Carol, Saul, Berthie, Jordan, Nancy and a basement full of kids! We had fun painting "Yes We Can" holiday ornaments, enjoying some refreshments, and making Book Blings for the Doctors Without Borders fundraiser. This group of mostly-as-yet-undiscovered artists made dozens of Book Blings, many with the "hope" symbol on them. It was an unusually warm day, so most of the time was spent outside on the patio.
Here is the metaphor: after making ornaments, I, Nancy, emerged with jewelry tools, a big tray of glass beads, metal charms and clay beads. I slipped and overturned the entire tray (hundreds of beads and charms), which then rolled all over the patio, into the rocks, and into the grass. Our hope was scattered.
This wonderful team of progressives leapt into action, systematically recovering our hope, our colors, and our symbols. Not afraid to get dirty, they cleaned up, found all of the hope (charms), and went back to work.
Does this remind you of anything? (Ahem, here is a hint, 2000-2008).
Thank-you to all of the "Yes We Can" guests for a wonderful afternoon! My "Yes We Can Santa" with the HO-ho-ho-hope greeting will be a cherished souvenir!
Here is the metaphor: after making ornaments, I, Nancy, emerged with jewelry tools, a big tray of glass beads, metal charms and clay beads. I slipped and overturned the entire tray (hundreds of beads and charms), which then rolled all over the patio, into the rocks, and into the grass. Our hope was scattered.
This wonderful team of progressives leapt into action, systematically recovering our hope, our colors, and our symbols. Not afraid to get dirty, they cleaned up, found all of the hope (charms), and went back to work.
Does this remind you of anything? (Ahem, here is a hint, 2000-2008).
Thank-you to all of the "Yes We Can" guests for a wonderful afternoon! My "Yes We Can Santa" with the HO-ho-ho-hope greeting will be a cherished souvenir!
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Tuscany HOA/Hammersmith Management are not the only Scrooges.
I had to laugh at a great story on AOL. Seems the Bushes commissioned artists to make patriotic ornaments for the White House. The artists were given instructions on the exact sizes, shapes, colors and themes (large, round, red/white/blue and stars and stripes). They received the 300+ bulbs but rejected one of them. Which one?
One artist included a pro-impeachment message on her unique White House ornament. Apparently, that didn't go over well with George and Laura, who reportedly were quoted to say, "Bah Humbug". Read the story here: http://news.aol.com/article/bushes-reject-impeachment-ornament/265552
So apparently, there is precedence for Hammersmith to say only pro-Republican messages are spiritual. Now, I want to know -- who paid for these bulbs?
(View the original story about why Hammersmith Management is the original Scrooge here: http://www.denverpost.com/ci_11116056?source%253Dcommented-.09C77390B6B3F7A2083D2070F9A78E28.html )
One artist included a pro-impeachment message on her unique White House ornament. Apparently, that didn't go over well with George and Laura, who reportedly were quoted to say, "Bah Humbug". Read the story here: http://news.aol.com/article/bushes-reject-impeachment-ornament/265552
So apparently, there is precedence for Hammersmith to say only pro-Republican messages are spiritual. Now, I want to know -- who paid for these bulbs?
(View the original story about why Hammersmith Management is the original Scrooge here: http://www.denverpost.com/ci_11116056?source%253Dcommented-.09C77390B6B3F7A2083D2070F9A78E28.html )
Arapahoe County, CO turns BLUE!
Arapahoe County went blue for the first time in known history. We elected Barack Obama as our next President, and Mark Udall as our next Senator. Unfortunately, we are still stuck with Mike Coffman and David Balmer, but you can't have everything, right? (Mollie, Jim and Liz, you are amazing!)
I would like to thank our wonderful Arapahoe County Obama office and all of the young people who moved here for 7 months to help us turn our county blue, including the amazing Terry Hanson, Scott Welfel, Quinn Riley, Julie, Adam, Beau, and so many others. And Marty, you're the best -- so glad you are one of ours.
And to Mike Hamrick, head of the Arapahoe County Democrats -- you rock!! Mary Ellen Wolfe, Chair of HD39 -- you are our Democratic Queen. And in my own neighborhood, Coralie Wallace, John Dold, John Buckley, Charlotte Faris, Linda Thornton, and so many others, really made us proud. So, please take this opportunity and thank the ones who ROCKED THE REPUBLICAN BOAT until it flipped, and turned the 'hood around!
I would like to thank our wonderful Arapahoe County Obama office and all of the young people who moved here for 7 months to help us turn our county blue, including the amazing Terry Hanson, Scott Welfel, Quinn Riley, Julie, Adam, Beau, and so many others. And Marty, you're the best -- so glad you are one of ours.
And to Mike Hamrick, head of the Arapahoe County Democrats -- you rock!! Mary Ellen Wolfe, Chair of HD39 -- you are our Democratic Queen. And in my own neighborhood, Coralie Wallace, John Dold, John Buckley, Charlotte Faris, Linda Thornton, and so many others, really made us proud. So, please take this opportunity and thank the ones who ROCKED THE REPUBLICAN BOAT until it flipped, and turned the 'hood around!
It's Drinking Liberally, not Drinking Heavily, George!
According to this, and I have no idea how trustworthy the are, but I HAVE heard it all before, Bush has been hitting the sauce pretty heavily since 75% of the nation turned against him: http://onlinejournal.com/artman/publish/article_4093.shtml.
Don't believe them? Google the words, "Drunk" and "Bush" and prepare to actually feel sorry for the guy.
Don't believe them? Google the words, "Drunk" and "Bush" and prepare to actually feel sorry for the guy.
A Shameless Plug for My Favorite Church.
Those of you who know me know I am Jewish and Unitarian, or as I would like to say, "Interspiritual". No one religion is exactly a perfect match for my own personal beliefs and spiritual practices, so I tend to blend. I grew up in one religion, wandered a lot, converted to Judaism, and still wander a little, but keep my feet there. We do the Bar Mitzvah and Rosh Hashana thing OUR WAY at Temple Sinai, but I also love to hang out with the UUs.
MOST of my liberal friends hang out at Prairie Unitarian-Universalist church in Parker (I think they should call it Prairie Congregation, but that is a whole 'nother blog entry). They are not all liberals, but I would say about 80-90% of them are (and the ones who aren't are so awesome, I learn a lot from them!). So, if you are looking for a progressive, liberal, nonjudgmental, intelligent, thoughtful, spiritual but not dogmatic place to hang out on Sunday mornings, check out this church: http://www.prairieuu.org/j/ .
They welcome people who are gay or straight or questioning, Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, Atheist, Humanist, Pagan, Agnostic, Earth-centered, etc.... They love and welcome EVERYBODY and don't try to convert you to ANYTHING.
Every Minister has his/her own style. There is another UU congregation at Hampden and Ash (near Colorado), so you can try out both, and pick the style or location you like best.
What do UUs believe then? Be nice. Love your neighbor. Give to charity. Respect differences. Value your family. Be involved in your community. Don't judge other people. Use your head AND your heart. Follow the path in your heart, not necessarily from someone else's path. Take care of the Earth and the animals. Clean up after yourself. Hug people who need it. Don't kill people just because they look different than you or have a different religion (hear that George?) Etc.
SERIOUSLY.
The official beliefs can be found here: http://www.uua.org/visitors/index.shtml
The added bonus is, you will get to know most of the leaders in your local Democratic party there.
MOST of my liberal friends hang out at Prairie Unitarian-Universalist church in Parker (I think they should call it Prairie Congregation, but that is a whole 'nother blog entry). They are not all liberals, but I would say about 80-90% of them are (and the ones who aren't are so awesome, I learn a lot from them!). So, if you are looking for a progressive, liberal, nonjudgmental, intelligent, thoughtful, spiritual but not dogmatic place to hang out on Sunday mornings, check out this church: http://www.prairieuu.org/j/ .
They welcome people who are gay or straight or questioning, Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, Atheist, Humanist, Pagan, Agnostic, Earth-centered, etc.... They love and welcome EVERYBODY and don't try to convert you to ANYTHING.
Every Minister has his/her own style. There is another UU congregation at Hampden and Ash (near Colorado), so you can try out both, and pick the style or location you like best.
What do UUs believe then? Be nice. Love your neighbor. Give to charity. Respect differences. Value your family. Be involved in your community. Don't judge other people. Use your head AND your heart. Follow the path in your heart, not necessarily from someone else's path. Take care of the Earth and the animals. Clean up after yourself. Hug people who need it. Don't kill people just because they look different than you or have a different religion (hear that George?) Etc.
SERIOUSLY.
The official beliefs can be found here: http://www.uua.org/visitors/index.shtml
The added bonus is, you will get to know most of the leaders in your local Democratic party there.
If you are on Jana Cytynbaum's mailing list, you would know this!
If you don't know Jana, you should. Jana has been scanning, reading, studying, analyzing and interpreting news for liberals in Denver for years. Almost daily, she sends out a pertinent article and highlights the most important or relevant parts for us. Jana is amazing. If you want to stay well informed, contact Jana and get on "THE LIST". You can contact her at: jcytrynbaum@msn.com
Now, what is it you would know if you knew Jana? You would know why we should probably all be members of Drinking Liberally. The problem is, there is no Drinking Liberally this far south and east. The closest one is in Highlands Ranch. Seems to me Al's Bistro would be the perfect spot for a weekly liberal get-together (although Al himself is wise and stays out of political stuff).
Anyone interested in starting up a Drinking Liberally here in the extreme southeast? If so, go here and then let us know all about it: http://livingliberally.org/drinking/
Oh, and here is why we should all be drinking red wine, straight from Jana's LIST:
A Little Wine Boosts Omega-3 In The Body: Novel Mechanism For A Healthier Heart Found
ScienceDaily (Dec. 5, 2008) — Moderate alcohol intake is associated with higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids in plasma and red blood cells. This is the major finding of the European study IMMIDIET that will be published in the January issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
The study suggests that wine does better than other alcoholic drinks. This effect could be ascribed to compounds other than alcohol itself, representing a key to understand the mechanism lying behind the heart protection observed in moderate wine drinkers.
The IMMIDIET study examined 1,604 citizens from three geographical areas: south-west London in England, Limburg in Belgium and Abruzzo in Italy. Thanks to a close cooperation with General Practitioners of these areas, all participants underwent a comprehensive medical examination, including a one year recall food frequency questionnaire to assess their dietary intake, alcohol consumption included.
Omega-3 fatty acids, mainly derived from fish, are considered as protective against coronary heart disease and sudden cardiac death, thus their high blood concentration is definitely good for our health.
Now European researchers found that moderate alcohol drinking acts like a 'trigger', boosting the amount of omega-3 fatty acids in our body.
"Several studies have shown that moderate alcohol consumption, including wine, is associated with protection against coronary heart disease and ischemic stroke - says Romina di Giuseppe, lead author of the study, from the Research Laboratories at Catholic University of Campobasso - Although the mechanisms are not completely defined, there was some evidence that alcohol intake might influence the metabolism of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids, as omega-3. That is exactly what we found in our population study. People drinking moderate amounts of alcohol, one drink a day for women and two for men, had higher concentration of omega-3 fatty acids in plasma and red blood cells independently of their fish intake". (Continues)
I don't drink much. I should drink more. After all, I AM a Patriot.
Now, what is it you would know if you knew Jana? You would know why we should probably all be members of Drinking Liberally. The problem is, there is no Drinking Liberally this far south and east. The closest one is in Highlands Ranch. Seems to me Al's Bistro would be the perfect spot for a weekly liberal get-together (although Al himself is wise and stays out of political stuff).
Anyone interested in starting up a Drinking Liberally here in the extreme southeast? If so, go here and then let us know all about it: http://livingliberally.org/drinking/
Oh, and here is why we should all be drinking red wine, straight from Jana's LIST:
A Little Wine Boosts Omega-3 In The Body: Novel Mechanism For A Healthier Heart Found
ScienceDaily (Dec. 5, 2008) — Moderate alcohol intake is associated with higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids in plasma and red blood cells. This is the major finding of the European study IMMIDIET that will be published in the January issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
The study suggests that wine does better than other alcoholic drinks. This effect could be ascribed to compounds other than alcohol itself, representing a key to understand the mechanism lying behind the heart protection observed in moderate wine drinkers.
The IMMIDIET study examined 1,604 citizens from three geographical areas: south-west London in England, Limburg in Belgium and Abruzzo in Italy. Thanks to a close cooperation with General Practitioners of these areas, all participants underwent a comprehensive medical examination, including a one year recall food frequency questionnaire to assess their dietary intake, alcohol consumption included.
Omega-3 fatty acids, mainly derived from fish, are considered as protective against coronary heart disease and sudden cardiac death, thus their high blood concentration is definitely good for our health.
Now European researchers found that moderate alcohol drinking acts like a 'trigger', boosting the amount of omega-3 fatty acids in our body.
"Several studies have shown that moderate alcohol consumption, including wine, is associated with protection against coronary heart disease and ischemic stroke - says Romina di Giuseppe, lead author of the study, from the Research Laboratories at Catholic University of Campobasso - Although the mechanisms are not completely defined, there was some evidence that alcohol intake might influence the metabolism of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids, as omega-3. That is exactly what we found in our population study. People drinking moderate amounts of alcohol, one drink a day for women and two for men, had higher concentration of omega-3 fatty acids in plasma and red blood cells independently of their fish intake". (Continues)
I don't drink much. I should drink more. After all, I AM a Patriot.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
HOA says "No You Can't" to "Yes We Can" holiday lights
HOA says "No You Can't" to "Yes We Can" lights
YES WE CAN. Do these words inspire you?
They inspire my neighbors, Sharon and Eric Withrow, who were told by our homeowners association they are not religious words, but merely a political slogan in a very conservative CO neighborhood. They received threatening letters and will have to pay a fine if they do not obey the order to remove their holiday display. The Withrows put these three spiritual and inspirational words on the roof of their home, made with Christmas lights, after Thanksgiving, exactly as our HOA rules dictated for holiday displays. The words are a spiritual call to action in a country that seems to have lost its' way, its' unity, and its' vision that a better day will come. They are a call, after a long Presidential election, to come together as a nation, in the spirit of good will and brotherhood.
Here is the story:
http://www.denverpost.com/head...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/e...
Here are the words in their inspirational context:
"...in the unlikely story that is America, there has never been
anything false about hope. For when we have faced down impossible
odds; when we've been told that we're not ready, or that we shouldn't
try, or that we can't, generations of Americans have responded with a
simple creed that sums up the spirit of a people. Yes we can.
It was a creed written into the founding documents that declared the
destiny of a nation. Yes we can.
It was whispered by slaves and abolitionists as they blazed a trail
toward freedom through the darkest of nights. Yes we can.
It was sung by immigrants as they struck out from distant shores and
pioneers who pushed westward against an unforgiving wilderness. Yes we can.
It was the call of workers who organized; women who reached for the
ballot; a President who chose the moon as our new frontier; and a King who took us to the mountaintop and pointed the way to the Promised Land.
Yes we can to justice and equality. Yes we can to opportunity and
prosperity. Yes we can heal this nation. Yes we can repair this
world. Yes we can." (from Barack Obama's famous "Yes We Can" Speech)
In my work as an interfaith lay Chaplain, I have studied the sacred texts of many cultures and religions. Unlike President George Bush, Barack Obama never claimed to speak with G-d personally, nor to be anything other than a human being with human flaws. However, like other great leaders in history (Ghandi, Martin Luther King Jr., the Buddha, the Dalai Lama, Moses, etc.), his words may be divinely inspired from his reading of the great sacred texts, and in them, we may all find a higher purpose.
I believe Barack Obama's words have inspired a generation of people all over the world to find a higher purpose... to use their own sacred texts to find their way, to unite this country, and to bring peace to this fractured world.
I honor the Withrow family for recognizing these spiritual words where they found them, and to accept a call for a more noble and honorable life. I honor them for sharing their spiritual truth, in their own personal way as a family, and by exercising their first amendment rights to express their own spirituality during the holiday season.
As a sign of my support for, and solidarity with, the Withrow family and with people who have heard the Call for Change, I will find a holiday ornament of my own, paint on it the words, "Yes We Can" and place it in my front yard for all the world to see.
Happy Holidays. G-d, please Bless America. YES WE CAN.
YES WE CAN. Do these words inspire you?
They inspire my neighbors, Sharon and Eric Withrow, who were told by our homeowners association they are not religious words, but merely a political slogan in a very conservative CO neighborhood. They received threatening letters and will have to pay a fine if they do not obey the order to remove their holiday display. The Withrows put these three spiritual and inspirational words on the roof of their home, made with Christmas lights, after Thanksgiving, exactly as our HOA rules dictated for holiday displays. The words are a spiritual call to action in a country that seems to have lost its' way, its' unity, and its' vision that a better day will come. They are a call, after a long Presidential election, to come together as a nation, in the spirit of good will and brotherhood.
Here is the story:
http://www.denverpost.com/head...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/e...
Here are the words in their inspirational context:
"...in the unlikely story that is America, there has never been
anything false about hope. For when we have faced down impossible
odds; when we've been told that we're not ready, or that we shouldn't
try, or that we can't, generations of Americans have responded with a
simple creed that sums up the spirit of a people. Yes we can.
It was a creed written into the founding documents that declared the
destiny of a nation. Yes we can.
It was whispered by slaves and abolitionists as they blazed a trail
toward freedom through the darkest of nights. Yes we can.
It was sung by immigrants as they struck out from distant shores and
pioneers who pushed westward against an unforgiving wilderness. Yes we can.
It was the call of workers who organized; women who reached for the
ballot; a President who chose the moon as our new frontier; and a King who took us to the mountaintop and pointed the way to the Promised Land.
Yes we can to justice and equality. Yes we can to opportunity and
prosperity. Yes we can heal this nation. Yes we can repair this
world. Yes we can." (from Barack Obama's famous "Yes We Can" Speech)
In my work as an interfaith lay Chaplain, I have studied the sacred texts of many cultures and religions. Unlike President George Bush, Barack Obama never claimed to speak with G-d personally, nor to be anything other than a human being with human flaws. However, like other great leaders in history (Ghandi, Martin Luther King Jr., the Buddha, the Dalai Lama, Moses, etc.), his words may be divinely inspired from his reading of the great sacred texts, and in them, we may all find a higher purpose.
I believe Barack Obama's words have inspired a generation of people all over the world to find a higher purpose... to use their own sacred texts to find their way, to unite this country, and to bring peace to this fractured world.
I honor the Withrow family for recognizing these spiritual words where they found them, and to accept a call for a more noble and honorable life. I honor them for sharing their spiritual truth, in their own personal way as a family, and by exercising their first amendment rights to express their own spirituality during the holiday season.
As a sign of my support for, and solidarity with, the Withrow family and with people who have heard the Call for Change, I will find a holiday ornament of my own, paint on it the words, "Yes We Can" and place it in my front yard for all the world to see.
Happy Holidays. G-d, please Bless America. YES WE CAN.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Piney Creek Progressives
Welcome to Piney Creek Progressives!
Although we are based in Piney Creek, this blog is for all progressives who live in the southeastern suburbs outside of Denver. This is a safe spot to talk about your liberal politics, although we do ask that you keep a few things in mind:
We are also here to form meaningful friendships with others who share our politics and progressive world view. Liberals stand for tolerance, diversity, social justice, religious freedom, civil rights, protecting the environment, healthy living for all, the welfare of animals, and so much more. We love America. The price of admission to this thread is a meaningful and THOUGHTFUL contribution to our conversation - whatever it is we're talking about.
The Ten Commandments of this blog:
I. Treat everyone the way you want to be treated.
II. Avoid unnecessary conflict.
III. Clean up after yourself.
IV. Watch each other's back.
V. Leave the room a better place than when you came in.
VI. No personal attacks.
VII. If you have a differing opinion from another poster, please try to find common ground first, then share your own humble perspective.
VIII. Remember there are persons of many different faith traditions here, as well as persons who choose no faith tradition.
IX. Be inclusive.
X. Don't argue with trolls, sockpuppets, or others who come here to harass. Ignore them. Ignore their posts. Keep this a sacred space among friends.To our conservative friends - please do not feel unwelcome. We respect your right and privilege to post on other threads.
Welcome Coloradans! What is going on in your neighborhood today?
Although we are based in Piney Creek, this blog is for all progressives who live in the southeastern suburbs outside of Denver. This is a safe spot to talk about your liberal politics, although we do ask that you keep a few things in mind:
We are also here to form meaningful friendships with others who share our politics and progressive world view. Liberals stand for tolerance, diversity, social justice, religious freedom, civil rights, protecting the environment, healthy living for all, the welfare of animals, and so much more. We love America. The price of admission to this thread is a meaningful and THOUGHTFUL contribution to our conversation - whatever it is we're talking about.
The Ten Commandments of this blog:
I. Treat everyone the way you want to be treated.
II. Avoid unnecessary conflict.
III. Clean up after yourself.
IV. Watch each other's back.
V. Leave the room a better place than when you came in.
VI. No personal attacks.
VII. If you have a differing opinion from another poster, please try to find common ground first, then share your own humble perspective.
VIII. Remember there are persons of many different faith traditions here, as well as persons who choose no faith tradition.
IX. Be inclusive.
X. Don't argue with trolls, sockpuppets, or others who come here to harass. Ignore them. Ignore their posts. Keep this a sacred space among friends.To our conservative friends - please do not feel unwelcome. We respect your right and privilege to post on other threads.
Welcome Coloradans! What is going on in your neighborhood today?
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