SPREADINGOURWINGS

Go Mike Go... Fundraiser... Ghostbusters Cartoon Video... You Tube... Blog Update

2009-04-23T04:27:00.000-07:00

New Photo - May 2010 - Memorial Day Parade

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."

Peace, Love, Equality and Humane Justice,

NS

Put a Little Love in Your Heart... You Tube

2009-03-21T03:37:00.000-07:00

["Put a Little Love in Your Heart"; as submitted by shirleymacd on 5/17/07; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YC2Q3FdpX6I]

ABC's First Lady Michelle Obama Interview... Organizing for America Pledge Project Canvasses... You Tube

2009-03-20T08:12:00.000-07:00

["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

ChipsNDips Entertainment... St Patricks Parade Photos... Silly and Serious... Lions Expo... More

2009-03-19T14:54:00.000-07:00

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

Lion's Expo 2009... Chips'NDips Entertainment... Hakuna Matata... You Tube

2009-03-19T08:17:00.000-07:00

Don't forget the Lion's Club Expo at the Hudson Valley Mall this weekend!

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["Hakuna Matata(English)"; as submitted to You Tube by pyrolonewolf on 12/21/06; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejEVczA8PLU]

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For more information on "Lions Expo 2009" - please check out the Kingston Lions Club website at http://kingstonlions.com/

NS

Rosenberg on Nonviolent Communication ~ NVC... You Tube

2009-03-18T06:35:00.000-07:00

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

Associated Press... Road Runner Article... II... What Do You Think?

2009-03-18T06:17:00.000-07:00

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]

Associated Press Road Runner Article... What Do You Think?

2009-03-17T17:56:00.000-07:00

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]

Obama... pursue every legal avenue... to block AIG bonuses... Obama... Small business engine... You Tube

2009-03-16T18:58:00.000-07:00

["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

Great Parade... Congrats and Thank You...

2009-03-15T18:10:00.000-07:00

[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

Obama Weekly... Address.... Food Safety... You Tube

2009-03-14T16:07:00.000-07:00

["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

Happy St. Patricks Day... Shamrock Run... St. Patricks Day Parade... Chips'NDips Entertainment

2009-03-14T15:36:00.000-07:00

"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

SHAME... Everybody has their stuff... Issues in my life... Cher and Tina Turner... You Tube

2009-03-13T02:11:00.000-07:00

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

Silly... Serious...

2009-03-12T15:45:00.000-07:00

["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 :)

Tulips from Amsterdam... You Tube... Misc Notes... Updates

2009-03-11T04:09:00.000-07:00

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]

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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

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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

Ever Since the World Began... Survivor... You Tube

2009-03-10T12:49:00.000-07:00

["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

Following the Wave... Power Shift... Here, There, Everywhere... Obama... Pelosi... More... You Tube Videos

2009-03-10T05:03:00.000-07:00

"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]

Re Free Will... You Tube Video...

2009-03-08T23:33:00.000-07:00

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

In Honor of International Women's Day March 8 2009

2009-03-08T16:40:00.001-07:00

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

Lives in the Balance... Bringing it Home... Thank You... NS

2009-03-08T07:23:00.000-07:00

[Copyrighted by NS]

[Copyrighted by NS]

Jackson Browne Live... Lives in the Balance... and For America... You Tube Videos

2009-03-08T07:03:00.000-07:00

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- Running on Empty... Notes on HV Progressive Coalition Mting... Green Economy

2009-03-07T22:21:00.000-08:00

["Jackson Browne- Running on Empty (live 1979)"; as submitted to You Tube by rewindbttn on 2/9/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bww2prhAWEA]

Notes on HV Progressive Coalition Mting... Green Economy... Below

V

Getting Energy Smart... Notes on Friday Nights Meeting

2009-03-07T19:52:00.000-08:00

"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

Kingston Citizens: http://kingstonnavigator.wordpress.com/

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

Thank you to everyone involved,

NS

You Tube Videos... Power and Control... Bench Trial V Jury Trial... Victims Rights... Resources... More

2009-03-07T02:25:00.000-08:00

"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...

‘‘CHAPTER 237—CRIME VICTIMS’ RIGHTS ‘‘Sec. ‘‘3771. Crime victims’ rights. ‘‘§ 3771. Crime victims’ rights...

‘‘(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/

2. "DemWomen Brewing Change"; "Animal Abuse, Domestic Abuse"; http://demwomenny.blogspot.com/2009/03/animal-abuse-domestic-abuse.html

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

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

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

My Notes on last nights "Hudson Valley Progressive Coalition Meeting" are pending.

NS

I Feel Good.... Obama Opens Health Care Summit... Links

2009-03-06T03:33:00.000-08:00

"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

These links will be provided in the sidebar >>>>>

Respectfully posted by,

NS

HOT HOT HOT... Wade... Save Them... School Taxes... Church Tax Exemption... More...

2009-03-05T16:53:00.000-08:00

[Copyrighted Photo]

[Copyrighted Photo]

[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.]

Somebody needed to say all of that...

So I did.

NS

St Patricks Day Parade Notice... Ward 5... Chips'NDips Entertainment

2009-03-05T00:50:00.001-08:00

[Chips of Chips'NDips Entertainment; Photo by BS]

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?

Peace, Love, Equality and Humane Justice,

NS

Hearing Loss, Vertigo... The Americans With Disabilities Act... You Tube

2009-03-04T22:35:00.000-08:00

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!

Thank You,

NS

Tues March 3 2009 Kingston City Council Meeting Notes

2009-03-03T22:22:00.000-08:00

[Photo by BF; Utilized with Permission]

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

Re. Sex Offender Issue... Tracking... Communications with Leg. Donaldson... Let's Get a Grip... Seeking Community Feedback

2009-03-03T19:32:00.000-08:00

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,

NS

RUBY TUESDAY... Sky Balloon... You Tube... Chips'NDips Entertainment...

2009-03-03T15:31:00.000-08:00

An incredible - I think - video...

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]

Respectfully posted by,

NS

Offer... Alanis Morissette... You Tube... Something to Think About

2009-03-03T12:45:00.000-08:00

["Offer Alanis Morissette"; as submitted to You Tube by PaullettyfromBrazil on 10/11/07; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pk10NculK_E]

Bush Adm. Memos... Stimulus Benefits... Joe Biden... Violence Against Women Act... You Tube Videos... More

2009-03-03T05:41:00.000-08:00

"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..."

Peace, Love, Equality and Humane Justice,

NS

Help Homeowners... You Tube... Public Access... Democracy Now... In Honor of Beverly Eckert

2009-03-02T18:47:00.000-08:00

["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]

Respectfully Posted by,

NS

Obama: Cut deficit... Voiceof... You Tube... Obama's Fiscal... Kingston Progressive... Health Care Issue...

2009-03-01T03:12:00.000-08:00

["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>>>):

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

My (NS) Reaction / Opinion:

"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!'"

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

Mike... Thanks!

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...]

NS

"Superman" from the "Concert for NY" DVD... Thank You... Taking a Break

2009-02-27T11:31:00.000-08:00

A song / video from You Tube dedicated (thank you!) to all of those (male and female) that stand for what is right, what is just and what is admirable in terms of the human spirit.

["Five For Fighting "Superman" from the "Concert for NY" DVD; as submitted to You Tube by fiveforfighting on 1/13/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOYIKw1NGSw]

Quote: "Seeking to understand requires consideration; seeking to be understood takes courage. Win/Win requires a high degree of both" ("Daily Reflections for Highly Effective People..."; Stephen Covey; 1994; p. 358).

Taking a break...

Truth, Love, Equality and Humane Justice,

NS

N. Pelosi on Truth Commission... R. Maddow... MSNBC

2009-02-27T08:09:00.000-08:00

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Respectfully posted by,

NS

A Belated Report on the KURA Meeting

2009-02-27T06:27:00.000-08:00

[Did you say "graffiti?"; photos by NS]

I'm a bit overwhelmed, and running behind on the things I want to cover - so please bear with me.

I did want to report that the Kingston Uptown Residents Association (KURA) meeting was well-attended, conducted and informative... That the pros and cons of the "nuisance law" (as proposed by former DA, Don Williams) were given pretty comprehensive coverage (including informative handouts)... And that one of the hopes associated with the nuisance law is increased community involvement... in regard to reporting suspected problems (drug dealing, prostitution, graffiti and code violations were mentioned) - and such (which must be handled in a prioritized manner, explaining some delays) to the proper authorities.

Former DA Williams gave an intro and general overview. Chief D. Ryan focused more intensely on the law itself [I was happy to hear that the majority of cases, thus far, have been resolved via (for lack of a better word) mediation.] KPD Chief Keller spoke about the cooperative efforts under way...

And there seemed to be (again, I am pleased...) an emphasis on early intervention [via the law] - through which more serious crimes might be prevented [an ideal)].

Although for those that are (this is reputedly a minimal percentage thus far) chronic or serious offenders (whether these be landlords or tenants) can conceivably face fines and/or penalties that are (accordingly) more severe...

Both landlords and tenants can (where appropriate) utilize the nuisance law - and there are mechanisms set up (some info. will be provided here on site) for doing so.

I was also happy to note that Alderman Hoffay, Alderman Madsen, Alderwoman DiBella and Alderwoman Whitlock (your aldermen and alderwomen at work for you!) were present...

Copies of the law itself can reputedly be viewed and/or downloaded (?) from the City of Kingston Website at www.ci.kingston.ny.us

The following contact websites (relevant to this law) were presented on the handout:

1. U.C. Sheriff's Office www.co.ulster.ny.us/sheriff
2. Chief Civil Officer Don Ryan dryn@co.ulster.ny.us
3. Kingston Landlord Support (Landlord Website): www.kingstonlandlordsupport.org
4. Legal Services of the Hudson Valley: www.lshv.org.

All in all, this was a well thought out and informative meeting... providing an example (perhaps?) that some folks in other Wards might (?) want to follow...

It is always wise to be an "informed consumer" - and/or - more aptly put (one might hope!) in this case... an informed (crime appears to be on the rise...) citizen!

[I previously posted a number of photos where graffiti (City of Kingston / Town of Ulster) was a definite issue - as one can see in the photo up above - and look up via prior postings. What I wonder, is if it is possible --- should the graffiti perps be located / officially convicted - that they (at least the minor offenders) be given the option of and/or required to - repair the damage [in this case, pretty severe, and maybe not applicable...) that has been done?]

Thank You to Everyone (Including the citizen attendees and those associated with the BSP) Involved!

NS

George Washington's BDAY... Black History Month... Domestic Violence... Global Violence... You Tube Videos

2009-02-26T04:13:00.000-08:00

Things have been moving fast; and I've missed a couple of things along the way that I think are important. I will cover (for economy of time) these topics via videos from You Tube (this site is awesome, but I'm forever learning that one has to be careful...):

1. In Honor of George Washington's Birthday (2/22/1732):

"A thought provoking collection of Creative Quotations from George Washington (1732-1799); born on Feb 22. US president (1st), soldier, surveyor, farmer; He was Commander of the Continental forces; ...

["Creative Quotations from George Washington for Feb 22"; as submitted to You Tube by CreativeQuotations on 2/16/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LuO_xCyFdps]

2. In Honor of Black History Month (February):

"Rap music artist/producer Jair Dynast talks about Black History Month, shares his thoughts on President Barack Obama and the impact he will have on our Society and more in this brand new interview...

["Rap Music: Jair Dynast - Black History Month Interview"; as submitted to You Tube by JairDynastTV on 1/22/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIfJloVXdFI]

3. Some Public Awareness Information [Vital today and everyday...!]

A. Domestic Violence:

"An effort to bring awareness to the domestic violence epidemic and acquire support in our fight against it...

["Domestic Violence Campaign-2"; as submitted to You Tube by chinadoll5194 on 2/2/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jg1I8vSbI5s]

The incidence of domestic violence is reputedly on the rise, a factor that is often associated with economic downturns and other social-economic stressors. Local Organizations through which one can ask (confidentially) for help include Family of Woodstock and the Ulster County Crime Victims Assistance Program --- links to which will be made available in the sidebar >>>

B. Violence Against Women and Children:

"GLOBAL STATISTICS Fact #31: At least 60 million girls who would otherwise be expected to be alive are "missing" from various populations, mostly in Asia, as a result of sex-selective abortions, in...

["Scare (d) To Leave, Afraid To Stay (violence against women)"; as submitted to You Tube by BetterWorld4YouAndMe on 4/19/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZDCv4M8cGo]

Boys and men are certainly not exempt from the tragedy of Domestic Violence...

Neither are folks of different sexual orientations...

Neither are (whether immediately and directly impacted or no...) YOU!

C. Violence on a Global Scale:

["Tell Me Why Matthew Slider"; as submitted to You Tube by CrzyMarine21 on 2/7/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Chszcc8vyYI]

None of us are exempt from the tragedy - the travesty (When will we ALL stop?) of war.

Peace, Love, Equality and Humane Justice,

NS

Notes on Last Night's Kingston City Finance Committee Meeting... Associated Videos and Photos

2009-02-25T09:10:00.000-08:00

[K.C. Alderman M. Madsen and NS at recent KAPA fundraiser; photo (used with permission/copyrighted) by NS]

[KAPA producer (currently off the air) and Supporter, PG, at a recent KAPA fundraiser; photo (utilized with permission/copyrighted) by NS]

[Assemblyman K. Cahill (my camera did not catch this photo!) was also present at this fundraiser; and other photos are pending based upon receiving the necessary permissions...]

Notes on Last Night's Kingston City Finance Committee Meeting:

Alderman Landi served as Chair. A Quorum - also inclusive of Council President / Alderman-at-Large Noble, Alderman Madsen, Alderwoman DiBella and Alderwoman Whitlock was present. J. Tully gave a financial report (2009 Budget update) - and voiced concerns about monies potentially running low; in part due to falling sales revenues, towards the end of 2009. Most or all City programs are reputedly being run as fiscally responsibly as possible; including an increased scrutiny of revenues and expenditures. City departments have reputedly been asked to limit spending to essentials, whilst the City continues to look for innovative ways to further reduce expenditures. There is hope that President Obamas stimulus package will help out - at least in some areas - but nothing definitive is reputedly known (as to the where, when and what of that) - as of yet. The 2009 Federal contingency budget has reputedly been expended. The 2009 Federal contingency budget reputedly remains untouched.

KPD Chief Keller and Deputy Chief Wallace were also present; and apparently one or both of them (or another rep. of the KPD) will be present at future Finance meetings, in order to give a monthly report. The KPD, as with the other City Departments, is reputedly attempting to keep their expenses down; and the KPD reputedly has up to 28 employees that "might" [This question was put forth...] qualify for Mayor Sottiles tentative proposal (if this passes through the Council) of "buying out" those employees that are close to (or already qualify for?) retirement - in order to avoid potential layoffs. Chief Keller said he could think of just two employees, at this point, that might be interested; but that others might sign on, if this option is officially sanctioned and proposed, as well.

There were some pointed questions about the URGENT task force (re expenses and boundaries) - and Alderwoman DiBella questioned the use of URGENT (basically a drug investigation / enforcement task force?) in regard to some recent prostitution arrests. [It may be that URGENT officers are more highly paid than regular KPD officers (?) - and that Alderwoman DiBella was expressing concerns in that regard; however, I am not absolutely clear on this.]

One comment made - which had a twist to it - was the expressed "hope" (?) that the number of arrests would go up; and thus, the revenues associated (fines, etc) with "same" would go up as well...

Some things the public might be interested in - is that officers are apparently (?) paid a minimum of 2 hours overtime, even if they are only called out for a half-hour, hour, etc...

And (if I heard this right) - that the court, in come manner (I'm not clear on this, so it is best to check it out for clarification) actually gets paid 3 hours worth of revenue (via contract?)for every 15 minutes (I'm not clear on specifics...) of their time.

Chief Keller also expressed hope that President Obamas stimulus package would help out in regard to the KPDs (having to cut back staff, etc.) fiscal struggles.

Next up was KAPA Commissioner, B. Smith - who again represented Kingston Area Public Access (KAPA / Channel 23) television's need / request / proposal / "right" (?) to financing - via the Time Warner franchise fee (which is now being deposited into the general fund; and utilized, in full, apparently, for other purposes...) of supportive financing (a request for $14,800 has been put forth at this point) from the City of Kingston.

C. R., a former KAPA producer and blogger ["Ulster County Politics"] - plus - with a You Tube link ["My Channel 23"] - taped some of the interchange around the KAPA discussion, which you can watch at http://ucpnews.blogspot.com/ [There is also a link to Clark's Blog, "Ulster County Politics" (the relevant thread is titled "FINANCE/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE...") in the sidebar].

C. R. (Kudos!) also did a one-on-one interview with KAPA Commissioner B. Smith, which I believe can be viewed (along with a video of a recent a KAPA fundraiser) by following the same links. ]

Alderman Landi stated that since all City of Kingston revenues are down, he did not think the City would be able to "help" out in regard to KAPA. R. Smith responded (this is not a direct quote) that (1) KAPA is not an organization of philanthropists; (2) that the KAPA Commissioners are appointed (by the Mayor of the City) volunteers; and (3) that the requested monies represent not only a "need" - but a "right" - and a "moral question" --- as 11,000 communities, nationwide, support their Public Access television stations through the very same mechanisms (a percentage of franchise fees) requested / described.

KAPA Commissioner and Chairperson, Lisa Alt, stated (this is not a direct quote) that the Town of Ulster gave $5,000 towards KAPA expenses in 2008 and that a request had also been put in via that (and other) venues for 2009; but that nothing ("this is only February") was yet known as far as solid commitments for the 2009 fiscal year.

Alderman Landi had a number of questions, which I do not want to go into here (please check out the videos); and one or more of the Aldermen / Alderwomen present - still apparently "tabling" the direct request for funding - suggested that the KAPA Commission try to find funding (some unfeasible, according to Commissioner Smith) - including putting in an application for a Community Block Grant.

Commissioner Smith agreed to check into this; and also asked why the money could not (if the City remains unwilling to part with a portion of the franchise fee, which appears to be the KAPA Commission's main thrust...) find some monies for KAPA by sorting through the non-essential services the City provides and divvying out funds differently from there...

Another idea on this topic [brought up by Alderman Madsen] was to add a surcharge (about 10 cents a month) - specifically for KAPA - to the franchise fee that the subscribers in the City of Kingston are already paying.

However, this small surcharge fee idea [this situation with the City of Kingston v KAPA (so it would seem) has been going on for a long time] did not even muddle through...

And although KAPA Commissioner B. Smith agreed to follow up on the Community Block Grant idea (with time running short); this funding, if I perceived it right (?) - would not, even if approved, kick in until fiscal year 2010 --- leaving KAPA (as per usual ?) pretty much (although an appointed City Commission with a franchise fee that is reputedly supposed to be used, at least in part, to fund the station) flat broke (for all practical intents and purposes) - undermined (this appears to be an eternal "double-bind" situation) and (Why is the Cable Commission meeting always held in conjunction with the Public Safety Commission meeting (two different line items, one would think...) anyhow?] "busted."

Alderman Madsen also noted (this is not an exact quote) that other Public Access stations generally receive a portion of Time Warner franchise fees for their operating expenses; and it has been said, in general, by a few people --- that many of these stations are flourishing and (with adequate funding) able to provide their services in the manner and spirit for which Public Access (a community service) is intended.

KAPA Commissioner and Chair, L. Alt, stated that KAPA has been asking the City of Kingston for funding for years - to no avail. KAPA Commissioner B. Smith stated that although this "might" be (through hoops and loops) "legal" (ie. the City putting all of the franchise fees into the general fund) - it is certainly "not moral."

Other options, which I choose not to cover here (I believe I covered the primary purpose for the KAPA Commissioner's presence at this meeting) - were discussed, as well. And it should be noted that KAPA Commissioner C. Evans was also present; as were at least three - and possibly more - KAPA producers (currently off the air) and/or supporters.

That said, the last item on the Agenda - that I was present for - had to do with the piece that today's "Daily Freeman" ("City May Seek..."; 2/25/09; PP. A1 and A6) chose (in part) to (why focus exclusively on this?) zoom in on... "This" being (not covered in the "Freeman") about some potential upkeep and/or contractual services [potentially costing up to $100,000...) regarding City Hall itself (remote control access / maintenance to the heating / Air Conditioning system / a "tabled" issue) - and (this was covered in the "Freeman") the potential expenses associated with repairing the front steps of City Hall [currently unsafe / the side doors are being utilized...) - and possibly the fixing of the sidewalk, in front of City Hall, as well.

I was not clear about all that was being said, or by whom, in this last regard; but it sounded like the proposed $38,000 to fix the City Hall's front steps [C.R., noted above, also has a blog posting (same links) about this] and/or sidewalk (at these estimates / aren't there lower bids out there?) would be a fiscally irresponsible expenditure (this is my personal opinion / yours may differ) - unless this funding can be secured via grants or some other such avenue) at this (the general tone of this meeting was one of fiscal accountability and responsibility...) point.

[Note: The theoretical $38,000 plus (This is already $18,000 over what was reputedly budgeted for the repair of the steps) would apparently require the City to borrow money and/or take out a bond... and the full possible expenditure (a little too much ambiguity here?) - when all is said and done - could reputedly end up costing the City $48,000 or more [in addition to the possible $100,000 (?) expenditure noted up above for other City Hall contractual services?) --- PLUS!].

[If any errors are noted in this report, please let me know and I will check into it / make the necessary corrections.]

Thank You,

NS

Good Morning All.... Sylver - One World One Dream... You Tube

2009-02-25T04:32:00.000-08:00

["Sylver - One World One Dream (official video)"; as submitted to You Tube by technoindustries on 7/14/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LroRlNd8kY]

Respectfully posted by,

NS

President Obama's Speech to the Chamber of Congress... Part 2 of 6... You Tube

2009-02-25T03:19:00.000-08:00

"President Obama at his very best: His speech to the chamber of congress was awesome. He covered everything from the economy to education. Awesome !! Part-2 of 6...

["President Obama's Speech to the Chamber of Congress - 2-24-09.- AWESOME !! Part-2 of 6"; as submitted to You Tube by romagman on 2/24/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZDHxwapa3w]

You might be interested to know that questions arose - at last night's K.C. Finance Committee - about how the economic stimulus might benefit us...

Direct answers to that (in regard to the City of Kingston's benefits and expenditures) don't appear to be on the table, as of yet - but they DO appear to be pending!

More on all of that later!

Right now, I need some sleep! [The notes for the LWV of the Mid-Hudson Valley Region (to be emailed) - and some input (here) re the finance committee meeting / KAPA funding issues / the KAPA fundraiser - are all pending...

Peace, Love, Equality and Humane Justice,

NS

Yusuf Islam - Peace Train - OUTSTANDING... You Tube

2009-02-25T02:20:00.000-08:00

"Yusuf Islam, formerly known by his stage name Cat Stevens (born Steven Demetre Georgiou on 21 July 1948 in London, UK), is an English musician, singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, educator...

["Yusuf Islam - Peace Train - OUTSTANDING!"; as submitted to You Tube by popthetime on 3/20/08;http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLG91tOLPdQ]

I followed some video links offered by a much respected poster, and I found them all to be quite beautiful...

This is my song / video pick (many thanks!) for today.

Peace, Love, Equality and Humane Justice,

NS

Thank You!

NS

Amy Klobuchar discusses Al Franken... with Maddow Al Franken Interviewed... AirAmerica You Tube

2009-02-24T10:23:00.000-08:00

What's Happening in Minnesota [Some impressive women appear to be "on board" there!]

["Amy Klobuchar discusses Al Franken election with Maddow"; as submitted to You Tube by cheneywatch on 2/17/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGRBjuWad8k]

Who does Al Franken think might be the next person to move from Air America to a Senate seat?

["Al Franken Interviewed By Mark Green of Air America Pt1 of 2"; as submitted to You Tube by ObamaTheBlackJFK on 2/23/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJlZhGq5Il0]

COOL...

NS

A Personal Rant... Wild World... You Tube

2009-02-24T02:24:00.000-08:00

["Cat Stevens - Wild world 1971"; as submitted to You Tube by fritz51141 on 5/10/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkI9wCk8jvw]

I've received emails regarding some of my recent blog postings - some of which contain very kind words - and some no...

I respect all opinions, enjoy having my ego stroked here and there - and also, where appropriate, I believe - sometimes respond with the assertive (after a couple of deep breaths) anger that is provoked...

I'd like to thank the folks that have affirmed my "work" (volunteer activism that actually costs me money...) here.

I'd also like to address some of the "whacks up aside the head" (reminiscent of a book title) I have received...

I've been told, by a guy who has been known to send us classist and racist emails (in my opinion) - that I shouldn't send political propaganda (i.e., a note about the Bush Truth commission) to members of a certain local commission that allegedly stands for freedom of speech [classism and racism are "okay" but political information (which one can delete with a click) is "not?"]

I've been told (I've heard this before) - that we need to "focus on our own back yard" (exclusively) - that the people (all of us nobodies?) have no impact [I disagree with this] on national decisions and/or events.

I've been told (I've heard this before too) - that I need to do something about my anger...

Which is, my dear friends and "frenimies" (a word borrowed from my step-daughter) exactly what I am doing...

Yes, I could sit and mope and simmer - and I do my share of that.

Yes, I could give up on life altogether - plenty of folks do.

Yes, I could be a sweet quiet "good little girl" of "sugar and spice" - keep my "mouth shut" - and continue - sans any form of resistance - to eat bucket-loads of classist and sexist shi*...

But THAT is not who I am - nor whom I choose to be...

NOT ANYMORE!

I do a lot of thinking, perhaps too much sometimes, I will grant you that.

But here and now I WILL tell you "some" of the reasons for my anger - which I am really (as I believe a therapist would tell you) currently handling in a much healthier and productive manner than I have in the past:

1. I grew up in a home where if a woman dared to express an opinion she got her head wailed into the wall, fireplace mantle, etc.

2. I grew up in a home where girls and women were viewed exclusively as "sex objects" (to be used and exploited) and "servants" (shut up and obey...)

3. I grew up in a home where battering, child neglect and child abuse were the norm, rather than the exception...

4. I grew up in a town that made us suffer all the more... having been branded a "lowlife" and "blacksheep" by function of my birth.

5. Due to lack of attention, education, health services, etc. - I did what a lot of young girls in my situation (extreme rural poverty) do - as in --- I hooked up with an older guy (or he with me...) and started down the road of teen pregnancy after teen pregnancy; alcoholism (on both our parts); and, if I hadn't left, a more than likely addition (with me being the number one target this time) future of domestic violence....

6. I drank heavily for about 10 years - blaming myself for all of the things that happened in my childhood / my life... whilst (still a child in many ways myself) I tried to protect my own children (in some instances, failing) from the legacy I had inherited...

7. Only to find that predators come in many forms; most pretending, initially, to be one's "savior" and/or friend...

8. At around the age of 20 my half-sister, born much later than me, died of starvation and exposure... in the midst of a series of events that never should have been. STARVATION. The word kind of grabs you doesn't it????? She was 5-6 months old...

9. As a woman that suffered, already, from an attempt to self-medicate my pain and from (I would find this out later...) Post Traumatic Stress Disorder - I spent a lot of years drinking (which is a vice, but not a crime) - and I found myself the victim of crimes - of people that INTENDED to commit crimes - over and over and over again...

Obscene phone calls, landlords that sexually harassed me, co-workers that sexually harassed me, date rapes, etc... all of which were topped off by a serious violent rape... where I was held hostage - assaulted - had my life threatened with a knife - and was lucky - oh yes - quite lucky indeed - to make it out alive.

10. Only to find out (along the course of life unfolding, including during my "recovery" process) that a number of child sexual predators (despite my having moved in an attempt to get away from such folks) had managed to access a number of my children (including one or more of my step-children), and a number of my children's friends (many of them right here in good old Kingston...) - as well.

11. Now, did I sit still for this? Let go of my anger? NO.

But what I often found was a system that further traumatizes and exploits the victims of crimes - INCLUDING child victims! In fact, in one case a KPD officer, despite ample evidence, refused to take a case entirely (this officer was later "let go" due to using racist language) --- and in another case, after borrowing and paying top dollar ($7,500 down the drain...) to get what I thought was good representation for a grandchild that had been abused --- the "good" lawyer didn't even book us into the right court!(we should have been in criminal court not in family court!) OR show up (he sent an assistant instead) to represent us!

12. I have worked... Almost 10 years at one place that chose to "let me go" just two weeks prior to when (You think this was coincidence?) I would have been able to collect a pension...

13. I have gone through college - with panic attacks (often severe) doing their best to dissuade me along the way... feeling like a freak from another planet when comparing myself to my often well-to-do classmates...

14. I lost one post-degree job because I stood up for what was right in a situation where myself, other staff members and clients [MICA] were being abused... [I (simply attempting to do my job) was threatened with a knife at this residence... "I" was fired! They took the perp out for ice cream...]

15. I lost another post-degree job (where I had previously received excellent reviews and a considerable promotion) because I challenged the CEO about not keeping employees within the boundaries that had been set by our government grant... [Better keep your mouth shut, eh?

16. I have tried [and continue to try] to make a profit off my own business enterprises - only to find that the associated costs (insurance; bonds; other dues and fees; advertising; etc.) are extremely prohibitive...

17. I can HONESTLY say that I have NEVER set out to exploit, bring harm to, or use another person.

18. I can HONESTLY say that I HAVE BEEN EXPLOITED (the black marketing of my books representing the latest in this long saga of life) - repeatedly HARMED (emotionally and physically) - and USED - over and over and over again - by others that do NOT have legitimate good intent.

19. I am aware of many members of my family that are traveling down the same road I have - because they were taught wrong... AND because they are (is this an illness in 2009?) KIND...

20. And I am PRETTY DARN SICK OF IT!

So, like it or not, this is what I do. This is what (between bouts of depression, hypervigilence and insomnia) I am capable OF doing!

And it is certainly better - I would say - than doing NOTHING AT ALL.

It has been said (something to this affect; not an exact quote) --- that "If you stand for anything, you will most likely find yourself standing alone."

Which, for the most part, appears to be true.

Yet, if we don't stand for anything... if everyone were to "let go of their anger" and simply "forgive and forget"... this world would be run entirely (it appears to have come quite close already!) by sociopaths.

When I was in college I wrote a poem titled, "The Wonder of Wings."

And I'm still trying (against the odds) to make this life of mine stand for something" - do "something" worth while - "learn how to fly" - before I (as we all will do, eventually...) kiss the world (which I'm not overly fond of, 'tis true) goodbye.

BTW, I was put in a special class as a child... but I graduated from UCCC and SUNY at New Paltz with honors / summa cum laude...

So it might appear as if folks had me labeled wrong (how many young lives are stunted in this manner) from the beginning.

Ignorance is not stupidity.

Ignorance (which one can break through!) is a crafted and well-designed CRIME.

Peace, love, equality and humane justice,

NS

RE BUSH TRUTH COMMISSION...

2009-02-23T06:40:00.000-08:00

[Enough Picking on the "Little Guy"; Photo by NS]

Copied (Share Options Posted) and Pasted:

RE: "BUSH TRUTH COMMISSION"

"We have just emerged from a time when White House officials often acted as if they were above the law. That was wrong and must be fully exposed so it never happens again. That is why Senator Patrick Leahy has proposed the idea of a truth and reconciliation commission to investigate abuses during the Bush-Cheney Administration. These abuses may include the use of torture, warrantless wiretapping, extraordinary rendition, and executive override of laws. Rather than vengeance, we need a fair-minded pursuit of what actually happened. The best way to move forward is getting to the truth, finding out what happened, so we can make sure it does not happen again...

Please join me by signing Senator Leahy's online petition at http://www.BushTruthCommission.com -- urging Congress to consider establishing a truth and reconciliation commission to investigate the Bush-Cheney Administration's abuses. Or [visit http://ga3.org/campaign/btcpetition?rk=1dvrTUEagXL6W]"

[Links will be provided in sidebar >>>]

Truth, love, equality and humane justice,

NS

Looking for Feedback... Barack Obama at U.S. Mayor's Conference... You Tube... Local and National Issues in the Spotlight

2009-02-23T03:05:00.000-08:00

"An excerpt from Obama's address to the U.S. Mayor's Conference in Miami, FL on June 21, 2008...

["Barack Obama at U.S. Mayor's Conference"; as submitted to You Tube by BarackObamadotcom on 6/21/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfwpQx5La9c]

1. "Kingston May Offer to Buy Out Employees" [Paul Kirby; "Daily Freeman" (DF); Sunday, 2/22/09; PP. A1 & A8]

Good Idea or No?

This involves a possible buyout / offer (which has apparently not been presented to the City Council yet) of $12,500 - for city employees that qualify for retirement...

These positions, whether through layoff or buyouts would reputedly be left vacant...

The buyout idea (Mayor Sottile is quoted in this article) could possibly prevent some layoffs [KPD, Fire Dpt.; DPW; Other?] and save some expenditures in the 2010 budget (in regard to base salary and benefit payouts) --- but this would likely mean that at least some of the employees that remain would probably be working overtime (paid at time-and-a-half or more?) hours...

Does it make sense to pay anyone overtime when jobs are so desperately needed?

2. "Mad About Red Hats" (Blaise Schweitzer; DF; "LIfe" section; Sun, 2/22/09;PP. E1 and E3]

Kudos!

If you missed this article ("Life" section) - please check it out! [Keep buying your local papers folks! We really do NEED and BENEFIT FROM them!]

My notes on article:

Inspiration, kindness, philanthropy and activism are not limited to the young and optimally physically fit - and these activities can enrich the lives of anyone that chooses to indulge!

My hats (I have an array of hats in a multitude of colors; in fact, a friend used to call me the "Mad Hatter") are off to you dear ladies!

3. General Question:

What is the connection between the Queen's Galley (food pantry plus) --- "Save Them Now" [Religion (?) based jail and/or prison re-entry program] --- and Attorney (former DA Candidate) Jonathan Sennett?

See article, "Dinner Benefits Kingston Food Pantry" [DF; 2/22/08; P. E3; Emphasis Mine]

I know I like to know exactly where my monies are going --- and the way this is announced - there is some ambiguity [proceeds go to...?) in the mix...

4. What do you think?

"Kingston Gives St. Pat's Parade $1,000 Discount On Police Costs" (Paul Kirby; DF; Sat. 2/21/09; PP. A1 and A6)

The Mayor, according to this article, is a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) [host of the St. Patrick's Parade] - and this "discount" (for police services, etc?) rides on the wake of NOT offering City / financial assistance to help out a (much smaller, grant you) Mardi Gras parade [cancelled / shades of New Orleans?] --- that is apparently associated with the Roundout Business (a non-profit?) Association.

Please note that there are a couple of questions in this mix...

And that I am personally in favor of all parades and community events (they bring us together and put some new insights, culture and light into our lives!) --- but think that some of them should (maybe?) be scaled back in terms of expenses / grandiosity...

I wonder... Is it possible that the Guardian Angels (Hey Lenny!) might be able to help out (cutting police costs) at such events?

5. What do you think?

"No Reprieve for Row Houses" (Paul Kirby; DF; Sat., 2/21/09; PP. A1 and A6)

Apparently 16 apartments were carved out of a building (without the appropriate legal permissions) of a building designed and/or zoned for just six apartments (definitely uncool) --- but on the flip side, this situation is apt to put a lot of folks (who may or may not have been aware of the situation) out of their homes...

Thus, I wonder --- does this landlord owe his or her tenants their deposit and (this would be new...) a "sorry I screwed you up" payment (big enough to get them into housing of comparable costs) --- besides?

6. What do you think?

"Budget Secrecy Irks Watchdog... State Open Government Official Says Kingston School District Should Release Preliminary Version of 2009-10 Spending Plan" (Kyle Wind; DF; Sat, 2/21/09; P. A3]

Yes? No?

Makes sense to me...

7. Good News for Many:

Ulster County programs that are reputedly scheduled [according tho to the U.S. Dpt. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to receive funding include:

a. Multi County Community Development Corp: $158,832
b. Stuyvesant Supported Apartments: $91,069
c. Ulster County HMIS: $70,350
d. Permanent Supportive Housing Program: $58,209
e. Permanent Housing for Women with Children: $41,307

["Local Programs For Homeless Getting Federal Aid"; "Mid-Hudson News Network"; DF; Sat, 2/21/09; P. A3]

8. Should the City of Kingston be providing another $1,000 (less or more?) to the Ulster Performing Arts Center [UPAC) - which has already received City funding, despite the fact that UPAC charges pretty good money for tickets (unaffordable for many city residents) - and seems to be doing - compared to a whole lot of others - just fine?

Did anyone see (and identify with...) R. Schmidt's "Letter to the Editor" in the Feb. 21 (Sat) DF (P. A7)? [It is worth looking up!]

I'd say he makes some pretty good points!

9. What do you Think?

"Homeowner Bailout Stirs Up Strong Feelings" (AP; DF; Sat.,2/21/09; PP. B1 and B4]

This article addresses the bank bailouts, the auto-industry bailouts and the bailouts made (or pending) for those that got behind on their mortgage payments -
and makes a very good point, in my opinion, when it asks (This is my own way of putting it...): "What about us?"

I'm certainly not against the bailouts that are geared towards helping people save their homes from foreclosure...

But there certainly is something to the fact that those of us that have been making our mortgage payments (some of us just barely!) - by reducing our lifestyles to barely living [thermostats turned down to 62; rice, soup and eggs; having to let our vehicles deteriorate (or sell them); putting off needed (unaffordable) medical and dental care; credit card payments overdue; other forms of credit wrecked; selling off treasured family heirlooms; etc...] in order to do so - could use a little help [I really need to get my car back on the road AND my broken tooth fixed!] too...

[There is a column, by Shirley Fischler, titled "My House is Officially 'Underwater'" (DF; Sat, 2/21/09; PP. D1 and D$) that addresses - from a slightly different angle - this issue too...)

10. What do you think?

"Obama Puts Mayors On Notice" (AP; DF; Sat, 2/21/09; P. B3]

Quote from article:

"Invoking his own name-and-shame policy... Obama warned the nation's mayors on Friday that he will "call them out" if they waste the money from his massive economic stimulus plan..."

Anyone keeping tabs?

[For more information on this (via the Internet) --- see: "Obama warns mayors not to waste stimulus money"; AP; 2/20/09; Road Runner; http://www.rr.com/news/politics/article/1151/6931827/Obama_warns_mayors_not_to_waste_stimulus_money]

Quote from above article:

"The American people are watching," Obama told a gathering of mayors at the White House. "They need this plan to work. They expect to see the money that they've earned _ they've worked so hard to earn _ spent in its intended purposes without waste, without inefficiency, without fraud."

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

I guess that's it for now, other than noting:

(1) That former President G. Bush Jr. and the former First Lady, Laura Bush, apparently just moved into a new home in Dallas that is reputedly worth about $2.1 MILLION... ["Ex-President, Laura Bush Move To Dallas Home"; AP; DF; Sat, 2/21/09; P. B4]

(2) That I will be putting some photos / info up about the KAPA fundraiser when I get the film developed and appropriate permissions (for photos) in place; and...

(3) That I do have a "big" blog/article in the works - to be released in the near future - so please DO "stay tuned!"

Peace, Love, Equality and Humane Justice,

NS

[If you note any errors in this report, please inform me and I will (upon review) make the appropriate corrections).

Flute Dreams - Clouds Dancing - Native American... You Tube

2009-02-22T05:57:00.000-08:00

["Flute Dreams - Clouds Dancing - Native American"; as submitted to You Tube by katydidscorner on 1/7/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZtlUC2U0qi4]

Respectfully posted by,

NS

Tears of justice served... A powerful poem that was contributed for publication on this site...

2009-02-21T14:23:00.000-08:00

Poem Submitted and Published (Exactly as Submitted / With Permission) by One of This Blog's Readers / Posters:

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

"tears of justice served
are prisms of perspective unnerved
where the tiny lachrymal crystals
cleanse our souls and baptize our brains
out of attempted brainwashing basins
to the ether of eternity
in the uppermost mindful section
where the Almighty was conceived
in either of our respective images
whether we got the message from our Creator
and were endowed with sacred or inalienable rights

or if we invented this entire anthropomorphic notion

in created likenesses or icons or legends

in graven myths or in some misbegotten reality--
we as a nation not of sheep on the compost heap
but as sentient thinking humans must right the wrongs
left on our bloodstained hearts by Bush
by bringing him to court and letting the people decide

whether what he did was just or just another genocide.

So I say to our father who art an artist in heaven

hallowed be thy brush and please

relegate the former commander-in-cheek

to places where he’s only clearing brush

banished in another world in a spot where it’s

as de facto as it gets

and without him thinking he’s a factotum

this ex-commander-in-sheik in crony clothes

with no visions of a burning bush

or of him hanging Saddam-like

none of this will suffice for what he’s done

as we and the little children suffer right ahead

by each and every child left behind

as Iraqi, or Afghani or American orphans

who suffer endlessly needlessly

or as the widows on the streets internally displaced

are wandering through their nation’s occupation

without an occupation without a home in the world

predisposed to grief and sorrow and hunger

with thanks again to Bush—

so may all the shoes that fit the print in your crime scenes

leave their footprint-- their mark on your forehead

to distinguish you amongst your peers

as the worst of the worst

in the shadow of the best which is yet to come

because no one else could ever sink

to the depths where you’ve managed to crater

by thinking you were the administrator—

better as a caricature for the animator

or the bone yard obituary illustrator and on and on...."

by Paul Werbalowsky (alias Pinchas Werba)

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

Respectfully posted (Thank You) by,

NS

TODAY'S EVENTS: LWV Brunch... Mardi Gras Celebration... KAPA Fundraiser... You Tube Videos... More...

2009-02-21T05:47:00.000-08:00

["Abba - I Have A Dream"; as submitted by You Tube by bosanac76 on 6/23/07; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFHbwikzNds]

1. The League of Women Voter's of the Mid-Hudson Valley Region is hosting a "brunch meeting" at 15-21 Franklin Street {Everette Hodge Center} TODAY (2/21/09) from 10am -Noon. If you would like more information about the League, or would like to volunteer for the League's "observer corps" --- see the local League website at
http://midhudson.ny.lwvnet.org/

This is a non-partisan group. At today's meeting, the pros and cons of the Electoral College and direct voting will be discussed.

["Puppet Master Extraordinair New Orleans St. Performer Part 1"; "New Orleans Spring of 2004-Excellent Music & Puppet Show--Captures New Orleans flavor before Katrina...."; as submitted by JohnnyMcPhail on 1/25/07;http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_9LT0Atd_0]

2. There is a Mardi Gras Celebration at the Maritime Museum today. Please see the "Daily Freeman" and/or your Ward Group to get more (updated) information!

If the festival is adhering (sans parade, I believe) to the original schedule, it will start around noon and continue into the evening - via some of the businesses and/or restaurants in the Roundout area.

["ABBA - Estoy Soñando" ("I Had a Dream"); as submitted to You Tube by amigosdx on 10/4/06]

3. TONIGHT --- at Keegan Ales --- from 7PM until ? --- the Kingston Area Public Access (KAPA; channel 23) Commissioners are hosting a fundraiser (Put on your dancing shoes!) and awards ceremony.

There will be food, music, dancing, FUN, good company, a raffle and more!

Tickets (This is a VERY IMPORTANT CAUSE!) are $40.

Please support YOUR Public Access station --- which allows you to get YOUR voice, YOUR views, YOUR questions, YOUR idea, YOUR local calender listings, and YOUR shows
--- should you choose to be interactive --- on the local airwaves!

You can contact the KAPA Commissioners for tickets and/or additional info.

And, I also believe (I could be wrong, so please contact the appropriate people!) some tickets will be available at the door.

["Let the People Sing - The Malleys"; as submitted to You Tube by dmiuist on 8/7/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhkdy0AOpaM]

FREEDOM
----- OF SPEECH

FREEDOM
---------- OF THE PRESS

FREEDOM
--------------- TO GATHER PEACEFULLY and ADDRESS GRIEVANCES

FREEDOM
-------------------- FROM POTENTIAL TYRANNY

FREEDOM (This is just a partial list, with add ons...)
-------------------------------------------------------- TO SING!

Peace, Love, Equality and Humane Justice,

NS

VISION QUEST SONG... You Tube

2009-02-20T12:40:00.000-08:00

I think I might have posted this before, but right about now I need to have it upfront and center (where I can try to draw some courage, strength and faith from it) again...

["VISION QUEST SONG"; as posted by hawktana on 7/6/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ougBGt_k0Sc]

I wish I understood the Native American (I believe that is what it is) language.

Peace, Love, Equality and Humane Justice,

NS

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton... You Tube Videos

2009-02-20T03:53:00.000-08:00

A couple of videos showcasing Secretary of State Hillary Clinton - a woman, I believe - of remarkable class and courage:

"Hillary Clinton Takes the Oath of Office as the 67th Secretary of State [Source: U.S. Department of State ] [03-Feb-2009]...

["Hillary Clinton Takes the Oath of Office..."; as submitted to You Tube by SBARTSTV on 2/3/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElQLfxaV3_E]

["Hillary Clinton - Sustainability and the American Dream"; as submitted to You Tube by ForaTv on 2/19/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBphEC9ogZM]

Respectfully posted by,

N.S.

Some Interesting You Tube Videos...

2009-02-19T22:23:00.000-08:00

From 2008:

["Countdown: Bush Dissolves The U.S. Constitution Today"; as submitted to You Tube by cmdrgmh on 9/17/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibpdwFjPMWE]

From Jan 9/09:

["Much Of The World See Bush & Cheney As War Criminals!"; as submitted to You Tube by VOTERSTHINKdotORG on 1/9/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7mVeWjW4JU]

From Jan 26/09:

["The U.S. Is Required To Bring George W Bush & Donald Rumsfeld Before A Court! U.N. War Crimes";
as submitted to You Tube by VOTERSTHINKdotORG on 1/26/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRAlqkPbjP0]

Respectfully posted by,

NS

Michael Moore's latest project You Tube... My Letter to the Editor...

2009-02-19T12:09:00.000-08:00

["CNN: Wall Street 'Better Watch Out' for Michael Moore"; as submitted to You Tube by mmflint on 2/17/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7FfPrf-X_Q]

Letter to the Editor - sent out (one never knows who will actually publish it) to a number of different papers today [I also sent another one out, but I won't zap you with two :)

Bottom line, if I can do this stuff, You probably can (check out the links in the sidebar!) too!

Letter:

"Enough of this greed on Wall Street! Enough of this pathetic whining that banks need more bailout money! Enough of me having to go pawn old jewelry to TRY to pay MY taxes! I think the Vampires have sucked up quite enough of the people's labor, trust and blood - don't you? Let the big banks that have been exploiting (in my opinion) the American people (via unjust usury and all sorts of trickery) "go bust." Help out the smaller banks, if you must, but with serious accountability and low CEO incomes as part of the package! And - consider the people too! Because, as far as I'm concerned I'm (along with a whole lot of other people) owed some money by at least some of the big guys on Wall Street, simply because their unethical (at best) and corrupt (at worst) practices have been such an absolute and total (America is better than this!) disgrace...

If I want to donate blood, I'll go to the local blood-bank, thank you very much! At least they pass it on (as is expected) to others that are in need!

Come on folks! Get a grip! This is about humane principals, accountability, justice and the future of the United States of America! And there aren't any intelligent people that I know of - with the true facts in hand (and no greedy self-serving agenda up their sleeve...) that would support anymore big-bank bailouts!

In fact, I keep hearing from the wise and the weary (we are becoming anemic, I fear...) that it is the low to mid-income American people (just take a good look around!) that really need bailouts! That it is, in fact, the American family (Don't we deserve a break?) that represents the only TRUE "not-for-profit" institution in America - and that as this mystery of sad history continues to unfold... the Government might want to consider sending some of the monies exploited via the all-too-often abused not-for-profit industry (check their books too, will ya? Especially the "religious" non-profits...) on to the American people, as well!

Signing off... I have to go take my folic acid pill...

Anyone else having trouble just staying ALIVE?

[Perhaps vampires, like tics, tend to burst after gorging themselves like this?]

Ah, one can HOPE..."

NS

U.C. Registered Sex Offender Open Meeting and Associated Law Apparently Tabled... Does that Bother You... You Tube Videos... [Slightly Revised]

2009-02-19T00:19:00.000-08:00

["Sex Offender"; as submitted to You Tube by drewsmithvideo on 2/26/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HXaJYlo3bg]

The children and/or parents become the reporters and/or enforcers? [Perhaps, as someone on the panel at a 2007 City Hall meeting on this issue, parents should have to keep their children inside? (I guess the pervs get to use the playgrounds, in that case; so do you still want to fund them?)

["Angry Neighbors Meet About (Convicted) Sex Offender"; as submitted to You Tube by wisn on 11/21/07;
November 21, 2007; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POOkRMB0mm8]

This statistic, that most sex offenders know their victims, is a "duh." After all, the perpetrator has been able - in many, if not most cases - to move next door, "befriend" the family, play with the kids at playgrounds - teach (sometimes) the children in school - and even (sometimes) serve the children wafers in church!

["Child Abuse, We need to fight it..."; as submitted to You Tube by moretea on 4/27/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aM5lQWFb1nQ]

Local Issue:

In yesterday's "Daily Freeman" (2/18/09) there was an article titled, "Sex Offender Residency Rule Off the Table" (Patricia Doxey; PP. A1 and A6) - that I think folks should be concerned about.

I have immense respect for U.C. Legislature Chairman Donald Donaldson, based on my limited exposure to him; but I think (strictly my opinion) - in this instance - his legal counsel gave him some bad advice...

The issue is about restricting where registered sex offenders are allowed to set up residence. The "tabled" issue had to do with a proposal to hold a public meeting on the topic / a "proposed local law" - that would restrict "registered sex offenders" from setting up residence (This makes perfectly good sense to me!) within 1,000 feet of a day-care center, school or church.

Chairman Donaldson, apparently based on the advise of his legal counsel, has used a Rockland County case - that was reputedly declared unconstitutional - to table any public discussion of (and/or further action upon?) this proposed law...

Potentially placing (in my opinion) perpetrator rights (we are talking registered offenders!) ahead of child safety needs (We call this justice?) once again!

In the Rockland County case cited [which was reputedly similar to the one being discussed (at least amongst the "powers that be")] locally - it appears as if the law (initially passed) was subsequently declared unconstitutional - at least in part - because a lawsuit was pursued by a convicted sex offender that claimed he had to set up residence near a synagogue (within walking distance) - because he was an "orthodox jew."

Which makes about as much sense to me, as saying that because (this is hypothetical...) I am a drunk - and I lost my license due to a drunk driving conviction - I must be allowed to set up residence in walking distance of a liqueur store (and perhaps... to my church of choice, as well?)...

The article also addresses a rather worn-out weary (but apparently still getting a "bang for its buck") theory that if we don't allow registered sex offenders to live exactly where they choose ('tis a big world out there!) - they will (at least according to some mental health professionals and law enforcement officers) - "choose not to register" - go underground - disappear - making it more difficult to monitor them, etc....

But this makes NO sense to me either!

1. Why is it so important to registered sex offenders that they be able to live within 1,000 feet of a day-care, school or church - when LOADS of people (young, old, able, disabled...) have to get rides, take buses, take taxi's, etc. - to get where they need to go?

2. Isn't it the job of the parole board, probation officers, mental health professionals (when intricately involved) and law enforcement personnel to MAKE SURE that sex offenders who are placed back into society - FOLLOW THE RULES - OR - BE PLACED IN VERY STRUCTURED SETTINGS WHERE THEY CAN BE MONITORED - AND/OR (AS APPLICABLE AND CALLED FOR) BE SENT BACK TO JAIL AND/OR PRISON?

What good is the sex offender registry if the associated conditions are not enforced?

What exactly are we paying all of these people (parole officers, etc.) to do, anyhow? Practice (at the potential expense of our children's health, well being and future potentialities) "unconditional love" for sexual deviants?

Give me a break!

Maybe the law enforcement (et. al.) personnel that don't track their "clients" well enough should face penalties?

How about that?

According to this article, U.C. Legislature Minority Leader Glenn Noonan (who reputedly re-introduced this law in January 09) stands in favor of having a public discussion on this matter - AND in favor of placing restrictions (as noted above) on where (in regards to child safety) registered sex offenders are allowed to live.

And THAT is the boat upon which I float...!

Because I know, from personal experience (and extensive research) - that one sex offender can potentially damage tens or hundreds or thousands of young lives...

Because I know - based on simple LOGIC - that these folks CAN FIND another solution [on the tracking / enforcement end of the spectrum) for their perceived (selfishly?) monitoring problems!

According to this article - and the New York State Sex Offender Registry - there are currently 118 Level Three Offenders (considered the highest risk for re-offending) and Level Two Offenders (one step down / still known to have a considerable risk of re-offending) in Ulster County - many of whom are likely (This is a guess...) living in the City of Kingston, the Town of Ulster, the Town of Ellenville, etc.

118 Registered...

How many ('tis often very difficult to win a conviction in these cases to begin with) unknowns?

Pretty darn scary, I'd say - considering the number of children one sex offender can harm... much less the number of children that over a hundred sex offenders might harm (might we be talking thousands - or more - of potential child victims here?)

I mean really...

If the registered sex offender / Orthodox Jew needed a ride to his religious services, perhaps his parole officer, probation officer - or some such person - should pick him up and take him...

Rather than put - for one person - thousands and thousands and thousands of children (this issue is coming up all across the states) at a heightened risk of sexual abuse, exploitation and/or worse!

Please folks, contact your U.C. legislatures and state your views on this matter!

ALL of them, if need be; and particularly, Chairman Donaldson and U.C. Legislature Minority Leader Glenn Noonan...

Write letters to your local newspaper editors...

Discuss this amongst your own Wards / groups / etc.

Put together a petition...

And/or otherwise put the pressure (Protect our Children!!!!!) on!

Thank You,

Nancy Sue Smith

Signing Off this Day in PINK... You Tube Videos

2009-02-18T17:16:00.000-08:00

"To all of you that have shared your stories, I send you my best wishes. Things can be hard, but don't lose yourself in what you cannot control. I've been through it all, I know how you feel. And I ... [This caption was posted with the following video...]

["Family Portrait - Pink {Lyrics}"; as submitted to You Tube by laylasdarkside on 11/26/07; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9c63tMU1qk]

Some things [although I don't like the word "stupid"] to think about...

["Stupid Girls - Pink (Lyrics)"; as submitted to You Tube by klkammiller on 12/28/07; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCgHEQuVtmw]

Outdated [PINK addressing President George Bush Jr.] --- but still pertinent ---

["Pink - Dear Mr. President (live)"; as submitted to You Tube by homann29 on 8/16/07; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKt81sbXYrI]

Peace, Love, Equality and Humane Justice,

NS

Cancelation Finance Committee Meeting... KAPA Funding Issue on Hold... Please Call and Confirm and Pin Down Future Date and Time

2009-02-18T06:30:00.000-08:00

[Photo by NS]

Interestingly, KAPA Commissioner Bob Smith just received a phone call from Arlene at Kingston City Hall that the Finance Committee meeting that was scheduled for tonight has been CANCELLED - with no rescheduled date (ahem) settled upon yet...

This, immediately after my having posted notices about it (coincidence?) on this blog, the Kingston Citizen's blog and the Kingston Citizens Ward group (Wards 1-9) sites.

Please do call City Hall [334-3955] though, just to confirm this... and, if you are so inclined, perhaps (re the rescheduling...) your city Alderman, the Alderman at Large and/or Mayor Sottile, as well.

And please do check out the photos, videos, etc. below...

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Thank You,

NS

Combo Post... KAPA... Newspapers... Cities and Towns and Hearts in Shreds... You Tube Videos

2009-02-18T04:13:00.000-08:00

Who is claiming (Just one out of many such examples...) bankruptcy?????

"Trump casinos file for bankruptcy a third time - Road Runner" --- http://www.rr.com/news/economy/article/9004/6895842/Trump_casinos_file_for_bankruptcy_a_third_time

"Organizing for America Economic Crisis Your Stories" --- http://www.barackobama.com/displayer/pages/econ-stories.php

"Obama signs stimulus bill readies homeowner plan - Road Runner" --- http://www.rr.com/news/politics/article/9008/6894016/Obama_signs_stimulus_bill_readies_homeowner_plan

"Nadia of the 411 Show interviews Mike Trujillo of quote-unquote.org, Channel 27 in Albuquerque New Mexico, on the importance of public access television across the U.S. as a tool to help Youth lear...

["The Importance of Public Access Across America"; as submitted by 411show on 4/24/07; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DO8Cf_YAquE]

"Hear commentary at the Media That Matters film screening held in August 2006, by Patsy Robles, producer for the 411 Show, which airs on public access television and as a videoblog, about how public...

"The Fight for Public Access Television Part 4"; as submitted by 411show on 8/17/06; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QbbPhPxPpr0]

A Reprint of a Local Kingston Area Public Access (KAPA) Commissioner's "Letter to the Editor" of the "Kingston Times" (Friday Jan 23 2009) [A similar version was printed in the Kingston "Daily Freeman" close to that same date]

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"Reflections on KAPA

Congratulations to Channel 20, the new educational channel on Time Warner. I wish you every success!

Our long suffering Public Access Channel 23 remains a steady snowy screen into the new year, with little hope for change - barring a Federal bailout or a presidential pardon.

Figuratively, my bald head and fat neck swivel on my torso, like a special effect in a horror movie whenever I reflect on the latest state of our Kingston Area Public Access (KAPA) station. Let me state clearly that what is written here is not the opinion of the KAPA Commission, but merely the uncensored reflections of one of the Commissioners.

It is not so much a chicken and egg discussion (give us quality TV, and we'll give you funding). The dilemma appears to me to be more of a case of what I refer to as voodoo vision. It is a theory that the channel is either in a corpse or a zombie state. The mayor and city council seem most gleeful with the corpse when it is off the air. The regular rebels and loyal opposition, on the other hand, are elated when the zombie is up and running.

Poetic images aside, KAPA needs a minimum of $40,000 annually to function properly and serve the public interest. Unfortunately, the public interest in our community is not always what interests the public. Rosendale, the Town of Ulster and a few dedicated benefactors have kept KAPA on life support for the last few years. Thank you for that. The commission needs to be aware of the quote, from Eric Hoffer, "It is not in our best interest to bite the hand that feeds you, nor is it wise to lick the boot that kicks you."

The city will receive, in the 10-year Time Warner contract, over $3.6 million dollars in franchise fees - paid by 7,400 subscribers. However, in that period, certain city council members bring out their trademark objection that the city had to pay $4, 7, 10, 19,000 (depending on the source, this always seems to vary) for legal fees - and $2,644 in a misunderstood grant. So, at the maximum, for a $21,644 investment, $3.6 million in benefits accrued to the city. Would any investor turn that bonanza down? To put it in layman's terms, if someone offered you $365 for a $2.16 investment, would you be complaining? Yet there are about five politicians on the local power grid who are opposed to public access funding - denying about 40,000 local residents their public access station. This goes beyond being unreal to becoming anti-real.

To those few politicians and their tender egos, let me quote the famous Yogi Berra, who said, "Everybody knows that people who are popular are bound to be disliked." Along with that paradox, most fair-minded fans and reasonable people are able to appreciate the talents and skills of both teams on the field, no matter what the "uniform" - be it Democrat or Republican.

In conclusion, in late November I attended a talent show sponsored by the Pointe of Praise Church and Kings Kids that was a great community event, and would have been a tremendous show to put on Public Access - "if" I lived in Woodstock, Saugerties, Rhinebeck, New Paltz or any of the other 11,000 communities nationwide that offer support and funding to their local public access station. So, to the general public, please remember - when elections take place in November - the words of that old Motown song by the Undisputed Truth called "Smiling Faces." The verse that applies is, "Don't let the handshake and the smile fool ya, take my advice, they are only trying to rule ya."

With humor and hope for the future of Kingston Public Access,

Bob Smith

Kingston

KAPA Commissioner"

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A referral to "A Need for Newspapers" at the "Kingston Citizens Blog" --- http://kingstonnavigator.wordpress.com/ [There is also a link in the sidebar >>>] for some important information on the shut-down of Newspapers - and (if my post there gets published) - more...

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A reminder that KAPA funding issues are scheduled to come up (yet again) at tonight's City of Kingston Finance Committee Meeting [See sidebar for more info]

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A reminder that YOU can contact your representatives - or start a petition about this issue!

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A reminder that KAPA is hosting a fundraiser this month - the details of which are available in the sidebar >>>>>

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Another "pretty" [with more to follow in the next thread] photograph:

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And another pertinent (I think...) You Tube Video:

"The Sound of Silence(Live) - 2003"; as submitted to You Tube by yiump on 11/26/06; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdD52DAaFRs]

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A Couple of Pertinent Quotes:

1. "Of course everything has been said that needs to be said --- but since no one was listening, it has to be said again" (Anonymous).

2. "Go to where the silence is and say something" (Amy Goodman; "Columbus Journalism Review"; March/April 1994)

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And... a note to remind you that you can contact Kevin Cahill, M. Hinchey, Sen. Gillibrand, Sen. Cuomo, a host of others - and even the President of the United States (upload your stories!) via the links provided in the sidebar!

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Truth, Love, Equality and Humane Justice,

N.S.

Your Home Town... Photo Shoot... Think About It... Springsteen Video You Tube

2009-02-18T03:02:00.000-08:00

"My Hometown (Live) Rockefeller Plaza Center 2007 NYC...

["Bruce Springsteen - My Hometown live (Today Show 28.9.2007)"; as submitted to You Tube by
Darulezz on 11/28/07; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLSFcF8SOiw]

A Drive Around Town...

Just starting out... across the way... the MuddyCup... where I hosted (in alliance with MoveOn.org Civic Action) Barack Obama's Inauguration party... now closed down!

Joining the multitude of other business enterprises that have shut their doors (which appears to be happening at a faster and faster clip) over the course of time...

And, oh yeah... whatever did happen with the Kings Inn (also shut down at last notice) on Broadway? [I was approached on that corner by a woman that was apparently (since I don't look like a "John!") looking for some money... I told her I was sorry, that I didn't (I had just left a "pawn" shop of sorts...) have any money either...

She apologized (tragedy piles on tragedy; heartache on heartache) to me...

My husband used to work at Majestic Autos (it was a good sized car dealership at one point!)... which also shut down...

Apparently someone moved into that spot (I'm not up on all specifics) and left this one empty...

"Who do" (a line from one of my books...) "the Voodoo?"

It isn't just Broadway folks... And it isn't just the City of Kingston...

Another car dealership gone bust...

And increasingly slimmer pickings for keeping that old beast of a car on the road as well...

I'd say "creepy" [more photos pending] --- wouldn't you?

And potentially dangerous (as appears to be true here, there and everywhere?) - as well?

Please see the activist opportunities and links to your representatives in the sidebar>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

[City of Kingston and Town of Ulster (New York State) - Feb. 2009 - Photos (copyrighted) by N.S.]

Peace, Love, Equality and Humane Justice,

NS

President Obama Addresses Economic Crisis... Notes on Activism and Self-Care... New Funny Flashdance Remix

2009-02-17T02:35:00.000-08:00

"Share your story...

["President Obama Addresses Economic Crisis"; as submitted to You Tube by BarackObamadotcom on 2/9/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Eg1-64tVTs]

Letters to the editors of your local newspapers = activism.

Blogging = activism.

Participating (for City of Kingston residents) in Kingston Citizens.Org = activism.

Supporting (in whatever way you can) Public Access television, radio stations, news stations and your local newspapers (we need ALL of these resources!) = activism.

Attending City Council meetings and other local government and community meetings = activism.

Supporting your local food banks and other resources for the needy = activism.

Contacting your political representatives = activism.

And - on those really tough days?

Staying alive, lighting a candle, playing some music, having a laugh (sometimes you have to go looking for it!) and honoring yourself = activism.

Now... Just for Fun!

["New Funny Flashdance Remix - 'What a feeling'"; as submitted to You Tube by evaqueenfan on 4/27/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gc_Zfejggs8]

Peace, Love, Equality and Humane Justice,

NS

Campaign Financing: New Twist On Old Problem... Where Are The Bankers, Barney... Candid Camera Video... You Tube

2009-02-16T15:15:00.000-08:00

["Campaign Financing: New Twist On Old Problem"; as submitted to You Tube by the AmericanNewsProject on 1/26/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9F2pdBqLrtE]

["Where Are The Bankers, Barney Frank?"; as submitted to You Tube by AmericanNewsProject on 1/1/09;http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifOkLnUaeDU]

[Toilet funny candid camera Just For Laughs"; as submitted to You Tube by elnismogr on 8/9/07; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSjRjaq6PuQ]

Real tough day (or couple of days...) in the blogging sector / realm of political activism for this grandma... so if you aren't up for some more serious stuff [my intent is to raise awareness, not offend anyone!] stop here.

Peace, Love, Equality and Humane Justice,

NS

A LOT TO THINK ABOUT - RELIGION AND POLITICS - BILL MAHER - YOU TUBE - MORE...

2009-02-16T06:12:00.000-08:00

Have you ever heard about this group?

"The Lord's Resistance Army (LRA),[3] is a sectarian guerrilla army operating mainly in northern Uganda and parts of Sudan.[4] It is designated a terrorist organization by The United States Department of State.[5]... The group was formed in 1987 and is engaged in an armed rebellion against the Ugandan government in what is now one of Africa's longest-running conflicts. It is led by Joseph Kony, who proclaims himself the "spokesperson" of God and a spirit medium, primarily of the Holy Spirit, which the Acholi believe can represent itself in many manifestations.[6] The group claims to be establishing a theocratic state based on the Ten Commandments and Acholi tradition.[6][7] The LRA is accused of widespread human rights violations, including murder, abduction, mutilation, sexual enslavement of women and children, and forcing children to participate in hostilities.[8] ["Lord's Resistance Army"; From "Wikipedia", the free encyclopedia (go to site for additional references and information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lord's_Resistance_Army...)]

Think it Couldn't Happen Here?

["Bill Maher, Real Time season premeire Fri. Feb. 20th"; as submitted to You Tube by GhostOfThe92503 on 2/11/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6R4N3Yz_3MA]

Have you seen this article?

"Religious police crack down on Saudi valentines... Holiday celebration is banned..." (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29164011/)

Quote from Above:

"As Feb. 14 approaches, the police begin inspecting gift shops for items that are red or are intended as gifts to mark the holiday — a celebration of St. Valentine, a third-century Christian martyr — which is banned in Saudi Arabia. Such items are legal at other times of the year, but as Valentine's Day nears they become contraband..."

Think it couldn't happen here?

["Bill Maher On The Ten Commandments"; as submitted to You Tube by DaveRosenman on 4/30/2007; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTcsCGcwhho]

Have you seen this article?

"Chavez wins vote to scrap term limits in Venezuela" (Road Runner; http://www.rr.com/news/news/article/1102/6855952/Chavez_wins_vote_to_scrap_term_limits_in_Venezuela)

Quote from the Above: "President Hugo Chavez says a referendum victory that removed limits on his re-election is a mandate to intensify his socialist agenda for decades to come. Opponents warn of an impending dictatorship..."

Think it couldn't happen here?

["Larry King Live: Bill Maher on the Economy, the Obamas, Palin and Biden"; as submitted to You Tube by heathr456 on 2/12/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CM2TocnqPs]

Have you seen this article?

"In Tibet, it’s just the facts, ma’am" ("World Blog"; mssnbc.com";http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/02/12/1792407.aspx)

Quote from the Article Above:

"At Drepung Monastery, Ngawang said his monks had also been studying the legal system. "We have legal knowledge sessions for all the monks," he said, in order to ensure order in the monastery... We study the laws and the constitution so we understand the laws better and do not break them," he added. "The monks are also Chinese citizens."

Hmmmmm...

["Bill Maher's 'Religulous'"; as submitted to You Tube by CBS on 11/29/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHH2JItePlc]

Have you heard this headline?

President Barack Obama [told] "... the National Prayer Breakfast that even though faith too often has been used 'as a tool to divide us from one another,' there is no religion in the world that is based on hatred..."

"Obama, in prepared remarks, said, "There is no God who condones taking the life of an innocent human being" ["President Obama’s Remarks at National Prayer Breakfast"; http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/05/us/politics/05text-prayer.html?_r=2]

But...

Hasn't religion been utilized by far too many to incite the hatred of one group against another?

Does prayer (other than private prayers and/or family prayers) - or the "Office of Faith Based Initiatives (under any name or guise) - belong in - or around - the Inaugural Oath, our US Government institutions or the White House --- at all?

Doesn't the U.S. Government and President Barack Obama whom I still support and admire tremendously (along with Reverend Martin Luther King, Ghandi, Mother Theresa and a whole host of other such folks...) --- owe the American people some "things" that might (over the long haul) be even more important [such as a strict allegiance to the "US Constitution" and "Bill of Rights" (yes, this will take some time...)] than money?

And what about "that guy" (former President George W. Bush Jr.) who [allegedly...] violated the "US Constitution" and "Bill of Rights" --- and [allegedly] set in motion some unethical, unconstitutional and/or even inhumane (according to quite a few folks, both religious and non) policies - that President Obama is left to deal with?

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Passing this on from my emails:

"Newdow Seeks 1000 New Plaintiffs in Inaugural Lawsuit [--] Seeks to Add an Additional 1,000 Plaintiffs in Challenge of Inaugural Prayers & Religious Oath Federal Lawsuit... Feb. 22 Deadline Requires Declaration to be Mailed in Timely Fashion; Get Sign Up Sheet at... http://1000plaintiffsformikenewdow.blogspot.com/

[A link will be provided in the sidebar >]

Please know that we may be required to provide your name and address (due to the local rules of the D.C. District Court)" [Freedom From Religion Foundation; news@ ffrf.org]

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Sample letter (mine; revised and resubmitted since yesterday) [And yes, I still (and will always) love (in the best sense of the word!) President Barack Obama; my Christian mother, sisters and daughter; my Christian and Catholic grandchildren --- and all of my other friends and relatives - who are actually a very diverse crew as far as their religious and/or non-religious leanings!!!!!]

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I, Nancy S. Smith, declare as follows:

I am a citizen of the United States and a resident of the State of New York. I am a member of the Freedom From Religion Foundation. I consider myself a spiritual person and a humanist.

I do not recall watching earlier inaugurations (except at a later date, via the Internet); but I did watch (also via the Internet, but shortly after it occurred) the 2009 inauguration of President Obama - and I have since reviewed his taking (before Supreme Court Justice Roberts) of the Inaugural Oath.

I did not view President Obama's inauguration, as it occurred; because I was, in fact, hosting a local Inaugural party that day. And although my feelings, upon a recent review of this event, are not notably strong - one way or another (President Obama appeared comfortable and at ease...) - my concerns about the conclusion (as a generalist ending) of the Inaugural Oath [a mandated dictate to add "so help me God" (?)] remain.

Being 50 years old, I expect to witness 3 to 4 more inaugurations during my lifetime. My children (five / representing a variety of secular and/or relgious beliefs) and grandchildren [ten thus far, ranging from infancy to their early teens; all of them having been exposed to a variety of secular beliefs and/or religious teachings] will witness and be affected (will future Inaugural Oaths be administered in a secular manner?) by many more.

I ask that the court make sure that Inaugural Oaths of the future be just and equitable, representing a true multi-faith (including non-believers, Atheists, Agnostics, Secularists, Christians, Catholics, Muslims, etc.) Democracy - where each new president's unique style and character (what hopefully got them elected) is represented without the need for any type of spiritual or religious testimonial.

I have signed on this case because I believe a one-faith dictatorial Theocracy would destroy the very foundation and future of our great country - and because I would like to see a pragmatic application of "Separation of Church and State" - an honoring of the "U.S. Constitution" - at all levels of government.

I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.

Executed on February 17, 2009..."

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I'm out on a limb here, and I know it... But if anyone wants to join me, hop aboard.

Links will be made available in the sidebar >>>

In closing, I want you to know that I love this lady...

[(Mother) "Theresa"; "A video compiled of various clips about Mother Teresa..."; Words and music by Seth Ward; Copyright 2005; as submitted to You Tube by fivecentstand on 5/10/06; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzIPBRnYHQk]

... as much or more (as it applies) than you do; and I was horrified to learn that some folks chose to give her an exorcism (HUH?) before she died... [References on this to be provided - this was in the material gathered for my books - upon request] [These have since been posted in the comment section.]

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BTW, I think one of the Maher videos above makes some very good points about Government funding going to the arts community (such as UPAC?????) - as well!

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Peace, Love, Equality and Humane Justice,

NS

A Hidden America... You Tube... New York State... Rural Poverty

2009-02-15T17:08:00.000-08:00

["A Hidden America: Children of the Mountains"; as submitted to You Tube by ChrisAppProj on 2/12/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8ZfIYAYsgA]

I was just going to take a breather today and take care of some other things...

But earlier, on the car radio, I heard that "they" [ambiguous] were encouraging folks in rural areas to purchase washers and dryers...

And I couldn't help but think, "maybe you better make sure they have running water [think of what it is like for a family of seven, living in a small two bedroom house, with no running water...] first!"

Then tonight, I remembered that Obama has addressed this issue (somewhat of a "miracle" in my book!) - and I decided to do a blip (this topic is very close to my heart, having come from similar circumstances in UPSTATE NEW YORK) - on this topic...

And this video clip (I did see part of this show the other night) was (on You Tube) "front and center"...

I always cry : ( when I get anywhere near this topic...

I cried again when I watched this...

Silly sad me, being vulnerable...

Feeling some of that old anger that never totally (despite having turned out to be one of the luckier "survivors" of generational rural poverty) goes away.

Enough said.

Except for the fact that some folks need to be made aware that a whole lot of families exist - in similar conditions - right around here...

And these conditions certainly still exist (my older siblings still cry and/or have nightmares about this stuff too...) - in the rural upstate community that I grew up in!

Senator Moynahan, now deceased, was aware of this; and tried, in his time and way, to help...

Leonard Pitts, a syndicated writer whom I admire a great deal, has addressed the topic with compassion and insight...

I wrote a paper once, titled (I think) "White Out in American Statistics" - about the fact that the problem of severe poverty amongst the White poor (rural and otherwise) is severe; and rarely, by the mainstream media, addressed...

And it is a problem area where a whole lot more needs to be DONE - because a whole lot of children (of all races / ethnicity's) are suffering (here and now) extreme hardship, as a result of (too often ignored and/or denied) rural poverty...

See, if we don't deal "straight up" and constructively with these sorts of problems - "they (the problems) will" - as the saying goes - "deal with us" [generation after generation of pain and heartache / generation after generation of stunted social, economical, political (and sometimes, even physical) growth -- shattered lives all too often inclusive of high rates of drug and alcohol abuse, children birthing and raising children, domestic violence and other types of traumatic events..., etc.]

Yeah, 45+ years later, it still hurts!

And although Appalachia (I studied up on this whilst in college) is certainly the "poster child" of rural poverty...

I could / a whole bunch of people could (from right here in New York State) - tell you a lot of horror stories of my / our own.

Peace, Love, Equality and Humane Justice,

NS

Polls... Scrabble... Clue... Life... Funny Madagascar You Tube Clip...

2009-02-14T14:56:00.000-08:00

"[M]adagscar - [K]ing [J]ulian"... a mixture of funny moments from madagascar! all about king julian, king of the lemurs..."

["madagscar - king julian"; as submitted to You Tube by miniwoodi on 5/20/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3x6nCvh3Opk]

[This was one hysterical movie!]

Copied and Pasted from my latest posting (which may or may not be posted, but I think "yes") --- on Mike Madsen's "Kingston Progressive" [http://kingstonprogressive.blogspot.com/] Blog

See: "THE BRUNOMOBILE and more"...:

Quote:

"The arrogance is over the top and it has reached the point of unbelievable. Is there any way we, as New Yorkers, can garnish their future wages until death?" (Mike Madsen (lol,lol, lol); "Kingston Progressive"; link in sidebar>>>)

Me (LOL):

"You are starting to sound like me!!!

Can I start compiling the list? Oh yeah, I already have...

How to really save our economy?

Maybe by calling in a master team of gypsie pick-pockets to start picking the pockets of the master (oh yes indeed) pocket pickers...

Yes, anyone, of any affiliation, can become corrupt...

But I think its less likely (there are exceptions) of Democrats... especially progressive Democrats... because most of the ones that I've met (again, there are exceptions, and I've met pretty integral people associated with both parties) actually appear "to give a damn."

Another one of those days...

The news, all told, is really depressing...

The politics in this area are a whole other "bag of tricks..."

And I wonder, will we all pull together to make it through this (the saying, "don't sweat the small stuff," comes to mind) --- or not?

We got BIG issues folks! BIG, BIG Issues...

This isn't a time to be playing "Monopoly"...

It is time to play "Scrabble"...

Follow the "Clue"...

And - before we all lose our voice, choice and options -

"Life!"

NS

[Lol, I like this (Anyone watch "Madagascar?") so much that I'm going to put it up ("bask in my glow" - lol) over on my blog...

Which, by the way, has some really interesting polls [some poll questions are in line with some of the topics addressed over here (Mike and I appear to think somewhat alike, except that I'm one of those "nasty" - I'm working on it! - smokers...)] ---

So come take the polls (if Mike allows me to do this?) --- if you get a chance at http://www.spreadingourwings.blogspot.com" >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Peace, Love, Equality and Humane Justice,

NS

Announcements and Polls in Sidebar... VISION QUEST... Rainbow Family... Believe in Yourself... You Tube

2009-02-14T07:32:00.000-08:00

[VISION QUEST SONG; as submitted to You Tube by hawktana on 7/6/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ougBGt_k0Sc]

["Rainbow Family National Gathering 2006..."; as submitted to You Tube by franti1 on 3/3/07; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nuce_Ju9P2s]

["Believe in Yourself... A Song Featuring President Barack Obama!"; as submitted to You Tube by FASTO1 on 1/18/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7iP2q7iOIw]

Peace, Love, Equality and Humane Justice,

NS

Native American Indian Dream Catcher... You Tube

2009-02-13T16:34:00.000-08:00

["native american indian dream catcher"; as submitted to You Tube by lotus6661964 on 1/5/08; www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSMZA8GtPhk]

Peace, Love, Equality and Humane Justice...

NS

How Hungry is America... US Senate 2009 02 11 Nancy Pelosi... Feb. 12 09: The Day in 100 Seconds... You Tube

2009-02-13T05:53:00.000-08:00

"All You Can Eat? How Hungry is America in Good Times and Recession...

It is insane, and morally bankrupt, for a nation with this much wealth to allow [hunger] to continue,” said Jim Weill, president of the Food Research... (http://www.americanprogress)

["All You Can Eat? How Hungry is America in Good Times and Recession ..."; as submitted by seeprogress on 2/10/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BX1o2WZb6oA]

"US Senate 2009 02 11 Nancy Pelosi..."

["u s senate 2009 02 11 Nancy Pelosi..."; as submitted to You Tube by storm11001001 on 2/12/2009; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCGFJoBWn58]

"February 12, 2009: The Day in 100 Seconds..."

["February 12, 2009: The Day in 100 Seconds"; as submitted by tpmtv on 2/12/2009; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epUwrCx-o-o]

Respectfully posted by,

NS

Abraham Lincoln's Birthday / Passing Some Info. On... You Tube Video

2009-02-12T06:02:00.000-08:00

Just for some giggles...

["birthday song"; as submitted to You Tube by lianaweana on 10/25/06; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6FGihtdOYA]

Passing On Some Information (received, by email, from ffrf.org.] that you May or May Not be Aware Of:

"On this date in 1809, the 16th U.S. president, Abraham Lincoln, was born in Hardin County, Kentucky. Largely self-educated, he worked on farms, splitting those famous rails, and clerking at a store...

Lincoln spent eight years in the Illinois legislature and also rode the circuit of courts for many years.

He married Mary Todd; only one of their four sons lived to adulthood. While seeking the nomination for Congress, Lincoln ruefully wrote Martin M. Morris, of Petersburg, Illinois, that "There was the strangest combination of church influence against me . . . everywhere contended that no Christian ought to vote for me because I belonged to no Church, [and] was suspected of being a Deist." (March 26, 1843, Complete Works of Abraham Lincoln, Nicolay & Hay edition.)

Lincoln ran against Stephen A. Douglass for U.S. Senator in 1858, losing the election--but winning a national reputation, and the Republican nomination for President, in 1860. Lincoln guided the nation during the Civil War, issuing the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, which freed slaves within the Confederacy.

He won reelection in 1864. His wise plans for peace ("With malice toward none; with charity for all") were foiled by an assassin's bullet on April 14, 1865, at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C.

Among the words inscribed at the Lincoln Memorial are Lincoln's Second Inaugural address, which, though full of conventional references to the "Almighty," astutely observes of the North and the South: "Both read the same Bible and pray to the same God, and each invokes His aid against the other. It may seem strange that any men should dare to ask a just God's assistance in wringing their bread from the sweat of other men's faces, but let us judge not, that we be not judged."

While Lincoln punctuated his eloquent speeches with deistic references to "Divine Providence," in which he firmly believed, he was strongly rationalist and was not Christian.

Among the friends who testified to that was Ward Hill Lamon in Life of Abraham Lincoln (1872), as well as William H. Herndon, his law partner of 22 years, whose book, with Jesse Weik, Herndon's Lincoln: The True Story of a Great Life (3 vol., 1889), has been largely discredited but whom historians value for preserving many Lincoln materials.

Col. Lamon had known Lincoln as a friend and colleague for years. Lincoln had appointed him Marshal of the District of Columbia, and Lamon was put in charge of Lincoln's funeral train.

A religious man himself, Lamon wanted the historic record to be accurate. In addition to his own and Herndon's testimony about Lincoln's remarks on religion over the years, he cites Judge David Davis, Col. James H. Matheny, John T. Stuart, Dr. C.H. Ray, William H. Hannah, James W. Keyes, Jessie W. Fell, Col. John G. Nicolay and Mrs. Mary Todd Lincoln to corroborate Lincoln's lack of conventional religiosity.

Lamon wrote that "Perhaps no phrase of his character has been more persistently misrepresented and variously misunderstood than this of his religious belief."

Lamon related how Lincoln wrote a "little book," probably an extended essay, to prove "First, that the Bible is not God's revelation. Second, that Jesus was not the Son of God."

He took the manuscript to Samuel Hill, a shopkeeper and unbeliever, whose son considered the work "infamous." Hill reportedly snatched the book from Lincoln and threw it into the fire to protect Lincoln's political career, a story other contemporaries corroborated had been told them. As Lincoln's political ambitions advanced, he became more cautious.

"But he never told anyone that he accepted Jesus as the Christ," Lamon noted (p. 498).

Lincoln's first law partner, John T. Stuart, at one time also a member of Congress, went on record: "Lincoln went further against Christian beliefs and doctrines and principles than any man I ever heard: he shocked me." (p. 488)

Col. James H. Matheny, a one-time political manager, said: "I knew Lincoln as early as 1834-7; knew he was an Infidel. He and W.D. Herndon used to talk Infidelity in the Clerk's office in this city, about the years 1837-40.

Lincoln attacked the Bible and the New Testament on two grounds: first, from the inherent or apparent contradictions under its lids; second, from the grounds of reason. . .

Sometimes Lincoln bordered on Atheism." Jesse W. Fell, Secretary of the Illinois Republican State Central Committee in the Lincoln-Douglas campaign, told Lamon: "He was utterly incapable of insincerity, . . . I have no hesitation whatever in saying that, whilst he held many opinions in common with the great mass of Christian believers, he did not believe in what are regarded as the orthodox or evangelical views of Christianity."

Pres. Lincoln's private secretary, Col. John G. Nicolay, attested to Lamon: "Mr. Lincoln did not, to my knowledge, in any way, change his religious ideas, opinions or beliefs, from the time he left Springfield till the day of his death."

David Davis, who knew Lincoln for 20 years and rode with him on the court circuit, was later a U.S. Senator and Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, told Lamon: "He [Lincoln] had no faith, in the Christian sense of the term." (p. 489) His widow testified: "Mr. Lincoln had no hope, and no faith, in the usual acceptation of those words." (p. 489).

“Mr. Lincoln was never a member of any Church, nor did he believe in the divinity of Christ, or the inspiration of the Scriptures in the sense understood by evangelical Christians.

When a boy, he showed no sign of that piety which his many biographers ascribe to his manhood. When he went to church at all, he went to mock, and came away to mimic.

When he came to New Salem, he consorted with Freethinkers, joined with them in deriding the gospel story of Jesus, read Volney and Paine, and then wrote a deliberate and labored essay, wherein he reached conclusions similar to theirs.”
-- Colonel Ward H. Lamon (a religionist and Lincoln's longtime friend), "Life of Abraham Lincoln", pp. 486, 487, 157 (1872), cited by Franklin Steiner in "The Religious Beliefs of Our Presidents"]

Respectfully Posted [A Belated Happy Birthday to the great Charles Darwin, as well] by,

NS

Cleaning Out my Favorites List... Passing Some Information On...

2009-02-12T04:20:00.000-08:00

[A Little Light, Anyone?; Photo by NS]

Please check out: "Politically Direct with David Bender"; Air America Media; as Posted on Air America ("On Demand") on 2/9/09; http://airamerica.com/content/politically-direct-david-bender-sheldon-whitehouse...

Quote from Above: "If they have no shame, how can you shame them?"

Quote (based on a famous saying) from Above: "If you don't know history you are doomed to repeat it."

Some Interesting Headlines and News Snippets:

1. "Wife pulled $15M before Madoff's arrest" [Glen Johnson; Associated Press (AP); 2/12/09; http://www.rr.com/home/home/article/6818193/6840211/Official_Wife_pulled_15M_before_Madoffs_arrest/100/]

Snippet from Above:

"The wife of disgraced money manager Bernard Madoff withdrew more than $15 million from a firm co-owned by her husband... the top securities regulator in Massachusetts said Wednesday... Prosecutors have already said investigators found 100 signed checks worth $173 million that Madoff was ready to send out to his closest family and friends at the time of his arrest... Two weeks later, during the Christmas holidays, Madoff sent more than $1 million in jewelry and heirlooms to family and friends..."

2. "Study: Paying smokers to quit boosts success rate" (Linda A. Johnson; AP; 2/12/09; http://www.rr.com/home/home/article/9000/6842783/Study_Paying_smokers_to_quit_boosts_success_rate)

Snippet from Above:

"Dangling enough dollars in front of smokers who want to quit helps many more succeed, an experiment with hundreds of General Electric Co. workers indicates. Among those paid up to $750 to quit and stay off cigarettes, 15 percent were still tobacco-free about a year later. That may not sound like much, but it's three times the success rate of a comparison group that got no such bonuses..."

"...This kind of reward system provides them with direct, positive feedback in the present," not just delayed, intangible health benefits, said Dr. Kevin Volpp, the lead researcher of the study."

3. "Salmonella found at Ga. plant as early as 2006... Owner Stewart Parnell refused to testify at hearing; 9 have now died" (msnbc.com staff and news service reports; 2/11/09; http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29138430?GT1=43001)

Snippet from Above:

"See the jar, the congressman challenged Stewart Parnell, holding up a container of the peanut seller's products and asking if he'd dare eat them. Parnell pleaded the Fifth... The owner of the peanut company at the heart of the massive salmonella recall refused to answer the lawmaker's questions — or any others — Wednesday about the bacteria-tainted products he defiantly told employees to ship to some 50 manufacturers of cookies, crackers and ice cream..."

"Turn them loose," Parnell had told his plant manager in an internal e-mail disclosed at the House hearing..."

4. "Pa. judges accused of jailing kids for cash" (Michael Rubinkam and MaryClaire Dale; AP; 2/11/09; http://www.rr.com/news/news/article/9001/6840772/Pa_judges_accused_of_jailing_kids_for_cash)

Snippet from Above:

"...In one of the most shocking cases of courtroom graft on record, two Pennsylvania judges have been charged with taking millions of dollars in kickbacks to send teenagers to two privately run youth detention centers...

Prosecutors say Luzerne County Judges Mark Ciavarella and Michael Conahan took $2.6 million in payoffs to put juvenile offenders in lockups run by PA Child Care LLC and a sister company, Western PA Child Care LLC. The judges were charged on Jan. 26 and removed from the bench by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court shortly afterward... No company officials have been charged, but the investigation is still going on."

5. "CBO Sees Stimulus Boosting U.S. Growth, Jobs" (NPR.org; 2/10/09; http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=100535553)

Snippets from Above;

"The economic stimulus legislation pending in Congress would... create between 1.3 million and 3.9 million jobs by the fourth quarter of 2010, compared to the baseline forecast..."

"The nation's unemployment rate would be between 0.6 and 2 points lower than the baseline forecast of 8.7 percent by then, according to the CBO's analysis..."

6. "Mugabe rival takes oath as Zimbabwe prime minister" (Angus Shaw; AP; 2/11/09; http://www.rr.com/home/home/article/9000/6824518/Mugabe_swears_in_rival_as_Zimbabwe_prime_minister)

Snippets from Above:

"President Robert Mugabe swore in his longtime rival as prime minister Wednesday, cracking his nearly three-decade stranglehold on power and conceding they must work together to rescue Zimbabwe from economic and humanitarian disaster... The image of Mugabe administering the oath of office to Morgan Tsvangirai was extraordinary given the history of state-sponsored violence against opponents..."

"At a celebration rally attended by some 15,000 supporters later in the day, Tsvangirai pledged to reopen schools that are closed because teachers can't afford bus fare and to fight a cholera epidemic blamed on the cash-strapped government's neglect of hospitals and sanitation... He drew the biggest cheers when he said all government workers _ from teachers to soldiers _ would be paid in hard currency starting next month to shield them from the world's highest inflation rate. He did not say how the government would afford that."

7. "A Plea to Remember the Indian Nations" (Ashley Southall; 2/10/09; "New York Times" Blog, "The Caucus: The Politics and Government Blog of the Times"; http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/02/10/a-plea-to-remember-the-indian-nations/#comment-1126463)

Snippet from Above:

"Mr. Obama, who was adopted by the Crow Nation during the primaries and named “One Who Helps People Throughout the Land,” included... money for the Indians in his stimulus proposal... (The organization, like the rest of the country, awaits the results of the negotiations in Congress to produce a final plan.)... Mr. Garcia praised the Obama administration for its inclusive approach to American Indians and natives of Alaska."

[Note: Please see this blog at http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com - for a lively discussion on a subject that is close to my heart!]

8. "OBAMA LAUDS HOUSING, HEALTH CARE ITEMS" (NBC’s Athena Jones; 2/10/09; http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/02/10/1789586.aspx)

Snippets from Above:

"FORT MYERS, Fla. -- While senators in Washington were passing a massive stimulus package aimed at avoiding economic disaster, President Obama was pitching the plan to a cheering convention center audience in a town facing rising unemployment and sky-high foreclosure rates... He also gave a glimpse into how he would help struggling homeowners and his goals for getting a health-care reform bill through Congress..."

"One homeless woman... cried as she spoke of living out of her car and needing help. Obama comforted her and said his staff would speak with her after the event... A young student... who said he has worked at McDonalds for four years because he could not find a better job, shouted with joy when Obama called on him to ask a question... "Oh, this is such a blessing to see you, Mr. President," he said. "Thank you for taking time out of your day! Oh precious God, thank you so much!"

Respectfully Passed On By,

N.S.

Price of Silence... Hillary Clinton 2007 HRC... U. Dec. of Human Rights II... Human Rights Campaign... Members of the Elders... You Tube Videos

2009-02-11T05:22:00.000-08:00

[Photo (Copyrighted) by NS]

"Price of Silence"

["http://pth.amnestyusa.org/ A music video that brings together 16 of the worlds top musicians—some of whom have fled oppressive regimes—in a rousing musical plea to guarantee human rights for all. ..."]

["Price of Silence"; as submitted by AmnestyUSA on 12/03/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xevGz8_MBKk]

The following video is dated, but as we see the "circle of rights and opportunities" widen, I believe it is worth (even if you have seen it before) another viewing:

["Sen. Hillary Clinton at Human Rights Campaign Board Meeting"; as submitted to You Tube by hrcmedia on 3/03/07; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSPxGmePSiA]

An Update on a Previously Posted Human Rights Video:

"The Universal Declaration of Human Rights II"...

"The Human Rights Action Center presents the 30 articles of The Universal Declaration of Human Rights read aloud by artists, advocates and children in support of the 60th Anniversary of this UN docu..."

["The Universal Declaration of Human Rights II"; as submitted to the HumanRightsActionCtr on
12/5/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aiFIu_z4dM8]

Bringing you up to (February 2009) date:

"Every Human Has Rights Campaign Celebration";

"Members of The Elders joined with Every Human Has Rights campaign partners in Paris to mark the 60th Anniversary of Human Rights and celebrate one year of collaboration promoting human rights aware..."

["Every Human Has Rights Campaign Celebration"; as submitted to You Tube by theeldersorg on 2/7/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qslhys13cKY]

Thankfully and Respectfully posted by,

NS

Truth... Enough is Enough... Sorry Mike... Check out this Blue Video... Call your Representatives... Get a Grip on your Rights...

2009-02-10T17:59:00.000-08:00

This is a carry-over from a discussion I've been engaged in on Mike Madsen's blog, "Kingston Progressive" [see link in sidebar...]

And although you might not like what I present here... I'm entitled my views and opinions (as are you)... and you might just want to open up your mind, do some research, check a few things out!

Case in point:

In my opinion, the cigarette tax should be lowered, not raised.

In my opinion, the cigarette tax is unjust and discriminatory, as is.

In my opinion, if folks really want "everyone" (this would include the very wealthy...) to stop smoking, we should shut down the cigarette factories and associated industries, including the anti-smoking industries!

In my opinion, money for SHIP, which I fully support, can be found (oh yes indeed) in other ways...

Please "enjoy" (this could cost me a lot!) the following videos:

["UNFAIR TAX!"; aa submitted to You Tube by BobFartall on 1/28/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-USXW0Gt2rg]

If you really want to do something significant about the mass pollution we are all (including our children) breathing in on a daily basis - check this out:

["Blue Man Group on Global Warming" as submitted to You Tube by skoops on 6/10/06; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snPdEl0Duoo]

And if you want to find money for the SHIP program (which I'm ALL for!) - how about taking a look at the bank accounts - probably here - there - & everywhere - of some of these (one example to check out real good..) people?

["What you Didn't Know About Operation Blessing"; as submitted by Hereticxxii on 5/16/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtOXb5pu9cA]

Just so ya' know, my research (extensive; for the books I wrote) supports the allegations that are made in the video above.

Could I be right? Might I be wrong? Check it out for yourselves...

All I can really say is that it is time for the truth, my friends...

It is time for the truth.

I just wonder, as the saying goes [I heard this in "Jesus Christ Superstar"]:

"What is truth?

Is mine the same as yours?"

Peace, love, equality and humane justice,

N.S.

Stimulus Plan Passes in Senate... Back to the House... Governor Tim Kaine Answers Economic Recovery Questions... You Tube

2009-02-10T13:51:00.000-08:00

The following video preceded today's Senate vote (positive for the Stimulus plan!)... but gives a clear outline (answering some of America's questions!) of what the Stimulus plan is about!

When an updated (clear) video on the Stimulus plan (now on its way back to the House) is available, I will post that, as well.

["Governor Tim Kaine Answers Economic Recovery Questions"; as submitted to You Tube by BarackObamadotcom on 2/6/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BP9ZOQ5gIYw]

As noted in the video, you will also be able to log in at http://www.recovery.gov to follow (government transparency, long overdue, in action) how the money in this stimulus package (as ultimately passed) - is being spent.

Respectfully posted by,

NS

Weatherization Program... Obamas Reinvestment and Recovery Plan... Groups One Can Join... More...

2009-02-10T04:11:00.001-08:00

[Photo by NS]

[Photo by NS]

[Photo by NS]

[Photo by NS]

[Photo by NS]

[Photo by NS]

[Photo by NS]

When folks ask, how might Barack Obamas Economic Reinvestment and Recovery Plan help me and/or the people I know and love...

Sometimes pictures speak louder than a "million" words...

In the photos above, you can see the Weatherization Program at work --- right here in the City of Kingston --- putting insulation in the outside walls of a residence (might your mother, daughter, grandmother, grandfather, grandchildren, ailing neighbor, etc. be in DIRE NEED of such help?) --- where the owners could not afford to do so themselves...

The results (in combination with turning down the thermostat and utilizing other services, tools and ideas as provided by the Weatherization Program and / or EmPower N.Y.):

Lowered heat and/or eclectic costs

Less waste (regarding the overall economy and the stratosphere)

A better shot at being able (during these difficult times) to pay ones taxes, bills, etc...

Which means a better shot (for those in very difficult situations) of actually KEEPING ONES HOME...

Which means fewer homeless people...

Which means fewer social problems...

Which means lowered costs in regard to the personal health and well-being of men, women, children, entire families and communities...

As of 2/7/09 (see the blog entry down below) President Barack Obamas Economic Reinvestment and Recovery Plan included a proposed investment of $2.9 Billion for "Weatherization Programs..."

A worthy investment?

I'D SAY! [This certainly doesn't LOOK like "child's play" - does it?]

Which is true, in my opinion, of the rest of the Economic Reinvestment and Recovery plan (the part outlined below; more personalized updates hopefully coming) as well!

Please don't let partisan politics get in the way of NEEDS.

Please don't confuse "helping someone to help themselves" (which is what programs such as these do...) with "handouts"...

Please... contact your representatives (today) in support of Obamas Economic Reinvestment and Recovery Plan!

Also, please be aware that you can submit your own stories, ideas and views (you simply have to log in) at barackobama.com --- and that there are pro-Obama groups you can join (accessible through the same site) at Ulster County Community College; in Kingston, NY; in Red Hook, NY; in Woodstock, NY --- and all across the nation!

We need HELP (Just take a look around!) folks...

Please don't be afraid - or too proud - or simply too stubborn - to say so.

Respectfully and Thankfully Submitted by,

NS

Teen Pregancy Prevention... Youth Empowerment... Y.E.S... S.O.S... PPMHV Programs... HAP... Chamber of Commerce... You Tube Video... More...

2009-02-09T01:29:00.000-08:00

"Awarded the 2007 Planned Parenthood Action Committee of Utah's Just Say Know Award. This group of kids age 12 to 15 got tired of seeing their peers getting pregnant, and wanted to change things..."

["Think about IT! Teen pregnancy prevention PSA"; as submitted to You Tube by morganangela on 10/10/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYEDZKgxhFU]

In response to my "letter to the editor" - printed in the Kingston "Daily Freeman" on 2/5/2009 [a copy is accessible through prior blog postings, as well] - I received the following information:

According to C. Coleman [President / CEO of Planned Parenthood of the Mid-Hudson Valley (PPMHV)]; T. Robie (VP of PPMHV Educational Services); and M. Meyer [Archivist / Health Care STAT / UC) - Planned Parenthood of the Mid-Hudson Valley (PPMHV) is very involved in the realm of community-based education services and Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention programs - inclusive of the following:

(1) Direct work (including before and/or after school programs) with:

a. Big Brothers, Big Sisters
b. Bridgeback Outpatient Rehab
c. Family of Woodstock
d. Kingston High School
e. The Mental Health Association
f. The YMCA of Ulster County
g. The YWCA of Ulster County
h. Ulster County Mental Health

(2) The "Safe or Sorry" (S.O.S.) program: A peer-facilitated (empowering) 20-hour training program

(3) The "Youth Empowerment Series" (Y.E.S.) Coalition: Inclusive of a coordinated teen pregnancy prevention program that takes (and/or plans to take) over 90 workshops (projected into 2009) into Kingston High School (during Health Education Classes); Miller Middle School [Abstinence First (AF) / Comprehensive Reproductive Education (CRE)]; Phonecia Elementary School(AF / CRE); Roundout Valley Middle School(AF / CRE); Roundout Valley High School (AF / CRE), Wallkill High School(AF / CRE) and the Woodstock Day School(AF / CRE).

Some associates / activists associated with PPMHV were also instrumental in making the Kingston-Benedictine Alliance [tentatively referred to as "HAP" ("HealthAlliance Planning") a "groundbreaking" (based on compromises) reality...

PPMHV has health centers in the City of Kingston, Ellenville and New Paltz - through which PPMHV hopes to reach over 2,000 U.C. youth (age 10-19)in 2009.

The 4-county-wide organization (this includes Dutchess, Orange, Sullivan and Ulster Counties) reputedly serves (with community and youth education being a priority) approximately 15,000 people each year.

The new CEO of HAP [David Lundquist] is scheduled to be the featured speaker [sponsored by Willcare] at the Chamber of Commerce Breakfast (Holiday Inn, 503 Washington Avenue, Kingston, NY) - on Wed., February 18, 2009 - from 7:30AM-9AM.

Associated fees for this event (celebrating the successful merger of a Catholic hospital and a secular hospital - through which a full range of reproductive health care services will be made available in the City of Kingston) are $15 [Chamber Members/Advance Purchases]; $18 [Chamber Members/Advance Registration/At the Door]; and $30 [Non-Members/Advance Registration and Advance Payment Required].

You can register for this event by calling the Chamber of Commerce at 338-5100 - or via the Chamber's website at http://www.ulsterchamber.org [click on "future events" and (where appropriate) "register"].

Plus, I would like to, once again, encourage folks to contact their local representatives [Links are provided in the sidebar] about the urgency of supporting funding for family planning services [which include teenage pregnancy prevention programs (abstinence and education based) and youth empowerment programs (knowledge is the source of sound decisions) - such as those listed (as offered by PPMHV and their affiliates)] above.

[If any factual errors have been made, please let me know and I will make corrections as soon as possible]

Respectfully Posted

by N.S.

[Former Teen Parent Caseworker, YWCA of U.C.; Former Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Services (APPS) Coordinator, YWCA of U.C.; Former Coordinator / Educator in Association with the Y.E.S. Program, YWCA of U.C.; Former (Three Teen Pregancies by the Age of 18) Teen Parent]

A Rubix Cube of Musings... Creativity... Artists... Paterson... Guilliani... Sottile... AOH... Other Thank Yous... Tom Petty... You Tube Video

2009-02-08T07:04:00.000-08:00

[Photo (Copyrighted) by BF)

One topic that was discussed at yesterday's meeting - that I negated to write about below - involved the "exploitation" (although that word was not explicitly used) - of our creative, artistic population.

In traditional schooling environments, children that appear to be bursting with creativity appear (all too often) to be stifled in their creative pursuits, labeled in some manner and/or even "punished" (sent to alternative schools, etc.) in some manner...

In society at large the works of creative peoples are often radically undervalued; and yet, "exploited" by those up top.

How does the latter work?

One lady gave the following example:

A place (such as the Roundout area of Kingston) will be made "artist friendly" by offering cheaper, often less than adequate housing for artistic types...

The artists will seize what they see as an opportunity (they often don't have many affordable alternatives) and move in...

The artists (this could be painters, musicians, poets, etc.) will continue to struggle, as their works are often undervalued...

But the business community around the artists is apt to flourish, with folks showing up to look at the art, listen to the music, etc. --- and eat and drink (which they pay for) and/or shop (which they pay for) at nearby businesses.

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

[Tom Petty; "Refugee"; as submitted to You Tube by fastfocustv on 6/23/07; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJ-bhM-xuec]

In addition to that...

The works of artists, from the fledgling to the "made it to the top" professional, are being exploited, with copyright laws (whether this refers to e-books, CDs, or DVDs) being violated (isn't this supposed to be illegal?) all over the place!

People are submitting works to professors, to publishing companies, to folks in the music industry that are sending back "sorry, can't use this right now" notices... changing the format of the entry just enough to (still illegal, but how are you going to prove it?) claim it (and sell it) as their own.

One lady at yesterday's workshop, having written a children's book years ago, expressed her shock at - after having the book refused - finding a children's book on the shelf with the exact same story-line - and the exact same exact illustrations (save a couple of character changes) as her (with someone else making a profit off it) own.

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

I could go on and on in regard to this topic...

Having known far too many people that are extremely artistic and talented - from photographers to painters to DJs to musicians, plus...

That have produced exquisite works, often shared with the public for no cost or a minimal cost - whilst struggling each and ever day to survive!

The only exception (that comes to mind right now) I have seen to that being those artists that move into the tattoo business...

And the few others that make it big, quite often because they had money and/or connections in the "business" from the "git go."

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

That said, I will express my belief - here - that artists should charge for their gallery openings and shows; that even those that provide DJ and/or Karaoke services charge for their shows; that poets and writers charge for their shows; that artists (of all types) get together and protest the rank violations of copyright laws that are occurring; that creative persons (this covers a broad spectrum) start to claim the LEGITIMATE WORTH (in every sense of the word) of their person and talents - and strive to make things better for creative persons just "learning the gig."

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

That said, I would like to thank Governor Patterson for doing a GREAT job (whilst facing tremendous personal and professional odds) for New Yorkers - and "beg" (not a word I like to use) folks to examine Rudolph Giuliani's connections, history, etc. - with a "fine tooth comb" - before letting him get anywhere near (during the next governor election cycle) the Governor's seat! [I have my reasons for this instinctual - and educated - distrust of R. Giuliani]

[See P. A2 of today's (2/8/09) Kingston "Daily Freeman"]

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

That said, I would like to add to Mayor Sottiles call (in his recent address and the newspaper coverage of same) for volunteerism in our community - but I would like to put the EMPHASIS OF "NEED" on the need for volunteerism in the realm of political activism!

Yes, by all means, do what you can (if you can) for your family, your neighbor, etc...

But the work one does (this is my opinion) for profit and alleged or infacto non-profit organizations should be PAID employment.

Trust me, those employing you are getting paid, and this could go a long ways towards solving our "unemployment" problem [Are too many folks GIVING their time and skills, in the the context of for profit and alleged or infacto not-for-profit "businesses"... away?]

Whereas political activism / volunteerism is what can potentially empower you, your children, your grandchildren --- and all of us --- in regards to the re-establishment of our human rights, human dignity and (do you have dreams?) collective futures!

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

All of that said, I would like to close this posting with a couple of notices that I plucked from the back pages of today's (2/8/09) "Daily Freeman" (P. D5}:

1) The Ancient Order of Hibernians, Con Colbert Woulfe Division No.1, Ulster County, "donated $10,000 to the "Food Bank of the Hudson Valley..."

2) The owners (or managers?) of the Mother Earth Storehouse donated $25,000 to the Food Bank of the Hudson Valley...; and

3) The Kingston Sunrise Rotary "donated $1,350 to the Kingston Parks and Recreation Department's environmental education programs..."

With a suggestion that the generosity of such people and organizations be moved towards the front of the paper... where they can receive the "Thank You, Thank You, Thank Yous!" - they have earned...

AND serve as examples to other folks and organizations [I recall seeing a decent donation go out via the Lions Club fairly recently; and the United Methodist Church [one of a handful (?) of churches offering the no-cost or low cost non-discriminatory use of their facilities for community groups, etc.) seems to be involved in a number of good works...] that "might" donate more to the good causes in their community if they got more recognition and respect for doing so...

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

Just my input and/or opinions. Yours may differ.

Peace, Love, Equality and humane Justice,

NS

Local Meeting on Obama's Economic Recovery Plan... More

2009-02-07T23:46:00.000-08:00

[Photo (copyrighted; by NS) from Local Party on Barack Obamas Economic Recovery Plan]

Quote From Barack Obama Speech in Mt. Vernon, Iowa, 12/5/07 (provided with the meeting materials):

"Your own story and the American story are not separate - they are shared. And they will both be enriched if we stand up together, and answer a new call to service to meet the challenges of our new century... I won't just ask for your vote as a candidate; I will ask for your service and your active citizenship when I am president of the United States. This will not be a call issued in one speech or program; this will be a cause of my presidency."

A Breakdown on the Plan as provided (reworded and condensed here) on AC360 [CNN; Joe Johns (AC360 Correspondent) Blog] on 2/7/09 [http://ac360blogs.cnn.com/2009/02/06/what-i-in-the-780-billion-stimulus/]:

$43 Billion + investment in transportation infrastructure

$76.8 Billion + targed towards investments in Education

$87 Billion to provided Medicaid Relief (targeted) to states

_________________________________________________________

Includes:

$39 Billion for "state fiscal relief" (direct target > education)

$13.9 Billion for "Pell Grants"

$13.5 Billion for "special education funding" [Geared to improve services / better serve the target population; an asset to states, in regard to increased funding at the Federal level]

$10.4 Billion for "Title I" [To meet the educational needs (a "critical element") of children living in poverty]

$8.4 Billion for investment in "public transit"

$7 Billion to guarantee loans for "standard renewables"

$6.4 Billion for sewer and water infrastructure

$5 Billion for "supplemental grants to Public Housing Authorities for Capital Needs"

$4.7 Billion for local and state "Energy Efficient Block Grants"

$4.4. Billion for "Smart Grid" (geared to "improve the reliability of electricity transmission grid")

$2.9 Billion for "Weatherization Programs"

$2 Billion for "Advance Battery Manufacturing"

$3.25 Billion > workforce investment

$3 Billion + for job training

$2 Billion for "high speed rail"

$1.3 Billion for improvements to FAA Airport equipment and facilities

$1.2 Billion for the "National Science Foundation"

$850 Million targeted for "Amtrak"

$800 Million for the "Construction of Ports of Entry"

$500 Million for grant assistance to firefighters

$250 Million for grant assistance in regard to State investment in "High speed and Inner City Passenger Rail"

$160 Million to "Job Corps"

$100 Million to the "Maritime Administration" to assist "small shipyards"

___________________________________________________

Input / Ideas / Comments from local meeting:

We need to spend more on America's needs and less overseas [SF; Kingston]

Student loans should be issued by the government at a much lower interest rate; banks should not be granted a "risk free HUGE spread" in regard to interest rates, etc. [BH; Lake Hill, NY]

Everyone in this country should be granted access to free or very low cost health care; as well as higher eduction [programs in Europe, based along these lines, have been working for years] [BS; Kingston, NY].

"It is totally unnecessary to put all [of] these people out of their homes - the most important part of human security - mortgages @ 4% are a great idea - enough spread for the banks" [BH; Lake Hill, NY].

Ethics are at the top of my list, with the belief that if we target corruption and get some ethical people in top offices - the rest will fairly and equitably fall into place" [NS; Kingston, NY]

"I would like to see a flat tax rate for income tax [example: "15% of EVERY ONE'S income"] --- "putting 5% in three different categories of choice" [Example: 5% Health care; 5% Education; 5% Infrastructure" (others might choose to put this 15% breakdown elsewhere, such as "the military") [NT]

The devastating effects of the last administrations --- and/or Wall Street's --- "GREED" were brought up by nearly everyone present! [BH; NT; BS; NS]

"I do not think war is [a] solution, but we should take care of those who make such a sacrifice... in every way." [NT]

The radical divide between the very rich and the very poor needs to be eliminated. When individual earning reach a certain point (in the millions) - that person should have to give back to their community. Oversea accounts and other ways of hiding money should be done away with. Folks should "maybe" be entitled to just one personal checking and savings account (in the U.S.) and one checking and savings account (in the U.S.) associated with each business venture that they (whether an individual or group of individuals) own / operate. Corporate and Non-Profit Loopholes and associated front organizations should be eliminated; companies of all types (both profit and non-profit, including religious non-profits)should have stricter regulations - and violations of these regulations should be addressed promptly and effectively... [General Discussion]

"I think everyone is entitled to health care and education - the way they have been [handling] this in Europe for years" [NT]

The criminal justice system is screwed up, and needs revising.

For example, a guy that steals food one time (to feed his family) is apt (this has reputedly occurred)to serve more time in jail or prison than a corporate criminal that steals millions to billions of dollars... [General Discussion]

________________________________________________

Many other things, along the same line, were discussed. And even though the turnout was relatively small (I understand some folks might have gone to the wrong Dunkin Donuts?) --- it was a lively intellectual discussion, with a lot of (what I believe to be) very GOOD points and ideas put forth.

It should also be noted that some folks expressed fear of giving their full name, identifying info., etc. - due to a continued fear of "surveillance" - of the "men in black" showing up at one's door...

Sad, isn't it?

________________________________________________

Thank you to those that attended...

My apologies to those that got confused by the presence of two Dunkin Donuts on Ulster Avenue [I think one (the one we were at) is in the City of Kingston's limits and the other is actually in the Town of Ulster]

________________________________________________

Please note that people are also welcome to email their comments, photos and ideas on this topic to me [with explicit permission to utilize this information] for possible inclusion on this blog and/or uploading to MoveOn.org; one (or more) of Barack Obamas official cites and/or to other progressive sites.

________________________________________________

Please remember that the Economic Recovery Plan is still evolving / in transition / and subject to further discussion and votes... so the data submitted here could change...

________________________________________________

Respectfully posted [Please advise me if you note any factual errors and I will check into it / make corrections as called for...] by,

N.S.

For Today's Meeting... Videos Below Regarding the Latest White House Briefing and "Americas Recovery and Reinvestment Plan"... More...

2009-02-07T04:56:00.000-08:00

["One Proud Mama!"; Photo (Copyrighted) by NS]

For those that are able, I recommend that you bring paper and a pen to today's meeting; a camera if you want to take some of your own photos (you need to get permission to utilize photographs of others); your stories; and your ideas!

A full copy of Obamas recovery plan will not be available for all, as this is quite extensive - and I frankly don't have the money for that much ink and paper...

So, if you have a copy of that - or extra copies - please bring it (or them) along!

Peace, love, equality and humane justice...

Thank You,

NS

Obamas Weekly Address... Everyman... Jackson Brown... Links... Update

2009-02-07T03:53:00.000-08:00

[Jackson Browne - "For Everyman"; as submitted to You Tube by stampbeugel on 6/03/07; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qr-hqAjdNrU]

"In the weekly address for Saturday, February 7, 2009, President Barack Obama commends the progress the Senate has made on moving the recovery plan forward, and urged its completion..."

["2/7/09: Your Weekly Address"; as submitted to You Tube by the whitehouse on 2/7/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqAcRb2nf0U]

Note:

Thus far, according to MSNBC news briefings and videos, the compromise on the "American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan" reflects trimmings, primarily, from the spending sector - the latest breakdown I heard being 58% spending and 42% tax cuts.

There was no actual vote on this last night - and the situation could still change.

A vote is hoped for by Monday night - or at least, by the end of next week...

After which the plan still has to go back to the House and (apparently) through some other gyrations...

Some Democrats feel there has been "too much compromising" in regard to "The Obama Plan."

Most economists, according to MSNBC, agree --- citing the need to support / facilitate spending on behalf of the American people as being a more significant priority over tax cuts.

Thus far, this is reputedly a $780 Billion deal that is riding on a very thin majority - and not reflecting true bipartisanship in any sense of the word...

Everything thus, is "tentative" --- and I can only urge my readers to keep up with this fast moving train by staying up on the latest (ever evolving) news.

Please remember, too, that the second round of TARP funding remains up in the air in a number of ways...

And that our economy, as all of this is being debated, continues to slide (with approximately another 6,000 jobs lost in Jan 09 alone; with unemployment rates, as of yesterday, reputedly standing at 7.6% nationwide) downhill...

Everything is moving fast, but not necessarily smoothly... and the American People need to let their representatives, daily - if necessary - know what their genuine, in this moment, needs are!

Posted respectfully by,

NS

Stimulus deal reached... Link and Video

2009-02-06T18:02:00.000-08:00

For the latest update on the Stimulus Deal - See: "Pared-down stimulus deal reached in Senate...

Full Senate vote expected within days on $780 billion proposal" [NBC News and news services...; NBC's Ken Strickland, Reuters and The Associated Press contributed to this report; "Stimulus deal reached, senators say" - Capitol Hill- msnbc.com; http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29050187]

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

From Barack TV...

2009-02-06T15:41:00.000-08:00

Its a New Day.... Stimulus Plan... Have a Heart... Tomorrows Meeting... You Tube Videos... More...

2009-02-06T02:36:00.000-08:00

["Thank You Obama-Biden (2009)"; Photo (Copyrighted) by NS]

["It's a New Day (Enhanced)"; will.i.am - Dipdive.com; as submiteed to You Tube by illwilly on 11/11/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7y4IDeKjqk]

["1 of 2 Obama delivers fiery speech to Democrats on stimulus"; as submitted to You Tube by Subscribe4MoreNews on 2/5/09; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJDwbfbpRnQ]

Today is "Wear Red Day" (see videos below) - a day in which the American Heart Association promotes awareness of heart disease (in general) - particularly (if I understand it right) the high rate of heart disease in women.

This is also a "Have a Heart" Day (see videos above) - a day in which the lives and well-being of many Americans stands in the balance - as potential victims of - or as potential benefactors of - the economic recovery stimulus package - as currently proposed by President Barack Obama.

The first video above mentions Harriet Tubman, John F. Kennedy, Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King Jr.

I would like to add the name of Chief Joseph to that list - as well as the multitude of other names (some well known, some not...) associated with the Womens Suffrage Movement, the Civil Rights Movement and the events that are taking place (on the positive end of the scale) this very day.

In the materials I downloaded for the "From Hope to Reality" meeting tomorrow (see below for details) - what is really being asked of us - right now - as Americans (whether Democrat, Republican, Independent or unaffiliated with any particular political party) that support Barack Obamas Economic Recovery Plan (or are open-minded enough to give it a fair evaluation) - is that we share our economic realities, our pain, our fears, our hopes, our needs and our dreams.

These meetings (the one I am hosting is just one of many across the nation) are not (to my understanding) intended to be yet another rehashing of the news...

These meetings are going to be about YOU - ME - US - WE.

President Barack Obama says, in the video above, something to the effect of (This is not an exact quote; bold emphasis mine...):

"I believe it is important to set aside some of the gamesmanship in this town and get something done..."

And although Obama is speaking (I presume) of Washington - the same could certainly be said of the "gamesmanship" (Why play games with our collective future?) that goes on right HERE.

The facts are the facts; and the state of the economy is something that cannot (by anyone with their eyes open to the truth) be denied.

And I believe a common saying applies quite well here, when evaluating whether or not to put one's trust in someone...

That is (I don't know the exact source of this saying, and I'm not quoting it exactly):

"Listen to what they say..."

But, more importantly:

"Watch what they do."

President Obama - in my opinion (you are entitled to your own) - has thus far (against tremendous odds) - been a shining example of integrity IN ACTION.

And as such, he represents the promise of an "American Dream" that might actually (this is going to take time) - for the general populous (not just for those born into lives of privilege) - have a chance of coming true.

For Saturday's meeting, I urge those that have signed on to bring (remembering to put safety first) their personal stories...

You can do this on a piece of scrap paper, in a letter, in a poem, via a work of art, via a photograph, in a collage, on a CD, on a DVD or in any other manner that suits you and the time limitations (some of us may choose to stay longer than the scheduled hour) of the occasion...

With - for those that are willing and able (there will be NO judgement of those that choose to simply be present and listen!)] a signed and dated permission slip allowing this material (by necessity, the materials you turn in for this purpose have to be somewhat brief) to be uploaded and/or otherwise passed on via Obamas official site (s), MoveOn.org, You Tube, this blog, your local newspapers and/or other progressive outlets.

This is a movement, folks - "of the people" and "by the people" - under the leadership of a man that has NOT been afraid to challenge the corruption in Washington, the greed on Wall Street, the gross neglect of our most vulnerable citizens - and the tragic legacy of a predominantly elitist (my opinion) and (I'm being "kind" here...) "insensitive" (on their way out?) "status quo."

Sometimes folks ask me how I (the facts about my life and health would probably surprise many of you) got involved in this...

Why I am (with the limitations that I have) "so" involved in this...

Why I am I pushing myself so hard...

To which I must respond:

1. "Enough is enough" [to corruption, greed, unethical practices, exploitation, racism, sexism, elitism, persecution, cruelty, etc...]

2. Because I have learned to love (in an abstract spiritual way) every single one of my fellow human beings...; and,

3. Because I have FINALLY learned to love (yes, there is personal sacrifice involved) myself, as well.

That said (I guess I'm practicing a bit for tomorrow...): I'm looking forward to meeting those that have signed up for tomorrow's event - and I will close with (please take the time to watch both versions) this:

["You're the Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me" (Ray Price version); as submitted to You Tube by bulkmail1 on 1/31/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IW6RH1GC9DM]

[Gladys Knight; "Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me" (2005); as submitted to You Tube by Largo3point0 on 2/14/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nA3hzejbszQ]

Peace, love, equality and humane justice...

"Have a Heart!"

NS

Go Red for Women Day... Women and Heart Disease... Lady in Red... You Tube Videos

2009-02-05T16:48:00.000-08:00

[Chris De Burgh; "Lady In Red"; as submitted to You Tube by dannyqb on 8/27/06; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcWspfgk9c8]

["Go Red For Women campaign"; as posted on You Tube by the worldheartfederation on 2/13/08;http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9eEXR3dt_Zo]

["The Heart Truth for Women"; as posted on You Tube by PublicResourceOrg on 1/18/2008; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7b8szm_YEcI]

Support Agressive Action Regarding Wall Street Greed... Let It Be... You Tube

2009-02-05T13:18:00.000-08:00

[The Beatles; "Let it be Lyrics"; as posted on You Tube by rubyhartlove on 8/29/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRCPQFVWrRE]

Passing this (from my email - reformatted / bold emphasis and bracketed information mine - for inclusion here) on:

"...Yesterday, President Obama took an important first step, limiting pay at companies taking bailouts going forward...

But Congress is considering going even further, applying the limits retroactively and even taking back some of the most extravagant bonuses at firms that took taxpayer money...

A huge public outcry will give them momentum and push them to real action. Can you sign this petition to Congress, urging them to act now to rein in Wall Street greed?"

"The petition says: "Congress must place enforceable, common-sense limits on salaries at all the banks that have taken taxpayer dollars..."

[--------------------------------------------------------------]

"Sen. McCaskill showed courage standing up to the status quo. We've got to show the rest of Congress that this is the kind of leadership we need to get us out of this crisis and make the economy work for all Americans...

Limiting pay at companies taking bailouts won't fix our financial system... that will take a lot more hard work... but it's an important first step.

Can you tell Congress to rein in Wall Street's excesses now and then pass this ["petition" / link (when someone clicks on the link below their name is added to the petition)] on to your friends?"

[Link: Copy and paste in your browser and/or pass on to your friends: http://pol.moveon.org/bonus/o.pl?id=15503-4553635-O9hn5Ox&t=4 ]

"Thanks for all you do.

–Daniel, Peter, Justin, Marika and the rest of the team" [MoveOn.Org]

"Sources:

1. "McCaskill Proposes Compensation Cap For Private Companies Getting Federal Dollars," Senate Newsroom, January 30, 2009
http://mccaskill.senate.gov/newsroom/vid_013009.cfm

2. "What Red Ink? Wall St. Paid Fat Bonuses," The New York Times, January 28, 2009
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/29/business/29bonus.html

3. "Obama Outlines Limits on Executive Pay," The Washington Post, February 5, 2009
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51145&id=15503-4553635-O9hn5Ox&t=5

4. "Despite Treasury's New Rule, Senators Aren't Giving Up Their Push to Cap CEO Pay," TPMDC, February 4, 2009
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51146&id=15503-4553635-O9hn5Ox&t=6

5. "'Meet the Press' transcript for Feb. 1, 2009," MSNBC.com, February 1, 2009
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28964188/page/5/"

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

Respectfully posted by,

NS

Update Regarding Saturday's "From Hope to Reality" Meeting (Re. Obama's Economic Recovery Plan)... Sheryl Crow You Tube

2009-02-05T00:13:00.001-08:00

[Sheryl Crow; "Let's Get Free (live, 2003)"; as submitted to You Tube by crowarchive on 11/12/07; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPTt4jZ1itA]

UPDATED DETAILS REGARDING "FROM HOPE TO REALITY" MEETING/DISCUSSION ABOUT PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMAS ECONOMIC RECOVERY PLAN:

The new venue for the "From Hope to Reality" meeting regarding President Barack Obamas economic recovery plan will be the Dunkin Donuts on Ulster Avenue in Kingston. The revised [as the MuddyCup is reputedly closing up shop] plan:

When: Saturday, Feb. 7, 2009

Where: Dunkin Donuts, 553 Ulster Ave, Kingston, NY 12401 [Phone:
(845) 331-3633] [A Map Link is Provided in the Sidebar>]

When: 2PM-3PM [It is a good idea to get there a little early to buy any drinks/treats you might want; and there is the possibility that the meeting will go on (for those that choose to stay) longer than 1 hour.]

What to Bring? Your concerns. Your ideas. And your information (if you are a collector like me) about Barack Obamas Economic Recovery plan.

Thanks All!

I picked this Dunkin Donuts, because there is a good deal of seating space available.

It should all work out (as long as we work "together") - just fine!

Respectfully posted by,

Nancy Smith

Contact your Senators now... Obama's Economic Recovery Plan... Indian Flute Music You Tube

2009-02-04T23:29:00.000-08:00

["Earth Spirit - Native American Pan Flute" (Gheorghe Zamfir); as submitted to You Tube by constantinalecse on 7/3/08; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0P6MaemHFtI]

As received (via email) from the National Organization for Women (NOW) / NOW National Action Center: now@now.org [revised slightly for inclusion here]:

"SENATE DEBATING RECOVERY PACKAGE THURSDAY...

President Barack Obama has called for an economic recovery package to be on his desk for signing by the end of next week... Debate on dozens of amendments began this evening and will continue tomorrow as some senators try to weaken and stall the legislation... What are they thinking!? Thousands of jobs are disappearing daily, millions more will lose their homes and state governments are facing deficits into the billions of dollars. Our economic crisis is the worst the country has experienced since the 1930's.

Your messages are badly needed to urge both Democratic and Republican senators to adopt a strong bill. Women and their families, state and local governments and vital human needs programs administered by the federal government will benefit from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Please send a message to both of your senators [A link will be provided in the sidebar>]" [Also, pass this information on to your family and friends!]

"Call 1-866-544-7573 [or use the link provided in the sidebar>] and urge your Senators: Pass the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act NOW!

Background: "The Right is Winning Today," The Nation, February 3, 2009; "American Recovery and Reinvestment Act," Speaker Nancy Pelosi, January 28, 2009; "The Economic Impact of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act," Economy.com, January 21, 2009"

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

Respectfully posted by,

NS

IMPORTANT NOTICE RE. "FROM HOPE TO REALITY"... BARACK OBAMA ECONOMIC RECOVERY MEETING... You Tube Video... "Universal Declaration of Human Rights"

2009-02-04T13:37:00.001-08:00

[}The Universal Declaration of Human Rights"; as posted (this is the second time around; I LOVE this!) on You Tube by HumanRightsActionCtr on 10/7/08]

Unfortunately, I just found out that the Kingston MuddyCup is closing down, yet
another casualty (it would appear) of the economic crisis...

Thus, unless I can find another public venue, close- by and quick, I will be
holding this discussion / meeting at my home (details forthcoming, as necessary).

I've got a couple of other places in mind - and I'll let you know if either of
these is a "go."

I am also open (... a call-out to the community... ) to suggestions!

If anyone needs to cancel due to this last minute change in venue, please let me know.

I will keep everyone updated as I know more.

Thank You,

Nancy Smith
wingedbirdinflight@live.com

From Hope to Reality... Obama's Economic Recovery Plan... "Magic"... You Tube

2009-02-04T12:01:00.000-08:00

["Magic"; Olivia Newton John; as submitted to You Tube by anmartinc on 3/18/07; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvfE-Cf9Qcc]

According to a variety of sources, President Obama's economic recovery plan is slated to (1) create and/or save 3,000,000 to 4,000,000 jobs over the next couple of years; (2) double the funding for the Department of Education; (3) circumvent the layoff of more than 100,000 teachers; (4) radically enhance our "clean air production" capabilities; (5) create well over 100,000 "green" employment opportunities; and (6) give multitudes of unemployed citizens "access to affordable health care coverage..."

So why in the world would "anybody" try to tear "that" (Think about your neighbors, your children, your grandchildren and the future of our nation!) down? Please climb on board the boat, and ride this visionary plan from the "river of hope" to the mansion (I don't believe we can afford to waver on this!) of reality...

Every voice matters.

Every child's future (considering just the education component alone!) stands in the balance!

Nancy Sue Smith
wingedbirdinflight@live.com