| Dear nancy, Good Morning!
Wow, lots of stuff going on this week! We have to try to laugh to keep from crying about the Gulf Oil Leak so maybe you can follow @BPGlobalPR on Twitter and check out the great cartoon at the end of the newsletter. There are also local Oil Spill Vigils being organized by Moveo on Tuesday. The vigil in Carrollton is on Tuesday at Tuesday, Jun. 8, 2010, at 7:00 PM, you can also find one near you here http://www.moveon.org/ Ten Questions With @BPGlobalPR From AdAge
Leroy Stick is a pseudonym for the writer of satirical Twitter feed @BPGlobalPR. Stick has a beef not just with BP, but with the PR industry as well. After posting a manifesto explaining his assumed identity and his purpose, he took some time to answer questions. He's the "editor in chief" of a Twitter feed that has hundreds of jokes written for it, and BP and Twitter haven't tried to stop him. Not that he plans on stopping any time soon. Leroy Stick: "I started @BPGlobalPR, because the oil spill had been going on for almost a month and all BP had to offer were b******* PR statements. No solutions, no urgency, no sincerity, no nothing." | | Sam Seder launches new weekly feature ! | | 
From Sam : I've begun working on a new weekly feature entitled
THAT'S BULLSH*T. It's about four minutes of video of me tackling some of the BULLSH*T floating around in the media ether.
The table is being set to make cuts in our Social Security, this week I
shatter the latest coporatist scare tactic like a Greek plate at an ouzo party! America turning into Greece? BULLSH*T! WATCH HERE | | Democracy Now | |  Flotilla Passengers Huwaida Arraf of Free Gaza Movement and Retired Army Col. Ann Wright Respond to Israeli Claims on Deadly Assault
Huwaida Arraf, chairperson of the Free Gaza Movement, and retired US Col. Ann Wright were on the flotilla when it was attacked. They join us to describe the assault and their subsequent detention in Israeli prison. We also speak to Sawsan Zaher, a staff attorney at Adalah, the Legal Center for Arab Minority Rights in Israel, who interviewed many of the activists in detention.
Listen/Watch/Read
| | LiNK, Liberty in North Korea program at UU Church of Oak Cliff | | 
Rachel Betzen with the Social Justice Ministry at the UU Church of Oak Cliff writes : .
We put on a monthly Social Action Film Festival, and were contacted by LiNK, Liberty in North Korea, to show their National Geographic documentary called "Inside North Korea" on July 6th. They will travel from LA to talk about this issue and host a community forum after the film. We are looking for co-sponsors or any other help. To co-sponsor we ask organizations to help promote the film and participate in the discussion. We would add the group name on the flyer and as a link from our website. Our current film page (not yet updated for this film) is here: http://www.oakcliffuu.org/filmfestival.shtml | | North Texas Progressive Book Suggestion |  Toxic Talk: How the Radical Right Has Poisoned America's Airwaves
By Bill Press
List Price: $26.99
Price: $17.81 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details -Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
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A timely cannon blast at the right-wing media machine and how it subverts the principles of democratic representation Talk radio has done an end run around the voting populace. With Rush Limbaugh now the unofficial leader of the Republican Party and the far right controlling the five major syndicates, conservatives have a disproportionate voice in the medium- even in liberal cities such as New York, Boston, and San Francisco. Writing with his characteristic and incisive wit, Bill Press exposes the destructive power of Rush, Glenn Beck, Mark Levin, Sean Hannity, Michael Savage, Bill O'Reilly, and the other polarizing figures of talk radio who dominate 90% of the political airwaves today. Citing their own words as evidence, Press brilliantly makes the case that much of what is broadcast on radio and television today is- at best- distorted and partisan, and-at worst -lies, propaganda and bigotry sold by these talented modern-day pitchmen who have followings in the millions. | | Progressive Talk Radio news | | 
Interview with Marc Maron on Freedom of Comedy Podcasts
After over 20 years as a comic, Marc Maron is podcasting his inimitable voice directly to fans and a new audience with WTF. Suite 101 recently talked with Maron about the ways in which podcasting is changing comedy, and how he's giving back to his comic peers by giving them room to speak.
Maron Finds Freedom Through Podcasting
After so many years on Air America [the now-defunct radio network], what is it like to broadcast independently?
When you're working for a company of any kind, you've got to carry a certain amount of water for that company and that agenda. You've got to push through ads, and it's all sort of tempered. | | Democrats: Notes and news | | 
Bill White for Texas-North Central Democrats Night
Monday, June 7 - 6-9pm
The North Central Democrats has committed to joining the Bill White for Texas campaign and make phone calls on the first Monday of each month through the General Election. The first Bill White for Texas NCD Night will be Monday, June 7. Your participation is necessary if we are going to elect Bill White as the next Texas Governor. Date: Monday, June 7, 2010 Where: Bill White for Tarrant County Office / 1308 W El Paso St/ Fort Worth, TX 76102 Please contact Chris Utchell at chris.utchell@gmail.com or 817-996-4889 to sign up for this event. Come join your fellow NCD members as we work to elect Bill White in November!
Dallas County Young Dems
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
Tuesday, June 8th
6:30 Happy Hour, 7:00-8:00 pm meeting
Brooklyn's-1701 South Lamar St.Dallas, TX
We believe this to be a centralized location for all members to attend. As always, we have access to the bar for our happy hour before the meeting. Plenty of space is available to walk around to mingle and network. Plenty of parking is available as well.
Preston Hollow Democrats
Thursday, June 10: Preston Hollow Democrats (5:45 PM, Banquet Room of Mei Mei Chinese Restaurant, 10455 N Ctrl Expy at NW corner of Meadow Rd [behind Grandy's], Dallas) Garland Area Democratic Club (7 PM, Garland Women's Activities Building, 713 Austin St., Garland)
Colleyville, Grapevine, Southlake Democrats-Democrats Meeting June 10, 2010
Please make plans to attend the next regular meeting of the Colleyville, Grapevine, Southlake Democrats THURSDAY, JUNE 10 at 7:00 pm, Johnny B's Burgers and Shakes, 2704 East Southlake Blvd. in Southlake, TX 76092. Come at 6:30 to order dinner and socialize. Our discussion will include upcoming events and campaigns as well as other newsworthy issues Grand Prairie Democrats
Saturday, June 12: Grand Prairie Democrats (10 AM, Avion Village Clubhouse, 800 Skyline Rd., Grand Prairie) Campaign College hosted by Clay Jenkins for Dallas County Judge. (10 AM - 2 PM, 1409 South Lamar, Dallas) | | Dallas Sierra Club | White Rock Lake Cleanup, June 12
Walk and talk while helping to pick up trash and recyclables at the Sierra Club's adopted section of White Rock Lake Park. Meet at 8:15 AM at the Love of the Lake office on the Northeast corner of Garland Rd. and Buckner Blvd. Look for a crowd of people drinking free juice and coffee. Gloves, trash bags, etc. provided. Our area includes one of the wonderful prairie restoration areas, so there are always birds and wildflowers to enjoy. The lake and your karma will thank you. Brunch afterwards. Leader: Carol Nash 214-824-0244(H)
Trail Maintenance at Cedar Ridge Preserve, June 19
UPGRADING TRAILS AT CEDAR RIDGE PRESERVE Howdy everyone. Its fun and its helpful to get out to the Cedar Ridge Preserve in Dallas to help "build" and upgrade some of the beautiful walking trails at Cedar Ridge Preserve, just south of Dallas. The address is 7171 Mountain Creek Pkwy, Dallas, TX 75249. Its a great morning workout, and the scenery is exceptional. No tools are required, (just gloves) so show up and be ready to lend a hand or two. We'll work from 9 AM to 12, and then walk around the preserve and admire the wildflowers and fauna! Bring some water for sure. Its on Saturday the 19th of June, please see their website for directions and info. Their number is 972-709-7784. See you then! If you wish to carpool, then let me know, and we'll arrange a meeting spot. My number (Ginger) is listed below. Get green, people! Its good for the soul. Coordinator: Ginger Bradley 469-223-7902(C) | | Coffee Party USA is launching its Coffee with Main Street c | | 
Coffee Party USA is launching its Coffee with Main Street campaign from now throughout the month of June. Let's educate ourselves and others about the impact of money in politics. Let's work towards restoring democracy so that our government works for Main Street. We will take a Coffee Party vote on actions on June 15-16.
We are partnering with the producers of Casino Jack and the United States of Money, a powerful documentary film about lobbyist Jack Abramoff and the influence of money in politics. Organize a group to watch the film and discuss ways to get K Street influence out of our government.
Check out our Democracy Tool Box for a useful set of links to be an informed citizen. Share with others. However, before the vote on June 15th, please review the Fair Election Now Act (HR 1826) and (S 752) and the DISCLOSE Act.
Wake Up and Stand Up, Main Street! May 15 through June 30
Coffee Party Vote June 15-16
Summit Weekend June 24-27
Goals:
1. Organize informative, civil, solution-oriented forums in your community about the impact of Wall St and K St on Main St during the weekend of June 24-27th.
2. Engage voters in the democratic process with voter information & voter registration
3. Spread the word about Coffee Party USA in your community.
4. Brainstorm and discuss ideas about what local and national actions we should take as Coffee Party USA to help restore democracy in America.
More info here | | 2010 Democratic Party State Convention in Corpus Christi
June 24th-June 26th | | 
2010 Democratic Party State Convention in Corpus Christi
June 24th-June 26th
This year's Texas Democratic State Convention will be held at the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas, June 24-26th.
* Tarrant County Democratic Party Chairman Steve Maxwell says that there has been a lot of interest expressed about taking a bus to Corpus Christi for the State Convention. TCDP has checked into making arrangements for a very comfortable ride, with the cost being approximately $75 per person (round trip, of course). The plan is to leave Fort Worth around 7 AM on Thursday June 24th (which would get into Corpus around 3PM), and returning Saturday afternoon, so that you are back in Fort Worth by 9 or 10PM. Please call Keith Annis at the TCDP office 817-335-8683 if you would be interested in going on the TCDP bus to Corpus Christi. | | Texas Observer free copy and volunteer opportunity | | 
The Observer has changed
A new, full color Texas Observer magazine is on the streets, providing a shiny, new vehicle for delivering our hard-hitting journalism. To get a free copy of this beautiful new magazine, click here!
Volunteer at the Texas Democratic Convention
in Corpus Christi, June 24-26.
The Observer will have a booth at the convention, so if you'd like to be in on the excitement of this year's political drama and to help the Observer make some money and get some exposure, please let Julia Austin know at austin@texasobserver.org | | Dallas Peace Center -Upscale Garage Sale! | | An extraordinary garage sale featuring only high quality items!
June 11th and 12th
8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
7326 Malabar Ln. Dallas, 75230
Drop off items for sale at the Dallas Peace Center, 5910 Cedar Springs Rd. next week, June 7-9 -- Please call before you come!
For more info, contact the DPC at (214) 823-7793 or office@dallaspeacecenter.org | | City of Rowlett Local Runoff Elections! | | RCDP Reminder - City of Rowlett Local Runoff Elections!
Early voting has already begun for the City of Rowlett Runoff Elections for City Council Place 2 and City Council Place 6 Elections! All polling locations are for the entire City of Rowlett, both Dallas and Rockwall County.
Voter turnout is sure to be low due to the large number of elections that have occurred in the past 4 months, so be sure to get to know your candidates, go vote, and spread the word to your Rowlett friends to go exercise their right to vote!
Here are the details:
Early Voting Polling Locations:
Rowlett Public Library - 3900 Main Street, Rowlett, TX - website
Runoff Early Voting Hours: Tuesday, June 1 through Friday, June 4 - 8:00am to 5:00 pm Saturday, June 5 - 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Sunday, June 6 - 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm Monday, June 7 through Tuesday, June 8 - 7:00 am to 7:00 pm Election Day Polling Locations:
Coyle Middle School - 4500 Skyline Drive, Rowlett, TX - website
Election Day Voting Hours:
Saturday June 12, 2010 - 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM | | ProtectYouth.org to hold vigil | |  June 12th Vigil at the Texas Republic Party Convention, Dallas, TX
Well, our vigil is just around the corner. For everyone's convenience and to keep the vigil on message, the following signs will be provided. If you wish to make your own sign, please make sure it is aligned with our public health and safety message. If you have a question about the content of your sign, please email us.
Take the Profit Out of Crime - Regulate and Tax the Marijuana Market
http://protectyouth.org/Vigil.html
| | A Story 'Bout a Man Named Jed | | 
| | | | | Gay? Whatever, Dude
By CHARLES M. BLOW- NYT | | Gay? Whatever, Dude
By CHARLES M. BLOW
| | Last week, while many of us were distracted by the oil belching forth from the gulf floor and the president's ham-handed attempts to demonstrate that he was sufficiently engaged and enraged, Gallup released a stunning, and little noticed, report on Americans' evolving views of homosexuality. Allow me to enlighten:
1. For the first time, the percentage of Americans who perceive "gay and lesbian relations" as morally acceptable has crossed the 50 percent mark. (You have to love the fact that they still use the word "relations." So quaint.)
read on | | Don't Get Mad, Mr. President. Get Even by Frank Rich NYT | |
| | There is a growing frustration with Obama's reluctance to use the power of the Presidency. Frank Rich quotes Spike Lee's advice to the chief executive, "One time, go off!"
The frantic and fruitless nationwide search for the president's temper is now our sole dependable comic relief from the tragedy in the gulf. Only The Onion could have imagined the White House briefing last week where a CBS News correspondent asked the press secretary, Robert Gibbs, if he had "really seen rage from the president" and to "describe it." Gibbs came up with Obama's "clenched jaw" and his order to "plug the damn hole." (Thank God he hadn't settled for "darn.") This evidence did not persuade anyone, least of all Spike Lee, who could be found on CNN the next night begging the president, "One time, go off!
READ MORE | | The Errington Thompson Show | | 
Do you want to hear a great Progressive Talk Radio show ?
Listen to Dallas native Dr. Errington Thompson on Revolution 880 from Asheville, NC live Saturdays 3-4pm cst
Read blog & listen to free podcasts
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| | Neil Durrance for Congress | | 
Return Government to the People
26the Congressional District of Texas
-Keep American jobs in America
-Make health care affordable for all U.S. citizens
-Increase Pell Grants and decrease tuition
940.239.0380
www.durranceforcongress.com
| | Dallas Democratic Forum speaker sparks local controversy by hosting former President of Shell Oil, John Hofmeister | | DDF is hosting former President of Shell Oil and this has sparked controversy amongst local progressives and Democrats.
John Hofmeister
"Why We Hate the Oil Companies -
Straight Talk from an Energy Insider"
Friday - June 18th
Belo Mansion
2101 Ross Avenue
Dallas, Texas 75201
Map
11:30 AM - Registration/Buffet
12:00 - Program
RSVP needed
From Chip Pitts- I don't think Hofmeister's core message -- anti-government, making deceptive distinctions (nit-picking to try to argue that this isn't the most profitable industry in the world!), his open hostility to government/environmental approvals and impact assessments of the sort so direly needed, his grossly misleading characterization of the oil industry (it's been "hands off"??? instead of affirmatively lying and misleading the public, as BP continues to do today??), and his perverse invocation of arguments against more genuine energy independence through alternative energy-- is what is needed either by the Democratic party or the nation. He's the one that told Glenn Beck that the tax breaks for oil companies were a myth. Who repeatedly told Cavuto on Fox that "nature recovers over time," so what's to worry?
From Hadi Jawad- I understand the Dallas Democratic Forum is providing a platform for John Hofmeister, an energy industry "insider", who maintains it is not the oil companies rather government regulations and environmental activists, who are to blame for environmental disasters. George Orwell is validated rather frequently in our times. I think, in light of the horrific devastation unfolding in the Gulf this type of thinking be held to account.
You could certainly tell the Dallas Democratic Forum what you think about them hosting this speaker or not making this at least a debate forum.
Dallas Democratic Forum | P.O. Box 634 | Dallas | TX | 75221
214-855-7151
dallasdemforum@sbcglobal.net.
| | LAUNCHING TODAY -- White House Dossier, | | LAUNCHING TODAY -- White House Dossier, written by Keith Koffler, which calls itself 'the only 24/7, totally independent, and fully unauthorized White House blog. It delivers White House news, commentary and analysis - with a heavy dose of humor and satire.' http://www.whitehousedossier.com
| | 3 Stars Cinema is proud to present the Dallas Premiere of "Holy Rollers" | | 3 Stars Cinema is proud to present the Dallas Premiere of "Holy Rollers" (nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at this year's Sundance Film Festival).
SHOWTIME:
Wednesday,
June 9th
7:30 P.M.
LOCATION:
Angelika Film Centerl - Dallas,
5321 E. Mockingird Ln.
Dallas, TX, 75206
TICKETS:
$8.50 online
Free for 3 Stars members!
Seating for this film is very limited, and all seats must be reserved in-advance (either by RSVP for members, or on-line purchase for non-members.) No tickets will be sold at the door!
Holy Rollers is inspired by actual events in the late nineties, when a young Hasidic man from Brooklyn is recruited as a mule to smuggle pills from Europe into the United States. He reluctantly follows the path his family has chosen for him, awaiting a pending arranged marriage and studying to become a Rabbi, but when this opportunity is presented, he begins to lead a double life. Sam slowly comes to realize the façade behind the easy money and parties and is caught between life as a smuggler and the path back to G_d.
If you can not make this screening, this film will open to the general public at the Angelika Film Center in Dallas on June 11th.
3 Stars Cinema would like to thank First Independent Pictures, Jo Ellen Brantferger and the Angelika Film Center/Dallas for this special screening.
| | FEMA Launches New Mobile Web Site For Smartphones | | News release: "FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate announced the launch of FEMA's new mobile Web site, m.fema.gov. The mobile Web site makes it easier to access critical information regarding emergency preparedness and what to do before and after a disaster right on a smartphone. The new site is laid out in a user friendly, question and answer format, providing users with the answers to their top questions, such as: What should I do in a disaster? Where can I find assistance? and How can I help others? ...the launch of m.fema.gov comes just over a month until the start of this year's hurricane season on June 1. The mobile site is just one way that FEMA is reaching out to ensure that the public has the tools they need to be prepared for any emergency. Families are also encouraged to log onto www.ready.gov and learn more about the simple steps they can take to ready for this season. To view the video about the mobile Web site, visit
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