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New Year's Stuff (or 3 Threes)

In less than 11 hours it will be 2011. I am convinced 2011 will be better than 2010 for progressives and Americans in general. The economy will not fully recover, but more and more people will begin to realize they are being lied to by many powerful folks in government and in multi-national corporations. This increased awareness is healthy and greatly needed.

I am hopeful because more people realize the current mainstream lifestyle of outrageous oil consumption is unsustainable and that this will require a major shift of resources and a complete redesigning of the way we live our lives.

Many newspapers, magazines, broadcast outlets at this time of year review the top three stories or trends that marked 2010 and a preview of the coming year... So, I've got three lists of my own.

Top 3 Local Stories for progressive activists
1. 135, mostly veterans (including Daniel Ellsberg), arrested at White House fence demanding end to wars and occupations in Afghanistan and Iraq
AFP article on arrests during a wintry day
2. James Lee who I had an acrimonous interaction with during my time as a WPC board member takes hostages at Discovery Building, has homemade bomb, killed by police
More details on Lee
3. Bradley Manning, alleged source of WikiLeaks' biggest exposure of government malfeasance ever, brought to Quantico, Va. and held in solitary confinement
Inhumane conditions Manning must endure

My 3 New Year's Resolutions:
1. More than 60% of my food purchased will be local or at least regional (Maryland, DC, Virginia, Delaware, SE Pennsylvania)
2. Buy organic seeds and reacquaint myself with gardening
3. Save $ for a comfortable bed...
(runner ups are practicing mindfulness, focusing on community building and avoiding being arrested)

3 Places I plan on going in 2011:
1. GenCon in Indianapolis! (and I get to visit my buddy Rangan while there)
2. New Mexico (Taos, Santa Fe)
3. Vermont (Long Trail, Shelburne Farms)

I hope to also write more in my blog next year. A lot happened this year, much of it difficult and not very pleasant. But, again, I believe next year will be a much better one -- thanks to having a job, good friends, and the best dog in the world!
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