A daily series, Connect! Unite! Act! seeks to create face-to-face networks in each congressional district. Groups regularly socialize but also get out the vote, support candidates and engage in other local political actions that help our progressive movement grow and exert influence on the powers-that-be. Visit us every morning at 7:30 A.M. Pacific Time to see how you can get involved. The comment thread is fun and light-hearted, but we're serious about moving the progressive political agenda forward.
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Good morning Kogs and Kossacks in Dailykosland!
Let's start the working week with a Moral Monday.
Do you have any good habits?
Almost everyone I know has a bad habit s/he is trying to break. Some minor (or major) addiction, time waster, unhealthy pleasure, you name it. A lot of social activity and conversation in this world flows out of people who want a companion while they indulge in their bad habit, or support groups that encourage people to find ways to break bad habits together. Smokers huddle in doorways outside non-smoking buildings, and we have a Give Up Smoking group here at DK. Food prOn is all over this blog as well as delicious cooking diaries, and I've been tempted to start a Give Up (Over)Eating group.
But do we ever build community around our good habits? Except for people who go for a run or work out together, I am having a hard time thinking of social activities that are built around reinforcing positive habits.
Do you have any good habits?
For many years I had a life rule that said: "the first thing you eat in the day has to be nutritious." This was to prevent me from getting wrapped up in the busyness of the day and then grabbing a donut or chips or candy with the excuse that I was hungry and hadn't eaten anything.
For the first meal of the day, whether it was at 7 in the morning or 4 in the afternoon, I made myself get something to eat that had real nutritional value, even if it was not a complete meal—nuts, a glass of milk, some other protein source, or a piece of real unprocessed fruit (not just juice).
In the last couple of years I have actually developed the habit of eating a healthy breakfast every morning. Whole grain cereal with real fruit and sliced almonds, one egg, turkey bacon. Even if the rest of the day my stomach is grumbling as I work through lunch and dinner, I know that I ate something good to start the day.
In the last few months I have been working on exercise as a good habit. I started taking a short walk every day that got longer and longer. Now I am walking a mile and a half each day, which is not much in the larger scheme of things but is more than a lot of people my size can do.
Even more important than the walk itself is the idea of waking up in the morning already thinking about how I am going to fit it into the day. I wouldn't say that I enjoy it all the time (although it is a pleasant endorphin rush after it is over), but it is beginning the feel like a habit now, a habit I am trying to encourage. I started in the spring, and as the weather gets colder I am even looking ahead to think about how I will walk during the winter. I may even (gasp) join the Y—not because I feel I have to, but because it will be harder to walk in 10 degree weather or on ice/snow covered sidewalks, and I don't want to have to break my consecutive days streak!
I'm also pretty good about drinking water. I make a conscious effort to rehydrate during the day, especially in warm weather. I keep track of how much water I drink and how long it has been since I've had a drink of water. I keep water on my work desk and cold water in glass containers in my fridge. It's a small thing, but every little bit adds up. It also saves a little money since I do not crave coffee, tea or soda on the go during the day.
My bad habits are legion. I don't get regular sleep, my food choices outside of breakfast are sometimes horrendous, I waste spend entirely too much time on line blogging and playing sudoku and word games, I can't manage to get anywhere on time, and I am a clutter magnet who can't bear to throw anything away that "might be useful someday".
But today I am asking that we all take a time out from commiserating about the bad habits we share and pat ourselves on the back for the good habits we have in common. What are your good habits? How did they get started? Were you taught by parents, encouraged by friends? Did you jump in with both feet or build up slowly? How long was it before you felt the habit was established? They say it only takes three weeks to develop a habit—has that been your experience? Did the good habit come from breaking a bad habit? How do good habits develop anyway?
And if you really don't have any good habits (come on, are you sure you can't think of even ONE?), which good habit would you most like to take on? What good habit would make the most dramatic positive change in your life? And what might encourage you to make a start at developing this habit?
Got any good habits?
start up soundtrack
Let's Build Communities!
Our team is here to provide support and guidance to new and existing volunteer leaders of each regional and state group, helping them with recruiting, organizing and executing social and action events.
We invite you to join in this effort to build our community. There are many ways to pitch in.
If there isn't a group to join near you, please start one.
Instructions on HOW TO FORM A NEW DAILY KOS GROUP
List of All Existing Meatspace Groups
Where the Kogs Are: Index/Directory of the 130+ Localized Daily Kos Groups
THINK GLOBALLY, ACT LOCALLY
by tmservo433 ♥ for Kansas & Missouri Kossacks
tmservo433 organized a registering-to-vote event for Ford County, Kansas in Dodge City to reach out to Latino voters there. He partnered with League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) and the Ford County Democratic Party. 150 people attended to listen to John Thomas (KS House District 119 Candidate), Jean Schodorf (Secretary of State Candidate), Jim Sherow (US House, KS District 1 Candidate), Mark Low (Kansas House Candidate, District 115).
"LULAC volunteers sat at their table and handled registration after registration as people came to the event to listen to how they could change their state. We knew that not only were we helping to register new and first time voters, we were helping to bring a message into a community that has been ignored - and to help them take that message back to their friends and families."
Please visit tmservo433's diary for many MORE photos! Enjoy! You can still REC it. You can join Kansas & Missouri Kossacks by sending a Kosmail to tmservo433.
Meetup Success! C+J/NE Kossacks Sept 6th
by nhox42 ♥ for New England Kossacks
The New England Kossacks got together at the home brillig and mik north of Boston. Kossacks drove from all over New England to attend. Looks like a great time was had by all.
Folks in attendance were: brillig, mik, K1, K2, Simple, nhox42, Ed Tracey, GreyHawk, Kathy, TrueBlueMajority, theKgirls, Bill in Portland Maine, Common Sense Mainer, mayim, dtheo, RubDMC, AnotherMassachusettsLiberal, Debbie in ME, ialonelady, CwV, sardonyx, Noor B, Andy, James and Alex.
New England Kossacks
Please visit nhox42's diary for MORE photos! Including yummy food pr0n. Enjoy! You can still REC it. You can join New England Kossacks by sending a Kosmail to nhox42.
by ZenTrainer ♥ for Nashville KosKats
August 16th, the KosKats met up at the lake at Shipwreck Cove; Patrick is Lucky, Zen Trainer, Mr. and Ms. Sow Hat and 2 red county anonymous dems.
From Zen Trainer:
The Democrats aren’t even trying here. We talked about how to get someone with some sense in here running our state party. I had a name in mind - Mary Mancini.
[...] The other thing we talked about is Moral Mondays. I’d like to really concentrate on getting our legislature to force our Governor to accept expanded Medicaid for our state. I need big time help for that. Most of the KosKats who came to this meet-up don’t live in Nashville, they are on the outskirts. So we need some more local KosKats to step up.
L-R: Photo 1 - Mr. Sow Hat, Patrick is Lucky & Sow Hat Photo 2 - Patrick is Lucky & Zentrainer
Please visit ZenTrainer's diary for photos plus food pr0n! Enjoy! You can still REC it. You can join Nashville KosKats by sending a Kosmail to ZenTrainer.
by mimi ♥ for Maryland Kos
A joint meet-up of the Kossacks from Virginia, Maryland and DC happened on August 23rd. What a nice turn-out with great political discussion. Thanks to team leaders JamieG from Md and NinthElegy for organizing.
Here's one photo:
Back row: STI (JamieG's husband), Sturunner, jhutson, Uncle Cosmo, TRsCousin
Midde row: VeenaS1, Diana in NoVa, Aximill, mollyd, mdmslle, JamieG from Md, JG in MD, a gilas girl
Front row: louisev, patbahn, Laura Wnderer, BDA in VA
Please visit mimi's diary for many MORE photos! Enjoy! You can still REC it.
You can join Maryland Kos by sending a Kosmail to JamieG from Md.
You can join VIRGINIA KOS by sending a Kosmail to JamieG from Md.
You can join DC KOSSACKS by sending a Kosmail to NinthElegy.
by Sara R ♥ for Koscadia
The Kosacadia Kossacks (rsmpdx, winglion, loggersbrat & Sara R) got together at their local Food Truck pod. They stamped money to support the Stamp Stampede which was organized by Ben Cohen of Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream as a citizen effort to promote a Constitutional amendment to undo the pernicious effects of the Citizens United decision. Sara R has set up a Daily Kos group to rally others to this cause, please send them a Kosmail if you'd like to join in.
Please visit Sara R's diary for details. You can still REC it. You can join Koscadia by sending a Kosmail to Sara R.
by John Crapper ♥ for Seattle and Puget Sound Kossacks
Excerpts from John Crapper:
[...] Within minutes of my first conversation with Penny GC she said it best. "You know, I feel like I already know you from your posts and comments. Do you know what I mean?" And I immediately nodded my head feeling exactly the same way. That is the beauty of the Kossack experience!
[...] Finally, I gave each an assignment. I am a teacher you know so it's in my DNA. I asked each person to recruit one person in their circle of friends to become a Kossack and join Seattle & Puget Sound Kossacks. It's this simple. [...]
Thanks, Mr. Crapper for this excellent organizing of Seattle. We have big hopes for mobilizing all of Washington. So great of you to be on board here in the beginning with such an important metropolitan area.
L to R - Back row: Nelson (soon to be Kossack), Sarge in Seattle, Gemina13, bleeding blue, momomia,
Kneeling down, Yous truly John Crapper, Penny GC
Not in picture: LarissaW & John Crapper's SO
Please visit John Crapper's diary for many MORE details! You can still REC it. You can join
Seattle and Puget Sound Kossacks by sending a Kosmail to
John Crapper.
by remembrance ♥ for Silicon Valley Kossacks
Last Sunday, Silicon Valley Kossacks had their first meet up right in the hub of Downtown San Jose, where plutocrats, technocrats, and college students gather over local brew. The patio of Gordon Biersch was the setting of our open air meeting that would give cause to our newly formed group and inspire us to reach out to voters about progressive candidates and policies.
[...] If you live in the 17th, 18th, or 19th district, please join Silicon Valley Kossacks. If you are not a Daily Kos user but would like to work with us, please make a user account and leave us a comment below. You can follow our group by clicking on the ♥ at the top of the page.
L-R: Back Row: fiercefilms, Senor Unoball, esquimaux, madhause, navajo, Glen The Plumber, Lusty Front Row: Mrs. Senor Unoball, slowbutsure, norm, remembrance, TLO™
Please visit remembrance's diary for more information. You can still REC it. You can join Silicon Valley Kossacks by sending a Kosmail to Glen The Plumber.
Four Corners Kossacks Welcome Entourage from New Mexico
by Thinking Fella ♥ for Four Corners Kossacks
A last minute call went out to anyone interested in welcoming Land of Enchantment and jnhobbs to Durango. LucyTooners and Mr. LucyTooners rose to the occasion. A fantastic evening was reported to me by texts and lots of food pr0n as evidence.
Here's the group photo!
L-R: Mr. LucyTooners, LucyTooners, Thinking Fella, Land of Enchantment & jnhobbs
You can join Four Corners Kossacks by sending a Kosmail to Thinking Fella.
Event Organizers! Please contact wink from Netrootsradio.com by KosMail to schedule airtime with them to live broadcast the date of your Event. Wink & Justice will then promote it on The After Show radio program!
Saturday, September 27th
Houston Kossacks Meet-up
TIME: 1:00 PM
LOCATION: El Tiempo Cantina
1308 Montrose Boulevard • Houston
ORGANIZER: Send Chrislove a kosmail to attend
RSVPs:
1. Chrislove
2. MarciaJ720
3. scott5js
4. cosette
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Maybees:
Mary
Alan
Mr. cosette
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Latest diary: Houston Area Kossacks: Meet-Up Scheduled for Saturday, September 27
Saturday, September 27th
BosKos Meet-up
TIME: 2:00 PM
LOCATION: Appleby's
across from the North Quincy MBTA station • Boston
ORGANIZER: Send GreyHawk a kosmail to attend
RSVPs:
1. GreyHawk
2. HawkWife
3. RhodeIslandAspie
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Maybees:
CwV
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Latest diary: Next BosKos & NE Kossack Meetup - Sat 27 Sept 2014
Saturday, September 27th
LA Kossacks Meet-up
TIME: 2:00 PM
LOCATION: Guild Restaurant
611 W 7th St • Los Angeles
ORGANIZER: Send susans a kosmail to attend
RSVPs:
1. susans
2. Shockwave
3. Otoelbc
4. SanFernandoValleyMom
5. benamery21
6. jeremybloom
7. gmats
8. Philip Merrill
9. Vyan
10. KatSkanne
11. cynfowler
12. alguien
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Maybees: |
Latest diary: Los Angeles Kossacks Political Action Meetup
Sunday, September 28th
Koscadia Meet-up
TIME: 12:30 PM
LOCATION: à la carts Food Pavilion
SE 50th and Division Street • Portand
ORGANIZER: Send Sara R a kosmail to attend
RSVPs:
1. Sara R
2. winglion
3. llbear
4. loggersbrat
5. also mom of 5
6. quill
7. pdxteacher
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Maybees:
liz
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Latest diary: Koscadia Meet Up, Sunday, Sept. 28
Saturday, October 4th
Four Corners Kossacks Meet-up
TIME: 3:00 PM
LOCATION: Carver Brewing Company
1022 Main Avenue • Durango
ORGANIZER: Send Thinking Fella a kosmail to attend
RSVPs:
1. Thinking Fella
2. nzanne
3. Lady911
4. ERRN
5.
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Maybees:
several lurkers!
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Four Corners Kossacks: First Official Meet-up! Please join us!
Seattle City Council member
Kshama Sawan
Saturday, October 4th
Seattle & Puget Sound Kossacks Meet-up
SPECIAL SPEAKER: Seattle City Council member Kshama Sawant who gained national attention in her successful campaign to get $15.00 min. wage passed in Seattle
TIME: 12:30 PM
LOCATION: Pyramid Alehouse, Brewery & Restaurant
1201 First Avenue South • Seattle
SET MENU COST: $25.00 per person (includes non-alcoholic beverage, gratuity, tax and your choice of entree from a limited-choice menu)
Space will be limited to the first twenty who RSVP for this event and I'm working to have the room filled to capacity, so don't delay. CAPACITY REACHED. Waiting list only now.
ORGANIZER: Send John Crapper a kosmail to attend
RSVPs:
1. John Crapper
2. Basilia B. - guest of John Crapper
3. Alan H. - guest of John Crapper
4. John Crapper's SO
5. bleeding blue
6. momomia
7. doingbusinessas
8. cinnamon68
9. Piren
10. Eagle Keeper
11. LarisaW
12. Rennie S - guest of Larisa
13. Phil H. - guest of Larisa
14. Nelson S. - guest of Larisa
15. Diachronic
16. FlamingoGrrl
17. Grey Fedora
18. PennyGC
19. anonymous
20. anonymous
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Waiting List: |
Latest diary: Seattle & Puget Sound Kossacks - Meet Kshama Sawant - Oct. 4
Saturday, October 4th
Dkos Asheville Kossacks Meet-up
TIME: 1:00 PM
LOCATION: The Cantina at Historic Biltmore Village
10 Biltmore Plaza • Asheville
ORGANIZER: Send randallt a kosmail to attend
RSVPs:
1. randallt
2. davehouck
3. Joieau
4. Lamont Cranston
5. DawnN
6. SteelerGrrl
7. SteelerGuy
8. swhelden
9. Ottery Scribe
10. Burns Lass
11. Family guest
12. smiley7
13. people power granny
14. Gordon20024
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Maybees:
munchkin
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Latest diary: DKos Asheville: Weekly Open Thread
Saturday, October 11th
Silicon Valley Kossacks' Day of Action Canvassing and BBQ with the Mike Honda Campaign (CA-17)
TIME: 11:00 AM
LOCATION: Mike Honda for Congress
10601 S. De Anza Blvd. #106 • Cupertino
ORGANIZER: Send Glen The Plumber a KosMail or tweet to attend
RSVPs:
1. Glen The Plumber
2. remembrance
3. TheLittleOne
4. Lusty
5. slowbutsure
6. madhaus
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Maybees:
navajo
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Latest diary: Silicon Valley Kossack’s Day of Action with the Mike Honda campaign 10/11
Saturday, October 18th
DC Kossacks Potluck Picnicking on the National Mall
DC Kossacks is a regional group intended to organize meet-ups, discuss issues, strategize participation in pertinent activism, and build community for those of us who live in and around Washington DC.
TIME: NOON
LOCATION: National Mall
Take the Blue/Orange line to Smithsonian Metro Station. Exit the escalators and walk straight ahead across the first small lawn to the trees and grassy areas directly ahead. Look for a large plain orange cloth. That'll be us. It will help us recognize each other if you bring something GOS orange! • DC
ORGANIZER: Send NinthElegy a kosmail to attend
RSVPs:
1. NinthElegy
2.
3.
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Maybees: |
Latest entry: http://www.dailykos.com/...
Sunday, October 19th
NYC Kossacks Meet-up with navajo
TIME: Noon
LOCATION: Spitzer's Corner
101 Rivington Street (Ludlow) • NYC
ORGANIZER: Send kathny a kosmail to RSVP
RSVPs:
1. navajo
2. ericlewis0
3. belinda ridgewood
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Maybees:
mconvente
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Saturday, November 8th
Seattle & Puget Sound Kossacks Meet-up
TIME: 1:00 PM
LOCATION: Pyramid Alehouse, Brewery & Restaurant
1201 First Avenue South • Seattle
ORGANIZER: Send John Crapper a kosmail to attend
RSVPs:
1. John Crapper
2.
3.
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Maybees: |
Latest diary: Seattle Meet Up - Dog Day Activities
navajo maintains the above event list. Kosmail her if you have any diaries
about your event or if you have changes or additions.
EVERYONE is welcome, tell us what you're working on,
share your show and tell, vent, whatever you want.
This is an open thread. Nothing is off topic.