CONTENTS:
PHILLY ACTION:
WEEKLY PEACE VIGILS:                                                                                                
NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL ACTION:
HEALTH:
COMMENTARY:
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PHILLY ACTION:


GRANNY PEACE BRIGADE Philadelphia
JOIN US TO SAY: BRING THE TROOPS  - HOME FROM IRAQ NOW


        WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 25th 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
        RITTENHOUSE SQUARE: 18th and Walnut

Join a lively protest with Grannies, their friends and neighbors, music and flyers
         "We have stirred up a hornet's nest and we can't put the hornets back in the nest" U. S. soldier serving in IRAQ.
        More than 2700 U. S. fatalities, 30,000 plus casualties. 75* American lives lost this October 2006! Over 600,000 Iraqi lost during our occupation.
        War costs: over $300 trillion, producing the largest deficit in history, threatening upcoming generations and taking money from education, health and human needs.

* Come out for the: GRANNY PEACE BRIGADE Philadelphia's - TRIAL *
        TIME: December 1, 2006 @ 7:30AM
        PLACE: 1401 ARCH STREET, 2ND FLOOR 
www.grannypeacebrigadephiladelphia.org/ FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 215-528-6130      
_____________________________________________________________________


GPOP's Transit Working Group will meet for beer and talk:

Thurs, Oct 26, 5:30 PM
Black Sheep, 247 S. 17th St., Philadelphia
Topics we'll cover:
1. Results of Philly Beyond Oil Conference (held Oct 14)
2. Use and distribution of "Getting Around Philadelphia"
3. Issues -- current and on horizon -- for Transit Working Group
4. Establish meeting schedule
All who are interested are welcome! Info: David Odell at hiobbuch@aol.com
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AFSC Exhibition COMING NEXT WEEKEND, OCTOBER 28-29 TO MERION, PA 19066
EYES WIDE OPEN ACROSS PENNSYLVANIA  Beyond Fear  - Toward Hope


"An Exhibit that speaks directly to our hearts and reminds us of the
human cost of war."  Over 135 pairs of empty combat boots-tagged
with the names of PA soldiers who have died in the current Iraq war-
will be displayed, together with a visual representation of thousands
of Iraqi civilians who have died during the conflict.

Where: Merion Friends Meeting  (Next to old General Wayne Inn-
now Chabad Center) 615 Montgomery Ave., Merion - use Driveway
across from Exxon Station
Good weather: outdoors
Inclement weather: Merion Activity Building

When: Saturday, October 28, 2006, 11:00am-4:00pm
1:00pm Opening Ceremony followed by Reading of Names of fallen
Soldiers and Iraqi civilians
&
Sunday, October 29, 2006, 12:30-3:30pm, 1:30pm Reading of Names

Sponsors: Granny Peace Brigade Philadelphia
http://GrannyPeaceBrigadePhiladelphia.org
        Brandywine Peace Community, American Friends Service Committee   www.eyes.afsc.org

Merion Meeting Contact: Susan Campbell  610-664-7578    suspeace@aol.com
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Cuba and Health Care
An inside look with Lillian Holloway, Latin American School of Medicine (Havana)

Monday, October 30, 7pm
Tabernacle Church, 37th & Chestnut Sts., Philadelphia

West Philadelphia resident Lillian Holloway is currently a fourth-year medical school student in Cuba, one of thousands of students from dozens of countries attending the Latin American School of Medicine on a 100% scholarship -and one of the first from the U.S. Cuba's international medical aid (more than 30,000 doctors providing free medical care in 26 countries) is a natural outgrowth of its domestic health care system, which meets or beats the U.S. in life expectancy and infant mortality at a tiny fraction of cost and resources.
        Among the 11,000 free scholarships that Cuba gives to the Latin American School of Medicine are 500 for people from the United States. Please get in touch or visit www.CubaSolidarity.com if you or someone you know is interested.

Sponsored by the Philadelphia Cuba Solidarity Coalition and Physicians for Social Responsibility, UPenn chapter- Contact 484.431.0182 or Philly@CubaSolidarity.com
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 Nov. 4, "March Under the EL" to End Poverty & Stop the War

 A JUSTICE TOUR BEGINNING AT FRANKFORD TRANSPORTATION
CENTER, BRIDGE & PRATT STS., PHILADELPHIA, PA.
STOP THE VIOLENCE!  END POVERTY!  STOP THE WAR!
        This year, Philadelphia taxpayers will pay $330,744,960 for the war
in Iraq. Meanwhile, one in three children in Philadelphia live in poverty.
Just days before the elections,  it's time again to break the silence
about the war and the economic assault on people here at home.
        The "March Under the El" will begin at 10AM from Bridge and Pratt
Sts. in Frankford, with an expected arrival at 5th and Market Sts. by
3 PM for a short rally.
- For more information contact: Brandywine Peace Community, 610-544-1818,brandywine@juno.com
Kensington Welfare Rights Union, 215-203-1945 or 609-387-7551. 
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HELEN THOMAS SPEAKING AT AFSC GATHERING

Saturday, November 4 at 4th and Arch Meeting House - 1:30 pm. The American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) will feature Helen Thomas, who was a member of the White House Press Corps for more than fifty years, as keynote speaker at its Annual Public Gathering. Helen Thomas will present "Speaking Truth, Seeking Justice," will focus on how well the press meets its responsibility to inform the public. Following the address, there will be several panels highlighting programs related to AFSC's current priority areas of Peace Building and Human Migration/Mobility. All events are free and open to the public.


LECTURE ON BENJAMIN FRANKLIN:

Nov. 11. Emma Lapsansky-Werner, Professor of History & Curator of the Quaker Collection at Haverford College, will speak on Benjamin Franklin at the Annual Meeting of Friends Historical Association (FHA) at Arch Street Meeting House. After lunch is the annual meeting and lecture on "Benjamin Franklin and the Quakers: a Case of Legerdemain." Lecture is free. Advance lunch reservations required by Nov 3: contact FHA at fha@haverford.edu,  610-896-1161. Visit  www.haverford.edu.library/fha
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  2006 Voters Guide & Resources from Vote for Homes Coalition

Check out the 2006 Voters Guide from Vote for Homes Coalition at
http://www.projecthome.org/advocacy/vote-for-homes.php
Be sure anyone who is unable to go to the polls election day files for an Absentee Ballot
Online Apply at:
http://www.votespa.com/     Deadline to file is Halloween at Midnight!!!
SEE  YOU AT   THE   POLLS........TUESDAY NOV 7TH *********  OPEN 7 AM... CLOSE  8 PM
                                        Fran Hazam, Consumer Advocate-215-751-1800 Ext 272

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WEEKLY PEACE VIGILS


Fridays:
12:00 noon Grandparents (Bubbies & Zaydes) for Peace in the Middle East
S. 15th Street above Locust Our presence is more important than ever.  Lively
conversations are now the norm.  There are many folks who stop to share
their appreciation for our presence and our message.

4:30 p.m. Anti-war leafleting and picket
Market & 11th Sts., Philadelphia, PA For info, email pawf@critpath.org

5:00 p.m. Vigil--Women in Black
Swarthmore Train Station, Park Ave. & Chester Rd., Swarthmore, PA
For info, email wibswarthmore@hotmail.com.

Saturdays:
Noon-1:00 p.m. Peace Vigil Rte. 38 & Cherry Hill Mall Dr., Cherry Hill, NJ
For info, email greatercamdenunitycoalition@yahoo.com

Wednesdays:
4:30-5:30 p.m. Peace Vigil, Federal Building, 601 Market St., Philadelphia, PA
Sponsored by House of Grace Catholic Worker.  brandywine@juno.com .

5:00 p.m. Vigil for Peace
Outside Unitarian Society of Germantown, 6511 Lincoln Dr., Philadelphia, PA
For info, see www.northwestpeacecoalition.org.

7:00 p.m. Peace Vigil
Germantown Ave. & Bethlehem Pike, Chestnut Hill, Phila, PA. See www.northwestpeacecoalition.org.

==============

NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL  ACTION:


NARAL Pro-Choice America

:: Volunteer for pro-choice candidates. Click here for a list of
candidates you can volunteer for:
http://prochoiceaction.org/ct/TpSKet91NmZO/

:: You can also volunteer with one of our state affiliates. Click here:
http://prochoiceaction.org/ct/TdSKet91NmZb/

:: Or you can volunteer with our progressive partners, America Votes. Click here:
http://prochoiceaction.org/ct/R1SKet91NmZB/
****************************************************************
HERO OF THE MONTH-  JIM PEDERSON - PRO-CHOICE CANDIDATE FOR U.S. SENATE IN ARIZONA
We need a change of leadership in Washington. Electing
candidates like solidly pro-choice Jim Pederson is our first
step to reversing the anti-choice tide. Pederson is running
against anti-choice Sen. Jon Kyl, who thinks abortion should be
illegal, even in cases of rape or incest. He's even cosponsored
a constitutional amendment to outlaw abortion. Now that's extreme.
        Pederson is putting Sen. Kyl's record on a woman's right to
choose front and center in his campaign. Check out the campaign
ad that Pederson is running right now. For Quicktime, click
here:
http://prochoiceaction.org/ct/Y7SKet91NmZ5/
________________________________________________


CSU Students Flunk Arnold & 1 Year's FREE Tuition

California State University students are getting creative about
getting rid of Arnold Schwarzenegger. The California Faculty
Association has announced a contest to "Flunk Arnold," and CSU
students are competing to produce the best Anti-Arnold website
or 30-second video.
        The videos and websites highlight Schwarzenegger's shameful
record on California's education system: He promised not to
increase college fees by more than 10 percent and then broke
that promise by raising fees a staggering 44 percent.
Schwarzenegger also simultaneously cut financial aid funding,
resulting in many qualified students being unable to afford to
go to college.
        The contest winners will receive a year's tuition, and the
winning video will appear as an ad on Jon Stewart's the Daily
Show. To view the videos go to
http://www.unionvoice.org/ct/hpanCDE1au7O/ and click on "Latest Videos."
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1000 GRANDMOTHERS CAMPAIGN TO CLOSE THE SCHOOL OF THE AMERICAS: November 17-19, 2006.

I 'd like to urge you to consider coming down to the School of the Americas this November 17-19 to be part of the 1000 Grandmothers Stand Up against Torture. If you cannot do it, please send this e-mail message on to your friends.
The image of the (probably) American Indian woman (below) with a tear welling from her eye reached into my heart. I am not a grandmother yet, but I think the poignancy of grandmothers (and fathers) is that they have two generations of family to love and be concerned for, and yet they've seen a lot of life and know that there will be difficulties and tragedy along the way. For 1000 grandmothers to stand at the gate could be very powerful.
It would also be wonderful if you'd consider giving a contribution to the School of Americas Watch at this time. Now is the time that groups around the country are trying to raise money to rent vans to take students down, and to spread the word about this event. You can give on line by going to www.soaw.org, or, if you'd like to support Vermont-SOAW you can write a tax deductible check to Peace and Justice Center (with SOAW in the memo line) and mail to 21 Church St., Burlington VT 05401. Students at Johnson State College, UVM and ST Mikes are hoping to raise the gas money to drive down.
I will be there. The struggle continues. Thanks: Robin Lloyd

. 1000 GRANDMOTHERS CAMPAIGN TO CLOSE THE SCHOOL OF THE AMERICAS: November 17-19, 2006. The image of 1,000 grandmothers at the gates of the SOA is newsworthy. With media attention and a clear message (Grandma Says "Close the School of the Americas"), this campaign can educate people around the country about what is happening inside the walls of the SOA. As the average American becomes more educated, they can be mobilized to pressure their Congressional representatives to support bills, such as HR 1217, that will permanently close the SOA. As the time until the mobilization grows short, this campaign needs to quickly become a widespread grassroots effort (as opposed to an action organized by three women in northern California).  If you are interested in being a contact person for your area, please send your contact information to Sue at sue@1000grandmothers.net. Info: 1000grandmothers.net
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SUPPORT UC BERKELEY CUSTODIANS: END POVERTY WAGES!

For over a year now, custodial workers on four UC campuses have
been engaged in a struggle to receive pay equity. Custodians on
the Berkeley campus continue to be paid poverty wages, earning
between $4 and $10 LESS than the hourly pay at neighboring
community colleges, Chabot and Peralta.
        In July UC Berkeley was given a $2.5 MILION budget increase
directly from the state government in order to raise custodial
wages - but they have done nothing to pass these wages along to
the janitorial staff, forcing many of them to take on multiple
jobs just to keep their families alive. The demands for pay
equity being made by the custodial workers' union, AFSCME 3299,
would cost the administration $2 1/4 million in total, leaving
an extra $1/4 million for administrators to use as they wish!
        These injustices can no longer be permitted. The exploitation of
UC Berkeley custodians must stop. Administrators have to be held
accountable to the labor that keeps this campus running, the
students who pay its bills, and the faculty who continue the
academic excellence of this institution.

Take action:
http://www.unionvoice.org/campaign/berkeley/g7ugbi4f7xj7e8?
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 A New Nuclear Nightmare?

Much depends on US President Bush. His threatening policies of regime change, preemptive strike, and the invasion of Iraq -- while also undermining global disarmament talks and developing a new generation of nukes -- have many countries rushing to build nuclear weapons. In Iran, as elsewhere, Bush has refused to engage his enemies in direct and unconditional talks. This policy is failing, and even prominent conservative Americans have called for Bush to finally talk to Iran.

Send a personal message to President Bush, calling on the US to negotiate with Iran: www.CeasefireCampaign.org
Talks between the US and Iran won't guarantee a solution to the nuclear problem, but no talks will guarantee failure, and could lead to a disastrous new war.
_____________________________________________________________________


 Canadian Youth Take on Climate Change, Hold Funerals for Their Future

Yesterday funerals were held throughout Canada. Flower deliveries and condolences were sent in Edmonton, Calgary, Lethbridge, Toronto, Ottawa, Windsor, Winnipeg, Vancouver, Whitehorse, Yellowknife, Halifax, Montreal, Hull and Rimouski.
        What were the funerals for? They were held by youth activists to mourn the death of their future if the Canadian government continues to ignore climate change!

TAKE ACTION NOW
*Find out about yesterdays creative climate change actions in Canada.
http://www.globalexchange.org/update/index.html
*Sign the youth climate change declaration.
http://www.democracyinaction.org/dia/organizationsORG/gx/petition.jsp?petition_KEY=350&t=ActionCenter.dwt

*Make your city or campus GREEN!
*If youre over 30  forward this email to someone whos younger than you!
Make your city or campus GREEN!
If we got every city, college, and university in North America to agree to green their auto fleets, we could send a signal to the automobile market that there is a desire for vehicles that dont contribute to global warming and war. That would help jumpstart new production of fuel-efficient cars and trucks. By greening the vehicle fleet of your community or campus, you can make a major contribution toward halting climate destabilization and wars for oil. Click here (
http://www.jumpstartford.com./action/greenfleets_resolution/) for a green fleets toolkit or contact cleancars@globalexchange.org
        ..Thanks, as always, for your hard work on behalf of peace and justice, Global Exchange
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SAVE THE DATES!!  2007 Sabeel Regional Conference: Cleveland, Ohio
Hosted by the Interfaith Council for Peace in the Middle East

Conference Documents in PDF format available at this website:  www.fosna.org
Making a Difference in Palestine, Israel  and the Middle East

        February 16-17, 2007 
        St. Joseph Center, 3430 Rocky River Dr.  Cleveland, Ohio 44111
A two-day educational and advocacy conference on the conflict in Palestine-Israel and how we as American citizens can make a positive impact.

This is an unparalleled opportunity to learn first-hand, how we can help bring peace to the troubled situation in the Middle East. This conference will provide workshops for those who want basic history and information, as well as, workshops for long term advocates to network and learn ways to work towards a just peace. The conference will include: Major presentations from invited speakers; workshop sessions on history, theology, politics and advocacy; food and more!

Introductory remarks (via video) by Archbishop Desmond Tutu
Confirmed Speakers:
- Rev. Naim Ateek, Director of Sabeel International  Jerusalem
- Brother David Carroll, Vatican's advisor on the Middle East to the U.N.
- Dr. Jeff Halper , 2006 Nobel Peace Prize nominee.
        Director of Israeli Committee against House Demolitions
- Congressman and Mrs. Dennis Kucinich
- Afif Safieh, Palestinian Ambassador to the U.S.
        Former Ambassador to the Vatican and the U.K. (and many others)
* To register or to join our list of co-sponsors, visit www.middleeastinterfaith.org
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Action Alert: Al-Awda Asks Your Support for Health Care Projects

In recent months, the economic, social and health conditions in occupied
areas of Palestine, especially the West Bank and Gaza Strip, have
deteriorated to an unprecedented and alarming level. A humanitarian
catastrophe is taking place due to the continuing economic sanctions and
trade embargo imposed by Israel, the United States and European countries.
The health situation, in particular, has been seriously undermined as a
result of external funding cuts, together with Israel's refusal to transfer
tax monies collected on behalf of the Palestinian Authority (PA) and the
freezing of PA accounts by commercial banks. The large number of people who
can no longer afford needed medical care due to lack of employment and/or
loss of income is alarming. The health system is on the verge of collapse,
and thousands of patients will not receive treatment placing their lives in grave danger.

The Ibdaa Health Committee (IHC) in the Dheisheh refugee camp and greater
Bethlehem area is a collaboration of professional health care workers and a
mobilized grassroots community doing their best to provide critically
needed medical and mental health services through education, prevention,
treatment, and professional training under extremely difficult
circumstances. The majority of funds earmarked for health care come from
international donors like you, both large and small.

Please Join Al-Awda in Supporting the Work of The IHC

The IHC is currently seeking much needed financial support for its surgery
and medication projects. The IHC aims to provide surgeries, at no or minimal
cost, to approximately 100 Palestinian children and youth. In addition, the
IHC needs funds to purchase and distribute critically needed medications to
local hospitals and clinics. The IHC has an established record in providing
needed medical care and supplies.  For example, in 2004, 85 children and
youth received surgeries including ear, nose and throat, emergency general,
orthopedic and ophthalmology. This past summer, the IHC disseminated more
than $2,000 worth of medicines to Beit Jala Hospital.

The IHC cannot do this work without your financial support. Your
contribution can help alleviate some of the suffering the sanctions have
inflicted on the Palestinian people and will show they are not alone in
their heroic struggle.
- Please join with Al-Awda and make your tax-deductible donation today!
        Address your check or money order to:
        Al-Awda, PRRC, PO Box 131352, Carlsbad, CA 92013, USA
-Please note on the memo line of the check that your donation is for the IHC.
-To donate online using your credit card, go to
http://www.al-awda.org/donate.html and follow the simple instructions.
Please indicate that your donation is for the IHC with your submission.
                        Thank you for your generous support!
Al-Awda, The Palestine Right to Return Coalition, PO Box 131352, Carlsbad, CA 92013, USA
Tel: 760-685-3243. Fax: 360-933-3568, E-mail: info@al-awda.org WWW:
http://al-awda.org

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HEALTH:


Mushrooms for Breast Cancer - Dr Weil

Four Mushrooms for Breast Cancer :  As part of a focus on Breast Cancer Awareness, tips throughout October will focus on breast cancer risks, prevention and treatment.
There are many ways to help lower your risk of breast cancer; one is to incorporate medicinal mushrooms into your diet and health regime. The four fungi below are great choices to add to your meals, or to take in supplement form as cancer-preventive measures:
        Maitake (Grifola frondosa). This delicious mushroom provides anti-cancer, anti-viral and immune-enhancing properties, and may also reduce blood pressure and help regulate blood sugar. Find it dried or fresh in Japanese markets, gourmet stores or upscale supermarkets.
        Shiitake (Lentinula edodes). The shiitake has been found to have immune modulating, anti-viral and cholesterol-reducing properties. Certain extracts of shiitake mushrooms are used in Japan as adjunctive therapy to strengthen the immunity of cancer patients during chemotherapy and radiation. Find it - fresh or dried - in grocery stores and Asian markets.
        Agaricus (Agaricus blazei). This medicinal mushroom has anti-tumor and anti-viral activity, and is widely used by cancer patients in Japan and Brazil. You can get it as a culture or in extract form from Fungi Perfecti: visit www.fungi.com.
        Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum). Too woody and bitter to eat, reishi mushrooms are available in tea bags, capsules and liquid extracts. Animal studies have shown that reishi improves immune function and inhibits the growth of some malignant tumors. It also acts as a natural anti-inflammatory agent.
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Number Of Iraqi Civilians Slaughtered In America's War? As Many As 655,000
http://informationclearinghouse.info/article15266.htm

Number of U.S. Military Personnel Sacrificed (Officially acknowledged) In Bush's War  2785
http://icasualties.org/oif/

Cost of America's War in Iraq $335,445,839,575

See the cost in your community
http://nationalpriorities.org/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=182