Hello, fellow New York Progressives -

A few of us decided that what we collectively need is a once-a-month gathering of like-minded folks - many of us working at like-minded organizations - where we can socialize, catch up, have fun and otherwise be in touch about our community and shared interests outside the context of work.

First Tuesdays of the month seem to be as good as any, and the Penny Farthing is willing to host - it's a great space, close to Union Square (and other) subway lines, and with drink specials (discounts on beer, wine and well drinks) for the "official" duration of our gatherings (630-8:00pm). AND, they are opening up their private space downstairs just for us.

RSVP on Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=149377831747936

Our first event is Tuesday, September 7, 2010 @ 6:30pm. We will be doing "shout outs" at 7:30pm - when folks can promote their groups, causes, events etc. for 30 seconds. Feel free to bring literature and business cards - and progressive friends!

We look forward to seeing you there!

-SueZQ

...New York City, Let Me Count the Ways

So for what seems like the millionth (consecutive) time this summer, I walked out of my apartment into miserable heat and humidity - non-stop 90 degree temps...for WEEKS on end...blah.

(That last sentence should have ended with several exclamation points, but the weather sapped me of the energy needed to make that punctuation effort.)

This is the worst summer I've experienced in terms of temperature, because there has been almost no reprieve. And so this morning, once again, I was beading sweat after walking just half a block to the bus stop. Which means, once again, I started my work day off looking like a drowned rat - and feeling very, very, very irritable.

But!

This is actually not a post about my sweat and misery (how boring! - not to mention a bit disgusting...) but about my need to "turn that frown upside down" (omg, can't believe I just used that phrase) so to speak - instead of bitching about NYC and this summer heat, how about I make a list of the top ten things I love about New York?!

Yeah, every once in a while I can surprise... :)

So here we go (and this is on the fly).

1. No American city has more vegan restaurants (this is true) - and no neighborhood in the city has more than the East Village (as far as I can tell).

2. And that's why I love Alphabet City (my 'hood!).

3. I've met some really cool people here - that I couldn't have met anywhere else (you know who you are...).

4. Out of town friends will visit you.

5. It's easy to get to your out of town friends (especially if they live in Europe).

6. The nonprofit sector is second to none - especially if your politics are progressive.

7. My legs are often my mode of transportation.

8. If you need something, you can find it.

9. If you need something at 4:30am - you can find it.

10. Nothing beats having drinks outdoors on balmy summer evenings.

And with that...I think it's time to grab a drink! :)

The Drum Major Institute for Public Policy

Now that the World Cup is over (everything else in my life shuts down during the WC - and, btw, shout out to La Furia Roja and all the team's supporters), it's time to move on to other (not *more* but *other*) serious business: where I work.

The Drum Major Institute for Public Policy is a progressive public policy think tank located in New York City's Financial District. Why do we matter? Because the Left needs an answer to the Right's 40 year lead on building the infrastructure to support and promote their conservative ideology. This infrastructure (credit to The Practical Progressive by Erica Payne) - ideas generation, litigation, message framing, lobbying, etc. - has assured the Right its political dominance, which the Left is only now learning - and beginning - to break. As Ms. Payne said, we are "structurally outmatched."

Yes, you should be scared.

But DMI exists to help address this disparity, and for that, we can all be thankful - and supportive. Here's a bit more about my awesome organization:

The Drum Major Institute for Public Policy (DMI), a think tank founded during the civil rights movement, partners with advocates, organizers, elected officials, and other leaders to strengthen policymaking in cities and for cities. The most progressive urban policies expand our national understanding of what government can accomplish. Historically, the results have been seen and felt in a variety of ways: better housing options, better safety net protections, better transit access, better workplace rights, better environmental regulations, better assimilation of immigrants, better infrastructure investments. We help cities advance in order to improve the lives of all people in the United States. Our research, analysis, communications, and media efforts focus on how the biggest opportunities for addressing America’s challenges can be found—and seized—in cities.

BOO-YAH! :)

Forza Azzurri!!!!

I'm waaay overdue for a post (been working hard at my new job!), and with four days to go until the world's greatest sporting event begins, what better excuse to blog than the Italian national soccer team?

Here's a shot of the reigning world champions after their fourth (count 'em: that's FOUR stars!!!!) World Cup victory (July 9, 2006 - best day of my life):


And here's a close up of our captain (the very beautiful Fabio Cannavaro - in his club (Juventus) shirt):


I became a fan of the Azzurri during the 1994 World Cup - the days of Paolo Maldini (my all-time favorite player - a) because he's beautiful and b) because I played his position in high school - left fullback), Roberto Baggio (Il Divin Codino), Gianluca Pagliuca ("brutally handsome" was the description used), et al. That year, we made it to the finals, but lost to Brazil (my second most hated soccer team - because everyone else cheers for them and I have to be a contrarian...plus they keep frickin' winning!) in a penalty shoot out (120 minutes plus of pure agony). Ugh.

And I had to wait 12 years to see them advance again to the finals - this time against my most hated soccer team - Les Bleus! In soccer - as in most sports - it's important to have a nemesis (or two). Makes things more exciting.

See, I hate the French team because they eliminated Italy in 1998 (and then went on to win the WC) and in the Euro 2000 final, as Italy was poised to win the tournament 1-0, the referee invents an overtime minute and France scores the equaliser. And THEN, in supplemental play, Trezeguet scores the golden goal...and once again, I am crushed. ARGH!!!

So July 9, 2006 - again, 120 minutes plus of agonizing play (an extraordinary save by Gigi Buffon stopped a killer header by Zidane) before going to penalty shoot out - only the Azzurri can torment their fans like this (seriously, only twice has the World Cup final gone to penalties and both times Italy played...). And we all know how it ended - FOUR STARS!!!! Woot! Woot!

And now, it's four years later, and World Cup fever once again has taken hold. I'm sad to see that a couple of my favorite players will not be playing: Luca Toni and Fabio Grosso (hero of 2006). But excited to see Cannavaro back as captain. Can we defend the title? Hopefully well - but I have a feeling this could be Spain's year (Euro 2008 champions). Germany, too, have a shot I think...though with Ballack out on injury (Kevin-Prince Boateng, I hate you!), their prospects waned a bit. At least they won't have that klutz of a goalkeep (yes, still resentful that Klinsman chose Lehmann over Ollie Kahn - who I am certain would've been able to block that shot from Grosso that sent Germany out of the tournament...though of course I don't regret the outcome).

PHEW! Ok, I think I've vented enough. Forza Azzurri!!!!

Meet Bella

It's Bella (aka Kell-Bell, Bella-butt, Bella-belle)!


Like the boys (Rooney and Casper), Bella was rescued by Zani's Furry Friends. She is about 2 years old and part Maine Coon. She is really people-friendly...but scares the bejeezus out of Rooney (especially) and Casper, despite her pint-size. She loves catnip and head rubs.

A little bit of Taiwan in Texas

So, I was in Texas this past weekend (San Antonio - didn't make it to Fiesta, though) visiting the folks. I spent most of the time eating mom's awesome Chinese food (and shopping for work clothes for my new job). Except for the one day the family trekked up to Austin to check out a Chinese vegetarian restaurant (for my sake) - which turned out to be a bust because access was blocked by some sort of bicycling "round up" race thing-a-ma-bob.

So. We headed over to a Chinese strip mall where my parents dumped me off at a Taiwanese cafe while they went next door and had Cantonese BBQ (blech). Below, my "lunch" - which, if you grew up on these dishes, was actually pretty exciting.

Seaweed

Pickled Cabbage Salad

Tofu!

The takeaway: after ignoring Chinese food in my cooking adventures, I think I'm now inspired to try my hand at a few dishes. Really, how can you go wrong with seaweed, cabbage and tofu???

Comedy for Karma, people!

Dear all,

Buy your ticket to the 3rd annual Comedy for Karma benefit, supporting everybody's favorite animal charity: Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary!

Thursday, April 1 @ 8pm (doors open at 730pm)

Gotham Comedy Club
208 W. 23rd Street (between 7th & 8th Aves.)
New York City

$50 general admission in advance
$100 reserved seating in advance

Star-studded line up! Check it out by clicking HERE.

You like comedy, right?!
You like animals, right?!
You want good karma, right?!

So BUY A TICKET! And have a ton of fun with the coolest farmed animal sanctuary around.

Love,
me