Every day is a new day and with that, a new opportunity.
EVERYONE is welcome and please join us each morning at 7:30 AM PACIFIC
to tell us what you're working on, share your show & tell, vent, whatever you want...
...this is an open thread. Nothing is off topic.
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What is your most awkward memory?
Sometimes awkward moments are so awkward that they are almost epiphanies.
One day I was working in my favorite Jewish restaurant when an elderly Nazi came in. Of course, I didn't know he was a Nazi at first. He sat at the counter and said he just wanted a cup of coffee. I didn't think much about his accent until he nervously asked, "So...this is a Jew...ish restaurant?"
As I was standing in front of a row of Matzoh boxes at the time and Klezmer music was playing, it would've seemed to be a redundant question. Perhaps it should've also just seemed an innocent question.
However, I had just returned from living in Mexico. While there I had written about Hitler's early life up to the point of the outbreak of WWII, focusing on the irony (& ultimately tragic consequences) of his self-view as an artist.
Some part of my brain screamed at me, "This is a Nazi, make him admit it!" Another part screamed even louder, "WTF is he doing here? Did he come in by accident, for redemption, or to ridicule?"
Somehow instinct took over. "Are you Russian" I asked him (though of course I knew he was not).
"No, I'm German."
His team
"Oh, that's too bad. I was just reading about
General Vlasov and thought if you were a Russian I could ask you about him."
He put down his coffee. His eyes sparkled & I realized he was looking directly at me as he exclaimed with an exaggeratedly marked longing,
"Andrey...Andreyevich...Vlasov!"
The world stopped. I could no longer hear the clamor of dishes or the sounds of Klezmer.
He spoke describing the Russian traitor's role. He mentioned many German names I wasn't familar with. His words betrayed not just the fact that he'd been a Nazi, but that he still held a deep & bitter grudge against other Nazis with whom he had quarrelled with over Vlasov's potential role as a Nazi puppet. I vividly recall hearing the phrase, "We could've won the war if only they'd listened...."
I felt extremely awkward for many reasons. Conflicting courses of action raced through my brain.
"Get out, we don't serve Nazis!"
"How about an apology for the genocide?"
His presence was a slap in the face for many reasons. Relatives of mine had been lost in the Holocaust. I had just gone through Hell to bring my infant son into this country from Mexico...while he seemed to be an honored guest here. I thought about slapping him. I looked around the restaurant and everyone else was just carrying on as though life was still normal.
Then he asked me, after having just explained which team he had played on,
"With all your knowledge, what are you doing here?"
Had we just bonded?
Did he think I was an Aryan?
My team.
Then, oddly enough, I blurted out in a soft voice the condensed version of my own life's story. I told him which team I'd been on. I mentioned my
mom's lifelong struggle against Fascism (here & abroad), her surprise at learning the man she married in the '40s was Jewish & not half-Black, her pride in her indigenous daughter-in-law, in my involvement in the Anti-Apartheid movement, & in my sister's role as a LGBT activist.
It seemed an eternity that we then stared at each other across decades of cultural revolutions without saying anything else, but it was probably only 10-15 seconds.
Awkward.
I knew I'd never meet another actual Nazi again, let alone one who had had access to those initiating policy on the Eastern front. No matter. His time had come and gone. The time for kids like my infant son was on the horizon. The time of Mischlinge had come.
For a moment, I no longer felt awkward.
I turned and walked away. When I came back to the counter a few minutes later he was gone. All that remained of him was a handful of change on the counter.
I began feeling awkward again. I continued feeling awkward about the incident for quite a while. Still do sometimes.
What about you? Do you have memories of awkward moments that haunt you still?
Latest Updates on Kossack Regional Meet-Up News Below the New Day sunrise cloud
:: COMMUNITY BUILDING UPDATES ::
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Let's build communities!
Every region needs a meatspace community like SFKossacks.
We take care of each other in real life.
I urge YOU to take the lead and organize one in your region.
Please tell us about it if you do and we're here for advice.
•
THINK GLOBALLY, ACT LOCALLY
•
Click >>>HERE to see a list of all the regional Kossack groups that have organized for social and activism events. There are handy links to contact each organizer to join.
•
>>>Instructions on HOW TO FORM A NEW DAILY KOS GROUP
:: Events Currently on the Books for ALL Kossacks ::
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Saturday, June 1st
Baja Arizona Kossacks 3rd Annual Picnic
TIME: 4:00 PM
LOCATION: ItsaMathJoke's home
out in the desert near Vail • Vail, AZ
ORGANIZER: Send Azazello a kosmail to attend.
RSVPs:
1. Azazello
2. Mrs. Z
3. ItsaMathJoke
4. rasbobbo
5. cosmic debris
6. DaNang65
7. drnatrl
8. sneakers563 et fam
9. Bisbonian
10. AZ Sphinx Moth
11. manyamile
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Maybees:
ramara
whataboutbob
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Latest diary: Baja Arizona Kossacks Open Thread
Saturday, June 1st
Atlanta Area Kossacks Kick-off Meet-up
TIME: 2:30 PM
LOCATION: Manuel's Tavern
602 N Highland Avenue Northeast • Atlanta
ORGANIZER: Send racheltracks a kosmail to attend.
RSVPs:
1. One Pissed Off Liberal
2. racheltracks
3. annrose
4. nawlinscate
5. Burned
6. treesrock
7. Grapes
8. jobird
9. prose and thorn
10. Lily O Lady
11. foresterbob
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Maybees:
pragmaticidealist
xxdr zombiexx
eeff
Ashaman
lam2b2g |
Latest diary: Atlanta kos meetup this Saturday! by OPOL
Sunday, June 9th
Maryland, N Virginia, DC Kossacks Meet-up
TIME: TBD (afternoon? early evening?)
LOCATION: Union Station Food Court
50 Massachusetts Ave., NE • Washington, DC
ORGANIZER: Send JamieG from Md a kosmail to attend.
RSVPs:
1. JamieG from Md
2. STI
3. Sreeizzle
4. mollyd
5. pademocrat
6. memofromturner
7. dcatalin
8. Bronx59
9. VeenaS1
10. JG in MD
11. JanetT in MD
12. Uncle Cosmo
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Maybees:
Gordon20024
agrenadier
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Latest diary: VA/DC/MD meetup, June 9th, Union Station DC
Saturday, June 15th
Los Angeles Kossacks Roll Out the Red Carpet for navajo
TIME: 5:00 PM
LOCATION: Saladang Song
383 S Fair Oaks Ave • Pasadena
ORGANIZER: Send Dave in Northridge a kosmail to attend.
RSVPs:
1. Dave in Northridge
2. navajo
3. jakedog42
4. azazello
5. Mrs. azazello
6. SanFernandoValleyMom
7. susans
8. otoelbc
9. Zack from the SFV
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Maybees:
CSPAN Junkie
Otoelbc's brother
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Latest diary: LA Kossacks: Meetup: June 15, 5 PM, Pasadena, Saladang Song
June 20th - 23rd • REGISTER HERE • BOOK YOUR HOTEL!
These tables have been organized for our groups to connect during NN13 in the plenary sessions. This is where the opening and closing keynotes take place along with many noon-time-speaking events. Box lunches are sometimes provided and it's great to have a place reserved with familiar faces. If you're attending you're invited to start a table or sit at any of the established ones. Just let me know in the comments or send me a Kosmail. Please note: This is not assigned seating. You may sit at any of the reserved tables at any time. I plan to move around and mingle. There will be over 2500 people there so being able to find each other is nice.
Netroots Nation 2013 in San Jose: Plenary Session Table Reservations
SFKossacks:
1. side pocket √
2. mrs. side pocket √
3. kimoconnor √
4. citisven
5. lineatus √
6. Cali Scribe
7. Glen the Plumber √
8. remembrance √
9. jotter √
10. aha aha √
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SFKossacks:
1. Lusty √
2. RainyDay √
3. norm √
4. catilinus √
5. Lorikeet √
6. madhaus
7. boatsie
8. maggiejean √
9. paradise50 √
10. smileycreek √
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SFKossacks:
1. Kamakhya √
2. dharmasyd √
3. Ebby
4. Bustergirl
5. BeninSC (Honorary)
6. sfbaytransplant
7. Senor Unoball
8. paradox
9. slouching √
10. shanikka
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SFKossacks:
1. edrie √
2. Jeff in CA
3. Mrs. Jeff in CA
4. mber √
5. Susie Raye √
6. vcmvo2 (Honorary)
7. N in Seattle (Honorary) √
8. dangoch √
9. timethief
10. ceebee7 √
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SFKossacks:
1. Malacandra
2. Cedwyn √
3. pixxer
4. Sreeizzle2012 (Honorary)
5. BentLiberal
6. highacidity √
7.
8.
9.
10.
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Central Valley Kossacks:
1. tgypsy
2. Kestrel √
3. Caddis Fly √
4. Sychotic1
5. peregrine kate (honorary)
6. ProvokingMeaning (honorary)
7. mrsgoo √ (mrgoo √)
8. ToKnowWhy √
9. MaKettle √
10.
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Texas Kossacks:
1. nomandates √
2. texasmom √
3. texasdad √
4. doraphasia
5. krwheaton
6. TexMex √
7. cosette
8. mr. cosette
9. cosette jr.
10.
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Los Angeles Kossacks:
1. Shockwave
2. jakedog42 √
3. susans √
4. murphy
5. gmats
6. Susan
7.
8.
9.
10.
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NYC and beyond:
1. sidnora √
2. belinda ridgewood √
3. hayden
4. Todd Beeton
5. theroaringgirl
6. thankgodforairamerica √
7. devtob √
8. LuLu √
9. chicklet √
10.
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Community Quilt Project:
1. Sara R √
2. winglion √
3. loggersbrat √
4. ramara (Arizona) √
5. Horace Boothroyd III √
6. linkage √
7. watercarrier4diogenes
8.
9.
10.
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Military Community Members:
1. DaNang65
2. drnatrl
3. angelajean √
4. exlrrp (Maybe)
5. ccasas
6. llbear (Maybe)
7.
8.
9.
10.
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Cheers & Jeers Readers:
1. vicki √
2. Sharoney √
3. Spousal Unit √
4. brillig √
5. mik √
6. K1 √
7. cskendrick
8. Arenosa √
9. SanDiegoDem
10. PerfectStormer √
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Gay Men of ANY Certain Age:
1. gizmo59
2. gizmo59's partner?
3. Dave in Northridge √
4. Steveningen
5. scaboni?
6. cooper888 √
7. gotmooned √
8. FogCityJohn √
9. slksfca
10. sfbob √ (Plus TrapperSF √, dinner only)
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Native American Netroots:
1. navajo √
2. Meteor Blades
3. 4Freedom √
4. no way lack of brain
5. translatorpro √
6. Kitsap River √
7. Charles Curtis Stanley √
8. TheFatLadySings
9. TFLS's guest
10. TFLS's guest
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Netroots for the Troops:
1. TexDem √
2. Velovixen √
3. bsegel √
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
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Misc:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
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raines √
ukiyo √
Megan √
Those with the √ have RSVP'd for the dinner below, you can join us also.
Just say in the comments or Kosmail me.
Wednesday, June 19th
Cheers & Jeers - * New Day * Dinner
TIME: 5:30 PM
LOCATION: The Brit (Britannia Arms)
173 W. Santa Clara St. (walking distance from Conv. Center) • Downtown San Jose
Every year since 2007, Common Sense Mainer has organized a dinner for the readers of Cheers & Jeers who attend Netroots Nation. It has grown every year. Last year we had over 100 Kossacks attend. CSM always chooses a restaurant willing to handle a large crowd WITH SEPARATE CHECKS. (!?!) Yes, I know, hard to believe but it's worked the last several years. This year CSM has negotiated with The Brit for a special menu and separate checks are secured. If you'd like to join us please leave a comment in this diary and you'll be put on the RSVP list below. This year * New Day * and SFKossacks are co-hosting. All regional groups are invited to attend in addition to the loyal C&J following that Bill and Michael have.
ORGANIZER: Send navajo a kosmail to attend or leave a comment.
And the above event is followed by the official opening event featuring Howard Dean:
Wednesday, June 19th
Liquid Courage party to open NN13
Our friends at the Courage Campaign have announced that they’re throwing a party to open Netroots Nation 2013. Gov. Howard Dean will be there!
TIME: 7:30 - 9:30 PM
LOCATION: The Tech Museum
201 South Market St. (walking distance from Conv. Center) • Downtown San Jose
Arrive early on Wednesday to pick up your credentials at the Convention Center which will get you into the Liquid Courage event. You can let them know you're coming on their facebook page.
TheFatLadySings is working with Eric at Netroots Nation to try to assemble a fleet of power scooters and power chairs that can be reserved and rented by those who need them at a discount. We need to assess how many people will make use of this service. Please Kosmail TheFatLadySings with your needs for NN13.
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American Indian Caucus
DATE: Thursday, June 20th
TIME: 10:30 AM - 11:45 AM
ROOM: TBD
EVERYONE IS WELCOME!
You can let us know you're attending at our facebook event page.
linkage has volunteered to video record this event and we'll be able to provide it in our caucus recap.
Our speakers this year include:
Actor Michael Horse and Pennie Opal Plant: Michael was at Wounded Knee and participates heavily in the national American Indian Community. Pennie addressed the huge crowd at a climate change event in San Francisco this spring. Her activism focuses on protesting the Keystone XL pipeline.
Corrina Gould: A member of the Ohlone tribe that inhabited the East Bay before the European invaders. Corrina fights to protect Glen Cove (Sogorea Te), a sacred shellmound burial ground and village site on the Carquinez Strait in Vallejo, CA from development.
Native Vote:
Why Winning Indian Country Matters to You
DATE: Thursday, June 20th
TIME: 3:00 PM - 4:15 PM
ROOM: TBD
This panel of Native Vote organizers and strategists will engage participants on why winning Indian country is vital to all people, not just one demographic. How do the political and public policy interests of Native Vote intersect with larger voting blocs? How can progressives ensure that Native issues and the Native community are addressed and well-represented?
Moderator: Prairie Rose Seminole
Panelists: Peggy Flanagan, Kevin Killer and Meteor Blades
Community Quilt Project NN13 Flash Mob Photo
smileycreek is organizing and asking all Community Quilt recipients to bring their quilts to NN13. We'll assemble at a pre-designated location and time for a group photo with one of the NN13 professional photographers. It will be a group hug celebrating one of the most beloved community building projects we have here at Daily Kos with Sara R and winglion at the center of it. navajo and Glen the Plumber are going to scout out and select a location in advance for all to meet with their quilts for a memorable photo opportunity. Stay tuned.
Date: Saturday, June 22nd
Time: 6:00 PM after the closing keynote
Exact location: TBD
linkage has volunteered to video record this event and do interviews of the quilt owners.
1. paradise50
2. Dave in Northridge
3. remembrance
4. BeninSC
5. mimi
6. cskendrick
7. DaNang65
8. llbear (not attending, quilt only)
9. MsSpentYouth
10. Smoh (not attending, quilt only)
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11. slksfca
12. belinda ridgewood
13. Ebby
14. Bustergirl
15. Kitsap River
16. Charles Curtis Stanley
17. Dr. Lori (not attending, quilt only)
18. Regina in a Sears Kit House (not attending, quilt only)
19. peregrine kate
20.
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Sunday, June 23rd
Post NN13 Birding Event
TIME: 11:00 AM (if this time is problematic notify lineatus)
LOCATION: TBD
TBD • TBD
ORGANIZER: Send lineatus a kosmail to attend.
RSVPs:
1. lineatus
2. Senor Unoball
3. peregrine kate
4. Kestrel
5. angelajean
6. Ebby
7. BCO Gal
8. Belinda Ridgewood
9. tgypsy
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Maybees: |
Latest diary: Dawn Chorus: Meet the locals!
"At Netroots Nation, we will try to introduce you to as many of them as possible. There will be an "official" birding trip on Sunday after things wrap up at the convention, but I'm up for early morning and lunchtime quick trips whenever it works. There's a lot to see within minutes of the convention center. Any local Kossacks who aren't able to attend NN13 are still welcome to join in any walks or trips - Kosmail me." [lineatus]
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June 27- June 30th
Glacier National Park Kossack EPIC Meetup!
TIME: 24/7
LOCATION: Glacier National Park
402 9th St W • Columbia Falls, Montana
ORGANIZER: Send arizonablue a kosmail to attend.
RSVPs:
1. BlueJessamine
2. arizonablue
3. Mr.arizonablue
4. Truman
5. Ojibwa - arriving for the weekend
6. MTmofo
7. figbash!
8. spottedbear
9. jakedog42
10. Oke
11. cooltraveler
12. Mr.cooltraveler
13. state of confusion
14. Lute the Norwegian
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15. Josh Blue
16. Thinking Fella
17. Blu Gal in DE
18. NormAl1792
19. winifred3
Maybees:
Joan McCarter
slksfca
Ed in Montana
BoiseBlue
BoiseBlue GF
Dave in Northridge
Timmethy
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Latest diary: Glacier National Park Check In! Glacier National Park Meetup - Part II w/ lodging and campground info!
Saturday, June 29th
Houston Area Kossacks Meet-up
TIME: 1:00 PM
LOCATION: Goode Company Taqueria and Hamburgers
4902 Kirby Drive • Houston
ORGANIZER: Send Chrislove a kosmail to attend.
RSVPs:
1. Chrislove
2. nomandates
3. suesue
4. Mr. suesue
5. cosette
6. Delilah
7. MarciaJ720
8. jmbar2
9. mister mustardhead
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Maybees:
GrannyOPhilly
Mr. cosette
Bridgitt (honorary Kossack)
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Latest diary: Houston Area Kossacks: Meet-Up Scheduled for Saturday, June 29!
Sunday, July 7th
Chicago Kossacks Go to a Ballgame!
TIME: 1:00 PM
LOCATION: Fifth Third Bank Ball Park
34W002 Cherry Lane • Geneva
ORGANIZER: Send NormAl1792 a kosmail to attend.
RSVPs:
1. NormAl1792
2. winifred3
3. figbash
4. broths
5. Mr. broths
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Maybees:
luvweasel
Jennifer Clare
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Latest diary: Chicago(land) Kossacks Meet-Up July 7: Take Me Out to the Ball Game
New York Hudson Valley Kossacks
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boran2
Saturday, July 13th
NY Hudson Valley Kossacks' First Meet-up
TIME: NOON
LOCATION: Hudson House
2 Main Street • Cold Spring, NY
ORGANIZER: Send boran2 a kosmail to attend.
RSVPs:
1. boran2
2. thankgodforairamerica
3. betson08
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Maybees: |
Latest diary: [Coming soon!]
Thursday, July 18th
Phoenix Kossacks Meet-up for navajo
TIME: 6:30 PM
LOCATION: Rancho de Tia Rosa
3129 E. McKellips • Mesa
ORGANIZER: Send arizonablue a kosmail to attend.
navajo's in town one day, even though it's a Thursday we hope you can make it.
RSVPs:
1. arizonablue
2. Mr. arizonablue
3. navajo
4. Azazello
5. Mrs. Azazello
6. ninothemindboggler
7. Mrs. ninothemindboggler
8. thomask
9. mrs. thomask
10. BluejayRN
11. Late Again
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Maybees:
Kane in CA
Kane in CA friend
cosmic debris
PSzymeczek
Mr PSzymeczek
Mr. Late Again
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Latest diary: ATTN Phoenix Kossacks: Let's Welcome Navajo to the Valley of the Sun!
Saturday, July 20th
Dkos Asheville, North Carolina Kossacks Meet-up
TIME: 1:00 PM
LOCATION: The Bywater
796 Riverside Dr. • Asheville
ORGANIZER: Send randallt a kosmail to attend.
RSVPs:
1. Randallt
2. Otteray Scribe
3. davehouck
4. Joieau
5. SteelerGrrl
6. SteelerGuy
7. Captain Sham
8. Smiley7
9. Burns Lass
10. DawnN
11. Gordon20024
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Maybees:
eeff
Audri
gulfgal98
PearlJamSteelworker
Amy
Phil S 33
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Latest diary: DKos Asheville Open Thread 5/18/13: Frogs and tomatoes and snakes, oh my!
Send
navajo a kosmail if you post a diary about an event so we can update our round-up.
Okay. Floor's open.
Tell us what you are doing on this NEW DAY?