OccupyPhila Protests Back Door Ban On Abortions

Occupy Philadelphia took to the streets yesterday to protest recent legislation enacted by PA Republicans and signed by PA Republican governor Corbett that could result in the closure of abortion provider clinics statewide. Three OP members were arrested by AMTRAK police Tuesday morning merely for handing out leaflets inside 30th Street Station. Later, OP members rallied outside.

American Totalitarianism

"Most people think of this as an election, where voters go to the polls and select their preferred candidate. But I believe, and an increasing number of viewers believe, that our political system has become an auction in which the highest bidder wins." - Dylan Ratigan.

It's actually worse than that. Our elections are controlled so that the outcome, no matter which of the major party candidates wins, represents no threat to established corporate and political interests that control the country. The population is manipulated into thinking that elections represent true democracy, while in fact they are not democratic at all...they are planned. As political scientist and philosopher Sheldon Wolin has written, what we have is not democracy, it is inverted totalitarianism. Instead of a dictator we have corporations and controlled elections. It's a sad state of affairs.

Wonderful Birthday!

Today is my 63rd birthday, and I am certainly having fun. As you age, it's nice (and more important) to get birthday cards, and I received really nice ones from friends Pete and Carole, Richard and Mark, Dan's brother Bob and his partner Bill, and, of course, from Dan. Richard and Mark took us out to dinner in Collingswood, NJ on Saturday, where we enjoyed a delicios Italian dinner. But my big surprise was this morning when I opened my gifts. In addition to some toy train items for my collection, Dan gave me a lovely painting of Loki our Burmese kitten that he painted secretly last summer and had framed. You really know you are loved when someone does something so nice for you!

Winter Thoughts Of A Warmer Paradise

Even though it hasn't been a particularly cold winter so far, at about this time of year it's nice to remember sunny and warm St. Barths where we spent an enjoyable week last march.

January Last

While it has been cold the last day or so, we're not getting the snow that we had last winter so far.

Santorum Exposed

Will Bunch has a great piece on Rick Santorum in today's Inquirer.

Cold Day

Photo: Fire Island National Seashore... We're finally getting a snap of winter weather with temperatures falling. The mild weather could not hold on forever.

The Beach House In Winter

About this time of year I occasionally think about our beach cottage...cold, dark and unoccupied until we get a thaw in the early Spring.

Philly Mummers Parade

Once a year the straight guys from South Philadelphia get to dress up in drag, or kilts, and parade up Broad Street. The parade goes on all day. I'm watching the string bands now. They are actually pretty good as the quality of the performances has gotten better over the years.

Mild Weather For New Year's Day

Photo: Another scene from the lovely Dickens' Christmas Village at Macys Philadelphia. I don't want the holidays to end. This year has been a bit strange with all of the mild weather. At times it didn't feel like the hoilidays. I celebrate the holidays through my birthday on January 9th. This week we're supposed to get some really cold weather. Thursday is the day 12 of Christmas. There's still time to celebrate.