To my knowlege Tony Alamos Christian Ministry is not active in this area. However, since a previous video-post on this subject raised some contention and questions, I have done a little more research on the matter...
["FOX Interview With Tony Alamo"; as submitted by factnetmember on September 25, 2008; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzarTSs_OO8]
["Evangelist Tony Alamo Agrees to Return to Ark."; as submitted to You Tube by AssociatedPress on
September 27, 2008; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKV3ABhXWuw]
["KARK - More Alamo Properties Raided Tuesday; 20 Children Removed"; as submitted to You Tube by factnetmember on November 22, 2008; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEZpBIYqpEw]
["KTAL - Alamo To Appear In Texarkanas Federal Court Friday"; as submitted to You Tube by factnetmember
on November 22, 2008; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VP_H9HvlMr4]
["KTAL - Alamo in Court Today"; as submitted by factnetmember on November 24, 2008; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtnwLQARexk]
["MY MISSING CHILDREN(MORE DETAILED)"; as submitted to You Tube by pixypixy1987 on March 08, 2009; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Uk7lB98KZc]
For more information, please copy and past the following into the address bar:
1. "Tony Alamo - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia": http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Alamo
2. "Tony Alamo": http://www.rickross.com/groups/alamo.html
And if anyone has access to any updated information on the case or cases - please do let me / us know!
Thank You,
NS
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Friday, April 3, 2009
Passing on a Beautiful Music Video and Some Spring Gardening Tips from MSN.com Lifestyle and Martha Stewart.com
Posted on You Tube with the following video:
"The Celtic tune 'She Bheag She Mor' on hammered dulcimer accompanies this video of spring flowers in the North Carolina mountains...
["Spring Flowers: Music by Donna Germano"; as submitted to You Tube by dmgermano1 on April 05, 2007; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5NDb5-SzUY]
From "MSN Lifestyle with Martha Stewart.com":
"Spring Gardening Tips... Follow the 10 tips outlined below for a welcoming garden that's filled with color and fragrance -- and song...
Survey the Yard...
Make note of tree limbs that should be removed or cabled, especially those that overhang structures. Hire an arborist to maintain large trees. Cut down last year's perennial foliage, and toss it into the compost pile. Rake mulch from beds planted with bulbs before foliage appears, and refresh mulch in other planting areas after soil warms. Check fences, steps, and pathways for disrepair caused by freezing and thawing.
Order Tools and Plants...
Tune up tools so everything is ready when things start growing. Make note of what is missing, and order tools for the new growing season. Choose new plants for the garden. Order perennials, trees, and shrubs for spring planting.
Get Ready to Mow...
Send the mower and leaf blower for servicing, or if you have the right tools, sharpen the mower blades yourself. Refill your mower with oil, install fresh spark plugs, and lubricate moving parts if necessary. Clear the lawn of winter debris, and look for areas that need reseeding before mowing.
Prune Trees and Shrubs...
Remove dead, damaged, and diseased branches from woody plants. Thin and trim summer-blooming shrubs such as butterfly bush, hydrangea, and most roses, except for old-fashioned once bloomers. Prune cold-damaged wood after plants resume spring growth. Prune spring-blooming shrubs and trees after flowering.
Take a Soil Test...
Check soil pH with a home soil- test kit, taking several samples from different planting areas for an accurate reading. Enrich soil as necessary: Add dolomitic lime to raise the pH or elemental sulfur to lower the pH.
Prepare New Beds...
Clear the planting area as soon as soil can be worked, removing sod or weeds and debris. Spread a 4-inch layer of compost or well-rotted manure and any amendments over soil, and cultivate it to a depth of 10 to 12 inches with a spading fork.
Plant...
Plant bare-root trees, shrubs, and perennials such as hostas and daylilies by early spring. Choose a cool, cloudy day if possible. Transplant container-grown plants anytime during the growing season except midsummer; be sure to water them thoroughly. Sow seeds of cool-season flowers like sweet peas, poppies, and calendula, and vegetables such as lettuce, parsley, and spinach.
Fertilize...
Apply balanced fertilizer (6-6-6 or 8-8-8), fish emulsion, or other soil amendments recommended by soil-test results around trees and shrubs when new growth appears. Spread high-acid fertilizer and pine-needle mulch around acid-loving shrubs like azaleas and camellias. Begin fertilizing perennials when active growth resumes.
Start a Compost Pile...
Start a compost pile, or use a compost bin, if you don't have one already. Begin by collecting plant debris and leaves raked up from the garden. Chop these up first to speed decomposition. Add equal amounts "brown" (carbon-rich) materials like dried leaves and straw and "green" (nitrogen-rich) materials like grass clippings and weeds in even layers with water and a compost bioactivator. Turn regularly. Continue adding to the pile throughout the season for rich, homemade compost next spring.
Clean Bird Feeders and Baths...
Disinfect the feeders by scrubbing with weak bleach solution (1/4 cup bleach: 2 gallons warm water). Rinse and dry the feeders thoroughly before refilling them.Scrub birdbaths with bleach solution, then rinse them thoroughly and refill, changing water weekly. Clean birdbaths and feeders regularly throughout the season.
http://lifestyle.msn.com/your-home/martha-stewart/article.aspx?cp-documentid=18460415>1=32001#atoolb
Options made available on site: "Print... E-mail... Blog... Digg... Facebook... Newsvine"
"The Celtic tune 'She Bheag She Mor' on hammered dulcimer accompanies this video of spring flowers in the North Carolina mountains...
["Spring Flowers: Music by Donna Germano"; as submitted to You Tube by dmgermano1 on April 05, 2007; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5NDb5-SzUY]
From "MSN Lifestyle with Martha Stewart.com":
"Spring Gardening Tips... Follow the 10 tips outlined below for a welcoming garden that's filled with color and fragrance -- and song...
Survey the Yard...
Make note of tree limbs that should be removed or cabled, especially those that overhang structures. Hire an arborist to maintain large trees. Cut down last year's perennial foliage, and toss it into the compost pile. Rake mulch from beds planted with bulbs before foliage appears, and refresh mulch in other planting areas after soil warms. Check fences, steps, and pathways for disrepair caused by freezing and thawing.
Order Tools and Plants...
Tune up tools so everything is ready when things start growing. Make note of what is missing, and order tools for the new growing season. Choose new plants for the garden. Order perennials, trees, and shrubs for spring planting.
Get Ready to Mow...
Send the mower and leaf blower for servicing, or if you have the right tools, sharpen the mower blades yourself. Refill your mower with oil, install fresh spark plugs, and lubricate moving parts if necessary. Clear the lawn of winter debris, and look for areas that need reseeding before mowing.
Prune Trees and Shrubs...
Remove dead, damaged, and diseased branches from woody plants. Thin and trim summer-blooming shrubs such as butterfly bush, hydrangea, and most roses, except for old-fashioned once bloomers. Prune cold-damaged wood after plants resume spring growth. Prune spring-blooming shrubs and trees after flowering.
Take a Soil Test...
Check soil pH with a home soil- test kit, taking several samples from different planting areas for an accurate reading. Enrich soil as necessary: Add dolomitic lime to raise the pH or elemental sulfur to lower the pH.
Prepare New Beds...
Clear the planting area as soon as soil can be worked, removing sod or weeds and debris. Spread a 4-inch layer of compost or well-rotted manure and any amendments over soil, and cultivate it to a depth of 10 to 12 inches with a spading fork.
Plant...
Plant bare-root trees, shrubs, and perennials such as hostas and daylilies by early spring. Choose a cool, cloudy day if possible. Transplant container-grown plants anytime during the growing season except midsummer; be sure to water them thoroughly. Sow seeds of cool-season flowers like sweet peas, poppies, and calendula, and vegetables such as lettuce, parsley, and spinach.
Fertilize...
Apply balanced fertilizer (6-6-6 or 8-8-8), fish emulsion, or other soil amendments recommended by soil-test results around trees and shrubs when new growth appears. Spread high-acid fertilizer and pine-needle mulch around acid-loving shrubs like azaleas and camellias. Begin fertilizing perennials when active growth resumes.
Start a Compost Pile...
Start a compost pile, or use a compost bin, if you don't have one already. Begin by collecting plant debris and leaves raked up from the garden. Chop these up first to speed decomposition. Add equal amounts "brown" (carbon-rich) materials like dried leaves and straw and "green" (nitrogen-rich) materials like grass clippings and weeds in even layers with water and a compost bioactivator. Turn regularly. Continue adding to the pile throughout the season for rich, homemade compost next spring.
Clean Bird Feeders and Baths...
Disinfect the feeders by scrubbing with weak bleach solution (1/4 cup bleach: 2 gallons warm water). Rinse and dry the feeders thoroughly before refilling them.Scrub birdbaths with bleach solution, then rinse them thoroughly and refill, changing water weekly. Clean birdbaths and feeders regularly throughout the season.
http://lifestyle.msn.com/your-home/martha-stewart/article.aspx?cp-documentid=18460415>1=32001#atoolb
Options made available on site: "Print... E-mail... Blog... Digg... Facebook... Newsvine"
Raising Awareness... Alamo Ministries... Recent New York News Reports... Connecting the Dots... PROTECT OUR CHILDREN...
"Tony Alamo's HQ Raided in Child Porn Case"
"As stated by You Tube Video Contributor: "Federal authorities conducting a child-porn investigation raided the headquarters Saturday of a ministry run by a convicted tax evader once labeled by prosecutors as a polygamist who preys on girls..."
["Tony Alamo's HQ Raided in Child Porn Case"; as contributed to You Tube by factnetmember on 9/21/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMUrNdVsc7M]
Two New York State Stories (in TWO Days) That Caught My Eye:
1) "Marist prof guilty of child porn"
"POUGHKEEPSIE — A Marist College professor was found guilty Tuesday of more than 130 felonies relating to his possession of child pornography on his office computer.
James Kent, a Kingston resident, was convicted of two counts of felony promoting a sexual performance by a child and 134 counts of felony possessing a sexual performance by a child. Rockland County Court Judge Victor Alfieri announced his verdict following a 2... week non-jury trial in Dutchess County Court, Dutchess County Senior Assistant District Attorney Marjorie Smith said Wednesday. She said Kent is scheduled to be sentenced May 26 and faces 2 1/3 to seven years in state prison on the felony promoting charges and 1 1/3 to four years in prison on the felony possession charges.
Smith said Kent was acquitted of seven counts of felony possession of a sexual performance by a child.
On April 5, 2007, Kent asked information technology staff at the college to check his computer because it kept constantly rebooting, Smith said. She said the staff discovered the computer kept getting “hung up” on some pictures, which were discovered to be of semi-clad children in suggestive poses. Smith said the staff then took the computer’s hard drive and did an internal review, which ultimately led to the Poughkeepsie town police being called.
A police investigation of the computer led to the discovery of thousands of images of child pornography, Smith said. She said most of the images depicted young girls, though there were some images of young boys engaged in bestiality.
Smith said the images were of “extraordinarily graphic depictions of children being abused” by adults and other children. She added that police also seized three floppy disks of images from Kent’s home, though those images were disturbing but not pornographic in nature. Smith said some of the children in the images on the disks were the same as shown on the office computer.
Kent, a professor of public administration at Marist, was arrested in September 2007. He had been on leave since that time.
Published: Thursday, April 2, 2009
http://www.dailyfreeman.com/articles/2009/04/02/news/doc49d42ce8f35f7439330942.txt
Options on site include "print... email to a friend... share this..."
Bold emphasis MINE.
--------------------------------------------------------
2. "Field hockey coach gets 40 years for child porn"
"A former upstate New York field hockey coach will spend 40 years in federal prison for producing child pornography involving the young girls he coached.
Todd Broxmeyer of Lisle (LYE'-uhl) was found guilty in September on two counts of producing child pornography and one count each of attempted child pornography production, possession of child pornography, and transporting a minor across state lines to engage in a sexual act.
He still faces sex charges in state court.
Authorities said the 38-year-old Broxmeyer had sexual contact with three female victims, all younger than 17, between November and December 2007.
He coached girls in field hockey in private leagues and clinics in Broome County, Pennsylvania and New Jersey."
"Times Leader" / "Associated Press": Friday, April 3, 2009 6:42 am
http://www.timesleader.com/news/ap?articleID=1943312
Site Options include: "Save This Story... E-mail This Story... Print This Story.."
Information from: "The Binghamton Press" and the "Sun-Bulletin" --- http://www.pressconnects.com
Bold Emphasis MINE
----------------------------------------------------------
I once stated (although not with these words or this particular emphasis) that possession of child pornography is POSSESSION OF EVIDENCE OF A SERIOUS SERIOUS CRIME AGAINST HUMANITY.
And I would certainly think that folks in possession of such materials MUST either PRODUCE these materials and/or be ASSOCIATED (whether through direct links or a series of linkages...) to the folks that DO PRODUCE (oversee and/or participate in the sexual abuse, rape, and other forms of horrendous - sadistic - abuse of children!) these MATERIALS.
Thus, if cases such as this are not currently being investigated and prosecuted TO THE MAX - in terms of what the possible linkages / other folks potentially involved are - they CERTAINLY SHOULD BE!!!!!
Don't Ya' Think?
Peace, Love, Equality and Humane Justice...
PROTECT OUR CHILDREN!
N.S.
"As stated by You Tube Video Contributor: "Federal authorities conducting a child-porn investigation raided the headquarters Saturday of a ministry run by a convicted tax evader once labeled by prosecutors as a polygamist who preys on girls..."
["Tony Alamo's HQ Raided in Child Porn Case"; as contributed to You Tube by factnetmember on 9/21/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMUrNdVsc7M]
Two New York State Stories (in TWO Days) That Caught My Eye:
1) "Marist prof guilty of child porn"
"POUGHKEEPSIE — A Marist College professor was found guilty Tuesday of more than 130 felonies relating to his possession of child pornography on his office computer.
James Kent, a Kingston resident, was convicted of two counts of felony promoting a sexual performance by a child and 134 counts of felony possessing a sexual performance by a child. Rockland County Court Judge Victor Alfieri announced his verdict following a 2... week non-jury trial in Dutchess County Court, Dutchess County Senior Assistant District Attorney Marjorie Smith said Wednesday. She said Kent is scheduled to be sentenced May 26 and faces 2 1/3 to seven years in state prison on the felony promoting charges and 1 1/3 to four years in prison on the felony possession charges.
Smith said Kent was acquitted of seven counts of felony possession of a sexual performance by a child.
On April 5, 2007, Kent asked information technology staff at the college to check his computer because it kept constantly rebooting, Smith said. She said the staff discovered the computer kept getting “hung up” on some pictures, which were discovered to be of semi-clad children in suggestive poses. Smith said the staff then took the computer’s hard drive and did an internal review, which ultimately led to the Poughkeepsie town police being called.
A police investigation of the computer led to the discovery of thousands of images of child pornography, Smith said. She said most of the images depicted young girls, though there were some images of young boys engaged in bestiality.
Smith said the images were of “extraordinarily graphic depictions of children being abused” by adults and other children. She added that police also seized three floppy disks of images from Kent’s home, though those images were disturbing but not pornographic in nature. Smith said some of the children in the images on the disks were the same as shown on the office computer.
Kent, a professor of public administration at Marist, was arrested in September 2007. He had been on leave since that time.
Published: Thursday, April 2, 2009
http://www.dailyfreeman.com/articles/2009/04/02/news/doc49d42ce8f35f7439330942.txt
Options on site include "print... email to a friend... share this..."
Bold emphasis MINE.
--------------------------------------------------------
2. "Field hockey coach gets 40 years for child porn"
"A former upstate New York field hockey coach will spend 40 years in federal prison for producing child pornography involving the young girls he coached.
Todd Broxmeyer of Lisle (LYE'-uhl) was found guilty in September on two counts of producing child pornography and one count each of attempted child pornography production, possession of child pornography, and transporting a minor across state lines to engage in a sexual act.
He still faces sex charges in state court.
Authorities said the 38-year-old Broxmeyer had sexual contact with three female victims, all younger than 17, between November and December 2007.
He coached girls in field hockey in private leagues and clinics in Broome County, Pennsylvania and New Jersey."
"Times Leader" / "Associated Press": Friday, April 3, 2009 6:42 am
http://www.timesleader.com/news/ap?articleID=1943312
Site Options include: "Save This Story... E-mail This Story... Print This Story.."
Information from: "The Binghamton Press" and the "Sun-Bulletin" --- http://www.pressconnects.com
Bold Emphasis MINE
----------------------------------------------------------
I once stated (although not with these words or this particular emphasis) that possession of child pornography is POSSESSION OF EVIDENCE OF A SERIOUS SERIOUS CRIME AGAINST HUMANITY.
And I would certainly think that folks in possession of such materials MUST either PRODUCE these materials and/or be ASSOCIATED (whether through direct links or a series of linkages...) to the folks that DO PRODUCE (oversee and/or participate in the sexual abuse, rape, and other forms of horrendous - sadistic - abuse of children!) these MATERIALS.
Thus, if cases such as this are not currently being investigated and prosecuted TO THE MAX - in terms of what the possible linkages / other folks potentially involved are - they CERTAINLY SHOULD BE!!!!!
Don't Ya' Think?
Peace, Love, Equality and Humane Justice...
PROTECT OUR CHILDREN!
N.S.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Cigarettes... Booze... Marijuana... Other Drugs... Taxation.... Regulation... You Tube Video Blitz... Facts and Stats... Your Thoughts...
HAS THE WORLD GONE MAD?
According to the following recently released documents from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - (1) "State Smoke-Free Indoor Air Fact Sheet";
(2) "State Comparison Report Cigarette Use (Adults) - BRFSS"; (3) "State System - Trend Report Cessation (Adults) - BRFSS"; and/or (4) "State System - Tobacco Control Highlights Report":
1. AS of 12/31/08 - based upon a household survey (one aspect of the "2008 National Health Interview Survey"):
California and Connecticut were listed as being among the states that had NO "smoke free" indoor laws - AND as being amongst the states that had cigarette rates that were (comparitively, relatively low): 14.3% and 15.5%, respectively. [I can't explain the discrepancy regarding California - or any other state - in the videos represented below - unless the laws (These videos were submitted at different times) have been fluctuating (They certainly have, in many cases) and/or changed.]
Wheras Colorado and New York State were listed as being among the states that had FOUR "smoke free" laws (restaurants, "government worksites", "private worksites" and bars) - AND as being amongst the states that had cigarette rates that were (comparitively, relatively high): 18.7% and 18.9%, respectively.
Utah (which was listed as having three "smoke free" laws during the noted time span) had the lowest rate (11.7%) noted - but these results were quite likely (in my opinion) confounded by the high number (relatively speaking) of "Mormons" (who also, if tales be true, strongly discourage the consumption of coffee and alcohol...) in the state of Utah.
A sampling of some other states that are listed (during the noted time span) as having FOUR "smoke free" laws in effect - are listed - with their respective (comparitively speaking, relatively high to very high) rates - below:
Arizona: 19.8%
Delaware: 19.0%
Illinois: 20.2%
Iowa: 19.8%
New Mexico: 20.8%
Ohio: 23.1% [Think about it!]
Not to mention the fact that:
According to Figure 8.1 ("Prevalence of Current Smoking" - Adults 18+ - U.S. - 1997-Sept. 2008):
Smoking (cigarettes) trends - after dancing around (with the various laws, taxes and mandates?) - actually INCREASED from Jan. 2007 to September of 2008 - to approximately the same levels present in 2004, 2005 and 2006.
The highest rates (adult population, age 18+) of tobacco usuage, according to one or more of the above sources, is amongst the Alaskan Natives and American Indians (35.3%) and those (adults, aged 20 plus) with less than 12 years of formal education (30.6%)
To which one could add the fact that although cigarette taxes have generally gone up, up, up... primarily affecting those that can LEAST AFFORD IT - there was - according to one or more of these same sources (during this same time frame) - NO LEGISLATION aimed towards the cigarette advertising industry.
And although the "gross revenue" from cigarette taxes (2007) was listed as being $936,456,574...
The National and Federal "investment in tobacco control" efforts (2007) was listed (making this investment appear rather insincere...) at a mere $3,422,465.
-------------------------------------------------------------
That said (remember all of these laws and stats are in flux...) - please view and read the following - and give some thought (Feedback is welcomed!) to all of the facts, stats and ideas that are presented here:
["Just Can't Quit: How Far Will Smoking Bans Go?"; as submitted to ReasonTV on 11/12/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=136FNtfOgRY]
[""Smoking" Banned In Your Own Home-California Adopts Hitlers Policy"; as submitted to You Tube by Ahmenra2012 on 1/29/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1M9ENyWXIA]
["Jump In Tobacco Tax To Shock Smokers"; as submitted by kmbctv on 3/25/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jg4IvRrttEc]
-------------------------------------------------------------
"House set to vote on tobacco regulation bill"; Published - Apr 01 2009 06:24PM EST;
By ERICA WERNER, Associated Press; http://www.rr.com/news/politics/article/9008/7320109/House_set_to_vote_on_tobacco_regulation_bill/100/
"The House is poised to thrust tobacco companies under government control after years of attempts in legislatures and the courts to tame one of the country's signature industries.
'We cannot and we must not wait a moment longer to protect our children from this killer,' Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., said as lawmakers began debate Wednesday evening on landmark legislation giving the Food and Drug Administration authority for the first time to regulate cigarettes and other tobacco products.
Passage of the bill was expected Thursday morning.
Opponents contended that the legislation would hurt the economy and that the FDA wasn't up to the job.
'The last thing we should be doing is force the FDA to regulate an inherently dangerous product,' said Rep. Steve Buyer, R-Ind.
Senate action would still be required, as well as President Barack Obama's signature, but supporters said both those pieces were in place. They pointed to strong backing from the White House _ where Obama has spoken of his own struggles to kick the cigarette habit _ and an increased Democratic majority in a Senate that's already shown itself inclined to support the bill.
The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act would amount to the biggest change ever in the government's approach toward tobacco, which has remained largely hands-off even as the health hazards have become increasingly clear.
Although the FDA wouldn't be allowed to ban nicotine or tobacco, the agency would be able to regulate the contents of tobacco products, make public their ingredients, prohibit flavoring, require much larger warning labels and control marketing campaigns, especially those geared toward children.
'This would be the most significant tobacco bill the Congress of the United States has ever enacted,' said Matthew Myers, president of Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. 'It would bring about fundamental change.'
The FDA has come under criticism after fumbling a series of health scares, and opponents of said the agency was already overburdened and couldn't handle the job of regulating another big industry. U.S. tobacco production was valued at $1.3 billion in 2007.
Opponents also argued that the bill by Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Calif., was unrealistically aimed at ending smoking altogether and wouldn't allow nicotine addicts to learn of alternatives like smokeless tobacco. Supporters of the bill disputed that claim.
Adult tobacco users who have not quit 'should be encouraged to move from tobacco products with higher risks to those with lower risks,' said Maura Payne, spokeswoman for R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.
Buyer was offering an alternate bill that would encourage development of less-harmful tobacco products and leave the FDA out of the process.
The country's largest tobacco company, Marlboro-maker Philip Morris USA, is supporting Waxman's bill. Some analysts say the legislation could lock in Philip Morris' market share while stunting the ability of other companies to compete.
Under President George W. Bush, who issued a veto threat after the House passed a nearly identical version of Waxman's bill last year, the FDA said it didn't want the job of regulating tobacco. The Obama administration is welcoming the task.
The White House issued a statement Wednesday saying it 'strongly supported' the bill.
The issue has a long history laced with lawsuits and politics. President Bill Clinton's FDA chief, David Kessler, pushed hard for tobacco regulations. In 1994, Waxman summoned the heads of big tobacco to the famous hearing in which they testified that nicotine wasn't addictive.
Subsequent lawsuits against tobacco companies resulted in big payouts to states, some of which funded smoking-reduction campaigns that have contributed to a decrease in smoking rates. About one in five adults in the U.S. now smokes cigarettes. But a 2000 Supreme Court ruling that FDA didn't have the authority to regulate tobacco makes congressional action necessary."
-------------------------------------------------
Questions that come to mind:
HAS THE WORLD GONE MAD?
Who is the April "fool" - Smokers? [Big bucks for a cig in NY State!) - or the US (in this instance) government [If "they" really want smokers to quit "for their own good" (ahem) - shouldn't they shut down the cigarette manufacturers? If all smokers were to quit, wouldn't that mean a whole lot less business (and that oh so precious revenue...) for a whole LOT of folks? Don't you think there might be better ways [Lots of taxes are going up in NY State folks!] to finance children's health [How about raising the taxes (these are at least directly relative...) on CANDY and SODA POP?]
Could this issue (non-smoking rules / higher taxation on cigarettes...) be yet another reason why a whole lot of small to medium size businesses (mom and pop shops, chain retail markets, restaurants, bars, hotels, motels, etc.) are (Look around folks! I don't think Americans take well to being sold something and then shamed and punished for buying and using it...) failing?
Whilst, ironically - according to some other sources (to be provided upon request) - up to 95% of the American people want to see (at the same time that smoking is virtually being made into a "crime") marijuana legalized - which would theoretically set up this whole chain reaction [legalize it = big money for the "market" > tax it > shame it and condemn those that use it > re-criminalize it > etc...]
Whilst the boozers [I'm personally in favor of legal cigarettes, marijuana and booze - as long as all are utilized RESPONSIBLY by adults ONLY - AND these items are TAXED WITHIN REASON) go on their "happy" (It looks like folks might be able to buy wine in their supermarkets soon...) way...
Crazy stuff?
I'd say.
But I'm more interested in the thoughts of others, right this moment, than my own! So please DO [Thank you.] add YOUR comments!
[If any errors are noted in my write-up, please let me know and they will be (after checking back with the noted sources) corrected. There is much more information available on these topics via the CDC and other links mentioned and/or provided.]
NS
According to the following recently released documents from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - (1) "State Smoke-Free Indoor Air Fact Sheet";
(2) "State Comparison Report Cigarette Use (Adults) - BRFSS"; (3) "State System - Trend Report Cessation (Adults) - BRFSS"; and/or (4) "State System - Tobacco Control Highlights Report":
1. AS of 12/31/08 - based upon a household survey (one aspect of the "2008 National Health Interview Survey"):
California and Connecticut were listed as being among the states that had NO "smoke free" indoor laws - AND as being amongst the states that had cigarette rates that were (comparitively, relatively low): 14.3% and 15.5%, respectively. [I can't explain the discrepancy regarding California - or any other state - in the videos represented below - unless the laws (These videos were submitted at different times) have been fluctuating (They certainly have, in many cases) and/or changed.]
Wheras Colorado and New York State were listed as being among the states that had FOUR "smoke free" laws (restaurants, "government worksites", "private worksites" and bars) - AND as being amongst the states that had cigarette rates that were (comparitively, relatively high): 18.7% and 18.9%, respectively.
Utah (which was listed as having three "smoke free" laws during the noted time span) had the lowest rate (11.7%) noted - but these results were quite likely (in my opinion) confounded by the high number (relatively speaking) of "Mormons" (who also, if tales be true, strongly discourage the consumption of coffee and alcohol...) in the state of Utah.
A sampling of some other states that are listed (during the noted time span) as having FOUR "smoke free" laws in effect - are listed - with their respective (comparitively speaking, relatively high to very high) rates - below:
Arizona: 19.8%
Delaware: 19.0%
Illinois: 20.2%
Iowa: 19.8%
New Mexico: 20.8%
Ohio: 23.1% [Think about it!]
Not to mention the fact that:
According to Figure 8.1 ("Prevalence of Current Smoking" - Adults 18+ - U.S. - 1997-Sept. 2008):
Smoking (cigarettes) trends - after dancing around (with the various laws, taxes and mandates?) - actually INCREASED from Jan. 2007 to September of 2008 - to approximately the same levels present in 2004, 2005 and 2006.
The highest rates (adult population, age 18+) of tobacco usuage, according to one or more of the above sources, is amongst the Alaskan Natives and American Indians (35.3%) and those (adults, aged 20 plus) with less than 12 years of formal education (30.6%)
To which one could add the fact that although cigarette taxes have generally gone up, up, up... primarily affecting those that can LEAST AFFORD IT - there was - according to one or more of these same sources (during this same time frame) - NO LEGISLATION aimed towards the cigarette advertising industry.
And although the "gross revenue" from cigarette taxes (2007) was listed as being $936,456,574...
The National and Federal "investment in tobacco control" efforts (2007) was listed (making this investment appear rather insincere...) at a mere $3,422,465.
-------------------------------------------------------------
That said (remember all of these laws and stats are in flux...) - please view and read the following - and give some thought (Feedback is welcomed!) to all of the facts, stats and ideas that are presented here:
["Just Can't Quit: How Far Will Smoking Bans Go?"; as submitted to ReasonTV on 11/12/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=136FNtfOgRY]
[""Smoking" Banned In Your Own Home-California Adopts Hitlers Policy"; as submitted to You Tube by Ahmenra2012 on 1/29/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1M9ENyWXIA]
["Jump In Tobacco Tax To Shock Smokers"; as submitted by kmbctv on 3/25/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jg4IvRrttEc]
-------------------------------------------------------------
"House set to vote on tobacco regulation bill"; Published - Apr 01 2009 06:24PM EST;
By ERICA WERNER, Associated Press; http://www.rr.com/news/politics/article/9008/7320109/House_set_to_vote_on_tobacco_regulation_bill/100/
"The House is poised to thrust tobacco companies under government control after years of attempts in legislatures and the courts to tame one of the country's signature industries.
'We cannot and we must not wait a moment longer to protect our children from this killer,' Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., said as lawmakers began debate Wednesday evening on landmark legislation giving the Food and Drug Administration authority for the first time to regulate cigarettes and other tobacco products.
Passage of the bill was expected Thursday morning.
Opponents contended that the legislation would hurt the economy and that the FDA wasn't up to the job.
'The last thing we should be doing is force the FDA to regulate an inherently dangerous product,' said Rep. Steve Buyer, R-Ind.
Senate action would still be required, as well as President Barack Obama's signature, but supporters said both those pieces were in place. They pointed to strong backing from the White House _ where Obama has spoken of his own struggles to kick the cigarette habit _ and an increased Democratic majority in a Senate that's already shown itself inclined to support the bill.
The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act would amount to the biggest change ever in the government's approach toward tobacco, which has remained largely hands-off even as the health hazards have become increasingly clear.
Although the FDA wouldn't be allowed to ban nicotine or tobacco, the agency would be able to regulate the contents of tobacco products, make public their ingredients, prohibit flavoring, require much larger warning labels and control marketing campaigns, especially those geared toward children.
'This would be the most significant tobacco bill the Congress of the United States has ever enacted,' said Matthew Myers, president of Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. 'It would bring about fundamental change.'
The FDA has come under criticism after fumbling a series of health scares, and opponents of said the agency was already overburdened and couldn't handle the job of regulating another big industry. U.S. tobacco production was valued at $1.3 billion in 2007.
Opponents also argued that the bill by Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Calif., was unrealistically aimed at ending smoking altogether and wouldn't allow nicotine addicts to learn of alternatives like smokeless tobacco. Supporters of the bill disputed that claim.
Adult tobacco users who have not quit 'should be encouraged to move from tobacco products with higher risks to those with lower risks,' said Maura Payne, spokeswoman for R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.
Buyer was offering an alternate bill that would encourage development of less-harmful tobacco products and leave the FDA out of the process.
The country's largest tobacco company, Marlboro-maker Philip Morris USA, is supporting Waxman's bill. Some analysts say the legislation could lock in Philip Morris' market share while stunting the ability of other companies to compete.
Under President George W. Bush, who issued a veto threat after the House passed a nearly identical version of Waxman's bill last year, the FDA said it didn't want the job of regulating tobacco. The Obama administration is welcoming the task.
The White House issued a statement Wednesday saying it 'strongly supported' the bill.
The issue has a long history laced with lawsuits and politics. President Bill Clinton's FDA chief, David Kessler, pushed hard for tobacco regulations. In 1994, Waxman summoned the heads of big tobacco to the famous hearing in which they testified that nicotine wasn't addictive.
Subsequent lawsuits against tobacco companies resulted in big payouts to states, some of which funded smoking-reduction campaigns that have contributed to a decrease in smoking rates. About one in five adults in the U.S. now smokes cigarettes. But a 2000 Supreme Court ruling that FDA didn't have the authority to regulate tobacco makes congressional action necessary."
-------------------------------------------------
Questions that come to mind:
HAS THE WORLD GONE MAD?
Who is the April "fool" - Smokers? [Big bucks for a cig in NY State!) - or the US (in this instance) government [If "they" really want smokers to quit "for their own good" (ahem) - shouldn't they shut down the cigarette manufacturers? If all smokers were to quit, wouldn't that mean a whole lot less business (and that oh so precious revenue...) for a whole LOT of folks? Don't you think there might be better ways [Lots of taxes are going up in NY State folks!] to finance children's health [How about raising the taxes (these are at least directly relative...) on CANDY and SODA POP?]
Could this issue (non-smoking rules / higher taxation on cigarettes...) be yet another reason why a whole lot of small to medium size businesses (mom and pop shops, chain retail markets, restaurants, bars, hotels, motels, etc.) are (Look around folks! I don't think Americans take well to being sold something and then shamed and punished for buying and using it...) failing?
Whilst, ironically - according to some other sources (to be provided upon request) - up to 95% of the American people want to see (at the same time that smoking is virtually being made into a "crime") marijuana legalized - which would theoretically set up this whole chain reaction [legalize it = big money for the "market" > tax it > shame it and condemn those that use it > re-criminalize it > etc...]
Whilst the boozers [I'm personally in favor of legal cigarettes, marijuana and booze - as long as all are utilized RESPONSIBLY by adults ONLY - AND these items are TAXED WITHIN REASON) go on their "happy" (It looks like folks might be able to buy wine in their supermarkets soon...) way...
Crazy stuff?
I'd say.
But I'm more interested in the thoughts of others, right this moment, than my own! So please DO [Thank you.] add YOUR comments!
[If any errors are noted in my write-up, please let me know and they will be (after checking back with the noted sources) corrected. There is much more information available on these topics via the CDC and other links mentioned and/or provided.]
NS
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Mighty Love Music Video... You Tube
["Mighty Love SPINNERS"; as submitted to You Tube by namikaze1028 on March 01, 2008; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXnslL-_Xww]
Peace, Love, Equality and Humane Justice,
NS
Peace, Love, Equality and Humane Justice,
NS
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Health Care Views and News.... Flat Fee Service... You Tube Video... DHHS News Release March 27 2009... New York... Health Care for the Uninsured...
Health Care Views and News...
1. "State Tells Doctor He Can Not Offer a Flat Fee Service to Uninsured Patients"
["State Tells Doctor He Can Not Offer a Flat Fee Service to Uninsured Patients"; as submitted to You Tube by sallee5 on March 15, 2009; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7ygbNS6dl8]
Thoughts?
------------------------------------------------------
2. "...FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... Friday, March 27, 2009... Contact: HHS Press Office... (202) 690-6343...
HHS Releases $338 Million to Expand Community Health Centers, Serve More Patients
Grants Will Support Centers That Care for the Uninsured, Support Up to 6,400 Jobs [Bold print mine]
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) today announced the release of $338 million to expand services offered at the nation’s community health centers. The money was made available by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and comes as more Americans join the ranks of the uninsured.
'More Americans are losing their health insurance and turning to health centers for care,' said Health Resources and Services Administrator (HRSA) Mary Wakefield, Ph.D., R.N. 'These grants will aid centers in their efforts to provide care to an increasing number of patients during the economic downturn.'
The grants -- titled Increased Demand for Services (IDS) grants -- will be distributed to 1,128 federally qualified health center grantees. Health centers will use the funds over the next two years to create or retain approximately 6,400 health center jobs.
Grantees submitted plans explaining how the IDS funds would be used. Strategies to expand services may include, but are not limited to, adding new providers, expanding hours of operations or expanding services. The funds will provide care to an additional 2.1 million patients over the next two years, including approximately 1 million uninsured people.
Health centers deliver preventive and primary care services to patients regardless of their ability to pay; charges for services are set according to income. Health centers served more than 16 million patients in 2007, about 40 percent of whom had no health insurance.
The IDS awards are the second set of health center grants provided through the Recovery Act. On March 2, President Obama announced grants worth $155 million to establish 126 new health centers. Those grants will provide access to health center care for 750,000 people in 39 states and two territories.
To see a list of grantees by state, go to http://www.hhs.gov/recovery/programs/hrsa/idsgawards.html. To find a health center near you or to learn more about health centers, visit http://bphc.hrsa.gov/
The activities described in this release are being funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). To track the progress of HHS activities funded through the ARRA, visit www.hhs.gov/recovery. To track all federal funds provided through the ARRA, visit www.recovery.gov.
The Health Resources and Services Administration is part of the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services. HRSA is the primary federal agency responsible for improving access to health care services for people who are uninsured, isolated, or medically vulnerable. For more information about HRSA and its programs, visit www.hrsa.gov
... All HHS press releases, fact sheets and other press materials are available at http://www.hhs.gov/news... Last revised: March 27, 2009... United States Department of Health and Human Services; HHS.gov ...
http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2009pres/03/20090327a.html "
-------------------------------------------
3. From the US Department of Health and Human Services *American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009" [3/27/09 - Modified for this format / See original document at http://www.hhs.gov/recovery/programs/hrsa/idsgawards.html for more extensive (including information regarding other states) information...]:
New York State:
Projected # of Grants: "51"
Projected "Amount": "$19,439,038"
"Projected New/Retained Jobs": "323"
"Estimated New Patients": "89,524"
"Estimated New Uninsured Patients": "31,137"
---------------------------------------------------------
Innovative Ideas and Some GOOD News :) for a Lot of Folks!
Peace, Love, Equality and Humane Justice,
NS
1. "State Tells Doctor He Can Not Offer a Flat Fee Service to Uninsured Patients"
["State Tells Doctor He Can Not Offer a Flat Fee Service to Uninsured Patients"; as submitted to You Tube by sallee5 on March 15, 2009; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7ygbNS6dl8]
Thoughts?
------------------------------------------------------
2. "...FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE... Friday, March 27, 2009... Contact: HHS Press Office... (202) 690-6343...
HHS Releases $338 Million to Expand Community Health Centers, Serve More Patients
Grants Will Support Centers That Care for the Uninsured, Support Up to 6,400 Jobs [Bold print mine]
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) today announced the release of $338 million to expand services offered at the nation’s community health centers. The money was made available by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and comes as more Americans join the ranks of the uninsured.
'More Americans are losing their health insurance and turning to health centers for care,' said Health Resources and Services Administrator (HRSA) Mary Wakefield, Ph.D., R.N. 'These grants will aid centers in their efforts to provide care to an increasing number of patients during the economic downturn.'
The grants -- titled Increased Demand for Services (IDS) grants -- will be distributed to 1,128 federally qualified health center grantees. Health centers will use the funds over the next two years to create or retain approximately 6,400 health center jobs.
Grantees submitted plans explaining how the IDS funds would be used. Strategies to expand services may include, but are not limited to, adding new providers, expanding hours of operations or expanding services. The funds will provide care to an additional 2.1 million patients over the next two years, including approximately 1 million uninsured people.
Health centers deliver preventive and primary care services to patients regardless of their ability to pay; charges for services are set according to income. Health centers served more than 16 million patients in 2007, about 40 percent of whom had no health insurance.
The IDS awards are the second set of health center grants provided through the Recovery Act. On March 2, President Obama announced grants worth $155 million to establish 126 new health centers. Those grants will provide access to health center care for 750,000 people in 39 states and two territories.
To see a list of grantees by state, go to http://www.hhs.gov/recovery/programs/hrsa/idsgawards.html. To find a health center near you or to learn more about health centers, visit http://bphc.hrsa.gov/
The activities described in this release are being funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). To track the progress of HHS activities funded through the ARRA, visit www.hhs.gov/recovery. To track all federal funds provided through the ARRA, visit www.recovery.gov.
The Health Resources and Services Administration is part of the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services. HRSA is the primary federal agency responsible for improving access to health care services for people who are uninsured, isolated, or medically vulnerable. For more information about HRSA and its programs, visit www.hrsa.gov
... All HHS press releases, fact sheets and other press materials are available at http://www.hhs.gov/news... Last revised: March 27, 2009... United States Department of Health and Human Services; HHS.gov ...
http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2009pres/03/20090327a.html "
-------------------------------------------
3. From the US Department of Health and Human Services *American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009" [3/27/09 - Modified for this format / See original document at http://www.hhs.gov/recovery/programs/hrsa/idsgawards.html for more extensive (including information regarding other states) information...]:
New York State:
Projected # of Grants: "51"
Projected "Amount": "$19,439,038"
"Projected New/Retained Jobs": "323"
"Estimated New Patients": "89,524"
"Estimated New Uninsured Patients": "31,137"
---------------------------------------------------------
Innovative Ideas and Some GOOD News :) for a Lot of Folks!
Peace, Love, Equality and Humane Justice,
NS
Mexican Border... Hillary Clinton... One Courageous Woman... Incredible Music Video Tribute to Marvin Gaye... Peace... Change... You Tube...
[Photo by NS]---------------------------------------------------------
Mexican Border Issues...
One Courageous [Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (Thank YOU!)] Woman!
["Hillary Clinton In Mexico"; as contributed to You Tube by CBS on 3/26/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWQmbqoxu5E]
--------------------------------------------------------
As posted on You Tube:
"A tribute to Marvin Gaye. Here's to peace and change for 2009..."
["Marvin Gaye Tribute - What's Going On"; contributed to You Tube by janisbuckley on 1/13/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PS3onWcGg_k]
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Rockefeller Drug Laws...
["Rockefeller Drug Laws Challenged - New York Post"; as submitted to You Tube by NYPost on March 26, 2009; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1E8bTUbquM]
Thoughts?
N.S.
Thoughts?
N.S.
Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
As a "recovering" whatever I might be - and a spiritual, although not fundamentally "religious" person - I have stated, previously, my displeasure with President Obama's continuation of the Office of Faith Based Services (renamed, I believe) --- and with other aspects of the status-quot (be it local or national, past and/or current) that exploit and/or persecute (generally through group onslaughts and lobbyist groups) non-believers, free-thinkers and --- at this point --- perhaps business-oriented folks (Have we lost all respect for individualism, for innovation, for personal initiative? for the ability to THINK for ONESELF?) for the good aspects of Capitalism? [Every business person is NOT a crook, and every self-proclaimed religious guru is NOT a exemplary American citizen!]
I don't know.
But I do know that it seemed decidedly "weird" to be the only (that I know of) small "for profit" business that applied locally for a Community Development Block Grant [CDBG; start up / business expansion funding only] --- and that all of the other CDBG grant hopefuls present (to my knowledge) were "not-for-profits" --- some of whom already have assets in the tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars (or more) --- and are still requesting (and some apparently receiving...) MORE (ahem) "help."
Whatever.
I can "take my business" - and my HOME - elsewhere - if I so choose...
Which is what business after business after business - in the City of Kingston - has been doing - and probably (if current trends continue) WILL be doing...
Because you apparently can't receive (as a "for profit" enterprise) a buck around here --- OR MAKE A BUCK around here --- UNLESS YOU ARE (THERE CERTAINLY APPEARS TO BE SOME TRICKERY AFOOT - DOESN'T THERE?????) a "PROFITABLE" (AHEM... Isn't this a very strange oxymoron?????) "NOT-FOR-PROFIT..."
And it appears as if even the "not-for-profits" that have modest assets --- some as low as $0!!!!! --- are shut out and/or unaware of these little ('tis my impression / opinion) government / not-for-profit... (tangled in sheets of green?) "fun and games!" (??????!!!!!!)
I could be wrong, of course.
I'm certainly not an expert on any of this...
But I think some things around here could use a serious "look see" / investigation by some folks (preferably from out of the area and NOT connected to the local big-bucks folks...) that are empowered (attached to the state Attorney Generals office?) to do such things...
That said, I would prefer not to be panhandled by homeless folks and/or addicts (though my heart goes out to both) when exiting a local establishment...
But I would personally rather be panhandled (as long as they are not violent) by the above (homeless / addicts) when exiting a local establishment... than by a church group or groups... which is exactly what happened (this actually happened to my husband, who handed me the fliers when he got into the car) when he was leaving a local establishment / business (on Broadway) last night... [You can apparently donate your money and/or goods to these folks online... or even leave your home/property to them in your will, if you so choose...]
Iyiyi.
Anyhoot, the following was received (via email) from the Freedom from Religion Foundation [ffrf.org] and I thought - today - since I am feeling a little "grrrrrrrr" - that I would pass it on:
--------------------------------------------------------
“ . . . I've come to realize it's time to sound the alarm.
Whether we brights are a minority or, as I am inclined to believe, a silent majority, our deepest convictions are increasingly dismissed, belittled and condemned by those in power -- by politicians who go out of their way to invoke God and to stand, self-righteously preening, on what they call 'the side of the angels.'
. . . Politicians don't think they even have to pay us lip service, and leaders who wouldn't be caught dead making religious or ethnic slurs don't hesitate to disparage the 'godless' among us.
From the White House down, bright-bashing is seen as a low-risk vote-getter. And, of course, the assault isn't only rhetorical: the Bush administration has advocated changes in government rules and policies to increase the role of religious organizations in daily life, a serious subversion of the Constitution. It is time to halt this erosion and to take a stand: the United States is not a religious state, it is a secular state that tolerates all religions and--yes--all manner of nonreligious ethical beliefs as well.”
-- Daniel C. Dennett, "The Bright Stuff," The New York Times, July 12, 2003
----------------------------------------------------------
You may agree with some or all of the above --- or no...
That - of course - is your "business" (Is there a pun in there somewhere?) and your right.
Peace, Love, Equality and Humane Justice,
NS
I don't know.
But I do know that it seemed decidedly "weird" to be the only (that I know of) small "for profit" business that applied locally for a Community Development Block Grant [CDBG; start up / business expansion funding only] --- and that all of the other CDBG grant hopefuls present (to my knowledge) were "not-for-profits" --- some of whom already have assets in the tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars (or more) --- and are still requesting (and some apparently receiving...) MORE (ahem) "help."
Whatever.
I can "take my business" - and my HOME - elsewhere - if I so choose...
Which is what business after business after business - in the City of Kingston - has been doing - and probably (if current trends continue) WILL be doing...
Because you apparently can't receive (as a "for profit" enterprise) a buck around here --- OR MAKE A BUCK around here --- UNLESS YOU ARE (THERE CERTAINLY APPEARS TO BE SOME TRICKERY AFOOT - DOESN'T THERE?????) a "PROFITABLE" (AHEM... Isn't this a very strange oxymoron?????) "NOT-FOR-PROFIT..."
And it appears as if even the "not-for-profits" that have modest assets --- some as low as $0!!!!! --- are shut out and/or unaware of these little ('tis my impression / opinion) government / not-for-profit... (tangled in sheets of green?) "fun and games!" (??????!!!!!!)
I could be wrong, of course.
I'm certainly not an expert on any of this...
But I think some things around here could use a serious "look see" / investigation by some folks (preferably from out of the area and NOT connected to the local big-bucks folks...) that are empowered (attached to the state Attorney Generals office?) to do such things...
That said, I would prefer not to be panhandled by homeless folks and/or addicts (though my heart goes out to both) when exiting a local establishment...
But I would personally rather be panhandled (as long as they are not violent) by the above (homeless / addicts) when exiting a local establishment... than by a church group or groups... which is exactly what happened (this actually happened to my husband, who handed me the fliers when he got into the car) when he was leaving a local establishment / business (on Broadway) last night... [You can apparently donate your money and/or goods to these folks online... or even leave your home/property to them in your will, if you so choose...]
Iyiyi.
Anyhoot, the following was received (via email) from the Freedom from Religion Foundation [ffrf.org] and I thought - today - since I am feeling a little "grrrrrrrr" - that I would pass it on:
--------------------------------------------------------
“ . . . I've come to realize it's time to sound the alarm.
Whether we brights are a minority or, as I am inclined to believe, a silent majority, our deepest convictions are increasingly dismissed, belittled and condemned by those in power -- by politicians who go out of their way to invoke God and to stand, self-righteously preening, on what they call 'the side of the angels.'
. . . Politicians don't think they even have to pay us lip service, and leaders who wouldn't be caught dead making religious or ethnic slurs don't hesitate to disparage the 'godless' among us.
From the White House down, bright-bashing is seen as a low-risk vote-getter. And, of course, the assault isn't only rhetorical: the Bush administration has advocated changes in government rules and policies to increase the role of religious organizations in daily life, a serious subversion of the Constitution. It is time to halt this erosion and to take a stand: the United States is not a religious state, it is a secular state that tolerates all religions and--yes--all manner of nonreligious ethical beliefs as well.”
-- Daniel C. Dennett, "The Bright Stuff," The New York Times, July 12, 2003
----------------------------------------------------------
You may agree with some or all of the above --- or no...
That - of course - is your "business" (Is there a pun in there somewhere?) and your right.
Peace, Love, Equality and Humane Justice,
NS
Friday, March 27, 2009
Tears of a Clown... Obama... Afghanistan... Motherhood... You Tube Videos
My reasons for the following You Tube video choices may not be discernable to anyone other than me... but things have been complex (to say the least) lately... and sometimes I just go where my heart leads me...
["Smokey Robinson & The Miracles-The Tears Of A Clown"; as submitted to You Tube by lee57 on August 09, 2007; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2kxlZDOHeQ]
"An extract from the preface to Barack Obama's first book "Dreams from my Father", in which he pays tribute to his mother Ann Dunham. Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance by Barac...
["Obama's Tribute to his Mother [ Audiobook CD ]"; as submitted to You Tube by MrObama on February 15, 2008; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRYh3Ae-DoQ]
"NBC Nightly News covers Barack Obama's mother, talking with the Senator about his childhood and the legacy of his mother in his life today...
["NBC News: Ann Dunham"; as submitted to You Tube by BarackObamadotcom on March 28, 2008; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7An5LPXjOa4]
I'm a mother...
I love my children with all my heart...
And I have loved... in a sense of speaking... President Obama, in an almost paterally proud way... as well.
That said, I hope President Obama asks himself what his mother would think of his current policy in regard to Afghanistan...
Because we surely do not need another Vietnam - we do not need more coffins - we do not need more dead soldiers or civilians on either side...
And I think, in this instance, President Obama (with all due respect and an acknowlegment of my own relative naivete) can do better.
Peace, Love, Equality and Humane Justice,
NS
["Smokey Robinson & The Miracles-The Tears Of A Clown"; as submitted to You Tube by lee57 on August 09, 2007; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2kxlZDOHeQ]
"An extract from the preface to Barack Obama's first book "Dreams from my Father", in which he pays tribute to his mother Ann Dunham. Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance by Barac...
["Obama's Tribute to his Mother [ Audiobook CD ]"; as submitted to You Tube by MrObama on February 15, 2008; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRYh3Ae-DoQ]
"NBC Nightly News covers Barack Obama's mother, talking with the Senator about his childhood and the legacy of his mother in his life today...
["NBC News: Ann Dunham"; as submitted to You Tube by BarackObamadotcom on March 28, 2008; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7An5LPXjOa4]
I'm a mother...
I love my children with all my heart...
And I have loved... in a sense of speaking... President Obama, in an almost paterally proud way... as well.
That said, I hope President Obama asks himself what his mother would think of his current policy in regard to Afghanistan...
Because we surely do not need another Vietnam - we do not need more coffins - we do not need more dead soldiers or civilians on either side...
And I think, in this instance, President Obama (with all due respect and an acknowlegment of my own relative naivete) can do better.
Peace, Love, Equality and Humane Justice,
NS
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Put a Little Love in Your Heart... You Tube
["Put a Little Love in Your Heart"; as submitted by shirleymacd on 5/17/07; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YC2Q3FdpX6I]
Friday, March 20, 2009
ABC's First Lady Michelle Obama Interview... Organizing for America Pledge Project Canvasses... You Tube
["ABC's First Lady Michelle Obama Interview - 03/13/09"; as submitted to You Tube by NewsPoliticsNews on 3/13/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UgRE7u5SYGM]
"President Obama talks about his budget and asks you to get involved by making calls and talking to friends and neighbors. Take action now: ttp://my.barackobama.com/b...
["A New Foundation for Growth"; as submitted to You Tube by BarackObamadotcom on 3/17/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8QVg2TWLo8]
Respectfully Submitted by,
NS
"President Obama talks about his budget and asks you to get involved by making calls and talking to friends and neighbors. Take action now: ttp://my.barackobama.com/b...
["A New Foundation for Growth"; as submitted to You Tube by BarackObamadotcom on 3/17/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8QVg2TWLo8]
Respectfully Submitted by,
NS
Thursday, March 19, 2009
ChipsNDips Entertainment... St Patricks Parade Photos... Silly and Serious... Lions Expo... More
A seeming contrast, one would be amazed at how well the silly and the serious can be blended together - which is, at its best - what Chips'NDips Entertainment (the awareness, empowerment, educational and prevention component...) is all about!
[Photo by BS]
"1 in 4 teens in a relationship say they have been called names, harassed or put down by their partner through cell phones and texting. Digital communication is an integral part of teens lives and ...
["Teen Dating Violence Prevention - Textual Harassment :60"; as submitted to You Tube by adcouncil on 2/19/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U2gIEqW-lL8]
[Photo by BS]
["Schoolhouse Rock- How a Bill Becomes a Law"; as submitted to You Tube by Necrovir on 10/3/06; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEJL2Uuv-oQ]
Chips'NDips Entertainment also does just plain FUN children's parties, party hosting, karaoke, open mike poetry - and a whole lot more...
As was the case at January 09 Party at the Kingston MuddyCup, as evidenced in some of the other pictures - and a video - that can be found elsewhere on this site.
Respectfully posted by,
NS
[Photo by BS]"1 in 4 teens in a relationship say they have been called names, harassed or put down by their partner through cell phones and texting. Digital communication is an integral part of teens lives and ...
["Teen Dating Violence Prevention - Textual Harassment :60"; as submitted to You Tube by adcouncil on 2/19/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U2gIEqW-lL8]
[Photo by BS]["Schoolhouse Rock- How a Bill Becomes a Law"; as submitted to You Tube by Necrovir on 10/3/06; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEJL2Uuv-oQ]
Chips'NDips Entertainment also does just plain FUN children's parties, party hosting, karaoke, open mike poetry - and a whole lot more...
As was the case at January 09 Party at the Kingston MuddyCup, as evidenced in some of the other pictures - and a video - that can be found elsewhere on this site.
Respectfully posted by,
NS
Lion's Expo 2009... Chips'NDips Entertainment... Hakuna Matata... You Tube
Don't forget the Lion's Club Expo at the Hudson Valley Mall this weekend!
----------------------------------------------------
["Hakuna Matata(English)"; as submitted to You Tube by pyrolonewolf on 12/21/06; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejEVczA8PLU]
---------------------------------------------------
For more information on "Lions Expo 2009" - please check out the Kingston Lions Club website at http://kingstonlions.com/
NS
----------------------------------------------------
["Hakuna Matata(English)"; as submitted to You Tube by pyrolonewolf on 12/21/06; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejEVczA8PLU]
---------------------------------------------------
For more information on "Lions Expo 2009" - please check out the Kingston Lions Club website at http://kingstonlions.com/
NS
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Rosenberg on Nonviolent Communication ~ NVC... You Tube
The next two treads address some serious issues, so when I came across this video, even though it is from 5/08 - I thought it might provided a wider lens through which to see and try to comprehend the problems - and potential solutions - facing our City, County, State, Nation, World...
["Rosenberg on Nonviolent Communication ~ NVC"; as submitted to You Tube by PuddleDancercom1 on 5/7/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZ-fUVM4Dos]
Please note that I'm not sure I understand all of this video, but I am always trying to learn...
Respectfully posted by,
NS
["Rosenberg on Nonviolent Communication ~ NVC"; as submitted to You Tube by PuddleDancercom1 on 5/7/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZ-fUVM4Dos]
Please note that I'm not sure I understand all of this video, but I am always trying to learn...
Respectfully posted by,
NS
Associated Press... Road Runner Article... II... What Do You Think?
Copied and Pasted / Full Sources Listed Below:
"Defendant Josef Fritzl hides his face behind a blue file folder prior to his trial Monday, March 16, 2009, at the provincial courthouse in St. Poelten, Austria. A man accused of imprisoning his daughter for nearly a quarter of a century and fathering her seven children repeatedly raped her in front of the youngsters, prosecutors said Monday as his trial opened in Austria.
In a stunning turn of events, an Austrian on trial for imprisoning his daughter for 24 years and fathering her seven children pleaded guilty Wednesday to all charges against him _ including negligent homicide. The move came after his daughter reportedly made an unannounced appearance in the courtroom.
Surprising even his lawyer, Josef Fritzl calmly acknowledged his guilt on the third day of a trial that has drawn worldwide media attention for its shocking allegations.
"I declare myself guilty to the charges in the indictment," Fritzl, 73, told a panel of judges, referring to what he called "my sick behavior."
Fritzl faces up to life imprisonment on the negligent homicide count, which he initially had contested along with an enslavement charge. Prosecutors also had charged him with rape, incest, forced imprisonment and coercion.
Asked by the presiding judge what had led him to change his mind, Fritzl said it was the testimony from his daughter Elisabeth. Fritzl, jurors and the rest of the court had viewed 11 hours of her videotaped testimony during closed-door sessions Monday and Tuesday.
However, a person familiar with the trial told The Associated Press that Elisabeth was in the courtroom on both days _ suggesting her presence alone might have shaken Fritzl and prompted him to change his pleas.
The source spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the closed-door proceedings.
Other officials would not confirm that Elisabeth was there. Before the trial, prosecutors had said she would not be present and would testify only through her prerecorded remarks.
Elisabeth was the prosecution's key witness against Fritzl. Now 42, she was 18 when he imprisoned her in the cramped, windowless cell he built beneath the family's home in the town of Amstetten.
The negligent homicide charge came for the death of an infant twin boy _ Michael _ born to Elisabeth in April 1996 who prosecutors say might have survived with proper medical care had he and his mother not been locked in the basement.
Elisabeth and her six surviving children, who range in age from 6 to 20, have spent months recovering from their ordeal in a psychiatric clinic and at a secret location."
["Austrian incest father pleads guilty to charges - Published - Mar 18 2009 08:07AM EST - By VERONIKA OLEKSYN - Associated Press Writer; http://www.rr.com/home/home/article/6818193/7159234/Austrian_incest_father_pleads_guilty_to_charges/100/ ; Options Presented on Site: Share... Facebook... MySpace... delicious... digg... reddit... StumbleUpon... twitter]
"Defendant Josef Fritzl hides his face behind a blue file folder prior to his trial Monday, March 16, 2009, at the provincial courthouse in St. Poelten, Austria. A man accused of imprisoning his daughter for nearly a quarter of a century and fathering her seven children repeatedly raped her in front of the youngsters, prosecutors said Monday as his trial opened in Austria.
In a stunning turn of events, an Austrian on trial for imprisoning his daughter for 24 years and fathering her seven children pleaded guilty Wednesday to all charges against him _ including negligent homicide. The move came after his daughter reportedly made an unannounced appearance in the courtroom.
Surprising even his lawyer, Josef Fritzl calmly acknowledged his guilt on the third day of a trial that has drawn worldwide media attention for its shocking allegations.
"I declare myself guilty to the charges in the indictment," Fritzl, 73, told a panel of judges, referring to what he called "my sick behavior."
Fritzl faces up to life imprisonment on the negligent homicide count, which he initially had contested along with an enslavement charge. Prosecutors also had charged him with rape, incest, forced imprisonment and coercion.
Asked by the presiding judge what had led him to change his mind, Fritzl said it was the testimony from his daughter Elisabeth. Fritzl, jurors and the rest of the court had viewed 11 hours of her videotaped testimony during closed-door sessions Monday and Tuesday.
However, a person familiar with the trial told The Associated Press that Elisabeth was in the courtroom on both days _ suggesting her presence alone might have shaken Fritzl and prompted him to change his pleas.
The source spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the closed-door proceedings.
Other officials would not confirm that Elisabeth was there. Before the trial, prosecutors had said she would not be present and would testify only through her prerecorded remarks.
Elisabeth was the prosecution's key witness against Fritzl. Now 42, she was 18 when he imprisoned her in the cramped, windowless cell he built beneath the family's home in the town of Amstetten.
The negligent homicide charge came for the death of an infant twin boy _ Michael _ born to Elisabeth in April 1996 who prosecutors say might have survived with proper medical care had he and his mother not been locked in the basement.
Elisabeth and her six surviving children, who range in age from 6 to 20, have spent months recovering from their ordeal in a psychiatric clinic and at a secret location."
["Austrian incest father pleads guilty to charges - Published - Mar 18 2009 08:07AM EST - By VERONIKA OLEKSYN - Associated Press Writer; http://www.rr.com/home/home/article/6818193/7159234/Austrian_incest_father_pleads_guilty_to_charges/100/ ; Options Presented on Site: Share... Facebook... MySpace... delicious... digg... reddit... StumbleUpon... twitter]
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Associated Press Road Runner Article... What Do You Think?
Copied and Pasted (Source at Bottom of Page):
"A pastor in this quiet, picturesque New England town thought he was doing the Christian thing when he took in a convicted child killer who had served his time but had nowhere to go. But some neighbors of the Rev. David Pinckney vehemently disagree, one even threatening to burn his house down after officials could find no one else willing to take 60-year-old Raymond Guay.
"Politicians think they can dump their trash in our small town," said one neighbor, Jon Morales, whose girlfriend and two children live across an unpaved road from Pinckney's home.
Chichester, a town of about 2,200 residents in south-central New Hampshire, has been in an uproar since the weekend, when police announced that Guay would spend two months with Pinckney's family.
About 40 angry residents protested outside the home Saturday, Merrimack County Sheriff Scott Hilliard said. One protester blustered that he wanted to set it on fire, he said.
Town leaders were expected Tuesday night to ask state and federal officials to remove Guay from town.
Guay already had a criminal record when he was charged in 1973, at age 25, with abducting and murdering a 12-year-old boy in Nashua. Authorities said he planned to sexually assault the boy, whose body was clad only in socks and undershorts.
Guay pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to up to 25 years. He kidnapped a Concord couple after briefly escaping from the nearby state prison in 1982 and was sent to a federal prison in California, where he stabbed an inmate in 1991, court records show.
After 35 years behind bars, he was released in September and ordered to serve his parole in New Hampshire. Guay's release followed a failed attempt by state officials to keep him incarcerated as a dangerous sexual predator under federal law.
Guay went instead to a halfway house in Connecticut but was returned to New Hampshire last week. Residents of Concord, where Pinckney leads a nondenominational congregation, loudly protested plans to put him there.
A Concord prison chaplain contacted Pinckney, who agreed to take Guay in after meeting him and clearing it with his wife and four children, ages 13 to 18. Guay is staying there while he looks for a job and place to live.
Pinckney did not return calls or answer the door when a reporter visited his house, but he assured the town in an open letter published Tuesday that Guay poses no threat.
"We would not be doing this if we thought we were endangering our town, neighbors or children," he wrote.
Though Guay "has committed some horrendous crimes in his past," he has been on "a very different course" since a religious transformation in 1993, Pinckney said.
Pinckney has told Guay he may only leave the house in a car with another adult and can live with the family for no more than two months.
Town resident Christine Swain, who has children ages 6 and 16, isn't reassured.
"There's so many kids in this community, and you just fear for them," she said. "You always do what's best for your children."
Another resident said Monday that she felt Guay deserved a second chance, but she spoke on condition of anonymity because she feared reprisals from neighbors.
Some outsiders are more forthcoming.
Conrad Mandsager of Nottingham worked for Prison Fellowship _ a faith-based group that helps parolees find jobs _ in the 1980s.
Mandsager said he took in a violent criminal to live with his family of five in 1988. Sentenced for attempted murder and kept in solitary confinement for his role in a prison riot, the man turned his life around while living with Mandsager and working at a job through the Prison Fellowship, Mandsager said.
He disagrees with Chichester officials who say Guay would do better in a city with more jobs and other resources.
"You create more opportunities for problems by putting (convicts) in a larger city where there's no accountability," Mandsager said. He expects better results in a home like Pinckney's, "where there's accountability and care and love for the guy."
Little love for Guay is expected Tuesday evening, when a large crowd is sure to gather for the regular meeting of the town Board of Selectmen.
Selectman Richard DeBold expects the selectmen to ask state and federal officials to remove Guay _ but he stressed that the selectmen have no legal authority in the matter.
"We have a very small police force with limited resources," DeBold said. "Just knowing those issues, this is not the appropriate place for (Guay)."
["New England pastor houses child killer, riles town"; Published - Mar 17 2009 05:31PM EST; By TRAVIS ANDERSEN - Associated Press Writer; http://www.rr.com/news/news/article/1110/7169574/New_England_pastor_houses_child_killer_riles_town/100/ [Onsite Options / Permissions: Email... Share... Facebook... MySpace... delicious... digg... reddit... StumbleUpon... twitter]
"A pastor in this quiet, picturesque New England town thought he was doing the Christian thing when he took in a convicted child killer who had served his time but had nowhere to go. But some neighbors of the Rev. David Pinckney vehemently disagree, one even threatening to burn his house down after officials could find no one else willing to take 60-year-old Raymond Guay.
"Politicians think they can dump their trash in our small town," said one neighbor, Jon Morales, whose girlfriend and two children live across an unpaved road from Pinckney's home.
Chichester, a town of about 2,200 residents in south-central New Hampshire, has been in an uproar since the weekend, when police announced that Guay would spend two months with Pinckney's family.
About 40 angry residents protested outside the home Saturday, Merrimack County Sheriff Scott Hilliard said. One protester blustered that he wanted to set it on fire, he said.
Town leaders were expected Tuesday night to ask state and federal officials to remove Guay from town.
Guay already had a criminal record when he was charged in 1973, at age 25, with abducting and murdering a 12-year-old boy in Nashua. Authorities said he planned to sexually assault the boy, whose body was clad only in socks and undershorts.
Guay pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to up to 25 years. He kidnapped a Concord couple after briefly escaping from the nearby state prison in 1982 and was sent to a federal prison in California, where he stabbed an inmate in 1991, court records show.
After 35 years behind bars, he was released in September and ordered to serve his parole in New Hampshire. Guay's release followed a failed attempt by state officials to keep him incarcerated as a dangerous sexual predator under federal law.
Guay went instead to a halfway house in Connecticut but was returned to New Hampshire last week. Residents of Concord, where Pinckney leads a nondenominational congregation, loudly protested plans to put him there.
A Concord prison chaplain contacted Pinckney, who agreed to take Guay in after meeting him and clearing it with his wife and four children, ages 13 to 18. Guay is staying there while he looks for a job and place to live.
Pinckney did not return calls or answer the door when a reporter visited his house, but he assured the town in an open letter published Tuesday that Guay poses no threat.
"We would not be doing this if we thought we were endangering our town, neighbors or children," he wrote.
Though Guay "has committed some horrendous crimes in his past," he has been on "a very different course" since a religious transformation in 1993, Pinckney said.
Pinckney has told Guay he may only leave the house in a car with another adult and can live with the family for no more than two months.
Town resident Christine Swain, who has children ages 6 and 16, isn't reassured.
"There's so many kids in this community, and you just fear for them," she said. "You always do what's best for your children."
Another resident said Monday that she felt Guay deserved a second chance, but she spoke on condition of anonymity because she feared reprisals from neighbors.
Some outsiders are more forthcoming.
Conrad Mandsager of Nottingham worked for Prison Fellowship _ a faith-based group that helps parolees find jobs _ in the 1980s.
Mandsager said he took in a violent criminal to live with his family of five in 1988. Sentenced for attempted murder and kept in solitary confinement for his role in a prison riot, the man turned his life around while living with Mandsager and working at a job through the Prison Fellowship, Mandsager said.
He disagrees with Chichester officials who say Guay would do better in a city with more jobs and other resources.
"You create more opportunities for problems by putting (convicts) in a larger city where there's no accountability," Mandsager said. He expects better results in a home like Pinckney's, "where there's accountability and care and love for the guy."
Little love for Guay is expected Tuesday evening, when a large crowd is sure to gather for the regular meeting of the town Board of Selectmen.
Selectman Richard DeBold expects the selectmen to ask state and federal officials to remove Guay _ but he stressed that the selectmen have no legal authority in the matter.
"We have a very small police force with limited resources," DeBold said. "Just knowing those issues, this is not the appropriate place for (Guay)."
["New England pastor houses child killer, riles town"; Published - Mar 17 2009 05:31PM EST; By TRAVIS ANDERSEN - Associated Press Writer; http://www.rr.com/news/news/article/1110/7169574/New_England_pastor_houses_child_killer_riles_town/100/ [Onsite Options / Permissions: Email... Share... Facebook... MySpace... delicious... digg... reddit... StumbleUpon... twitter]
Monday, March 16, 2009
Obama... pursue every legal avenue... to block AIG bonuses... Obama... Small business engine... You Tube
["Obama: 'pursue every legal avenue' to block AIG bonuses"; as submitted to You Tube by VoiceofAmericans2008 on 3/16/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJRe7Iu3OkM]
["Obama: Small business engine for job creation!"; as submitted to VoiceofAmericans2008 on 3/16/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=saKjimlq5bw]
Peace, Love, Equality and Humane Justice,
NS
["Obama: Small business engine for job creation!"; as submitted to VoiceofAmericans2008 on 3/16/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=saKjimlq5bw]
Peace, Love, Equality and Humane Justice,
NS
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Great Parade... Congrats and Thank You...
[Photo by BF]Wonderful day for a parade.
Wonderful turnout.
Congrats to the AOH, the City of Kingston and everyone else that was involved / present!
NS
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Obama Weekly... Address.... Food Safety... You Tube
["03/14/09 President Obama Weekly Radio Address: Reversing a Troubling Trend in Food Safety"; as submitted to You Tube by ieverything on 3/12/2009;http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8M1wSnhce0]
Respectfully submitted by,
NS
Respectfully submitted by,
NS
Happy St. Patricks Day... Shamrock Run... St. Patricks Day Parade... Chips'NDips Entertainment
"Next time you drink a beer, remember where the leprechaun likes to dance...
["Leprechauns in Beer"; as submitted to You Tube by Playpunk on 3/16/07; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOWiMZ436J4]
Tomorrow - Sunday, March 15, 2009 - Kingston, NY - is the "Shamrock Run" and the St. Patrick's Day Parade. The Shamrock Run precedes the parade, which starts at 1PM at the uptown Kingston Plaza. Please check out the AOH website for more information:
http://www.ulsteraoh.com/
If you drink - remember to do so responsibly!
Happy Saint Patricks Day! Remember (in the parade) to look for Chips'NDips!
NS
["Leprechauns in Beer"; as submitted to You Tube by Playpunk on 3/16/07; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOWiMZ436J4]
Tomorrow - Sunday, March 15, 2009 - Kingston, NY - is the "Shamrock Run" and the St. Patrick's Day Parade. The Shamrock Run precedes the parade, which starts at 1PM at the uptown Kingston Plaza. Please check out the AOH website for more information:
http://www.ulsteraoh.com/
If you drink - remember to do so responsibly!
Happy Saint Patricks Day! Remember (in the parade) to look for Chips'NDips!
NS
Friday, March 13, 2009
SHAME... Everybody has their stuff... Issues in my life... Cher and Tina Turner... You Tube
My husband was asking about asthma triggers and since I've had trouble with this over the last twenty years, sometimes more-so and sometimes less-so, I figured I'd put up a video for informational purposes.
["Understanding Asthma (Asthma #1)"; as submitted to You Tube by illumistream on 11/15/07; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82gn_rDRpHk]
For me, asthma is associated with mold, certain cleaning chemicals, abrupt weather changes, hot humid days, rainy periods - and most of all (I think) stifled tears...
In fact, there was a period of time when I could not cry at all - and would end up at the emergency room instead, where after a shot of steroids (prednisone?) I would start crying my eyes out... which I only seemed to be able to do with medical supervison (?)...
Which is probably relational - since I spent most of this last winter crying (some kind of horrendous breakthrough? / a living, breathing oxymoron?) - and my asthma seems ("knock wood") a bit better as a result - to the issue presented in the following video:
["Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD"; as submitted to You Tube by edyer01 on 7/25/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pT8vs5P_bFs]
PTSD, depression, anxiety, phobias, eating issues, a history of revictimization - and trying to learn better / healthier coping mechanisms...
Yep, that is me...
The "confessional" (out of vogue) poet, philosopher, writer, dreamer and clown...
Trying, so very hard (whether others believe it or not!) to grow up...
["Depression. You are not alone"; as submitted to You Tube by AnorexicDream on 4/29/07; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9CfirTk4PnI]
And thus, I bounce - attempting for this moment - "a day at a time" - to tackle everything at once - flood myself - get over myself - rise above myself...
Sometimes succeeding.
Sometimes failing.
Periodically thumbing my nose at the mental health system that has sucked up my history (to the degree I have remembered it) like a hoover vacuum...
Taken a few vacations on my account...
Offered me drugs [my neurotransmitters appear to be plenty "snappy"] that I want NO PART OF... [usually drugs associated with whatever phamaceutical company is handing out the most free tablets of paper and annointed pens at the time...]
Whilst I have - thus far - kept pushing on (extremely grateful to a few of the more sincere therapists, to be sure!) --- like some of the gals I consider heroes...
Because they didn't give up --- they NEVER gave up --- and their LIGHT still (These are a couple of absolutely amazing women!) shines...
["cher tina tarner_tina_turner_shame_shame_shame"; as submitted to You Tube by goldimeem on 3/3/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWIuGywIkvc]
There is no shame in suffering from mental and/or emotional disorders... but one must, in this society, either hide the fact and/or push at the barriers until either the barriers break or --- you do (read the stats...)
So, if you are anything like me --- try to be gentle (I'm speaking to myself, as well) even as you try to push...
And if you want to join a sad silly "leprechaun" or "freedom fairy" (I haven't decided :) for Sunday's St. Patricks Day Parade (an attempt to chase away the blues!) --- send me an email at wingedbirdinflight@live.com
The children love it!
And I've found that to be (no matter what others think) a tremendous incentive to carry on...
[I am speaking from my personal experiences here --- and yours (experiences and/or opinions) may differ. Please do NOT take any of this as "expert" medical advice... and please don't take ANY action that your doctor, therapist and/or psychiatrist would advise you against!]
Peace, Love, Equality and Humane Justice,
NS
["Understanding Asthma (Asthma #1)"; as submitted to You Tube by illumistream on 11/15/07; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82gn_rDRpHk]
For me, asthma is associated with mold, certain cleaning chemicals, abrupt weather changes, hot humid days, rainy periods - and most of all (I think) stifled tears...
In fact, there was a period of time when I could not cry at all - and would end up at the emergency room instead, where after a shot of steroids (prednisone?) I would start crying my eyes out... which I only seemed to be able to do with medical supervison (?)...
Which is probably relational - since I spent most of this last winter crying (some kind of horrendous breakthrough? / a living, breathing oxymoron?) - and my asthma seems ("knock wood") a bit better as a result - to the issue presented in the following video:
["Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD"; as submitted to You Tube by edyer01 on 7/25/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pT8vs5P_bFs]
PTSD, depression, anxiety, phobias, eating issues, a history of revictimization - and trying to learn better / healthier coping mechanisms...
Yep, that is me...
The "confessional" (out of vogue) poet, philosopher, writer, dreamer and clown...
Trying, so very hard (whether others believe it or not!) to grow up...
["Depression. You are not alone"; as submitted to You Tube by AnorexicDream on 4/29/07; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9CfirTk4PnI]
And thus, I bounce - attempting for this moment - "a day at a time" - to tackle everything at once - flood myself - get over myself - rise above myself...
Sometimes succeeding.
Sometimes failing.
Periodically thumbing my nose at the mental health system that has sucked up my history (to the degree I have remembered it) like a hoover vacuum...
Taken a few vacations on my account...
Offered me drugs [my neurotransmitters appear to be plenty "snappy"] that I want NO PART OF... [usually drugs associated with whatever phamaceutical company is handing out the most free tablets of paper and annointed pens at the time...]
Whilst I have - thus far - kept pushing on (extremely grateful to a few of the more sincere therapists, to be sure!) --- like some of the gals I consider heroes...
Because they didn't give up --- they NEVER gave up --- and their LIGHT still (These are a couple of absolutely amazing women!) shines...
["cher tina tarner_tina_turner_shame_shame_shame"; as submitted to You Tube by goldimeem on 3/3/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWIuGywIkvc]
There is no shame in suffering from mental and/or emotional disorders... but one must, in this society, either hide the fact and/or push at the barriers until either the barriers break or --- you do (read the stats...)
So, if you are anything like me --- try to be gentle (I'm speaking to myself, as well) even as you try to push...
And if you want to join a sad silly "leprechaun" or "freedom fairy" (I haven't decided :) for Sunday's St. Patricks Day Parade (an attempt to chase away the blues!) --- send me an email at wingedbirdinflight@live.com
The children love it!
And I've found that to be (no matter what others think) a tremendous incentive to carry on...
[I am speaking from my personal experiences here --- and yours (experiences and/or opinions) may differ. Please do NOT take any of this as "expert" medical advice... and please don't take ANY action that your doctor, therapist and/or psychiatrist would advise you against!]
Peace, Love, Equality and Humane Justice,
NS
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Silly... Serious...
["Obama - One Lucky Leprechaun"; as submitted to You Tube by jibjab on 3/12/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q65wPYoKXjw]
["Madoff Victims Speak Out"; as submitted to You Tube by CBS on 3/12/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sp7ydS8saLY]
Hi to Boo & PoohBear!
Peace, Love, Equality and Humane Justice!
NS / Me :)
["Madoff Victims Speak Out"; as submitted to You Tube by CBS on 3/12/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sp7ydS8saLY]
Hi to Boo & PoohBear!
Peace, Love, Equality and Humane Justice!
NS / Me :)
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Tulips from Amsterdam... You Tube... Misc Notes... Updates
Anyone else looking forward to a [Kingston!] City full of Tulips?
["Mantovani plays 'Tulips from Amsterdam'"; as submitted to You Tube by kraustrujillo on
2/20/07;http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wX0mb9VqBe8]
----------------------------------------------------
Miscellaneous Notes / Info / Updates:
1. According to a post on the KingstonCitizens.org site the Department of Public Works (DPW) is reputedly going to start picking up yard waste (leaves, etc.) around March 15th. Residents are to put the waste out on the curb (regular can labeled "yard waste") on their regular trash pickup day. For additional information and/or confirmation please contact DPW and/or the City of Kingston.
2. The following information was also offered - on behalf of moderators and/or contributors - for the public's interest
a. Link to information regarding "Kingston Digital Corridor":
http://www.kingstondigitalcorridor.org
b. Link to here about some important Kingston issues "on the air":
WAMC, National Public Radio:
http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wamc/news.newsmain?action=article&ARTICLE_ID=1475858
------------------------------------------------------
From my personal email [as received from Marilyn J. Keefe, Director of Reproductive Health Programs; National Partnership for Women and Families ( info@nationalpartnership.org )] - Modified [bracketed info and bold print mine] for inclusion here:
"Thousands of you sent messages over the past few months to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) expressing your outrage over a harmful regulation issued in the final hours of the Bush Administration that undermines women's access to reproductive health care... President Obama took the first step toward rescinding this unnecessary and dangerous regulation today by publishing a proposed repeal of the rule... But the fight is not over... [If you are interested..] Email HHS (Department of Health & Human Services Attn: Rescission Proposal Comments) to express your support for the full repeal of the 'conscience' regulation...
The 'conscience' regulation reinterprets existing laws to allow nearly any employee in a federally-funded health care setting who claims a religious objection to refuse to provide information, referrals, or access to a range of health care services including birth control... If not repealed, this regulation will dramatically reduce access to family planning information and health services, particularly for low-income women, because it elevates the rights of providers over those of patients... The official period for collecting comments starts today and runs for thirty days..."
-------------------------------------------------------
Please note that new Event Listings / Dates have been placed in the sidebar >>>>
-------------------------------------------------------
Peace, Love, Equality and Humane Justice,
NS
["Mantovani plays 'Tulips from Amsterdam'"; as submitted to You Tube by kraustrujillo on
2/20/07;http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wX0mb9VqBe8]
----------------------------------------------------
Miscellaneous Notes / Info / Updates:
1. According to a post on the KingstonCitizens.org site the Department of Public Works (DPW) is reputedly going to start picking up yard waste (leaves, etc.) around March 15th. Residents are to put the waste out on the curb (regular can labeled "yard waste") on their regular trash pickup day. For additional information and/or confirmation please contact DPW and/or the City of Kingston.
2. The following information was also offered - on behalf of moderators and/or contributors - for the public's interest
a. Link to information regarding "Kingston Digital Corridor":
http://www.kingstondigitalcorridor.org
b. Link to here about some important Kingston issues "on the air":
WAMC, National Public Radio:
http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wamc/news.newsmain?action=article&ARTICLE_ID=1475858
------------------------------------------------------
From my personal email [as received from Marilyn J. Keefe, Director of Reproductive Health Programs; National Partnership for Women and Families ( info@nationalpartnership.org )] - Modified [bracketed info and bold print mine] for inclusion here:
"Thousands of you sent messages over the past few months to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) expressing your outrage over a harmful regulation issued in the final hours of the Bush Administration that undermines women's access to reproductive health care... President Obama took the first step toward rescinding this unnecessary and dangerous regulation today by publishing a proposed repeal of the rule... But the fight is not over... [If you are interested..] Email HHS (Department of Health & Human Services Attn: Rescission Proposal Comments) to express your support for the full repeal of the 'conscience' regulation...
The 'conscience' regulation reinterprets existing laws to allow nearly any employee in a federally-funded health care setting who claims a religious objection to refuse to provide information, referrals, or access to a range of health care services including birth control... If not repealed, this regulation will dramatically reduce access to family planning information and health services, particularly for low-income women, because it elevates the rights of providers over those of patients... The official period for collecting comments starts today and runs for thirty days..."
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Please note that new Event Listings / Dates have been placed in the sidebar >>>>
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Peace, Love, Equality and Humane Justice,
NS
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Ever Since the World Began... Survivor... You Tube
["Ever Since the World Began - Survivor"; submitted to You Tube by cutieinabottle on 11/12/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QafWPXLN7MM]
Respectfully posted by,
NS
Respectfully posted by,
NS
Following the Wave... Power Shift... Here, There, Everywhere... Obama... Pelosi... More... You Tube Videos
"America's political leaders are eagerly anticipating your voice on Capitol Hill. Power Shift 09 Lobby Day, Monday, March 2nd. Register Now at: http://www.powershift09.org...
["America's Politicians Want a Power Shift"; as submitted to You Tube by energyaction on
2/11/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1wEmW6toSY]
"Power Shift '09 will bring 10,000 young leaders to Washington in what is bound to be an historic turning point for America. The youth of our country are about to take the lead in demanding that our...
["Power Shift '09"; as submitted to You Tube by energyaction on 1/26/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQ4qnGHSCX0]
"Over 12,000 young people were part of Power Shift '09 in Washington, DC, and thousands more joined in from around the world in solidarity via video. This is what they sent us...
["The Global Power Shift"; as submitted to You Tube by energyaction on 3/6/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=den2NFkqKLk]
"Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi thanks all Power Shift participants for making history at the Power Shift '09 conference - "You are the leaders of the next American energy revolution, one that w...
["Speaker Pelosi - Thank You Power Shift"; as submitted to You Tube by energyaction on 3/6/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzfOORx0hm0]
["America's Politicians Want a Power Shift"; as submitted to You Tube by energyaction on
2/11/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1wEmW6toSY]
"Power Shift '09 will bring 10,000 young leaders to Washington in what is bound to be an historic turning point for America. The youth of our country are about to take the lead in demanding that our...
["Power Shift '09"; as submitted to You Tube by energyaction on 1/26/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQ4qnGHSCX0]
"Over 12,000 young people were part of Power Shift '09 in Washington, DC, and thousands more joined in from around the world in solidarity via video. This is what they sent us...
["The Global Power Shift"; as submitted to You Tube by energyaction on 3/6/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=den2NFkqKLk]
"Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi thanks all Power Shift participants for making history at the Power Shift '09 conference - "You are the leaders of the next American energy revolution, one that w...
["Speaker Pelosi - Thank You Power Shift"; as submitted to You Tube by energyaction on 3/6/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzfOORx0hm0]
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Re Free Will... You Tube Video...
I came across this on You Tube and found it interesting...
["Re: Free Will Doesn't Matter"; as submitted to You Tube by rhetoricalmonkey on 2/1/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-HZgIZPSKWs]
What do you think?
NS
["Re: Free Will Doesn't Matter"; as submitted to You Tube by rhetoricalmonkey on 2/1/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-HZgIZPSKWs]
What do you think?
NS
In Honor of International Women's Day March 8 2009
A couple of videos in honor of International Women's Day... from Pre-Election (featuring Joe Biden and Hillary Clinton) to a March 8, 2009 Video sent from afar...
["Joe Biden and Hillary Clinton Discuss Women's Issues"; as submitted to You Tube by BarackObamadotcom on 9/17/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0h1pLEqI3Pw]
["UNICEF: Young voices speak up for women's/girls' equality"; as submitted to You Tube by unicef on 2/28/07; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFUPi-RSQ9M]
Wishing EVERYWOMAN the best!
NS
["Joe Biden and Hillary Clinton Discuss Women's Issues"; as submitted to You Tube by BarackObamadotcom on 9/17/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0h1pLEqI3Pw]
["UNICEF: Young voices speak up for women's/girls' equality"; as submitted to You Tube by unicef on 2/28/07; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFUPi-RSQ9M]
Wishing EVERYWOMAN the best!
NS
Jackson Browne Live... Lives in the Balance... and For America... You Tube Videos
Two of the videos suggested by one of my posters:
["Jackson Browne Live - Lives in the Balance Mar, 17, 2007"; as submitted to You Tube by ProgressiveTV on 3/25/07; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFy9GMFb4Iw]
["Jackson Browne - For America"; as submitted to You Tube by Blueshenry on 12/16/07; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CK8ydcnaVnw]
Peace, Love, Equality and Humane Justice,
NS
["Jackson Browne Live - Lives in the Balance Mar, 17, 2007"; as submitted to You Tube by ProgressiveTV on 3/25/07; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFy9GMFb4Iw]
["Jackson Browne - For America"; as submitted to You Tube by Blueshenry on 12/16/07; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CK8ydcnaVnw]
Peace, Love, Equality and Humane Justice,
NS
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