Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Astrological Happenings for July 2009

July's hot temperatures begin to heat things up in our relationships with family, friends, and romantic interests. Independent Uranus starts the month with his retrograde journey on 07/01, and we may find ourselves craving more freedom from our existing connections, to do some personal soul searching. We'll be looking for new inspiration and change in our lives, and we set sail on an inner journey to find it. Mercury enters Cancer 07/03, and subconsciously we're sending out mixed signals to loved ones. Emotional connections may become confusing, because while we crave a deeper love than what we are receiving, we may show our dissatisfaction if it's not what we thought it would be - and rebel in the opposite direction. Emotional turbulence may be likely if we all aren't on the same page. It's another form of 'push-me, pull you' behavior. We want closeness, but as we attract it, we pull away from it. Shifts in our attitudes will more than likely introduce us to new individuals, while loved ones might feel left out in the cold. This is a critical time to express what is internalizing to avoid any miscommunications. It's also a time to get in touch with our higher selves, especially for what we aren't receiving from others.

Venus enters Gemini 07/05, We're wanting to reconnect with the outside world, and we're using our creativity and confidence to reach goals. Blending friends of old and new, help steer our course of direction. A Lunar Eclipse and Full moon in Capricorn brings full light to our search (as well as an inner sight) in more grounded forms, while providing us with the stepping stones to secure our findings. Mars in Gemini 07/11, We are now extending ourselves outside of the circle (and outside of ourselves), careless as to what others might think. A force rises in expressing ourselves, and if not controlled, it can become aggressive and antagonizing. Our communication skills out-shadow alternative methods. We're determined to make things happen now. Ideas that we have been internalizing begin to burst, bringing life and sparkle back into our eyes! Relationships and social engagements begin merging once again, as we express our objectives. We are magnetized to those who wish us well and bring out the best in us, and we do not have much guilt by leaving others behind. Great vibes for hard sales, cold calls, business advertising and promotion.

Mercury enters Leo 07/17, Our mind encourages us to rise and take control. We're enjoying new attention and fresh adventures. We're at a place mentally, where we do not acknowledge fear, and we dare to take chances, to get what we want. New Moon and Solar Eclipse in Cancer 07/21, A new emotional phase, to nurture and give love to others, but also to ourselves. Some of us may be much more sensitive to this energy, and privatize what we are experiencing. Other could feel more comfortable and willing to share the love, unconditionally. Whatever we have fought and worked hard for, we will find ourselves very protective over, whether that be winning a heart of another, a new position at our work, or possibly securing our own sacred space. Sun enters Leo 07/22, We're confident and comfortable about what we are accomplishing, and we shine. We'll be thinking much more serious about the way we are looking to others, and we will either do a physical or fashion makeover - to get noticed by a love interest or by our superiors at work.

Venus enters Cancer 07/31 and she motivates us to expect more compassion and love from other's, to replenish what we have provided. Even though there is much activity around us, we may secretly find ways to seclude ourselves from others, to nurture our own soul and inner child! This energy turned inward can be a tremendous force of movement in the work field. Focus on what we're doing, and not on what others are doing or saying to keep this vibration fueled! Imagination and spending time with favorable childhood memories feed us new creative sparks!

Make this month a good month!
Starcana
www.starcana.com

Sunday, June 28, 2009

County Ordinance Update

It is a mess. I've posted so many places I cannot think anymore. Please go to www.pghlesbian.com for great analysis by the ACLU to understand what a freaking quagmire our County Council has created.

Good news is you can still do something. Please put in a call to the man who would be Governor and explain that you do most decidedly not want Allegheny County to pass legislation that would permit faith communities, funded by the County, to legally discriminate against African-Americans, women, disabled persons and people who are Jewish.

Yes, you read that right. Go read the analysis for more details.

Please call Dan and ask them to restore the original language before we lose even more LGBTQ resources fighting court battles to bring us back from the 1950's to the 1980's. Really. Aren't you tired of this? 412-350-6500.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Allegheny County Council will vote on Human Relations Commission ordinance on July 1, 2009

Just confirmed this with Allegheny County Council staff. The Human Relations Commission ordinance which will include sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression as protected classes countywide will be on the agenda for the July 1, 2009 hearing.

The January 15 hearing on this ordinance drew a record-breaking crowd of 150 attendees, most in favor of the ordinance. My information is that the ordinance will be amended to include certain exemptions for faith based organizations.

Please turn out at 5 PM on July 1, 2009 in the Gold Room. Imagine the power of breaking the January 15 record turnout. The LGBTQ community deserves every victory we can muster to fight the coming battles.

Monday, June 22, 2009

Pittsburgh Peace Vigil Iran Elections

Pittsburgh Peace Vigil Iran Elections

Please bring a flashlight

Date: Tuesday, June 23, 2009.
Time: 8:00-9:30 PM (dark).
Location: Market Square, downtown Pittsburgh, PA.

Details: This will be a quiet/silent show of support for the historic democratic movement now underway in Iran, and for those who have given their lives in the name of their cause.

The intention of this grassroots vigil is to show support for the human right to peaceful assembly and to protest election fraud worldwide.

We have invited and coordinated this vigil with members of the local Iranian community, a broad and diverse group, many of whom have indicated a show of support and awareness by non-Iranians is welcome and will be in attendance.

Remember: Please bring a flashlight.

Dogs must be on a leash and under control; owner responsible for clean-up.

Saturday, June 20, 2009

IRAN

PA Senator Eichelberger "allows" gays to "exist"

Pennsylvania State Senator John Eichelberger (R-PA-30th) on gays and same-sex marriage:

They’re not being punished. We’re allowing them to exist, and do what every American can do. We’re just not rewarding them with any special designation.


Read more at Pittsburgh Lesbian Correspondents and 2 Political Junkies and then take action:

  • You can sign a petition at Keystone Progress here.

  • And, you can do as Sue @ Pittsburgh Lesbian Correspondents suggests:

    I think you need to do more. You need to call YOUR Senator today or Monday and raise the roof over this outrageous comment. Here's the link to find your Senator. I called Senator Fontana and demanded he address this with Senator Eichelbeger and the Republican and Senate leadership. No way is this okay. I do not exist at the whim of Pennsylvania's Republicans or the hatemongerers masking as the ardent defenders of marriage.

  • .

    Wednesday, June 17, 2009

    Domestic Violence update

    Recently the issue has been raised about how police respond to incidents of domestic violence, spurred by Donna Williams’ story in the Post-Gazette: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09158/975486-53.stm#ixzz0HlxjbFWg&C

    The Citizens Police Review Board is meeting next week to review the particulars of this case.

    The wonderful group of women who volunteered to help change the Pgh. Police Dept’s internal DV staff policy has come back together. We’ll hold a press conference right before the CPRB’s meeting.

    The case involves both city and county government, we hope women from throughout Allegheny County will join us:

    Date: Tuesday, June 23
    Location: 2201 Wylie Ave
    Press Conference: 5:30 p.m.
    CPRB meeting: 6 p.m.

    Please help to spread this information via your networks, blogs, facebook, etc. Hell, if it feels right, Twitter it!

    Gloria Forouzan

    Tuesday, June 16, 2009

    QUOTE

    QUOTATION OF THE DAY

    "These people are not seeking a revolution. We don’t want this regime to fall. We want our votes to be counted, because we want reforms, we want kindness, we want friendship with the world."
    ALI REZA, a young actor who watched a long river of protesters march silently in Tehran.

    from the new york times. com

    Friday, June 12, 2009

    HOPE




    i almost forgot. thanks gloria.

    Wednesday, June 10, 2009

    RISK

    Risk

    by Anais Nin


    And then the day came,
    when the risk
    to remain tight
    in a bud
    was more painful
    than the risk
    it took
    to Blossom.

    Tuesday, June 9, 2009

    Surprise!

    Today's P-G reports on the findings of a study designed to determine whether the city of Pittsburgh's women & minority staffers are being discriminated against.

    'Shocking' findings on salaries for city employees:

    An average woman makes 80% of what the average man earns, an average African-American earns 87% of what the average man makes.

    Why, pray tell? For one thing the study shows that most female city staffers are in lower paid positions, while, surprise again, the higher paid positions go largely to men.

    Could this be related news? The P-G also reports that "City of Pittsburgh Personnel Director Barbara Trant has resigned..."

    And the beat goes on.

    How Does Leadership Affect Women?

    Coro Pittsburgh's Premier Leadership Luncheon Series Continues on July 23, 2009.

    Featured speaker will be Heather Arnet, the Executive Director of the Women and Girls Foundation. Heather will be discussing her experience with gender dynamics as an established community leader. This event will be an excellent networking opportunity!

    When: Tuesday, June 23, 2009
    Where: Palate Bistro
    212 6th Street
    Pittsburgh, PA 15222
    (Downtown in the cultural district)
    Cost: $20

    To register, contact Kelsey Halling at khalling@coropittsburgh.org or 412-208-0251

    Thursday, June 4, 2009

    I just can't get enough of that sweet stuff called...

    ... Pittsburgh Politics

    Heard about this last week on Hop Kendrick's WAMO AM show, all are invited, it's free & for the motley crew of Pittsburgh political junkies (there's more than 2), it may be interesting:

    Analysis of our 2009 Primary election

    June 6, 2009
    3 p.m.
    Monumental Baptist Church
    2240 Wylie Ave
    Pittsburgh, PA 15219
    (412) 281-3384‎

    W PA Assembly, Allegheny County Crusade for Voters