Workin’ on a new website…

It needs a lot of work and is very clunky at the moment, but then again, not everyone in life even knows how to create a website.  I am also teaching Michael how to do such a project.  I have very little experience in this by the way.  It’s a work in progress, but here is the link: dogparkwedding.com

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Parker (L, chocolate lab) & Marx (R, pit bull/lab mix); also….what’s that green orb?  I only noticed that AFTER uploading the image to the website.  Neat!

Monsanto In Bed With Cannabis Agribusiness?

First check out this link.  Okay, here’s an excerpt of what the link will say if you do click:

Im April wird Uruguay nach einem Votum des Parlaments als erstes Land der Welt den Anbau, Verkauf und Konsum von Marihuana legalisieren. Cannabiskonsumenten können in speziell lizenzierten Apotheken monatlich maximal 40 Gramm kaufen, sofern sie uruguayische Staatsbürger, mindestens 18 Jahre alt und in einer staatlichen Datenbank erfasst sind, mit deren Hilfe überwacht wird, welche Menge sie im Monat kaufen. Weniger bekannt ist, was der Saatgut- und Gentechnik-Koloss Monsanto unternimmt, um patentierte Cannabispflanzen zu entwickeln, und auch, welche Rolle der Milliardär und Spekulant George Soros bei der Legalisierung gespielt hat.

Ah, as you can see, that is in German and not in English.  For reference, here is an English translation to the above excerpt from that linked article:

In April, Uruguay, after a vote by the Parliament as the first country in the world to legalize the cultivation, sale and consumption of marijuana.Cannabis users can buy a maximum of 40 grams per month, unless they are Uruguayan citizens at least 18 years old and registered in a public database, is monitored by means of which the quantity they buy per month in specially licensed pharmacies.Less well known is what the seed and genetic engineering giant Monsanto is doing to develop patented cannabis plants, and has also played the role of billionaire speculator George Soros for the legalization.

[For more on that, go to this link for English translations of this piece which is in German.]

Here is the part however where the article gets scary:

Monsanto and Gencannabis?

Studies show that Monsanto without much fanfare conducts research projects, the active ingredient in marijuana, namely THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), genetically manipulated.  David Watson of the Dutch company Hortapharm has since 1990 created the world’s largest collection of Cannabis seed varieties. 1998, wrote the British firm GW Pharmaceuticals signed an agreement with Hortapharm what GW Pharma the rights given to use the Hortapharm cannabis for their research.

2003 then signed the German Bayer AG signed an agreement with GW Pharmaceuticals for joint research on an extract of cannabis-based. Was agreed in 2007, Bayer AG exchange of technology with … Monsanto, both according to exchange the results of their research. This Monsanto has discreet access to the work of the cannabis plant and its genetic modification. 2009 GW Pharmaceuticals announced,it had succeeded in genetically altering a cannabis plant and patented a new breed of cannabis .

Since the cultivation of cannabis plants in Uruguay is allowed, one can easily imagine that there Monsanto sees a huge new market that the Group is able to control just with patented cannabis seeds such as today the market for soybeans. Uruguay’s President Mujica has made it clear he wanted a unique genetic code in his country soon legal marijuana in order to “keep the black market under control.”

Genetically modified cannabis seeds from Monsanto would grant such control. Monsanto has been building for decades to his gene-soybean and its GM maize in Uruguay. too, agribusinesses Adecoagro, whose co-owner George Soros is planted genetically modified soybeans and sunflowers for biofuel of .

Apparently it goes for powerful interests behind the legalization of marijuana in Uruguay about far more than you let us know.

[original article written by F. William Engdahl]

What does this mean for MINNESOTANS however?  At some point in the near future, a small number of Minnesotans will become medical cannabis (“marijuana”) patients.  (I say “a small number”, only because the law that got passed was so very draconian, only the terminally ill and a handful of others will even qualify according to Mark Dayton to be considered patients.  Truly unfortunate.  This is what happens when the POLICE are allowed to draft the legislation in the first place.)

Nonetheless, some Minnesotans WILL be taking something advertised to them as “medical marijuana”.  (I prefer the term “cannabis” as it’s scientifically accurate and has no racist history.  The history of the term “marijuana” is rooted in racism.)  Either way, this medicine for Minnesotans will be in the form of a cannabis EXTRACT; far more potent than if one were to merely smoke the plant (as opposed to using a potent extract of the same plant).  Only a couple of corporations will be allowed the right to grow the plants or manufacture it in a lab to create said potent extracts.  I could be wrong, but I believe I read awhile back that Minnesota would be doing business with Uruguay with regard to “medical marijuana”.  If true, see the above about the Monsanto/Soros/Uruguay business deals.  That, and dig deep into the details of “GW Pharmaceuticals” of the UK; manufacturer of “Sativex”; an extract of a combination of a Sativa as well as Ruderalis strain.  (Sativa and Indica are the most common strains.  Ruderalis; originally discovered in Russia, has an extremely low thc content.  I imagine it might be connected to the “Charlotte’s Web” strain which treats a number of children with epilepsy.  Anyway, the Big Pharma produced “Sativex” is made from the extract of both Sativa as well as Ruderalis cannabis plants.)  Did you catch that?  A Big Pharma company (Sativex of GW Pharmaceuticals) has made a medicine from real cannabis plants.  The irony?  Americans can LEGALLY get prescriptions for this in the Unites States despite current federal laws.  (The same goes for “Marinol” which is similar.)  It’s worth noting however the connections of GW Pharmaceuticals and Sativex to Monsanto.

I guess my point is, pay attention to the details.  WHY would a person have a MEDICAL need for cannabis in the first place?  Soon in Minnesota, cancer patients will qualify for “medical marijuana”.  But again, what TRULY does that mean for this patient?  How is GMO/Monsanto/pesticide cannabis going to HELP anyone?  Isn’t it safe to suspect such things (GMO, Monsanto, pesticides) CAUSE a number of deadly illnesses?  They certainly are not HELPING our health.  (Unless you are ONLY looking at the fact Monsanto to be fair, DOES help farmers grow more crops and faster and with no weeds or pests and for a higher profit.  Can you blame a struggling family farmer for resorting to such tactics in a tough economy?)

Monsanto/GMO cannabis is inevitable.  It seems to already be happening in fact.  Still, people should be given choices.  Medical patients ESPECIALLY should be given options.  In Minnesota, that should include the OPTION for sick people to have cannabis in its NATURAL and WHOLE PLANT form (which includes all cannabinoids, including CBD which consequently counteracts any negative effects of thc…I digress…)  In Minnesota, that should also include the OPTION for sick people to GROW THEIR OWN cannabis plants.  Aside from that, goodness…it’s a plant folks.  In the grand scheme of things, any adult over the age of 21 should have the legal right to partake within safe guidelines.  But legalize it then and SET those guidelines so that people know what on earth they even are.  Just whatever happens, let us hope the entire industry doesn’t get 100% swallowed up by the 1%ers and BIG CORPORATIONS.  Don’t they have control of ENOUGH of the world already?  So now they want to be greedy and profit off of a plant that too many people of color have been behind bars now for decades?

Additions to the family?

A lot has happened since this blog has been updated.  Here’s a brief overview of life updates in photos:

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Here is the beautiful ring Michael gave to me in November of 2014! It has a conflict free diamond and was purchased from an artist in Poland on Etsy.

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Michael and I on our “anniversary”. (2014)

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Michael and I go see the play Les Misérables (Washburn High School, Minneapolis – 2014)

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Here is our baby Chelsea! (She happens to get lots of spoiling from her grandparents.)

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Here is our baby Vincent. He is an “escape artist” and is pictured here enjoying a lovely day on a rooftop patio.

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Michael and I decided to ADOPT….a BABY….PITBULL! Here is “Marx” who we adopted from “Save-A-Bull Rescue”.

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Parker (chocolate lab, 12) is thrilled to have a baby brother (Marx)!

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Parker is ready for the debates!

Parker is ready for the debates!

Here is one of my “babies” all ready to watch the debates and vote! Parker never rides on top of the car. He rides inside. I gave Parker one of my “I will vote” stickers that my dad and I got when meeting MN Secretary of State Mark Ritchie on Constitution Day.

SUNDAYS: two great radio podcasts worth checking out…

There must be something about Sundays and radio shows!  Earlier in the year I was promoting the “Occupy Radio” program I was hosting every Sunday night.  Granted the show was just a brief stint because the station unfortunately shut down, but it was a fun experience and something I always planned for every Sunday.  While I no longer am hosting a radio program myself at the moment, I’d like to share a couple of really great online radio shows that you might be interested in checking out.  I should add the hosts of these shows are people I know.

AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN IN POLITICS

SUNDAYS – Noon (Central Time)

HOSTS: Lena Buggs & Ebony Harris

A progressive talk radio show, that provides political content that is inclusive of the African American female perspective.

UNDERGROUND RADIO

SUNDAYS – 6 PM (Central Time)

HOST: DJ Chicago Joe

Live Internet Radio Station…Featuring NEW Mixes, Songs, and Music News!

THIS SUNDAY’S SHOW THEMES:

African American Women In Politics – 07-01-2112: 12 PM Central

Hosts: Lena Buggs & Ebony Harris

“Police Brutality…The Zach King Story”

The story of Minneapolis resident Zack King. His encounter with the Minneapolis police dept. that left him brutally beaten, told in his own words. A look into the disturbing and illegal tactics used  by law enforcement, to target “suspected” criminal behavior in the african american community.

[Previous episode focused on unemployment rates in the black community.  Show archive is online for anyone interested in listening.]


Underground Radio – 07-01-2012: 6 PM Central

Host: DJ Chicago Joe

“This Sunday: Blues & Rock Show”

Slowing it down a little and taking you back to some of the classics on Underground 

 [One previous episode featured several artists including NYC music collective/band “Blow Up Hollywood“, Marcus Love & Rogerst Charles, and more…all artists along with DJ Chicago Joe were featured on my “Occupy Radio” show.  DJ Chicago radio shows are archived.]

Blow Up Hollywood CONTEST!

For anyone who is a music lover and for anyone skilled with a video camera, here is a fun challenge by NYC [band?] music collective Blow Up Hollywood.

I have a challenge for you in celebration of the 10 year anniversary of the release of our debut, self-titled, CD. Take any of the songs off that recording and make a video for it and post it on youtube or vimeo. It could be something very creative that goes along with the music and lyrics, or just some odd random video of you listening to the album in your home and dancing like an idiot. I recently did a search and found a couple that were out there already and I would love to see more. Thursday, May 31st, is the deadline, which is the month we released our first CD. We’ll pick a winner for the most creative and interesting video and announce it in June. The prize is our entire catalog; a homemade and handcrafted blow up hollywood journal, three homemade and handcrafted greeting cards, (that won’t be for sale until 2013), and a CDR of music that has never been released. All signed by the band.Here’s one I recently found on youtube. I hope you play along and good luck!

For more information on the contest, refer to Blow Up Hollywood’s Facebook Page or email the band directly!

Here is a wikipedia page on Blow Up Hollywood as well.

Chicago Could Be Evacuated? WHAT??? Oh…but it IS FOX “News” reporting so…

Well, this is lovely information to get a bunch of activists and their moms/dads super paranoid and anxious!  Hmm.  Well, still going.  It calms me that much of the “news” on this link comes from FOX which isn’t ever “news”.

Ah well.  I will be with various people including some friends and a bunch of people on a bus.  I also have exchanged phone numbers with at least one REALLY kind woman who lives/works in Chicago and is planning to research the relevancy of that link above.

I’m sure I’ll live to tell about it.  I was after all one who “survived” RNC ’08.  I will say this; one of my tactics will be to avoid any Anarchists, including any who might be in attendance FROM Minneapolis.  Why?  I’d rather not go into that here or now, but it’s just common sense.

Let’s just say that the NEXT panel of guest speakers for a certain professor I know will be a COMPLETELY different panel of guest speakers.  Expect WOMEN, expect people of COLOR, expect perhaps even people with DISABILITIES.  Definitely expect people who are well over the age of 20, many with children.  Perhaps some with children with disabilities.  While I know that lecture at the college back in February went well, I would NEVER choose those speakers as guests to ANYTHING in the future.  Live and learn!

On that note, peace and love to anyone reading.  May you enjoy the rest of your evening.

PSA regarding phones

This post is not meant to alarm anyone, but to inform anyone who loves me, cares about me, or ever talks to me on the phone.  Do not panic as this is probably typical nonsense that happens to anyone who is an activist or perhaps even an artist.

It has come to my attention that 2+ individuals have received call(s) to them from someone appearing to have my voice.  These are individuals who have spoken to me enough either in person or on the phone to be able to recognize my voice.  Very bizarre things were said to both individuals in various calls and in one case, there was no way for me to make a phone call as I did not have a phone with or near me at the time this phone call was made.

There are various explanations for what could be going on.  I have hosted a radio program.  I am sure there are other ways in which individuals over time could have recorded my voice without my consent.  Individuals could have taken voice mail recordings and saved them.  Either way, if an individual has enough recording of one’s voice, it is very easy to edit such footage into sound software or use other forms of technology to fake one’s voice.

Please do not panic by this information.  Please DO however be AWARE of this situation that has come to my attention and if anything I say to you on a telephone sounds odd, either verify however you can that I am in fact ME talking to you (as opposed to who knows who faking a phone call with my voice/identity), and if you are in severe doubt, hang up and later let me know.

The main reason for this post is informational to people who love me or anyone else who might need to know this information.

In peace and solidarity with all who love and care about me!  Thank you!

Occupy Minneapolis – Chalk & Pennies Party at Peavey Plaza

Standing While Black #OccupyTheHood – Downtown Minneapolis 03-25-2012

On Sunday, March 25, 2012 at approximately 06:08 PM Central Time Zone at a bus stop at the intersection of 5th and Nicollet, Minneapolis Police Department officers angrily harassed about 15-20 passengers (self included) and threatened to issue “loitering” citations and make arrests if all of us at the bus stop did NOT get on the 18 bus that was soon approaching.

I was the token white person at the bus stop.  All other passengers and individuals (not committing any crimes that I witnessed) happened to be black.  Most appeared to be under the age of 30; perhaps under the age 0f 20.  There was an even mix of males and females.  It should be noted I was one passenger waiting at least 20 full minutes for ANY bus to arrive, it was chilly, the heater for the bus station was no longer operable, and a number of bus routes happen to go down Nicollet/Nicollet Mall in Downtown Minneapolis.  I was told for example by another passenger that to get to my intended destination, all buses OTHER than the 10 bus would get me to the correct location.  It is safe to assume that various passengers required various specific buses to approach their individual destinations.

Prior to Minneapolis Police Department officers approaching/harassing passengers (including self), passengers were noticeably uncomfortable by the extreme police presence for unknown reasons.  There was at least one MPD Squad car monitoring the bus stop for a noticeable amount of time in addition to at least one officer on a bicycle constantly patrolling the area of (other than self) mostly black bus passengers.  I should note that for political reasons I myself happened to be wearing a hooded sweatshirt, part of the time with the hood on my head to keep warm.  As white as my complexion might be, it’s possible that initially officers did not notice there happened to be a pale white woman in the crowd of all black passengers.

Officers “Lewis” (didn’t have time to catch his first name or badge number) and Kevin Lazarchich (Lazarchic being on bicycle) sternly for unknown reasons walked through the bus shelter past all of us as the 18 bus approached and angrily threatened to issue any passengers NOT leaving immediately and/or getting on that exact bus would be issued “loitering” citations and possibly arrested.

The moment I saw officers approaching, I immediately whipped out my bus transfer just to be on the safe side.  I also muttered to myself that I had been at the bus stop a full 20 minutes and this was the first bus I had seen the entire time and I just so happen to be able to ride this exact bus.

Most passengers were quickly in line to board the 18 bus, self included.  A handful of other passengers waited behind, likely needing to catch other buses to reach other destinations.

I quickly walked towards the crowd of waiting passengers as well as two Minneapolis Police Officers, whipped out a Press Badge I happened to have in purse, announced I was with the press, and demanded badge numbers as soon as possible so I could have time to board the bus I needed to board anyway.  (I also flashed my bus transfer and insisted I need some sort of information quickly as the bus was obviously about to leave soon.)

Officer Lewis (inside bus terminal at time – approximately 06:12 PM) was unable to provide information in a timely fashion.  Officer Kevin Lazarchic snapped at me that I needed to be “more polite”.  I responded, “Officer, I am trying to be polite, but I am in a hurry as I desperately need to catch that bus and you yourself stated you want us to board the bus.  I have a transfer.  If you do not have a card with a badge number available right now, could you please just tell me your badge number so I can write it down later and board the bus as quickly as possible?  I am with the press, need the badge number, and must board this bus.  Thank you.”

Officer Kevin Lazarchic did hand me some sort of a card (pictured above), although it should be noted there is no mention of his badge number, nor is there a citation number.  Of course if any citations were issued, that would have occurred after I boarded the 18 bus.

Once on board the bus, I announced to fellow passengers who were at the bus stop with me that I had the names of officers for anyone wishing to have such information (got a high five from a fellow passenger), allowed anyone who wished to take photos of the card and/or copy information down, confirmed with fellow passengers that there were approximately 15-20 of us peacefully waiting at the bus stop for at least 20 minutes while no bus arrived in that period of time, that other than myself wearing a hooded sweatshirt ALL other passengers were black, that it seemed pretty clear there was some sort of racism or racial profiling going on (“Standing While Black”), that 2+ black passengers attempted but failed to get identification (names/badge numbers) of officers and that apparently it took a white woman with a press badge to obtain information we as citizens legally have a RIGHT to.

I then explained briefly that all of us as citizens have the 4th Amendment Right to NOT be subjected to unlawful search and seizure by the police/authorities without a warrant and that we also have 1st Amendment Rights to PEACEABLY ASSEMBLE, EXPRESS ourselves, speak, practice any religion we wish, and have freedom of the press.  I stated, “Just so we’re ALL CLEAR here; all we were DOING everyone was a ‘performance art piece’ and ‘ PEACEABLY ASSEMBLING’ at a bus stop together!”

Just another day for me, but yes, apparently white me got harassed by the police for committing the “crime” of “Standing While Black”.  I suppose it was a shock that a white woman happened to be a passenger and happened to have a press badge.