Collective Research... Updated... Save Our Youth... Youth Summit... More

Updated:  Some Important Links for Those Interested in Serving the Best Interests of Our City's Youth...  Collective Research... By me...  For you.

"Kingston mayoral hopeful calls for task force on youth problems (with statement)"; DailyFreeman.com ; http://www.dailyfreeman.com/articles/2011/07/03/news/doc4e0fd4e19fd4a391965719.txt?viewmode=comments

"Kingston summit aims to curb youth crime"; DailyFreeman.com ; http://www.dailyfreeman.com/articles/2011/07/03/news/doc4e0fd4717946a031336337.txt?viewmode=fullstoryWhat%27s

"Kingston City School District - Students Are Our Most Valuable Asset"; http://www.kingstoncityschools.org/Superintendent-Search-Profile.php

"Kingston school superintendent's salary tops $200K"; DailyFreeman.com ; http://www.dailyfreeman.com/articles/2011/07/02/news/doc4e0e7ebea35a9898840564.txt

"Many area high schoolers deemed unprepared for college, careers (with chart)"; DailyFreeman.com ; http://www.dailyfreeman.com/articles/2011/06/16/news/doc4df967269199e389388832.txt 

"Four-year graduation rates rise in 8 local school districts, fall in five others (with chart)"; DailyFreeman.com ; http://www.dailyfreeman.com/articles/2011/06/15/news/doc4df78ddd0c105935002492.txt

"Ulster police, Kingston school district probe fight in gym locker room (updated)"; DailyFreeman.com ; http://www.dailyfreeman.com/articles/2011/06/18/blotter/doc4dfb8ca5455b1569053846.txt

"kingston progressive"; "GALLO PRESS RELEASE"; http://kingstonprogressive.blogspot.com/2011/07/gallo-press-release.html

Updated Links I --- Related to this Issue [7/6/2011]

"Cap on property tax hikes worries local school officials"; DailyFreeman.com ; http://www.dailyfreeman.com/articles/2011/07/03/news/doc4e0fd42beb864366565618.txt

"Black graduation rate lags at KHS"; DailyFreeman.com ; http://www.dailyfreeman.com/articles/2011/07/06/news/doc4e1399829acbd657543640.txt

"editorial The next superintendent"; DailyFreeman.com ; http://www.dailyfreeman.com/articles/2011/07/06/opinion/doc4e1318d61536e001926054.txt

"letter Education frustrations"; DailyFreeman.com ; http://www.dailyfreeman.com/articles/2011/07/06/opinion/doc4e1322902866b178749365.txt

Updated Links II - 7/9/2011:

"Kingston High School principal moving to Crosby Elementary"; DailyFreeman.com ; http://www.dailyfreeman.com/articles/2011/07/07/news/doc4e1516fe923d8684006882.txt

"Kingston school board president, VP will keep slots";  DailyFreeman.com ; http://www.dailyfreeman.com/articles/2011/07/07/news/doc4e1506df1c473619929587.txt

"Kingston school board considers publicizing resolutions in advance"; DailyFreeman.com; http://www.dailyfreeman.com/articles/2011/07/08/news/doc4e1663c79c5ea129826977.txt

"Local girls have better 4-year graduation rates than boys";  DailyFreeman.com ; http://www.dailyfreeman.com/articles/2011/07/07/news/doc4e150b51cfc4f462184271.txt

"The Governor's Special Advisor on Vulnerable Persons"; Governor Andrew M. Cuomo ; http://www.governor.ny.gov/AdvisorVulnerablePersons

"Being Competitive Means Strong Schools, Manufacturing"; "AFL-CIO NOW BLOG"; http://blog.aflcio.org/2011/07/07/being-competitive-means-strong-schools-manufacturing/

"Changing of the guard at Kingston High School"; DailyFreeman.com ;http://dailyfreeman.com/articles/2011/07/08/news/doc4e1666d24dda5185691187.txt?nstrack=sid:608619|met:102|cat:1009031|order:1

"Ulster school kids trend toward overweight problem"; http://midhudsonnews.com/News/2011/July/08/UC_obesity-08Jul11.htm

"Kingston Times - BB kings Police quash South Clinton delinquents but permanent solutions may prove elusive"; http://kingston.ulsterpublishing.com/view/full_story/14618017/article--BB-kings-Police-quash-South-Clinton-delinquents--but-permanent-solutions-may-prove-elusive-?instance=home_top_left

"Kingston Times - Hot lead on a hot night"; http://kingston.ulsterpublishing.com/view/full_story/11409025/article-Hot-lead-on-a-hot-night?

"Kingston Times"; "He took him up the street and shot him"' http://kingston.ulsterpublishing.com/view/full_story/11407841/article--He-took-him-up-the-street-and-shot-him-?

"Kingston man, 20, charged with felony assault"; DailyFreeman.com; http://www.dailyfreeman.com/articles/2011/07/07/blotter/doc4e1608d99b160968984182.txt?viewmode=fullstory

"letter Enforce curfew in Kingston"; DailyFreeman.com; http://www.dailyfreeman.com/articles/2011/07/08/opinion/doc4e14cd14afe12955523067.txt

"Some Kingston report cards incorrect" ; "DailyFreeman.com ; http://www.dailyfreeman.com/articles/2011/07/08/news/doc4e15c53300bc5622680525.txt?viewmode=fullstory

"The Official New York State Sex Offender Registry - NY DCJS" ; http://www.criminaljustice.state.ny.us/nsor/index.htm

"Search CrimeReports.com"; http://classic.crimereports.com/widget/widget.html?CRSearch=Kingston,NY

Updated Links:  7/9/2011:

"Obesity a growing issue for Ulster school kids"; http://midhudsonnews.com/News/2011/July/09/UC_kid_obesity-09Jul11.html

"Ulster County sounds alarm about kids’ weight (with full report)"; DailyFreeman.com ; http://www.dailyfreeman.com/articles/2011/07/09/news/doc4e17b86152301615517359.txt

"Ulster Health, Mental Health departments headed for formal merger": http://midhudsonnews.com/News/2011/July/09/UC_HMH_merge-09Jul11.html

Updated Links:  7/10/2011

"THE GANGS, ALL HERE... Recent trials have cast light on shadowy side of Kingston"; DailyFreeman.com ; http://www.dailyfreeman.com/articles/2011/07/10/news/doc4e19044237abb381470652.txt

"Ulster County may create task force to study Safety Net expenses";  DailyFreeman.com ; http://www.dailyfreeman.com/articles/2011/07/10/news/doc4e19022e85d54658598528.txt

"Ulster County study favors merging Departments of Health, Mental Health"; DailyFreeman.com ; http://www.dailyfreeman.com/articles/2011/07/10/news/doc4e188c87caec0358682293.txt
Local blogger seeking input from youth, young adults and parents that have grown up in the City of Kingston and would like (for whatever reason) their voice to be heard.

Updated Links:  7/11/2011:

"Two shot on Kingston city street"; http://midhudsonnews.com/News/2011/July/11/Kingston_shootings-11Jul11.htm

"U.S. Teen Birth Rate Hits Record Low"; Yahoo! News ; http://news.yahoo.com/u-teen-birth-rate-hits-record-low-20110405-110404-725.html?nc


If you had problems in the school or in the community:

1. What do you think contributed to those problems?

2. What school policies do you think worked in your best interest?

3. What school policies do you feel worked against you?

4. What were your interactions with the City of Kingston police department (if any) like?

5. If you are a parent with children in the City of Kingston school district, what issues have concerned you in the last year?

6. In general, what changes [City of Kingston; on behalf of our youth] would you like to see in the coming year?

7. Do you have any specific compaints?

8. Do you have any positive input, suggestions, constructive solution-oriented ideas?

Please comment here - or send your answers to these questions, with your name, age and address or City Ward number - and I will see that this information [in print / documented] get passed on to pertinent parties. Just put "save our children" in the subject line, so that I can identify your response in my email inbox.

Thank you.  wingedbirdinflight@live.com

BTW, I recieved an email from Alderman Jen Fuentes, advising that the Ward meeting had been canceled due to the Childrens Parade - and asking that folks instead show up / "participate" in the "special forum on youth crime [as noted in one of the links up above] to be held WED JULY 13 at 4:00pm, Boys and Girls Club".

Note:  The passing on of various links to articles does not imply that this blogger is or is not in agreement with what has been written - although some of my own interests / opinions are reflected in some of the suggested links.

Blogger Commentary Pending.

Happy 4th of July Weekend... Declaration of Independence...

["Declaration of Independence" as submitted to You Tube by Vosbikian; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZPLugjKcL4&feature=related ]

A Collective of Interesting Article Links, Petition Links and Photos... Minimal Personal Commentary

I have taken a break for a bit - but I'm back with what I think are some important article links and petition links that in a collective way seem to (my opinion) say it (Here is a test; can you read between the lines?) all:

"Sen. Bernie Sanders We Will Not Balance the Budget on the Backs of Working Families";   Truthout:  http://www.truth-out.org/sen-bernie-sanders-we-will-not-balance-budget-backs-working-families/1309280399

"Among The Costs Of War $20B A Year In A.C."; NPR; http://www.npr.org/2011/06/25/137414737/among-the-costs-of-war-20b-in-air-conditioning?sc=nl&cc=brk-20110628-1348&ps=brk-mp

"Cost of US wars since 9-11 At least $3.7 trillion"; "World news - South and Central Asia - Afghanistan"; msnbc.com:  http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43573008/ns/world_news-south_and_central_asia/

"Goldman Sachs Plans To Hire 1,000 In Singapore While Cutting U.S. Jobs":  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/06/27/goldman-sachs-outsources-singapore_n_885549.html

"New GOP Pres. Candidates Campaign on Demolishing Minimum Wage";  "AlterNet"; http://www.alternet.org/newsandviews/article/626189/gop_pres._candidates_campaign_on_demolishing_minimum_wage/#paragraph4

"Petition - Shared Sacrifice U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (Vermont)"; http://sanders.senate.gov/petition/?uid=c1fd7f9b-abd8-4e7a-a370-1867881259d8

"The Millions and the Millionaires"... "Sign the letter to President Obama"; "home U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (Vermont)"; http://sanders.senate.gov/

"Don't Cut the Funding to Fight Hunger" - "The Petition Site":  http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/634/989/886/?z00m=20003957

"Tell President Obama and Minority Leader Pelosi to Stand Firm Against Cuts"; "Take Action with NOW"; http://action.now.org/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=4402

"Rick Santorum And Universal Health Services Presidential Hopeful Serves On Board of Hospital Chain Being Sued By DOJ":  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/06/07/rick-santorum-universal-health-services_n_872803.html

"Inside Rick Santorum-Linked Universal Health Services Facility Herpes, Porn and Drug Dealing":  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/06/28/rick-santorum-uhs-facility_n_885010.html?page=5

Is this (a quote from the article above) even legal????

"[Rick] Santorum received roughly half a million dollars in cash and stock options for his services on the UHS board...  In 2010 Santorum took home a substantial windfall:  $168,069.  And on Jan. 19, 2011, he received stock options valued at $174,126, Securities and Exchange records show.  The company and its CEO have also contributed thousands to Santorum's political action committee and his campaigns over the years..."  [Santorum has since resigned from the UHS board - and is a candidate in the running for the US presidency...]

"Bachmann's husband got $137,000 in Medicaid funds - politics - Decision 2012"; msnbc.com; http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43570552/ns/politics-decision_2012/

Hmmmmmmmmm.

"SCOTUS" Strikes Down Video Game Ban; Should Sex Be Banned Before Violence";   AlterNet; http://www.alternet.org/newsandviews/article/626012/scotus_strikes_down_video_game_ban%3B_should_sex_be_banned_before_violence/#paragraph4

"editorial Violence vs. sex (with Supreme Court opinions in video game case)"; DailyFreeman.com; http://www.dailyfreeman.com/articles/2011/06/29/opinion/doc4e08d66b26611158824253.txt?viewmode=fullstory

"Violent video game play makes more aggressive kids, study shows"; "Science Daily"; http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100301111405.htm

"American Psychological Association;" "Violent Video Games Myths, Facts, and Unanswered Questions"; http://www.apa.org/science/about/psa/2003/10/anderson.aspx

"Violent Video Game Campaign...  Are you worried about the increasingly violent and graphic content in video games?"  "Parents Television Council"; http://www.parentstv.org/ptc/videogames/VGResearch.asp

The article links are simply being passed on.  If you are concerned about thier legitimacy, please do further research and form your own conclusions.  The majority of the photos are by NS.  If not, permission to publish the photos here has been obtained.  If any errors are noted, please let me know, and the appropriate corrections (as called for) will be made.  Thank You.

Just Pics... Kingston and Port Ewen Area

Thoughts on the Democratic Candidates [Gallo and Clement] for Mayor... Opinion Piece... Cheap Shots.... Part 1 of 2

Pic (by NS) from a 98% (the majority of the people)

Rally associated with MoveOn.org

Of the two serious Democratic candidates for City of Kingston Mayor, Shayne Gallo and Hayes Clement, I have sided with Mr. Gallo due to his roots here, his knowlege of the area, his working relationship with the unions and working-class people, the message he has consistantly put out and the persona of kindness (I think that is the best way to put it) that surrounds him.

I have nothing personal against Mr. Clement.  In fact, I do not know Mr. Clement at all. 

I do take issue with what I perceive (my blog; my impressions...) as Mr. Clement's arrogant stance; and I "was" upset this week by a little blip I caught in this weeks "Kingston Times" - a paper I generally have tremendous respect for.

I quote (from Hugh Reynolds Article; "Andi Rules"; "Kingston Times"; 6/9/11; bottom of page 26 and top of page 27]:

"Here's a vignette [My words inside brackets...] that may say something about Clement's style.  After the Democratic convention, Gallo, festering [Fact or perception?] over Clement's overwhelming win [Democratic endorsement...], indicated [To whom?] he might not be joining fellow Democrats at a post-convention party...  [which Mr. Gallo apparently did attend]... 

"Gallo, Gartenstein and [another person] took a booth at the restaurant away from the crowd and ordered drinks...

'These drinks are on Mr. Clement", the waiter advised, as Gallo reached for his wallet."

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

Let's be clear here, okay?

A "vignette" - described in psychological terms (reflecting this blogger's educational background) - is described in "Wikipedia" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vignette) as:  "... a short description of an event, behavior or person used in a psychology experiment to control information provided to participants."

Which is (utilizing the description given above) one of the questions that I am have with this supposedly friendly competition between two Democratic candidates for Mayor...

Uncensored.

Unknown.

A Question...

Whom (if this applies to anyone) is buying what and why?

Backtracking a bit...

I am one of the people that attended Civil Right's Attorney Sussman's open meeting a while back, where "entrenched" (so to speak) families were criticized (by some) and "new blood" (so to speak) was hailed(by some) as the answer to Kingston's problems.

I took this into consideration - and it probably does apply (I really do not know.) in some cases.

However, I can tell you that my husband, who grew up here in the City of Kingston, knows the streets of this City inside and out; knows the history of this City inside and out; and knows the personalities and issues associated with this City inside and out - in a way that I (having moved here about 20 years ago) probably couldn't begin to assimilate [I have been focusing on just getting to know my Ward and Legislative District] - in total - EVER.

So, for sure, there "are" benefits (for everyone) to having a "home-grown" Mayoral Candidate that is able to tell you (physically and metaphorically) how to get there ["Bottoms up!"] from here.

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

IMPORTANT NOTE:

The combination of the chosen photograph and this blog entry is NOT meant to suggest that Mr. Gallo has the blessings (I would not know either way...) of MoveOn.org.  It is only this bloggers opinion that there might be - in this local competition - some common elements at "play."

Good Luck To (In Particular) Shayne Gallo and Michael Madsen...

Peace...

I read a sign the other day that said...

"Plant a Garden...  Create Your Own Eden." 

I'm happy to say that I know a few folks that have done just that.

Photo by NS

There are some funky internet problems going on at the moment... including ads where they shouldn't be and spam sneaking through the filters.  I just removed the KingstonCitizens.org link (Heads up Rebecca...  Ward 5) from my blog link list (I hope this is temporary.) because there was some innappropriate (my opinion) stuff coming through [I also had this come through on my email].

Furthermore, just so ya' know, I did not download the advertisement that keeps coming through on my music link - nor do I approve it.  I just haven't figured out - yet - how to get rid of it.

That said, I'm having to take it easy due to some medical issues right now - so maybe I'll have a new posting up in a little while. 

Peace all. 

Have a good Sunday.

Temporary Bunny Break... Music Issue...

Temporary Bunny Break...; Photo by NS

Maybe it is just a temporary glitch, but my music has decided to do its own thing right now, and I don't have the info on me to change it.  Please know that if it sounds whacked it is not my doing.  Just turn it off.  Reparations are pending.  Thank You.

Shayne Gallo Wins Independence Party Backing for Mayor... Link... Blabers News and Commentary

Link:  "Blaber's News and Commentary... 'Independence Party Backs Gallo for Mayor!'"

http://blabernews.blogspot.com/2011/05/independence-party-backs-gallo-for.html

Photos and Information From the City of Kingston Democratic Convention... Blogger Input and Photos... Non-Official Accounting

Hayes Clement Received the Democratic Endorsement for Mayor

Mayor Sottile Said a Few Words and Endorsed Jimmy Noble as the Democratic Candidate for City of Kingston City Council President and Alderman At Large

Dave Donaldson Received the Democratic Endorsement for Legislature / District 5 / Wards 3, 5 and 9

Diann Keiser Won the Democratic Endorsement for Alderman of Ward 5

Elisa Ball Won the Democratic Endorsement for Alderman of

Ward 6

Mark Halwick Won the Democratic Endorsement for Alderman of Ward 9

To the best of my comprehension, there were no endorsements, as of yet, from the Democratic Committee - in regards to the Ward 1 Alderman position or the Ward 7 Alderman position. 

Democratic endorsements for Wards 2, 3, 4 and 8 all involve folks that are currently serving in those positions:

Alderman Thomas Hoffay:  Ward 2

Alderman Charles Landi:  Ward 3

Alderman Shirley Whitlock:  Ward 4

Alderman Robert (Bob) Senor:  Ward 8 [I was not able to get a close photo in this case.]

The Democratic Committee (correction made) endorsement for U.C. Legislative District 6 (Wards 1, 2 and 4) was Peter Loughran. 

The Democratic Committee endorsement (correction made) for U.C. Legislative District 7 was Jeanette Provenzano.

The Other Democratic Candidate for Mayor (Shayne Gallo) has not received the Democratic Committee Endorsement; but he did receive the Working Family Party (WFP) endorsement.

The Other Democratic Candidate for U.C. Legislature (District 5; Wards 3, 5 and 9) [Michael Madsen] has not received the Democratic Committee Endorsement; but he did receive the WFP endorsement.

Leonard Walker was also seeking the Democratic endorsement for U.C. Legislature (District 5; Wards 3, 5 and 9) - but was unsuccessful.

Thank You Mayor Sottile

[I hope I'm finally spelling your name right!]

I am a registered Democrat, tax-payer and voter - but I am not on the Democratic Committee.  I attended this Convention simply as a citizen and a blogger.  Do not take this as the final official accounting for the City of Kingston or the Democratic Committee.  For that, see the "Kingston Times", the "Daily Freeman" and/or other local papers and/or check with the Democratic Committee itself.  If any errors in regards to facts, names or spelling have been made, please let me know and corrections (as appropriate) will be made.

My personal thoughts and opinions on this will be stated in a separate post.

Photos From Memorial Day Weekend Festivities and City of Kingston Parade... Revised

Some Pics (by NS) From Memorial Day Weekend Festivities and Parade

Roundout Bay Marina DJ Jill Karaoke Family Fun