"Z-TRIP - Obama Mix (part 6 of 6)" You Tube Video

"Z-TRIP - Obama Mix (part 6 of 6)" You Tube Video

This
is
a
countdown
staged
backwards...

Starting with a pre-election pro-Obama video that some of you might have missed:

["Z-TRIP - Obama Mix (part 6 of 6)" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPd5Numj9Eg; as submitted to You Tube by intrepidexplorer on 10/08/08]

Nifty, isn't it?

----------------------------------------------

Don't miss the Obama Inaugural Party on 1/20/09 at the Kingston (NY) Muddy Cup (516 Broadway). It is going to be a "hoot!"

----------------------------------------------

NS

Opinion Piece... Local and National News...

[Photo by BF]

1. Folks should definitely check out (as able) their (make sure these are open to the public) meetings [It is a learning experience!] - such as:

a. Jan. 15: City of Kingston Laws & Rules Public Hearing [City Hall; 7PM]

b. Jan. 20: City of Kingston Zoning Board of Appeals [City Hall; 7:30PM]

c. Jan. 21: City of Kingston Finance and Economic Development Committee [City Hall; 6:30 PM]

d. Jan. 22: City of Kingston Police Commission [City Hall; 4PM]

e. Jan. 22: City of Kingston Public Safety/General Government/Public Access Meeting [City Hall; 7PM]

f. Feb. 4: Ulster County Planning Board Meeting [UC Office Building, Surrogate's Court; 244 Fair Street, Kingston (7:30PM)]

[This information came from this week's "Kingston Times." Folks should also consult the Monday "Daily Freeman" meeting list and/or call City Hall (or the appropriate contact) to confirm certain meeting dates, locations and times!]

2. The former UC Sheriff's Deputy that (whilst on duty!) reputedly sexually assaulted a 17-yr-old girl should definitely have to serve jail time! [See "Ex-deputy guilty of sex shakedown"; "Kingston Times" (KT); P. 2]

3. Folks should definitely call their local representatives and/or U.C. County Legislatures --- express their feelings --- and/or request a public meeting --- about the potential placement (or non-placement, for the safety of our children!) of convicted sex offenders... [See (A) "Distance boundaries... Ulster legislators are divided over limits on sex offenders"; Hugh Reynolds; KT; 1/15/09; P. 14; (B) "Legislators spar over sex offender law"; Robert Ford; "Ulster County Press"; 1/14/2009; P. A4, and/or; (C) "Predator law could spur state action..."; Patricia Doxey; DF; 1/15/09; P. A1 and A6]

4. Folks should definitely be upset about the fact that impeached Governor, Rod Blagojevich (Illinois) "will preside briefly over the chamber that will hold his political life in its hands..." [See "Blagojevich to preside over body that will try him"; Associated Press (AP); DF; 1/14/09; P B1]

5. Folks should definitely be upset that outgoing President George Bush Jr. and outgoing Vice President "Dick" Cheney are reputedly scheduled to receive approximately $200,000 and $132,000 (respectively) in their first year of retirement - whilst incoming President Barack Obama and incoming Vice President Joe Biden are left to deal with the social, economic and political "hurricane" (Do you have a "better" word?) that Bush Jr. and Cheney (with a little help from some of their "friends") created...! [See "Comfortable pensions await Bush, Cheney..."; AP; DF; 1/16/09; P. B3]

[Note: The opinions state here are mine. You are welcome to (appropriately) express your own! Please let me know if there are any factual errors in this report - and I will promptly make corrections... Thank You.]

N.S.

Passing It On... Gleaned From An Email Received from Julie McQuain, Pres., UCDW

[Photo by BF]

The "Daily Freeman" (DF) printed a "front page story" about the fact that Ulster County Democratic Women (UCDW) would like to see a "female... succeed Clinton in Senate." To read the DF article, go to:

http://www.freemanonline.com/articles/2009/01/16/news/doc49701730d6185705544206.txt"

To respond to the poll question, "Is it important to you that a woman be chosen to succeed Hillary Clinton in the U.S. Senate?" --- go to:

http://www.freemanonline.com/news/

To recommend that a woman becomes "the next Senator from NY..." - and "make your suggestion" go to:

www.UCDW.org

To see a letter - as mailed from Julie McQuain, President of UCDW - to Gov. David Patersn (1/14/09) - go to:

http://demwomenny.blogspot.com/

These links will also be made available in the sidebar >>>

Thank you,

N.S.

Local Service Opportunities [Jan. 19, 2009] in Honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day

[Peace...; Photo by NS]

If it's broke, let's fix it!

Info. gleaned from following an email link I received today: "USA Service Find Results Kingston Area": Please follow the following link (i hope this works...) to discover opportunities for service on Jan. 19, 2009 in the Kingston, NY area: http://www.usaservice.org/page/event/search_results?country=US&event_type%5B%5D=2&zip_radius%5B1%5D=15&zip_radius%5B0%5D=12401&orderby=zip_radius&radius_unit=miles&limit=100 [Also available in sidebar>>>]

This is also a great link from which to glean general info for general volunteer opportunities in the area!

Thanks!

N.S.

Having a Little Bit of Fun... Creative Photography

[Total Coincidence - That's Obama behind that Sled!; Photo by NS]

No grumbling, as hinted at earlier! I think I'll save that until tomorrow...

Instead, I'm thrilled because I finally got a few of my own photos developed and modified, and I can put some of my own works (in that regard) up here!

[Mouse in the House!; Photo by NS]

I do photos (Anyone remember (Ahem) "Gargoyle Associates?") that are very different from BFs...

Mostly just for fun - but some (even if by accident) turn out pretty cool, silly or - as in the next case, really "neat" ---

[The Wonder of It All...; Photo by NS]

Had enough?

One more...

[Party Like It's Barack Obama's Inauguration!; Photo by NS]

Have a Good Night All!

N.S.

Good Morning... Photos... Info.... Press Release

[Photo (Artistic Rendering Of...) by BF]

[Photo (Artistic Rendering Of...) by BF]

[Photo (Artistic Rendering Of...) by BF]



I have been loading some of BF's (a very talented and humble guy) photos - and I wanted to share a few of them with you this morning!


Plus, I've been exploring the Web regarding local organizations, prominent blogs and websites, etc. - so please let me know (I did a quick review before posting links >>>) if you find anything offensive and/or particularly interesting amongst this mix.

For the Press Release about Obama Inauguration Party, please scroll down a bit...

Have a Great Day!

[I think I might be back a little later to grumble (about some local social / political stuff...] a bit later!

N.S.

Thank You... "Madagascar I like to move music video"... You Tube

["Madagascar I like to move music video"; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0x3W6hutEj8; as Submitted to YOU TUBE by SgtGaruru on
July 14, 2007]

I just wanted to post a brief note to thank the many kind and generous people that I have come in contact with since beginning this party-planning for the Obama Inauguration party at the Muddy Cup.

Some folks associated with the Obama-Biden Transition Team are busy, busy, busy --- and very gracious!

The folks at the Kingston Muddy Cup have been very open to working with me.

Some folks associated with Ulster County Democratic Women ha been very receptive / kind.

A woman associated with Hudson Valley for Obama has freely offered advice and assistance.

One of the local Aldermen has committed to coming --- and another has given a sincere (I believe!) maybe...

A couple of folks higher up on the political chain have also promised to stop by if they are able (This is, as you might guess, a very busy night for politicians!)...

A local journalist / activist has agreed to say a few words.

A number of newspapers and radio stations have accepted my Press Release promptly - and the Kingston "Daily Freeman" already posted (just a day or so after I sent it) one brief.

I have a couple of good karaoke singers lined up already!

And I could go on and on...

But! To keep this kinda' short (Perhaps I'll be able to give a full, although general listing, after the event!) - for now I just want to say thank you, thank you, thank you...

And put in a plug to keep this momentum going (for many of us, against some pretty tough odds!) right on through this new (hopefully to bring a number of positive changes) year!

With a Renewed Respect for a Whole Lot of Folks in the local and larger community!

N.S.

Official News Release Obama Inauguration Party...

[Photo/Flyer by NS]

"City of Kingston Progressives Gather to Celebrate Obama's Inauguration"

Notice: The following News Release contains wording specific to the the Inauguration Party being addressed, along with some wording provided by MoveOn.org Civic Action:

MoveOn.org Civic Action Member, Nancy Smith [Also the Proprietor of ChipsN'Dips Entertainment and Sales] is collaborating with some other members of MoveOn.org Civic Action ["Democracy in Action"] - some community politicians and activists (across Party lines) - and some other enthusiasts / helpers / volunteers - to host a local (City of Kingston / State of NY) Inaugural Bash to celebrate Barack Obama's swearing in...!

Barack Obama's Inauguration is a historic event - and bears a dream and a HOPE (during these very difficult times) of better days ahead!

This event is FREE [wi. coffee, snacks and such available for purchase] - includes a FUN mix of entertainment - and will be part of "more than 2,500 bashes happening all over the country" - bringing "together... millions of Americans that helped to achieve this victory."

[Photo by BF]

Open Mike Poetry Reading: Upbeat Poems: Social / Economic / Political / Dream and/or HOPE Theme Please [5 Minute Limit Per Reader]

Karaoke Participants: Remember: We Want to HAVE FUN!

Inauguration Party Details:

Who:

YOU (?) [Smile]; Some Local Members of MoveOn.org and/or Other Community Organizations; Some Local Politicians and/or Political Activists; Some "Unsung Local Heroes" (Suggestions Welcomed!); Some Poets (Economical / Political / Social Dream Theme Please...); Some Karaoke Singers (Upbeat and Hopeful Please...); Some Younger Folks; Some Older Folks; and... Anyone else [ALL are welcome at this party!] that WANTS to Come!

What:

Inaugural Bash to Celebrate Barack Obama's Swearing In

Where:

Mid-Town Kingston Muddy Cup: 516 Broadway, Kingston, NY 12401

When:

Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 7:30PM

Cost:

FREE [With coffee, snacks and such available for purchase at the counter]

Note:

"These parties will be co-sponsored by a broad spectrum of progressive groups, including TrueMajority, Living Liberally, Credo Action, and
the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees."

For More Information, Email Nancy at wingedbirdinflight@live.com

Revised Poem... The Wisdom of the Willow

[Photo by BF (Not a Willow :)]

I revised one of my earlier poems, and I like it better this way - so I figured (cold depressing day here...) I would re-post it:

THE WISDOM OF THE WILLOW

When who you are
Is not enough
The road is long
The journey tough
A candle flame
Too often snuffed
A lid upon its cover...

You said you were my brother (?)

But forget that little sister
Has dreams too...

And is, in fact
As capable as you...

For although a willow tree
Might bend
It has strong roots
And always tends...

To spring back strong
Even when its boughs

Are laden with the weight
Of life...
The winter snow
The darkest nights

The sun a dream...
The sun a dream...

Even trees must keep
Believing...

Cold Weather Advisory... Tips

[Photo by BF]

Some Things [Heating Assistance and/or Weatherization Programs with Application in the City of Kingston Area] That You Might Need to Check Into --- by Calling Central Hudson, the Office of the Aging, Community Action, Family and/or Some Other Local Assistance Program (Most, or all of these, are income-level dependent):

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)

Powerful Opportunity Program

The Good Neighbor Fund

Empower New York

Weatherization Program

Remember, intense cold, especially for the very young and the very old, can be truly dangerous - as can the improper use of kerosene heaters, generators, kitchen stoves and such - and one needs to be careful walking, biking and driving on this snow and ice, as well!

[If there are any errors in this report, please let me know and I will correct them as soon as possible]

Wishing You Warmth!

N.S.

"The Times, They Are a Changing..." [Some info to check out...]

[Photo by BF]

If you get a chance - and are so inclined - check out (The bold emphasis is mine):

(1) A video related to Barack Obama's speech on the "American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan" [Obama's economic plan reputedly includes "rebuilding infrastructure, expanding renewable energy capacity, and overhauling health care and education" [John D. Podesta, Co-Chair / Obama-Biden Transition Project (quoted from an email I received today)] at: http://change.gov/plan

(2) The newsroom blog at: http://change.gov/newsroom/blog/

(3) An article titled: "Gay NH bishop to offer prayer at inaugural event..." ---[Quote: "The first openly gay Episcopal bishop will offer a prayer at the Lincoln Memorial at an inaugural event for President-elect Barack Obama..." [1/12/09; Associated Press (AP); http://www.rr.com/view/content/story.cfm?storyId=6550061&view=NEWS&sSect=LP1-T2VGEN&trProv=NE_AP_9]; and...

(4) An article titled: "Minister chosen for inaugural prayer service..." --- [Quote: "The Rev. Sharon Watkins... [A Woman!] will deliver the sermon at the National Prayer Service that caps the inauguration activities of Barack Obama" [1/11/09; AP; http://www.rr.com/view/content/story.cfm?storyId=6545478&view=NEWS&sSect=LP1-T2VGEN&trProv=NE_AP_9]

These links will also be made available in the sidebar.

N.S.

Passing it On: Message from Michelle Obama [National Day of Service]

--- "Michelle Obama - USAService.org"; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AeNgjXPZkrM; Submitted by "inauguration" on January 09,2009

---------------------------------------------

Passing it on: Letter I received from Michelle Obama [Monday, January 12, 2009 1:56 PM]

---------------------------------------------

"Nancy --

One week from today, on January 19th, Barack and I will join thousands of people all across the country for an extraordinary day of service.

I recorded a short video to tell you more about this important effort. Please take a minute to watch it and sign up to host or attend a service event near you...

Volunteers of all ages and backgrounds are committing to renew America together, one community at a time.

Whatever service activity you organize or take part in -- cleaning up a park, giving blood, volunteering at a homeless shelter, or mentoring an at-risk youth -- you can help start this important journey. But this is about more than just a single day of service, it's the beginning of ongoing commitment to your community.

Monday, January 19th, is also Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Dr. King taught us to live a life of service, and he led by example. He once said:

"If you want to be important -- wonderful. If you want to be recognized -- wonderful. If you want to be great -- wonderful. But, recognize that he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. That's a new definition of greatness."

Barack and I will be volunteering in Washington, D.C., our new home. I hope you'll join us by taking part in this national call to service in your community:

http://www.USAservice.org/calltoservice

It will take ordinary citizens working together with a common purpose to get this country back on track. This national day of service is an important first step in our continuing commitment.

Now is the time to remind all Americans what ordinary people can accomplish when we stand together.

Thank you,

Michelle

P.S. -- If you are already planning to be in Washington, D.C. for the Inauguration, text SERVE to 56333 to receive information about service opportunities in the nation's capital. Or you can learn more here:

http://www.USAservice.org/calltoserviceDC"

------------------------------------------

Michelle's video address - "USA Service... Your Call to Service" can be accessed at: http://usaservice.org/page/content/calltoservice/

I will make these links available in the sidebar>>>

Thank You,

N.S.

"Bill Maher And Barack Obama" You Tube Video [Barack Obama on Faith and Politics]

["Bill Maher And Barack Obama"; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nh8i_FzHVTU; Contributed to You Tube by ElPadreAmaru on January 08, 2009]

More Info on Inauguration Party at Muddy Cup

[Photo by BF]

As this New Year unfolds, and I personally follow through on a "few" resolutions, I wanted to take a step back to the concept of "We the People..." - and make sure I let folks know that this Obama Party that I have scheduled is for EVERYONE and ANYONE that wants to attend.

A few people are being personally invited to come and say a few words - but there will be open mike (poetry only) time, as well as some karaoke time - and the true focus of the event is a celebration of this historic moment!

Times are tough for a lot of us, and I don't think anyone is telling us anything different. But there is hope associated with the "changing of the guard" - and there are a whole lot of tulips (lol) scheduled to start blooming around here, come Spring!

If you know of any City of Kingston residents that you consider "unsung heroes" - and would like to hear them say a few words at this event, please send me an email (with a contact of some sort) at wingedbirdinflight@live.com --- so that I can contact them.

This could be a local political activist - a poet that you know - a single mother or father striving to keep things together - someone associated with a human service organization that you respect - your very own Mom, Dad, Brother, Sister, etc. - or YOU!

Thank You,

N.S.

Inaugural Celebration... Party Announcement

Just a reminder...

[Inauguration Party at Kingston Muddy Cup, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009, 7:30PM-10PM!]

I will be placing them here periodically...

Please let me know if you would like to put a poster [these vary] in your place of business!

Contact: wingedbirdinflight@live.com

Thank You,

N.S.

Condolences... Sex Offender Issue... Fair Pay Act... Business Update... Poem

[Photo by BF]

1) From a quick trip through the local blogs I am aware that Mayor Sottile's father passed away --- and I would like to add (to the voice of others) my sincere condolences to Mr. Sottile and the rest of the Sottile family.

[Photo by BF]

2) I haven't read today's Kingston "Daily Freeman" [KDF] yet, but there was an article in Saturday's "Freeman" that I wanted (and negated) to comment upon --- that happens to be linked to a HOT issue that brought a lot of Kingston City residents through the doors of City Hall in 2008.

For apparently, there has been a re-birth (although not exactly of the same nature) of the "what to do with sex offenders" issue --- as relected in a quote [See "Sex Offender Law Would Restrict Residency"; Mid-Hudson News Network; KDF; 1/10/09; P. A3] that reads like this:

"'Would you rather have a sex offender that you know is living next door to you, or have a sex offender and drive him underground... and you don't know where he is?'" (UC Leg. Frank Dart, D-Kingston).

[I am going to reword this and put up an onsite poll on this matter --- because here we go (a lot of us have strong feelings and opinions on this issue) again!]

[Photo by BF]

3) Also very important, in my view, is the progress of the "Fair Pay Act" --- but rather than cover it here, I would urge concerned folks to check out the "DemWomen Brewing Change" blog link in the sidebar (scroll down) for more information on:

"Fair Pay Act Passes in House... Now its the Senate's turn to finally do the right thing so that women are paid fairly, and there is a workable process for challenges to unfair pay..."

There is a direct link on the DemWomen... site through which folks can contact some of their representatives on this VERY IMPORTANT (Why is expecting "fair pay" for women apparently so very hard (ahem) to understand?] issue!

[Photo by N.S.]

4) Although I have set up temporary site at Merchants Circle to address my fledgling home-based business [see side-bar] - a more permanent business website is still pending - the business (as far as product sales and purchases) is not expected to be fully operational until Spring - and I want to make it clear that this is a small home-based business, with email inquiries and consults [wingedbirdinflight@live.com] preferred - to be followed up by scheduled appointments (ONLY) when appropriate / agreed upon. [Note: The entertainment aspect of ChipsN'Dips has been in place for a few years, mostly operating on a volunteer and small children's parties basis. ChipsN'Dips in the entertainment context, has participated in some local parades and community events, in conjunction with the AOH (St. Patricks Day parades); the Lion's Club (Lion's Club Expos); the Rosendale Festival; and other such organizations / venues].

[Photo by B.F.]

5. I will leave you this am with a poem (rough draft) that I wrote yesterday [This fits somewhat with the "Fair Pay Act" theme]...

"The Wisdom of the Willow"

When who you are
Is not enough
The road is long
The journey tough
A candle flame
Too often snuffed
A lid upon its cover...

You said you were my brother (?)

But forget that little sister
Has dreams too...

And is, in fact, as capable as you..

For though a willow
Might bend
It has strong roots
And tends to spring back
Even when its fruits

Are invisible to
The light of day...

Trust me, trust me
When I say...

That although the eagle
Can fly alone...
'Tis only with
A heart of stone

The sky above
The earth below

Do not snuff out
The light...
[We have our gifts
and our rights!]
Of woman.

N.S.