Saturday, April 11, 2009

UlsterCorps Video... You Tube... Some Questions about Volunteerism v. Paid Employment... Thoughts... Likely Unpopular With Some... On the Matter

["Rik Flynn of UlsterCorps on Community Service"; as submitted to You Tube by ulstercorps on March 15, 2009; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1J8aP6L-bg]

In the following write-up, on UlsterCorps and "volunteerism," a lot of organizations were ommitted due to space constraints and/or because my point HERE is to demonstrate (this blog write-up represents MY opinion, yours might differ) that a lot of purported "volunteer opportunities" could and should (?) be PAID POSITIONS - which could help (Do ya think?) our local economic situation (in terms of paid employment / the overall state of the economy) immensely!

Why are some organizations, some of which receive mega-bucks (through grants and such) not putting in budget-line requests to PAY for the number of PAID employees that they need? Do "you" think there is something "wrong" with this picture?

The following represents snippets that I "pulled out" of the overall listing (source noted down below) --- because a lot of these "volunteer" job titles sure sound like JOBS (I would include anything over 10 hours a week maximum, along with anything that requires extensive education, training or special expertise - in this category) to me...

At the end of this list are a couple of organizations seeking volunteers that seem (these two organizations) to have a much more rational [a few hours a week max) - fair - and/or viable (the last one has a reciprocal component) concept of just what volunteerism is (again, my opinion) meant to be...

Check out the following [note the items in bold (my doing)] and tell me what you think:

"AFFORDABLE/TRANSITIONAL HOUSING

FAMILY’s Midway of Kingston & Ellenville...

Volunteers needed for projects including painting all kids’ rooms and offices, gardening/landscaping in the spring, driving kids to laundry services, grocery shopping, job opportunities, medical appointments, etc. tutoring, both college level and high school, any extra curricular activities in the community, like movies, meals, theater, parks, swimming, etc...

Family Inn...

Needs fill-ins for weekends, evenings, and overnights. Possibly a 20-hour part-time overnight position 2 overnights a week...

EDUCATION/ARTS

Ulster Literacy Association Tutor Training Workshop...

The ULA student waiting list has reached 100! This means all these folks are waiting patiently to meet a tutor and get started on building their reading, writing and conversational skills. We really need volunteers and have two new trainings scheduled:

Over 3 Saturdays, 4/18, 4/25, 5/2, 8:30-3:30 on all dates.
Tuesdays & Thursdays May 12, 14, 19, 21, 26, 28, 6:00-9:00PM on all dates...

Workshop train adult volunteers to work in a one-to-one tutoring situation with adults who want to improve their reading and writing skills. There is a fee (You pay a "fee" for the "privilege" of volunteering?) of $20.00 to cover the cost of material and handouts. This is due at the time you sign up for a specific workshop.

Volunteers also needed to cover the front desk, handle the phone, and other office tasks...

UCCAC, Inc. Early Head Start/Head Start is searching for volunteers throughout Ulster County. The Kingston Childrens Learning Center... is especially in need of volunteers for the classroom...

United Way Ulster County - Volunteer Opportunities...

Loaned Executives, Employee Campaign Managers, Community Fund Volunteers
Loaned Executives serve as United Way ambassadors to local businesses. In this capacity they:
Teach employees and employers about United Way programs and services
Assist Employee Campaign Managers to set United Way campaign goals and plan campaign strategy
Coordinate United Way presentations
Distribute United Way materials

Employee Campaign Managers (ECM’s) are volunteers within companies that work closely with Loaned Executives to present information about the United Way to their fellow employees.
Community Fund Volunteers are responsible for reviewing requests for funding, and then making recommendations to the Board of Directors of the United Way of Ulster County...


Center for Creative Education... Kingston Location... Stone Ridge Location...

The mission of the Center for Creative Education is to create a better world by nurturing and empowering youth and community through the arts. The Kingston center offers a dance and percussion studio, homework and tutoring center, and a computer music lab that is being developed in collaboration with the Kingston School District’s Department of Fine Arts and Enrichment. Volunteers needed for office help, clean-up, and event assistance.

Hudson River Maritme Museum...

Year round & seasonal volunteers needed -
Museum Admission and Gift Shop Clerks, Docent, Computer Specialist, Grant Administrator...

EMERGENCY SERVICES

Family of Woodstock - Ways to Volunteer

Volunteer training program for work on 24 Hour Hotline. 3-hour shifts. Days, eves, weekends. Also Food Closet, Holiday programs...

HITS season begins May 20th. Volunteers needed to staff our Spectator gates during our Horse Shows (???). All proceeds from the gate go directly to Family of Woodstock. More info...

Bilingual Volunteers Needed at FAMILY’s ACMS...

Salvador Altamirano-Segura, program director of Family’s Adult Case Management Services (ACMS), has recently asked for volunteers to help enroll Spanish speaking clients in the Food Stamps Program. As a community based organization, we are able to submit client applications electronically from our sites. He is looking for volunteers to help with his Spanish speaking clients... [Wouldn't this be a great part time or full time job for Those with BiLingual (special) Skills?]

Additional Volunteer Opportunities at Family
GREEN ENERGY/SUSTAINABILITY

Sustainable Hudson Valley...

Volunteers needed to help SHV with communications and outreach, research support, office help or fundraising... Database manager — data entry and database setup, Excel knowledge required (approx 3 hours/ week, can do from your location)
Graphic designer — design print and web materials, work closely with highly skilled design director (one project or a stream of them — lots to do)Outreach volunteers — staff SHV information tables with material on all our programs (flexible, lots of evenings & weekends possible)Media monitors — if you are an avid reader of specialized media related to sustainability or the Hudson Valley, let us know and send us relevant clippings to feed our information-hunger

Hudson Valley Materials Exchange...
HVME is in desperate need of volunteers to help us finish our move. Help moving materials, painting inside of storage trailers, outreach and fundraising are needed. our most immediate need is help moving materials and painting.

HEALTH SERVICES...

American Red Cross, Ulster County Chapter - Volunteer Opportunities... Disaster Response Team Member, General Office Support, Health & Safety Volunteer Instructors, Leadership Committee Volunteers, Volunteer Administration Specialist, Volunteer Intake Specialist, Volunteer Recruitment Specialist.

Health Alliance - Benedictine Hospital Volunteer Services...

A range of rewarding volunteer opportunities, including serving patients, staffing the gift shop, assisting visitors at the information desk, and working as clerical and support staff...

Hospice, Inc...

Volunteers needed for office work, delivery of medications, provide respite care, etc...

Health Alliance - Kingston Hospital Volunteer Services...

A range of rewarding volunteer opportunities, including serving patients, staffing the gift shop, assisting visitors at the information desk, and working as clerical and support staff...

New Paltz Rescue Squad...

The Rescue Squad is a volunteer-based, not-for-profit organization that provides our community with professional, pre-hospital emergency care. Volunteers needed as ambulance drivers, EMTs and paramedics...

Ulster-Greene ARC

Volunteers needed to assist developmentally disabled adults with social activities and companionship...

LEGAL SERVICES

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Ulster County
Looking for volunteer advocates. Volunteers are assigned by Family Court to advocate for children in foster care. Advocates work with child and family...


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

Much more equitable - fair and impressive (in terms of the way in which I understand "volunteerism" - in my opinion:

1.

Gardiner Library
Station Sq/Gardiner 255-1255
Volunteers for the following library jobs would be greatly appreciated. The time frames below are suggestions.
Putting plastic covers on new books - One hour monthly
Deleting outdated magazines from system - One hour monthly
Looking through newspapers and clipping articles about the library - One hour monthly
Circulation Desk Help
Workers at the circulation desk are always welcome. We especially need help in the evening hours. You can come every week or once a month. You decide what works for you!
http://www.rcls.org/gar/


2.

Woodstock Time Bank
PO Box 783, Woodstock, NY 12498
845-679-4211, woodstocktimeexchange@hotmail.com
http://www.timebanks.org/
For every hour you spend doing something for someone in your community, you earn one Time Dollar. Then you have a Time Dollar to spend on having someone do something for you.
To join: visit http://community.timebanks.org, click on Find a Timebank, scroll down to Woodstock Timebank, click Join!


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Source: UlsterCorps Website "Volunteer Opportunities": http://ulstercorps.org/?page_id=5: [Bold Print Mine; some minor editing (spellcheck) involved)]

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Now, it certainly may be that there are issues involved in all of this that I am not aware of...

So I would certainly like to hear (whether pro or con... or to provide clarifying input...) your knowledge and/or views on the matter...

Peace, Love, Equality and Humane Justice,

NS

Friday, April 10, 2009

Save on Property Taxes... You Tube... Cig Gas Sales Etc Taxation Information Links

["Save Big Money on Your Property Taxes: Fight Your Assessment"; as submitted to You Tube by sequenceinc on December 18, 2008; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zxw6GB0gv68]

For Some Wisdom and Direction in These Trying Times, Check Out [These Links Will Be Placed in the Sidebar]:

"The best and worst states for taxes - MSN Money": http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Taxes/Advice/TheBestAndWorstStatesForTaxes.aspx

"The best and worst state for gas, cigarettes, beer and sales taxes - MSN Money": http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Taxes/best-and-worst-taxes-by-state.aspx

Peace, Love, Equality and Humane Justice,

Thursday, April 9, 2009

The Penguins Of Madagascar... Funny... You Tube

["The Penguins Of Madagascar - Funny parts"; as submitted to You Tube by adonis1936 on 2/16/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4Pf5OjC9ls]

Monday, April 6, 2009

Nancy Schaefer on CPS... You Tube...Onsite conflict... Alamo... A Nasty business... Billy Joel Music Video... You May Be Right... I May Be Crazy

["Nancy Schaefer on CPS"; as submitted to You Tube by Amiablyme on March 13, 2009; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1HjVU-UIQU]

Bringing an ongoing discussion / conflict (from below) into the light [Nancy Schaefer, above, does appear (ouch!) to make some very good points... This appears to be a VERY complex issue!]:

1. Anonymous said... "For up to date information about alamo please go to:
http://www.tonyalamonews.com" (April 5, 2009 6:13 AM)

2. Anonymous said... "Thank you for your interest in tony alamo. It is important to get the truth about him out to the world. Too many people have destroyed their lives and their children's lives because they could not see the truth behind the falsehoods he used to control them. Please see all the latest about him and his court case which will start in May, by going to this website of accurate information.
http://www.tonyalamonews.com" (April 5, 2009 6:31 AM)

3. N.S. said... "Anonymous, Thank you for the response and link. I will check it out in a little while :)"(April 5, 2009 9:32 AM)

4. N.S. said... "Anon, Definitely a comprehensive link! Thank you again... If anyone wants to follow this issue further please go (for now) to (I will put this in the sidebar)... http://www.tonyalamonews.com" (April 5, 2009 10:56 AM)

5. Anonymous said... "If you want the truth about Tony Alamo and the fact that CPS has stolen innocent children from their parents and what this is REALLY about go and research... www.alamoministries.com
www.inquisitionupdate.org
www.spiritaullysmart.com
www.arcticbeacon.com
read the sites and watch the videos." (April 5, 2009 8:52 PM)

6. N.S. said... "Anon 8:52PM...Because everyone is entitled their opinion and "freedom of speech" I have respectfully (despite having formed some fairly solid opinions on this matter, which may well dif fer from your own) put your post and suggested links here... In all cases, however, readers are advised to follow other reader's links at their own discretion --- as I do not have the time nor inclination to check out all of them" (April 5, 2009 10:47 PM)

7. Anonymous said... "Factnet = CIA Operation... information on this is on this link... http://www.spirituallysmart.com/factnet.html" (April 6, 2009 8:44 AM)

8. Anonymous said... "PACA and tonyalamonews is run by the same people involved in factnet. They have just taken on a new name... http://www.spirituallysmart.com/cults.html
there is far more to this and without serious research on how our Vatican govt. operates, you will be deceived by these people and groups who are bribed, threatened and coerced into helping to destroy bible believing Christians and Pastors.
www.inquisitionupdate.org
6 interviews all say there was NO abuse!" (April 6, 2009 8:48 AM)

9. N.S. said... "Actually (this is my opinion / your choices are your own) I would prefer that folks pay the "most" attention to CNN, MSNBC, etc. news coverage and/or to other professional investigator / reporter (Associated Press, etc) coverage of the Alamo case (s) - AND in regard to the other cases (responses have developed a singular focus here) noted... Why? Because photos and videos (complete with police raids and arrests depicted, etc) "do" speak "1,000 words" --- and any other site / orgainization "might" (I am not saying "does") have its own (for good or ill) agenda... I would have to "loosely" include FactNet in this latter category (at least until I explore the issue more; and this, only if I find the time...) --- since some such groups [i.e., The Cult Awareness Network?] "have" been known to change alliances [or to become infiltrated by (speaking in general terms here) "cult" members (not a good thing) and/or investigators (not a bad thing) of one type or another] over the course of time. It does behoove me to point out (in FactNet's favor?) that it is apparently (at least in some cases) a few folks associated "with" FactNet that have "supplied" some of the official news (CNN, etc.) coverage videos of the Alamo case (s) "to" You Tube" (April 6, 2009 10:08 AM)

10. Anonymous said... "It's a shame that people in this world are so blinded by the lies, slander and propaganda of the now vatican controlled news media. If you want to remain in a fantasy world of lies. Just turn on the Brain washing machine TV and believe that this is God talking to you. Very sad! Wake up America! You are being deceived!!! The whole world wandered after the beast (One World Government) Read the bible. repent and be saved it's only going to get a whole lot worse!" (April 6, 2009 10:42 AM)

11. Anonymous said... "Here's some you tube videos. Some of the few they haven't taken down to prove that there is NO abuse at the Alamo videos...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIL8OqNDg2A
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3NTLqAvIUFg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08prxPPyGqs
Children being legally kidnapped at machine gun point and stolen away from their loving, caring parents. Truly sad and discusting! how would you or others feel if this happened to you? What a horrible thing to do to children! This IS ABUSE! PProof these children were not abused! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pGaF4GHlefc ... The ATROCITIES of CPS/DHS KIDNAPPING BY FORMER SENATOR NANCY SHCAFFER>
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1HjVU-UIQU ... full videos of ALL 6 girls stolen from Alamo Ministries can be seen on www.inquisitionupdate.org ... This is what they don't want you to see!!! Because they are crooks and child stealers and this is happening all over the world. It's all about MONEY and destroying anyone who exposes the Vatican" (April 6, 2009 11:02 AM)

12. tony58 said... "The reason "they" are destroy Tony Alamo's Christian Ministry is because he is preaching the TRUTH about the anti-Christ!!!! The anti-Christ is the Vatican and the Pope's seat. The False Prophet is the "Priests" and "Preachers" and Satan gives them their power. And the Jesuits are his army!!!! LET THE CHRISTIAN PASTOR OUT OF JAIL!!!! and GIVE THE CHILDREN BACK TO THE PARENTS THAT LOVE THE AND ARE TRYING TO BRING THEM UP REAL CHRISTIANS!!!!! WAKE UP AMERICA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" (April 6, 2009 11:37 AM)

13. N.S. said... "Okedokee... I will (when I get a chance) check into some of the sites and videos that you are suggesting. But I will not allow any more forceful [skip the caps (internet shouting)], "condemning" (for lack of a better word) and/or unsubstantiated [re the Vatican, associated Media reports around this issue, etc.] allegations --- or other posts that I deem borderline to outright abusive [I do not appreciate rudeness here] in tone... Did you take the time to listen to "Let it Be?" Or to watch the great musicals posted up above? Either / or might (?) help you to calm down and get centered... Let's all keep this even toned and rational, okay? Thank You" (April 6, 2009 12:17 PM)

14. Anonymous said... "i don't even call them reporters! 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, THERE, even The Word of God tells us that!!!!!!!" (April 6, 2009 1:16 PM)

15. tony58 said... "N.S. ... Take time to read your Bible! Forget about the beatles!!! And, it's hard to be "toned and rational" when Children are suffering!!!!" (April 6, 2009 1:46 PM)

16. N.S. said... "tony58, Is there a list anywhere in regard to how much food, medicine or money Mr. Alamo has donated to hungry children, food pantries, homeless shelters, battered women's shelters, etc.? As I noted in an earlier post, Mr. Alamo's tax exempt status was not pulled (This was years ago and it might have been reinstated since...) until his "church holdings" had ACRUED [What does your personal savings account and /or list of assets look like?] around $50 MILLION [my turn] DOLLARS... which would sure relieve some of the suffering that was (then) and is (now) being experienced by the world's children... wouldn't it?" (April 6, 2009 2:01 PM)

17. tony58 said... "Jesus said; 6 ¶ Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you... 16 And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him" (April 6, 2009 2:18 PM)

18. Anonymous said... "I would like to see the videos of them stealing the children on here. You seem to have posted all the garbage lies available against Pastor Alamo. First it's child porn..oops! found none! then it's child abuse. All 6 girls stolen at gun point said no in those videos. How about the confesion interview with the former FBI Agent that was hired to assassinate Pastor Alamo? Please put up the videos of the kids being stolen right on the side of the road..hear them screaming for their mommies and daddy's.? If this doesn't break your heart then nothing will. How about the parents who are inn jail now because they won't turn over their other kids to the Nazi DHS? would you? there is also a letter from one of the mothers who's child is being abused in foster care. Where is that? Please don't further the government abuse on these parents and children and Pastor by putting up one sided garbage from the lying news media. They are told what to print and speak. News flash the major media IS controlled and most of it is garbage! lies and slander to deceive the zombies with who believe the lies. The truth is not allowed out to the media. But you are right take a look at the kids on the videos and these parents. And at least put up their videos!" (April 6, 2009 3:19 PM)

I am now posting (collectively) the following links [Copy & Paste into your address bar].

Please take time to watch all of the videos - if you are so inclined - and please respond (if so inclined) in respectful non-threatening tones.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzarTSs_OO8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKV3ABhXWuw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEZpBIYqpEw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VP_H9HvlMr4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtnwLQARexk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Uk7lB98KZc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMUrNdVsc7M
http://www.tonyalamonews.com
www.alamoministries.com
www.inquisitionupdate.org
www.spiritaullysmart.com
www.arcticbeacon.com
http://www.spirituallysmart.com/factnet.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIL8OqNDg2A
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3NTLqAvIUFg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08prxPPyGqs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pGaF4GHlefc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1HjVU-UIQU
http://www.factnet.org

["Billy Joel-You May Be Right"; as submitted to You Tube by GlensterMusicKarafun on April 17, 2008; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TA4_Or0IpBs]

Be well.

NS

America... Let's Get Started Again... You Tube Music Video

As Posted (with Video below) on You Tube site:

"A song by Rita Abrams set to video footage of Obama's inaugural address, images of contemporary America and archival footage, creating a portrait of the problems we face and the hopes we have...

["America, Let's Get Started Again"; as posted by MissAbrams on March 10, 2009; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l11ZLzIck_8]

Peace, Love, Equality and Humane Justice,

NS

Sunday, April 5, 2009

Dream On... Aerosmith... You Tube Music Video

["Aerosmith - Dream On Lyrics"; as submitted to You Tube by Dragonforce742 on 7/11/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKuchOdtcFs]

Dream on...

And have a wonderful new day!

NS

Destry Rides Again... It Ain't Necessarily So... Fiddler on the Roof... You Tube

Some Classic (and pretty awesome) Stuff Here!

["Destry Rides Again Bar Scene"; as submitted to You Tube by DualAdaptor on July 04, 2008; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=By48VYXP16s]

["PORGY & BESS - It Ain't Necessarily So"; as submitted to You Tube by mafarka49 on November 07,
2006; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLLoNi4qHPg]

["To Life (Fiddler on the Roof)"; as submitted to You Tube by Jman383 on January 09, 2007; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7VnmgPoZEg]

NS

Its a New Day... Let it Be... The Beatles... You Tube Music Video

["The Beatles - Let it be Lyrics"; as submitted to You Tube by rubyhartlove on August 29, 2008; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRCPQFVWrRE]

I love this song!

NS

Following Up the Follow-Up... Alamo Christian Ministries

[Photo by BF]

Following Up the Follow-Up... Alamo Christian Ministries

On reviewing the videos below (utilize your own discretion in viewing these):

1. I can't help but notice the radically different ways that Tony Alamo is depicted (I'm not sure what this is about, or if it means anything at all.) in some photographs...

2. I want to apologize for the google ads that slipped through on one of the videos... including an ad regarding contacting (or some such thing) "hot girls" --- but state that I chose NOT to (because of these ads) remove this video [Please ignore the ads or do whatever at your own risk!] --- because this type of ad (relatively common elsewhere on the net and on television nowadays, as well) shows the slippery slope (in my opinion) that our entire society seems determined to ski (despite all of the possible costs and consequences) down...

3. I have to note the distinct irony / injustice (as perceived on my part) associated with one of the scenarios depicted in the videos below - where it becomes apparent that - despite the allegations and arrests (with the outcomes "of same" seemingly very hard to access) that have come forth regarding Tony Alamo (a victim o persecution or a con man extraordinaire?) over the years --- Tony Alamo has apparently been able to maintain his status as a minister... - WHILST some of the parents (This makes NO sense to me whether Alamo is innocent or guilty!] that are trying to get their children back from protective custody (for lack of a better term) have apparently been told that THEY (the children's parents) must break "all ties" with Alamo Christian Ministries (HUH?) before their [Isn't there something very wrong with this picture if Alamo is allowed to continue "preaching" to these same children?????] custody is (other factors might apply, as well) reinstated.

4. I can't help but note the comments made in one of the videos about the possible consequences Tony Alamo "might" face if he were to be found guilty of some (or all?) of the allegations...

An "ankle bracelet?"

5. I feel the need to state that the videos of official news station coverage events are "what they are" [which would certainly appear TO BE legitimate] - but that videos of a more personal nature - as supplied by individuals and/or organizations - can't be (by me) verified [although heart-wrenching and certainly worth paying attention to "just in case..." (we are talking potential missing children here!)] as to their authenticity.

6. All of this is being written - right now - based on the memory of watching these videos - which I have no intention (unless I have to do so for some reason) of watching again. Thus, if any errors have been made (please utilize your own thought and reasoning skills - don't depend on mine) - I apologize.

7. I repeat - if anyone "out there" does know the outcome (if it is even available) of the latest case (s?) - please let me / us (I'm including my readers here) know.

Thank You,

NS