Creative Writing; Photography; Political Tidbits; Humor for the Heart; HOPE for the Soul; and MORE!
Please see the sidebar for event listings, news updates, polls, important links, activism opportunities and more...
Now UC Legislature District Six Mike Madsen - a possible Mayoral Candidate?
Update May 2010: I lost some photos on this blog so I've had to revise some things. My new blog is at http://www.flingingtowardsthesun.blogspot.com
Thanks!
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From back in the day...
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Two things:
1. My husband and I attended a fundraiser for 9th Ward Alderman Mike Madsen last night - and we found it to be a classy event with good company, good food and high hopes! Mike is a City Alderman plus - in our opinion - as he reaches out to - and serves the people in the City of Kingston in a number of ways - both Ward specific and (via his blog, his constant pursuit of knowledge, etc) in a larger sense of the word. Our thanks go out to Mike (politics, professionalism, integrity, warmth and kindness can all come together in one package) and to all of those that helped put on this inspiring event!
["Ghostbusters Cartoon Intro"; as submitted to You Tube by mikey2455 on October 25, 2006; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xfwz2TRGss]
2. This blog has gone through some changes (apparently due to a mix up)- so I'd like to refer folks to the new blog (still under construction) I created for other news, views and updates...
This blog is now booked as http://www.spreadingourwings4.blogspot.com [The "4" is new]
My new blog (see link in sidebar) is at http://www.flingingtowardsthesun.blogspot.comI apologize for any confusion this has caused. In this case the changes were NOT intentional, so I'll have to lay the blame (lol) on a "ghost in the machine."
["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]
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.
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...
"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]
"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]
["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]
["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]
"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!
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!]
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":
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..."
"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]
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]
["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]
"Solar Thermal Energy and Photovoltaic Solar Panel and Wind Turbine systems. Complete Grid-Tie and Off-Grid Battery Backup Systems. Integrating Renewable Energy Systems since 1985 in Ontario Canada...
["Solar and Wind Power - Renewable Energy Systems"; as submitted to You Tube by Excess0Energy on 10/25/07; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3TUTfy1n60]
The Above is an Example Video Based in Canada --- See Below for Local Resources / Organizations:
Last nights Progressive Coalition of the Hudson Valley meeting (at the BSP in uptown Kingston) pulled in a full house - had an interesting array of speakers - and stands out as a beacon of hope during difficult times.
This is not an area where I have much expertise or experience, so I will be referring you, for further information, to associated links [these are provided below / please copy and paste them in your search bar]
A representative from "New Paltz Women in Black" was the first speaker. She spoke about the Coalition as a local and National effort.
A Number of involved organizations were cited, including:
Ulster County Community Council Ulster County Democratic Committee New Paltz Women in Black New Paltz for Obama Hudson Valley for Obama Arts for Peace MoveOn And (sorry I did not catch all of this) Others...
A representative from Congressman Maurice Hinchey's Office spoke in his absence. She (Lauri) stated that Mr. Hinchey had very much wanted to be in attendance and was very supportive of the Coalition - but that he had got tied up in the Senate delay around the Fiscal Responsibility Bill [I don't know if I'm stating that "exactly" right] - where bickering over earmarks (Boths Democrats and Republicans have put earmarks in...) were holding up passage.
Lauri stated that Mr. Hinchey considers the passage of the above bill vital, as it will (1) create new employment opportunities (especially infrastructure-related) through the use of Federal funds; (2) cut down on taxes for average Americans; (3) extend unemployment premiums; and (4) assist in the area of health care via COBRA.
A "key" aspect of this bill, according to Lauri, is an increased investment in alternative / solar / renewable technology.
Next to speak was M.E. of "Sustainable Hudson Valley." M.E. spoke of associated job potentialities in the areas of workforce investment and training; technology; auditing; and engineering and weatherization. Either she - or a subsequent speaker - also mentioned the need for support positions in association with all of the above.
J.B., associated with Prism Technologies was the next speaker (M.E. referred to JB as one of the "team players") - and she focused a bit more specifically on alternative lighting sources, solar energy sources, holographic technology and insulation. Prism Tech, according to J.B., hopes to start production in Fall 2009 - and employ (building the workforce as they go) 400-500 workers over the next four-five years.
P.S., associated with Mid Hudson Energy Smart Communities (outreach) - and also noted as a "team player" - was the next to speak. She spoke more specifically about the need for training / education - in the fields of assessments, audits, engineering, technology, supportive roles, etc.
P.S. stated that under State University of New York (SUNY) leadership, five Community Colleges plan to increase the number of classes in some or all of these areas starting this Fall.
Now, I'm not sure exactly who stated this, but apparently our new CEO M. Hein is on board (kudos!) - as well as M. Hinchey (kudos!) - and I also remember seeing a recent blog entry (elsewhere / see listing in sidebar) to this effect.
M.O., also associated with "Sustainable Hudson Valley", spoke about the "green job pledge" - the "Kingston Green Trail Alliance" - creating a "bike-friendly Kingston" - supporting a "green economy" - and more. He also gave kudos to the folks that started the Kingston City Community Gardens Project (kudos!) - and expressed appreciation for the Carnegie Library Project (both of which have also been noted on local blogs as of late).
Also mentioned were construction jobs geared to provide "healthy shelter for all" - and the goal of increasing "local food security" via the community garden projects and such. These projects compliment each other - along with the quest for local "energy security."
A number of affiliates and/or supporters were mentioned, from area businesses (such as Prism and Wall St. Salvage) to Financial (i.e., the MHVCU, Ulster Savings, other) to the tremendous input of "people power" (i.e., all of the above, Kingston Cares, other) - with a stated goal of getting more of the local "body politic" on board - forming a "task force" - creating an "action plan" - and sprinkling associated jobs here there and (hopefully) everywhere!
Deemed important:
1. "Identify strengths" already in our community...
2. A realization that "relocalization" (via wind power, solar power and other alternative power sources) is "inevitable" - and that this needs to be worked towards from the "bottom-up" as well as the "top-down."
Other folks also spoke (including a teacher from BOCES that got a healthy round of applause) --- and asked questions --- but my notes started to get more scattered at this point, so I will leave it to others and/or the links provided to fill in the blanks.
One last thing I did catch, however, was R.F. (rather than chance misspelling names, I use initials) putting out a kudos / encouragement for volunteerism in this area --- as well.
R.F. stated something to the effect that on Martin Luther King Jr. Day (I covered this in a blog posting at the time) - Ulster Corp got 90 responses / volunteers - many of whom had never served in a volunteer capacity before!
So... what better way to wrap this all up than to say there was a lot of ENERGY (at very low cost!) in the room!!!!!
And future events (one is coming up at the Rosendale Rec Center, so stay tuned!) are already being planned.
Associated (not in any particular order) Links:
Welcome To Power Naturally Web Site: http://www.powernaturally.org/
New York Energy $mart(SM) Students: http://www.getenergysmart.org/EnergyEducation/Default.aspx
Against Meltdown Return to the Real Sustainable Hudson Valley: http://www.sustainhv.org/node/194
Shelter for all: http://www.unescap.org/huset/hangzhou/shelter.htm
oswegatchie Good Stuff Happening in + around Kingston, NY: http://oswegatchie.blogspot.com/2008/06/good-stuff-happening-in-kingston-ny.html
Job Opportunities for the Green Economy A State-by-State Picture of Occupations that Gain from Green Investments: http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2008/06/green_jobs.html
Green Jobs Pledge Press Release — ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability USA: http://www.icleiusa.org/us-green-jobs-pledge/green-jobs-pledge-press-release
Kingston's Green Trail Sustainable Hudson Valley: http://www.sustainhv.org/m-kingston-green-trail
New York Energy $mart(SM): http://www.getenergysmart.org/
Mid-Hudson Energy $mart Communities Bard College continues to go green: http://www.enewsbuilder.net/mhesc/e_article000397634.cfm?x=b50DjsP,b2WVfSgR
Main Page Sustainable Hudson Valley: http://www.sustainhv.org/
Energy Performance Contracting for Public and Indian Housing: http://www.huduser.org/publications/hsgfin/energy.html
UCRRA - Recycling: http://www.samrecovery.com/
Prism Solar Technologies, Inc.: http://www.prismsolar.com/
Prism Technologies - Leaders in Digital Signage: http://www.prismtechnologiesinc.com/
Ulster County Democratic Committee: http://www.ulstercountydemocrats.com/towns.htm
Arts for Peace Online: http://www.arts-for-peace.org/
Barack Obama and Joe Biden The Change We Need SUNY New Paltz: http://my.barackobama.com/page/group/SUNYNewPaltz
Hudson Valley Activist Newsletter: http://activistnewsletter.blogspot.com/
ActivistResource.org - Calendar of Activist Events: http://www.activistresource.org/calendar/cal_event.php?id=12287
"The primary story chronicles the turbulent life of Geraldine Blevins (played by Valerie Denise) and her abusive husband (played by Drae Michaels). The film, based on author, playwright Jaisun McMil...
["BEHIND CLOSED DOORS: The Addiction To Power and Control"; as submitted to You Tube by MECCEO on 3/23/07; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWdWHSTy7-E]
"What is the difference between a bench trial and a jury trials?
["Trials - Bench or Jury - LawWebTV"; as submmitted to You Tube by lawwebtvcom on 6/1/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08qHCqzx5QQ]
"Mark Vovos explains what a criminal trial is and how it works...
["What is a Criminal Trial'?"; as submitted to You Tube by skidude017 on 6/14/08;http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jj8YbsBdXiE]
"In a criminal trial, the defendant has the right to appeal if he or she loses at the trial level. For more information on appeals visit www.lawinfo.com...
["Appeals - Criminal Trial"; as submitted to You Tube by lawinfo on 6/27/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydjkTXM5e6A]
This 5 minute Theme Video was produced with funding from the Office for Victims of Crime at the U.S. Dept. of Justice and is available for public broadcast to promote Crime Victims' Rights. This PS...
["2009 NCVRW Theme"; as submitted to You Tube by the NationalCenter on 2/20/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X92HCJSZf6Q]
National Office for Victims of Crime http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ovc/welcovc/welcome.html
Ulster County Crime Victims Assistance Program: http://www.ulstercountyny.gov/cvap/index.html
Family of Woodstock http://www.familyofwoodstockinc.org/home.html
From:
H. R. 5107
One Hundred Eighth Congress of the United States of America AT THE SECOND SESSION Begun and held at the City of Washington on Tuesday, the twentieth day of January, two thousand and four...
‘‘(a) RIGHTS OF CRIME VICTIMS.—A crime victim has the following rights: ‘‘(1) The right to be reasonably protected from the accused. ‘‘(2) The right to reasonable, accurate, and timely notice of any public court proceeding, or any parole proceeding, involving the crime or of any release or escape of the accused. ‘‘(3) The right not to be excluded from any such public court proceeding, unless the court, after receiving clear and convincing evidence, determines that testimony by the victim would be materially altered if the victim heard other testimony at that proceeding. ‘‘(4) The right to be reasonably heard at any public proceeding in the district court involving release, plea, sentencing, or any parole proceeding. ‘‘(5) The reasonable right to confer with the attorney for the Government in the case. ‘‘(6) The right to full and timely restitution as provided in law. ‘‘(7) The right to proceedings free from unreasonable delay. ‘‘(8) The right to be treated with fairness and with respect for the victim’s dignity and privacy..."
This is only a small portion of this document, which can be accessed in full at http://www.nvcap.org/
On Monday, 3/9/09, the Ulster County Democratic Women's Meeting (7PM / Dem. HQ / 275 Fair Street, Kingston / 2nd Floor / #14) will be focusing on ANIMAL CRUELTY, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE and CHILDREN'S HEALTH. Please go to:
1. "Ulster County Democratic Women"; http://ucdw.org/
"President Barack Obama opened a White House health care summit Thursday, calling for his allies and opponents to come together to overhaul the U.S. health care system. (March 5)...
["Obama Opens Health Care Summit"; as submitted to You Tube by the AssociatedPress on 3/5/09;http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDQCvB-73TU]
For more complete coverage of the Health Care Summit (as covered by C-SPAN) please go to "Health Policy" @ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pamZyP8hDKc and/or to healthreform.gov
[There are tens of millions of dollars worth of wholly tax exempt religious properties in the City of Kingston, without counting schools, playgrounds or graveyards... The Pointe of Praise represents just one of these churches / properties - and these photos are posted here simply because they relate to the larger issue noted towards the end of this posting AND to the issue (more specific) addressed directly below. This commentary - and the following - which some folks might respect and others might dislike intensely - is intended to educate the community about something that they might NOT be aware of. This commentary is NOT meant as an affront to any particular church, religion, type of faith and/or the constituents of "same."]
The arrest of Ronnie Wade, the CEO of "Save Them Now" - should definitely capture the public's attention. The recipient of $10,000 in grant money in 2008 - with probable bids in (?) for 2009 - Mr. Wade and the "Save Them Now" program were the target of some community outrage in late 2007 (spawning at least one public meeting) when Wade and Co. (Wade is the only one implicated in the drug bust thus far) attempted to buy or rent a house [to reputedly utilize for housing and "rehabilitating" (ahem) ex-cons] on Maiden Lane [a residential area, with a daycare (at the YWCA)] close by.
Kudos - big time - to URGENT for this one! I bow my head in deference and respect - and I'm NOT known to do so a whole lot!
I am impressed. I am impressed because I've done a lot of research on these types of jail and prison release programs - a good number of which DON'T appear to be on the "up and up" - and my gut told me (at one of the City Hall meetings where Mr. Wade appeared and spoke) that this guy - and organization - was nothing but trouble looking for easy bucks!
Now, one cannot make an allegation based on gut feelings - and, of course, Mr. Wade is "innocent until proven guilty" - despite the bags of heroin and cash he was apparently toting around and selling to undercover officers...
But I still think it might be appropriate to re-write the first line of today's "Daily Freeman" article; which reads, "The executive director of a local program that helps former inmates and drug addicts..." (Ariel Zangla) - and replace it with something like: MAJOR DRUG BUST ASSOCIATED WITH AN (ALLEGEDLY, BUT OF COURSE...) MAJOR SCUMBAG!
Charges - for this guy that just wanted to "help" these poor ex-cons re-integrate into society - reputedly include:
3 Counts of Felony Possession and Sale of a Controlled Substance
An Undisclosed Number of Misdemeanor Counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance
At least one Misdemeanor Possession of a Weapon charge [apparently CEO Wade was also an ex-con; and thus, not allowed to carry pepper spray or (ahem) sell heroin (reputedly at least "12 decks") himself!)
Wade's criminal background / record has not been disclosed - but his association with the New Progressive Baptist Church, via their "Save Them Now" program - and his association with Reverend G. Modele Clark - the Senior Pastor of the New Progressive Baptist Church - and the President of the Ulster County Ministers Alliance (was this guy Wade really so "sharp" that folks "up close and personal" didn't know what he was doing?) - is (for those "in the know") fairly well known.
As is Wade's possibly "too close for comfort" (?) association with the Queen's Galley (the two programs share the same building and reputedly have at least one Board member [a former candidate for the DA's office reputedly sits on both boards and/or the two programs share the same oversite Board (?)] overlap - which (referring to the Queen's Galley) has also (whilst doing what seems to be sincerely good deeds...) been the recipient of a good deal of this communities' generosity.
Some of the comments on the "Freeman's online site are rather "snooty" - and perhaps I sound a little "snooty," as well...
But this is coming from someone who HAS studied programs such as this... and who turned in a document of facts at the special meeting that was held back in 2007 - which I wonder... did anyone bother to read at all?
Plus, I have recently been engaged in a somewhat unpleasant e-mail exchange with one of the County Legislatures (D. Donaldson) on a similar issue (this one having to do, explicitly, with where to house registered sex offenders after their release) that has left me a little "steamed."
[I must give a positive shout-out and thank you to Ulster County Legislature Jeanette Provenzano (sp?) and some of the others... who apparently DO have our children's best interest's at heart! And say - to Jeanette and anyone else on the Legislature that cares about our community - could we please - sometimes soon - have YOU appear at a public meeting to discuss a few issues??????)]
See, all of this also comes at a time when school taxes are about to be hiked (reputedly projected by Board of Education President David Fletcher at nearly 10%) yet again... when 45 School teachers [today's "Freeman article, "School Jobs Going..." (Kyle Wind) cites Superintendent Gerard Gretzinger as having said "45"!] are scheduled to be let go... when GAR associates, despite community outcries, is reputedly coming back (at least one Alderman has said this is against "his" will...) for what will most likely be yet another property tax bite... when the City of Kingston is falling apart around us... when we are actually helping businesses and jobs LEAVE the City... when the Mayor (I spoke to someone at Assembly K. Cahills office about this - and a few other things - yesterday.) appears to be hiding (like the "Wizard of Oz"...) "behind curtain number three" --- and --- WE NEED YOUR HELP!
All of "that" without even touching on the "freedom of speech and press" issues, parade funding issues, contractual and lease issues, Kingston City Finance issues and other questions and/or controversies that have been drawing a good deal of attention (by those that care and are paying attention...) of late!
To which I would add my own concerns - related somewhat to the Wade, et. al, issue noted above - about the sheer number (in quantity and amount of $$$$$) of wholly tax-exempt religious buildings, properties and parking lots in this city - which take (even though a few of these sit empty and some of others see very little traffic and/or FREELY distributed "good works") at least TENS OF MILLIONS of dollars of potential City revenue - OFF the books - and put it on OUR (this applies to both homeowners and businesses) BACKS.
[The "Daily Freeman" articles referenced were in today's (3/5/09) "Daily Freeman" - and can also be found (at least earlier today) online at DailyFreeman.com, a "'Journal Register' Property." Some comments from "Freeman" readers are (or were, earlier today) available at the online site.]
I'm just letting Ward 5 members know that my little (hopefully to start growing...) business is going to be represented in the St. Patrick's Parade - and I'm thinking of adding a sign to the effect of --- "Ward 5 Comes Alive!" --- to my Parade Plan (I have fun with this!) if the folks in the Ward (according to the feedback I receive) are OK with that...
I have applied for one of the Community Block Grants in order to try to expand my business, which (if and when I do have the funding to do all of this...) provides children's and family entertainment, education and prevention materials / shows - and more. [I recently, as some of you might know, hosted a party at the MuddyCup - and I have also been involved (a performer) in previous Lion's Club Expos (where I will also be again this year)]
I have been (as a "kinda" clown / entertainer) in previous City of Kingston parades - and I have some "nifty" (appropriate to the occasion) ideas in mind for this one... One of which, if folks were willing, could use some (not a lot, just a "little") donations (to be acknowledged on this site and my blog)- in order to pull it (at its best!) off. This would involve some really neat (I think) handouts (not candy / something more substantial. ..) for children - on behalf of Chips'NDips - and - if anyone in the Ward is interested in contributing - on behalf of Ward 5.
Please let me know if you are interested in contributing (I'm talking a $5 per person or family max) via my personal email at wingedbirdinflight@live.com At that point (via email communications) I will tell you exactly what my parade route distributions will be - and (if you are still interested) give you a PO Box number that you can send contributions to.
After I make the involved purchases (I'm trying to keep the type of purchases (to be distributed) quiet, for a surprise effect...) - I will somehow post a copy of the receipt (via a photo if I can't get my scanner working) on my blog, as well. Either way, I'm in the line-up (2nd Division; #36) and getting excited about it! And if anyone has any additional ideas (not too complicated, please) - I'd be happy to hear them! BTW, is anyone else in the Ward participating in the St. Patricks Day Parade?
A gentleman associated with one of the Ward groups has expressed his occasional difficulty hearing when at Kingston City Council meetings. Therefore I thought I would put up a video with updated information about hearing loss (and associated disorders) - along with a video about the Americans With Disabilities Act - in order to promote heightened awareness - for all of us - about issues such as this.
"Overview: Our ears play an important role in our lives, not just for hearing, but also for regulating our balance. This interview covers some major health issues involving our ears...
["Hearing Loss, Vertigo and Facial Nerve Problems (Part 1)"; as submitted to You Tube by ummcvideos on 9/20/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TGS6JFbEbU]
In the interim, I almost decided to put a music video here; because it demonstrated, in its way, what it is like when the music stops (what people with severe hearing problems face all of the time) and/or the stage-lights go off (applicable to severe vision problems)...
["The Americans With Disabilities Act in Practice (Helping #7)"; as submitted by illumistream on 10/16/07; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBjvNYmUdjs']
The gentleman, mentioned above, is searching for ways in which he will be able to hear and/or understand better what is going on during City Hall meetings... So if anyone has any tips - or similar stories to tell - please post them...
And please keep this issue in mind if and when you speak in the public format!
As to be submitted - Early AM - 3/4/09 - to the League of Women Voters of the Mid-Hudson Valley Region:
Kingston City Council Meeting Notes 3/3/2009
Alderman-at-Large / K.C. Council President, J. Noble was Present
All K.C. Alderman were present (enough for a quorum) except Al Teetsel and Bill Reynolds
Corporate Counsel Representation was Present
1. Open Speaking Session:
Only one person (J. A.) spoke during the open speaking (public) session - this person representing the interests of "Empire Merchants North LLC" - and their relocation (with City of Kingston funding assistance) "into the Green County Empire Zone.".
J.A. stated that the company employs approximately 150 people in or near the City of Kingston - and that the company hoped to keep most or all of the employees (this would mean a commute) after the company's relocation to Green County.
J.A. stated that the company - which reputedly won't be making the move for a while (he was not specific) - was seeking to find a viable tenant for the building they would be leaving.
J.A. stated that theirs was a "competitive business" and that they needed to move in order to expand and modernize.
J.A. stated that the company needed SHIP monies in order to do so.
[Alderman Ron Polaco voted NO on this - and was quite passionate (he apparently sees this as "rewarding" a business to move out of the city) about doing so; Alderwoman DiBella had initially been opposed to this Resolution, but had since changed her mind due to the employment needs of the area; some side-discussions about the number required or a quorum came up --- but after some discussion, this Resolution was passed, 6/1.]
2. The List of Communications to the Mayor included (for others, please see the Agenda):
Appointment of Mr. Murphy to Pike Plan Commission [Not discussed] Quorum for Common Council Action [there appears to be some unresolved issues re. the number needed for a quorum and/or vote (?)] Public Access Operation by Friends of Public Access [Not discussed] Support Continuation of NYS Empire Zone [Unanimously approved by Council]
[I have noted these four, in particular, because they appear to be relatively "hot" topics.]
Another "hot topic" appears to be a "Dock Lease Renewal" - which was included under "Communications" in reference to Capt. Feldman
Plus, there was a communications to the City Clerk re. the "2009 Quadricentennial Grant Authorization" (Fed) - which is sure to be a "hot" topic in the near future.
3. During the "Tentative List of Legislation" Section:
a. "Resolution #14 of 2009" - recommending the "approval of shift of operations of Empire Merchants North LLC into the Green County Empire Zone" (as noted above) was passed.
b. "Resolution #25 of 2009" - recommending the "approval of a one year contract with GAR Associates, Inc." was passed - however, Alderman Senor was upset about the situation and said he was voting "yes" because he had "no choice." Alderman Senor stated that he had gotten numerous complaints re. GAR Associates from his constituents - re "inconsistencies" - but that the Council had been given no opportunity to check into other options / bids in this regard. Alderman Senor said he was upset that it appeared as if "someone" [Alderman Senor mentioned the "Mayor" at a couple of points] at "City Hall" was "making decisions without [as has apparently been done in the past and was understood protocol...] "consulting the City Council."
c. "Resolution #26 of 2009" - recommending the "approval authorizing the Mayor to enter into a lease agreement between the City of Kingston, Hudson River Cruises and the Hudson River Maritime Museum" was passed. [The need for lease agreements and contracts to go before the City Council - and not just handled by Mayor Sottile - came up as a point of discussion again.]
d. "Resolution #28 of 2009" recommending "approval for a request for funding for replacement of City Hall steps" was passed. [Alderman Landi shared that one of his constituents - an architect from his Ward - had looked over the steps with him - and suggested that the wrong grout had been used - and that the front wall was "dangerous. [It should be noted that Alderman Landi also expressed concerns about the lease agreements, etc. - as mentioned in the Resolution (26) above.]
e. Resolutions "29 of 2009" through "43 of 2009" were bunched together and voted upon / passed. Most of these (the following) had to do with budget (2008) transfers to cover "year end shortages" and/or "correct year end bookkeeping":
City Clerk budget: $20,894.00 Economic Development: $249.00 Economic Development (2): $12,437.04 Fire Department: $75,875.00 Wastewater Treatment Plan: $40,592.00 Planning Department: $71.50 Comptroller's Budget: $81,077.00 General Budget: $202,587.00 Registrar's Budget: $5.00 Registrar's Budget (2): $152.14
[For Information Purposes - The above, on their own, add up to $433,939.68 [in "budget (2008) transfers to cover "year end shortages" and/or "correct year end bookkeeping" - PASSED]
f. I did not catch (perhaps due to the "bunching together?") the outcome of Resolution "#31 of 2009" - which recommended "approval for modifications within the 2008 Engineer budget in the amount of $1,136,00 to cover the cost of updating flow monitoring equipment....
g. I did not catch (ditto) the outcome of Resolution "#36 of 2009" which recommended "approval of modifications to the 2008 Human Rights budget in the amount of $300.26 to cover overtime worked for City Employees Sexual and Discrimination Harassment trainings."
h. I did not catch (ditto) the outcome of Resolution "#40 of 2009" which recommended approval for modifications "to the general budget in the amount of $60,612.25 to cover engineering costs related to the Kingston Pedestrian Waterfront Walkway Project."
i. Resolution "#44 of 2009" - which recommended "approval for modifications to the 2008 Recreation Department's budget in the amount of $129,902.31 to correct year-end bookkeeping was also passed. [Alderman Landi wanted this handled separately - and Alderman Senor got upset re. this issue, as well [Some of the other Alderpersons were stating that these issues should have been worked out before they hit the Council floor...] - with Alderman Senor stating - at one point that he felt as if his "freedom of speech" - "on the Council floor" - was being compromised. Alderman Senor mentioned a "fund balance issue" - and wanted to know "who is playing games here?"
j. Resolution "#45 of 2009" - which recommended approval for supporting the opportunity for the City of Kingston to participate in Hudsonia's Ten Month Biodiversity Program was unanimously passed.
k. Resolutions "#46 of 2009" through "#49 of 2009" were also (all having to do with traffic flow and such) handled - and passed - as a group.
l. Resolution "#50 of 2009", which recommended "approval for support for the continuation of the New York State Empire Zones Program" was passed unanimously.
4. A Second Council Meeting was set up for 3/19/09 at 6:15PM (during "Laws and Rules?") to deal with:
a. "Resolution # 24 of 2009" - "Local Law #3 of 2008" - Having to do with a "moratorium on billboards."
b. "Resolution # 27 ['pulled'] of 2009" - which "recommends approval for a lease between the City of Kingston and Michael Bernholz and John Lanzaretta (Hideaway Marina)."
c. "Resolution #38 of 2009" - which "recommends approval for modifications in the amount of $145.00 for sewer employees retirement."
Alderwoman DiBella also made a motion (passed) that the Majority Leader and Minority Leader Addresses be tabled until the April Common Council Meeting.
Closing Note: The quotes in this document are definitely close / sufficient - but are not necessarily 100% (I was not using a tape recorder) accurate. Additional information can be found in the "March 3, 2009 City of Kingston Common Council Agenda" --- and it is possible that more specifics (re exact statements) can be acquired via the City Clerk's office. Any emphasis in bold print is mine. If any errors are noted, please let me know, and I will check into it / make corrections as called for.
Nancy Smith, Observers Corp League of Women Voters of the Mid-Hudson Valley Region
These first two videos are outdated - but pertinent. My response to an email from D. Donaldson follows... The last video is updated and very pertinent! Check this out (please) and let me know (if you would...) what YOU think!
"http://www.witntv.com/home/... They're convicted of rape, sex offenses with kids, and other sex crimes, and they're likely living in your neighborhood. North Carolina's Sex Offender and Public Pr...
["Tracking Sex Offenders In Your Neighborhood - WITN"; as posted by witntv on 11/30/07; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwjePWsbcUA]
"Sean discusses his plan to more effectively track sex offenders...
["Tracking Sex Offenders"; as submitted to You Tube by MaloneyForAG on 9/10/06; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15FZZGSS8g4]
I WOULD REALLY LOVE TO GET SOME FEEDBACK, FROM THE COMMUNITY, ON THIS TOPIC!
Passing This... [My response to an email I received TODAY (3/3/09) from .. donaldson... RE: "Registered Sex Offender Legislation - As Posted on my Blog and to all KC Ward Groups" (Copy of email... on file)]
V
"Mr. Donaldson,
Since I haven't added anything new on this - I was surprised to receive the Following (?)
But, since you brought it up again, would you kindly name some of these experts and their reports - with sources acknowledged so that I can look them up?
Because I simply don't believe this is the case...
And even if it is - I find the information to be irrelevant if the parole Department, probation department, police, etc. are sincerely - in this area - doing their jobs.
My son has one of those Blackberry type of phones - and he actually has a program on it that can SHOW him - from ANOTHER COUNTY - whether or not my car is SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY!
So no one is going to tell me that they can't "keep track" of convicted sex offenders! I am just NOT going to buy it!
That said, you are absolutely right about the need to (age appropriately) educate our children on this topic - and it would be great to see more programs to this effect in the City and County, as well!
So, if you have any ideas in that regard, please pass them on...
As well as the references - re these "experts" - you are talking about.
Thank you very much for communicating with me around this very difficult subject. I apologize if I sound overly concerned... But...
I AM!
I will not post your letter to me on the Ward communications. However, I am going to note that you have been in touch - and I am going to post my response.
Please stay on top of this issue. Too many young lives have been damaged by sexual predators. And we should (as a City, County, State, Nation...) be making every possible effort to protect children from this traumatic (sometimes even deadly) experience.
Thank You,
Nancy Smith, Ward 5, Kingston"
NOTE: If any one of us can apparently be "tracked" (see video below) - I think we could sure as "heck" track the people that should (in MY opinion) be tracked!
V
"http://www.trackingtheworld... Track anyone, anywhere, anytime. Dependable & Accurate GPS Tracking Products. Tracking the world GPS tracking system and custom Tr Track anyone, anywhere, anytime. De...
["GPS Tracking"; as submitted by raksac408 on 1/29/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32ftXrhV4-o]
No more excuses, eh?
Peace, Love, Equality and Humane (and I do mean humane!) Justice,
And as I try to bring the "silly me" back out to do some children's and family entertainment ["Chips'NDips Entertainment Services..."] --- I don't think I could have found a video that was more appropriate!
Enjoy.
["RUBY TUESDAY full version ( Sky Balloon )"; as submitted to You Tube by dylskyok on 1/10/07;http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgPHmSfwpRI]
"President Obama's Attorney General, Eric Holder, released 9 (nine) previously Top-Secret, classified memos on Monday. You can view the memos here: http://www.propublica.org/a... The Justice Depart...
["Obama Releases Bush Memos"; submitted to You Tube by theforethought on 3/3/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fUUXkYv5wY]
From the "Associated Press" (AP) via the "Daily Kos" --- "Justice Department Releases Yoo, Bybee Memos (UPDATE)" --- by "Pragmaticus" --- Mon Mar 02, 2009 at 01:36:13 PM PST; http://www.dailykos.com/story/2009/3/2/162051/0868/1011/703764... [Bold print and ... Mine]
"The Justice Department on Monday released a long-secret legal document from 2001 in which the Bush administration claimed the military could search and seize terror suspects in the United States without warrants...
The legal memo was written about a month after the Sept. 11 terror attacks. It says constitutional protections against unlawful search and seizure would not apply to terror suspects in the U.S., as long as the president or another high official authorized the action...
Another memo showed that, within two weeks of Sept. 11, the administration was contemplating ways to use wiretaps without getting warrants...
The author of the search and seizure memo, John Yoo, did not immediately return a call seeking comment...
In that memo, Yoo wrote that the president could treat terrorist suspects in the United States like an invading foreign army. For instance, he said, the military would not have to get a warrant to storm a building to prevent terrorists from detonating a bomb...
Yoo also suggested that the government could put new restrictions on the press and speech, without spelling out what those might be...
'First Amendment speech and press rights may also be subordinated to the overriding need to wage war successfully,'" Yoo wrote, adding later: 'The current campaign against terrorism may require even broader exercises of federal power domestically.'"
Associated Memos:
Memorandum Regarding Status of Certain OLC Opinions Issued in the Aftermath of the Terrorist Attacks of September 11, 2001 (01-15-2009)
Memorandum Regarding Constitutionality of Amending Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act to Change the "Purpose" Standard for Searches (09-25-2001)
Memorandum Regarding Authority for Use of Military Force to Combat Terrorist Activities within the United States (10-23-2001)
Memorandum Regarding Authority of the President to Suspend Certain Provisions of the ABM Treaty (11-15-2001)
Memorandum Regarding the President's Power as Commander in Chief to Transfer Captured Terrorists to the Control and Custody of Foreign Nations (03-13-2002)
Memorandum Regarding Swift Justice Authorization Act (04-08-2002)
Memorandum Regarding Determination of Enemy Belligerency and Military Detention (06-08-2002)
Memorandum Regarding Applicability of 18 U.S.C. § 4001(a) to Military Detention of United States Citizens (06-27-2002)
Memorandum Regarding October 23, 2001 OLC Opinion Addressing the Domestic Use of Military Force to Combat Terrorist Activities (10-06-2008)
"We breakdown the economic stimulus package in detail to find out exactly who gets what. Here's how the government stimulus package benefits those who are currently working and employed...
["Employed? What's in the Obama Stimulus Package for You"; as submitted to You Tube by MoneyTalksNews on 2/17/2009; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnTm0OTFIYo]
"Stimulus breakdown How will it help ME" - Windows Live: http://msnalist.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!E26821E70C2025D9!815.entry
Snippets:
An increase in food stamps rations.
A $13 increase (more for couples) in your weekly pay due to a tax credit that kicks in on April 1st, 2009.
An increase ($25) for the unemployed.
A $1,000 tax credit for those (individuals and/or families?) that don't earn enough to pay into the IRS.
A sales tax break (zippo!) for those who buy a new car this year.
A $8,000 tax credit for 1rst time home buyers (prior to 12/1/09).
A 30% tax credit ($1,500 max) for those investing in home insulation (attics) and window repair (leaks) - as well as high efficiency / energy saving heat pumps, furnaces and/or air conditioners.
"Joe Biden's landmark domestic violence legislation has helped countless women like Chelsie from Texas. (Music by Peter Golub)...
["Joe Biden & the Violence Against Women Act"; as submitted by BarackObamadotcom on 10/21/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdBt4f2GUDY]
"ABC News Porn in the USA Conservatives Are Biggest Consumers": Ewen Callaway; "New Scientist"; Based on National Study / Includes Commentary from Benjamin Edelman of Harvard Business School; http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/Business/story?id=6977202&page=1; Feb. 28, 2009.
Quote from Above:
"States where a majority of residents agreed with the statement "I have old-fashioned values about family and marriage," bought 3.6 more subscriptions per thousand people than states where a majority disagreed. A similar difference emerged for the statement "AIDS might be God's punishment for immoral sexual behaviour."
Commentary on the Above:
The more religious and conservative states reputedly consumed more online pornography (according to a recent Internet pornography study) than other states.
8/10 of the major pornography consuming states (Hawaii and Florida were exceptions)supported (via electoral votes) John McCain in the last presidential election.
6/10 of the lowest pornography consuming states reputedly favored Barack Obama in the last presidential election.
The biggest online porn consumer was reputedly the state of Utah [heavily populated by members of the Church of Latter Day Saints / "Mormons" - which was reputedly (and likely still is) former Governor of MA / former Presidential Candidate (Republican) Mitt Romney's faith of choice...] - which averaged, according to this study / article "5.47 adult content subscriptions per 1000 home broadband users..."
["Help Homeowners Level the Playing Field"; as submitted to You Tube by bravenewfilms on 2/28/09; www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNBqP5j1FZQ]
Part of a local discussion regarding the Kingston Area Public Access (KAPA) / Public Access (In General) TV Dilemma:
"If KAPA comes up for discussion, I just wanted to mention that I once lived in Park Ridge NJ which had a Public Access TV station and was horrified to hear from one of its founders that the local official who gave them their charter put a clause in it that they could not broadcast anything of a 'controversial' nature! Mind-boggling in a democracy, isn't it? There's a great Media freedom website and if I can [retrieve] its name from my aging memory cells, I'll post it here. About that local public access channel in Park Ridge - the founder told me that it wound up mostly just giving info on the bike relay tours that passed through town. A great resource that was nipped in the bud by a cowardly democracy-challenged [bureaucrat]" (Maureen; KingstonCitizensNews@yahoogroups.com; Re-Printed With Permission]
Recommended Site: www.democracynow.org / Sample You Tube video - Democracy Now - In honor of Beverly Eckert...
["9/11 Widow Beverly Eckert, 1951-2009, Advocate for Peace and 9/11 Victims. Democracy Now 2/17/09"; as submitted by mediagrrl9 on 2/17/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lsgx4sxjN6o]
["Obama: Cut deficit we inherited ($1.3T) by half 1st term, US Budget - Exercise in deception!"; as submitted to You Tube by VoiceofAmericans2008 on 2/23/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rk_egp-tHjk]
The following (what do you folks think?) was my slightly revised reaction (which is currently in the Internet "limbo" stage) to a great posting / thread ("Obama's Fiscal... Summit"; M. Madsen; "Kingston Progressive"; blog-link in sidebar>>>):
"The health care system, as is, is not only overburdened and overpriced, but almost impossible, for many folks, to even wade through in order to get their needs met...
What happened in this society anyhow? Has anyone noticed that to even find a phone number - one has the option of searching through 3 - 4 - 5 phone books now (usually finding the number one is seeking in the last one, if at all????)
Crazy prices. A crazy replication of services and paperwork. A crazy replication of agencies to help one wade through this crazy replication of paperwork (which is being done by a crazy replication of employees) in order to get the best deals out of the crazy priced deals which usually suck in the end anyhow...
And - the worst apparent schemers, when all is said and done - usually end up being - NOT THE CONSUMER - but one or more of those folks putting forth the crazy paperwork and crazy replication of agencies, etc. etc. etc.
People in the "business" charging fees for people that have (oops, I forgot...) been deceased for a year...
People in the "business" charging for nurses and such that aren't even REALLY on staff...
People in the "business" not sending poor folks for the tests they need...
Whilst sending those with good insurance for the same tests in duplicate or triplicate...
Crazy, crazy, crazy...
But I haven't been following it all THAT much. Just LIVING it. And remembering what it was like to try to help my father find his way (prior to his death) through the maze...
At some points having to say, "Dad, I just can't figure it out either..."
Simple. Pragmatic. Affordable...
Anyone remember when your family doctor was your family doctor... and wasn't a long wait for a quick (too often inadequate...) "fix"...
which somehow ends up with one having to go to five other people (bloodwork here; x-rays there; specialists here there and everywhere...) for five other tests (or whatever) that cost five times (or more) than they should....
Etc?...
Does anyone identify?
Yes, I certainly hope they get a grip on all of this...
I mean, seriously, they can probably save bundles associated with the Medicare Program just by not sending out 2 million, 3 million, 4 million BOOKS (I really have no idea how many, but apparently a LOT!) a year - that a lot of people can't figure out...
Thus the trek from agency to agency that also receives book after book....
And pays employee after employee to try to explain them to you (or SELL them to you...)
Etc.
I could go on. But I'm supposed to be giving myself (lol) a much needed "break" here - because although I like to clown around - I'm also way too serious sometimes for my own good...
BTW, the "boomers" (as a cohort group) didn't "cause" this mess - a few folks in Washington did!
And generation XYZ [or whatever...(?)] won't (as a cohort group) solve this mess...
Only some serious investigations and some serious common sense solutions - to be imposed by a few (relatively speaking) folks in Washington will...
Good posting Mike. This issue is huge... and this is another (specific) area where the folks "at the top" (as soon and as efficiently as possible) should ask the public what their experiences with our current health care system (even a lot of doctors are fed up!) have been like...
Shucks! Just ask [] folks how many books - from how many different "providers" (Medicare, etc.) they have got in the mail!
I mean, for folks like me that have problems digging up the money for one container of printer ink...
I would think the printing, copying, binding and mailing costs associated with our current medical system might be enough (all by itself) to make one's head 'spin around!'"
I almost missed this one (not the issue, but the update on the issue...) --- and it is a biggy --- regarding the deficit, health care and other issues, as well!
I guess it just goes to show ya' that there really isn't any time right now --- needed or no --- for "breaks." So we just gotta' hope that none of us "break" in the meantime...]
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Hope: One Word Says It All... Obama-Biden 2009" [Click Photo to Link to "One Hope.." / You Tube]
Photo / Copyright by NS
To My "Sisters": I received this on MySpace and it was so beautiful I wanted to pass it on...
"... The lady reading this is beautiful, classy and strong... Help her live [] life to the fullest [] Promote her and cause her to excel above her expectations [] Help her shine in the darkest places [] Protect her at all times..."
My Inaugural [Barack Obama 2009] Poem (Copyright, NS)
My New Year's oath To you and me Was to become All I can be
To live my muse Pursue my dreams With every drop Of energy...
And courage Drawn up from My toes...
The fear I've known... The fear I've known...
Handcuffed and chained To walls of pain This year, I say, "No more."
And, as I stand Before you now A poet, dreamer, Silly clown...
To celebrate Obamas day...
I have to say... I have to say...
Though I am white My oath is true
My commitment firm I've much to do
For I am, indeed, A lot like you...
My freedom card Long overdue.
And, although each day Can be tough to face
It is worth the price Because all our fates
Depend on you... Depend on me...
On everyone struggling To be free...
From the pain That holds us back
(So much locked up inside)
Speaking its truth... Speaking its truth...
Through all the tears We've cried...
I really tried to hide... I really tried to hide...
But this is the year... This Is the year...
That I've been Waiting for...
This is the year... This is the year...
I finally say, "No more."
And join The chorus Of voices Singing...
"We can!"
NS [MoveOn.org Civic Action Member / Inaugural Party (Obama 2009) Host] [Copyright Jan. 2009]
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