This Week in Albuquerque
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45 has a big week ahead of him, and it begins tonight with his SCOTUS choice(s). Democrats are bracing themselves for the worst, and Conservative Republicans who feel the President is in their debt are looking for a Supreme Court pick who can hand them a repeal of Roe v. Wade. The confirmation hearings are not going to be pretty, by anybody's standards. Having just been called Gangsters by the North Koreans, Baby Stealers and inhumane by members of both parties, and stunning World Health officials by threatening Ecuador with trade sanctions for sponsoring a resolution endorsing breastfeeding, the Trump Administration is fighting trim for Theresa May, NATO and a Putin one-on-one (how are these non-chaperoned events even possible?). When all is said and done, we'll see which way the wind is blowing for the most contentious US president our European allies have come up against. Heads up - Trump will be met in London with a Baby Trump gracing the sky above Parliament - a cool wind from the East.
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TUESDAY, 2-4 PM - PLEASE STAND WITH THEM
THE PARKLAND FL SHOOTING SURVIVORS ARE COMING TO ABQ
Come show your solidarity with this group of survivors who are working so hard to help inspire and educate youth about gun violence, and prep them for the upcoming elections.
They are very organized: They have all of the permitting, contracting, voter registration people, food, music and details handled.
What can you do? SHOW UP - bring your children, bring new voters. Even if a youth has already registered to vote, this event will inspire them and they are encouraged to attend and become part of this sense of community that is developing around the issue of gun violence prevention.
Parkland Shooting survivors are working closely with Moms Demand Action. If you agree that we need to stop these senseless school shootings, PLEASE come out tomorrow and support these incredible young people!
ROOSEVELT PARK - Between SPRUCE and SYCAMORE
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SUNDAY, 9 AM
DESTINATION: PA /BUCKS COUNTY
Looking for a new spot to explore? Having grown up on the Eastern seaboard, my thoughts drift east at the slightest provocation. There's no dearth of great summer vacation spots, but Bucks County is definitely one of my old chestnuts. First, it's a great location: about 30 miles north of Philadelphia and 80 miles southwest of New York - both culturally rich cities if you want to include an "Urban add-on." However, there's plenty to keep you busy in Bucks County: parks, historical sites, antiquing, hiking, fishing, and some serious eats.
Doylestown - the County seat and one of those pretty delightful small towns you stumble upon much to your delight. And by small, I mean small - about 8400 residents. Pick up some Java and a pastry at the Zen Den, a local fave.
New Hope and Lambertville (NJ) - these are tried and true weekend getaways for Manhattanites, and Philadelphian's not tethered to Phillies games. THE INN AT PHILLIPS MILL has been around forever - about five rooms with a good dining room (Click here for their website.) Lots of fun shops to explore and a gazillion food choices.
Washington Crossing and Newtown: Closeby is the site of Washington's famous crossing of the Delaware, which turned the tide of the Revolutionary War. Washington Crossing Park is a great picnic spot. Put the Bach Eatery on your list - and make a reservation at this laid back, tasty dining spot in Newtown. Tetsuya, an awesome Japanese restaurant is also there and you'll need to book in advance. Newtown, founded in 1684 by William Penn, is one of several towns Penn organized around Philadelphia to provide housing for city workers and to support farming communities.
So, you might want to do some googling and maybe surf TripAdvisor a bit - but this should whet your whistle. Have fun!
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CIVICS 201 - Pitching in and Standing Together
What is the One Albuquerque 2018 Goals Summit?
Since 1995, residents of Albuquerque have met to define the community conditions they view as most important to ensuring the city is an active, thriving, culturally rich, and sustainable high desert community. The One Albuquerque 2018 Goals Summit is the main source of resident input into the city’s goal setting process. Participants at the summits play a vital role by describing the future Albuquerque they would like to see. This year the focus of the summit will be on describing the desired community conditions for three of the city’s eight goals:
- Public Safety, currently defined as “The public is safe, secure and shares responsibility for maintaining a safe environment.”
- Economic Vitality, currently defined as “The community supports a vital, diverse and sustainable economy.”
- Environmental Protection, currently defined as “Protect Albuquerque’s natural environments – its mountains, river, bosque, volcanos, arroyos, air and water.”
For Whom the Bell Tolls

For I am involved in mankind.
Therefore, send not to know
For whom the bell tolls,
It tolls for thee.
IGNORANCE IS BLISS
and Happiness is a warm puppy.