Cold Weather Advisory... Tips

[Photo by BF]

Some Things [Heating Assistance and/or Weatherization Programs with Application in the City of Kingston Area] That You Might Need to Check Into --- by Calling Central Hudson, the Office of the Aging, Community Action, Family and/or Some Other Local Assistance Program (Most, or all of these, are income-level dependent):

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)

Powerful Opportunity Program

The Good Neighbor Fund

Empower New York

Weatherization Program

Remember, intense cold, especially for the very young and the very old, can be truly dangerous - as can the improper use of kerosene heaters, generators, kitchen stoves and such - and one needs to be careful walking, biking and driving on this snow and ice, as well!

[If there are any errors in this report, please let me know and I will correct them as soon as possible]

Wishing You Warmth!

N.S.

"The Times, They Are a Changing..." [Some info to check out...]

[Photo by BF]

If you get a chance - and are so inclined - check out (The bold emphasis is mine):

(1) A video related to Barack Obama's speech on the "American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan" [Obama's economic plan reputedly includes "rebuilding infrastructure, expanding renewable energy capacity, and overhauling health care and education" [John D. Podesta, Co-Chair / Obama-Biden Transition Project (quoted from an email I received today)] at: http://change.gov/plan

(2) The newsroom blog at: http://change.gov/newsroom/blog/

(3) An article titled: "Gay NH bishop to offer prayer at inaugural event..." ---[Quote: "The first openly gay Episcopal bishop will offer a prayer at the Lincoln Memorial at an inaugural event for President-elect Barack Obama..." [1/12/09; Associated Press (AP); http://www.rr.com/view/content/story.cfm?storyId=6550061&view=NEWS&sSect=LP1-T2VGEN&trProv=NE_AP_9]; and...

(4) An article titled: "Minister chosen for inaugural prayer service..." --- [Quote: "The Rev. Sharon Watkins... [A Woman!] will deliver the sermon at the National Prayer Service that caps the inauguration activities of Barack Obama" [1/11/09; AP; http://www.rr.com/view/content/story.cfm?storyId=6545478&view=NEWS&sSect=LP1-T2VGEN&trProv=NE_AP_9]

These links will also be made available in the sidebar.

N.S.

Passing it On: Message from Michelle Obama [National Day of Service]

--- "Michelle Obama - USAService.org"; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AeNgjXPZkrM; Submitted by "inauguration" on January 09,2009

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

Passing it on: Letter I received from Michelle Obama [Monday, January 12, 2009 1:56 PM]

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

"Nancy --

One week from today, on January 19th, Barack and I will join thousands of people all across the country for an extraordinary day of service.

I recorded a short video to tell you more about this important effort. Please take a minute to watch it and sign up to host or attend a service event near you...

Volunteers of all ages and backgrounds are committing to renew America together, one community at a time.

Whatever service activity you organize or take part in -- cleaning up a park, giving blood, volunteering at a homeless shelter, or mentoring an at-risk youth -- you can help start this important journey. But this is about more than just a single day of service, it's the beginning of ongoing commitment to your community.

Monday, January 19th, is also Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Dr. King taught us to live a life of service, and he led by example. He once said:

"If you want to be important -- wonderful. If you want to be recognized -- wonderful. If you want to be great -- wonderful. But, recognize that he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. That's a new definition of greatness."

Barack and I will be volunteering in Washington, D.C., our new home. I hope you'll join us by taking part in this national call to service in your community:

http://www.USAservice.org/calltoservice

It will take ordinary citizens working together with a common purpose to get this country back on track. This national day of service is an important first step in our continuing commitment.

Now is the time to remind all Americans what ordinary people can accomplish when we stand together.

Thank you,

Michelle

P.S. -- If you are already planning to be in Washington, D.C. for the Inauguration, text SERVE to 56333 to receive information about service opportunities in the nation's capital. Or you can learn more here:

http://www.USAservice.org/calltoserviceDC"

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Michelle's video address - "USA Service... Your Call to Service" can be accessed at: http://usaservice.org/page/content/calltoservice/

I will make these links available in the sidebar>>>

Thank You,

N.S.

"Bill Maher And Barack Obama" You Tube Video [Barack Obama on Faith and Politics]

["Bill Maher And Barack Obama"; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nh8i_FzHVTU; Contributed to You Tube by ElPadreAmaru on January 08, 2009]

More Info on Inauguration Party at Muddy Cup

[Photo by BF]

As this New Year unfolds, and I personally follow through on a "few" resolutions, I wanted to take a step back to the concept of "We the People..." - and make sure I let folks know that this Obama Party that I have scheduled is for EVERYONE and ANYONE that wants to attend.

A few people are being personally invited to come and say a few words - but there will be open mike (poetry only) time, as well as some karaoke time - and the true focus of the event is a celebration of this historic moment!

Times are tough for a lot of us, and I don't think anyone is telling us anything different. But there is hope associated with the "changing of the guard" - and there are a whole lot of tulips (lol) scheduled to start blooming around here, come Spring!

If you know of any City of Kingston residents that you consider "unsung heroes" - and would like to hear them say a few words at this event, please send me an email (with a contact of some sort) at wingedbirdinflight@live.com --- so that I can contact them.

This could be a local political activist - a poet that you know - a single mother or father striving to keep things together - someone associated with a human service organization that you respect - your very own Mom, Dad, Brother, Sister, etc. - or YOU!

Thank You,

N.S.

Inaugural Celebration... Party Announcement

Just a reminder...

[Inauguration Party at Kingston Muddy Cup, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009, 7:30PM-10PM!]

I will be placing them here periodically...

Please let me know if you would like to put a poster [these vary] in your place of business!

Contact: wingedbirdinflight@live.com

Thank You,

N.S.

Condolences... Sex Offender Issue... Fair Pay Act... Business Update... Poem

[Photo by BF]

1) From a quick trip through the local blogs I am aware that Mayor Sottile's father passed away --- and I would like to add (to the voice of others) my sincere condolences to Mr. Sottile and the rest of the Sottile family.

[Photo by BF]

2) I haven't read today's Kingston "Daily Freeman" [KDF] yet, but there was an article in Saturday's "Freeman" that I wanted (and negated) to comment upon --- that happens to be linked to a HOT issue that brought a lot of Kingston City residents through the doors of City Hall in 2008.

For apparently, there has been a re-birth (although not exactly of the same nature) of the "what to do with sex offenders" issue --- as relected in a quote [See "Sex Offender Law Would Restrict Residency"; Mid-Hudson News Network; KDF; 1/10/09; P. A3] that reads like this:

"'Would you rather have a sex offender that you know is living next door to you, or have a sex offender and drive him underground... and you don't know where he is?'" (UC Leg. Frank Dart, D-Kingston).

[I am going to reword this and put up an onsite poll on this matter --- because here we go (a lot of us have strong feelings and opinions on this issue) again!]

[Photo by BF]

3) Also very important, in my view, is the progress of the "Fair Pay Act" --- but rather than cover it here, I would urge concerned folks to check out the "DemWomen Brewing Change" blog link in the sidebar (scroll down) for more information on:

"Fair Pay Act Passes in House... Now its the Senate's turn to finally do the right thing so that women are paid fairly, and there is a workable process for challenges to unfair pay..."

There is a direct link on the DemWomen... site through which folks can contact some of their representatives on this VERY IMPORTANT (Why is expecting "fair pay" for women apparently so very hard (ahem) to understand?] issue!

[Photo by N.S.]

4) Although I have set up temporary site at Merchants Circle to address my fledgling home-based business [see side-bar] - a more permanent business website is still pending - the business (as far as product sales and purchases) is not expected to be fully operational until Spring - and I want to make it clear that this is a small home-based business, with email inquiries and consults [wingedbirdinflight@live.com] preferred - to be followed up by scheduled appointments (ONLY) when appropriate / agreed upon. [Note: The entertainment aspect of ChipsN'Dips has been in place for a few years, mostly operating on a volunteer and small children's parties basis. ChipsN'Dips in the entertainment context, has participated in some local parades and community events, in conjunction with the AOH (St. Patricks Day parades); the Lion's Club (Lion's Club Expos); the Rosendale Festival; and other such organizations / venues].

[Photo by B.F.]

5. I will leave you this am with a poem (rough draft) that I wrote yesterday [This fits somewhat with the "Fair Pay Act" theme]...

"The Wisdom of the Willow"

When who you are
Is not enough
The road is long
The journey tough
A candle flame
Too often snuffed
A lid upon its cover...

You said you were my brother (?)

But forget that little sister
Has dreams too...

And is, in fact, as capable as you..

For though a willow
Might bend
It has strong roots
And tends to spring back
Even when its fruits

Are invisible to
The light of day...

Trust me, trust me
When I say...

That although the eagle
Can fly alone...
'Tis only with
A heart of stone

The sky above
The earth below

Do not snuff out
The light...
[We have our gifts
and our rights!]
Of woman.

N.S.

Question for the Public and the Local "Powers That Be..."

[Photo by BF]

I read in this week's "Kingston Times" ["New year,new jobs"; P. 3] that the Kingston City Council formed an "Auditing Committee" [Aldermen Teetsel, Madsen, Landi, Polacco and Hoffay) the beginning of this year...

And I would like to pose this question:

Would it be possible to list, on the "General Bills" section of the Kingston Common Council Meeting agendas, not only the vendor and amount - but the type of vendor, type of service rendered - and (where just a name is listed) that person's title and type of service rendered - as well?

People's names reveal nothing to the general public about the type of service rendered...

Some organizational names, such as "Cook, Tucker, Netter & Cloonan" (a law firm?) reveal nothing to the public about the type of service rendered [This was a $13,235.79 item on the Jan. 2009 agenda]

And some items, even if somewhat revealing by the nature of the organizational name, such as "Matt Pozorski Sculptureworks" ($3,750.00 on the Jan 2009 agenda) are baffling (at least without further information) as to what their pragmatic application might be - to the benefit of the City of Kingston - during these extremely difficult economic times.

To phrase that differently [and this is NOT to imply any implication of wrongdoing on the part of the City Council or any of the people or organizations listed as vendors on the Jan. 2009 Kingston City Council Agenda!]...

Who exactly are [I'll stick to a few of the more obscure (to the average Kingston citizen) bigger money items here...]:

Core BTs Inc.? [Jan 2009 Agenda; $1,280.00]

The "Dietz Commission"? [Jan 2009 Agenda; $74,500.00]

HDR/LMS? [Jan 2009 Agenda; $3,019.10]

Malcolm Pirnie Inc.? [Jan 2009 Agenda; $3,315.04]?

I am certainly aware that most organizations have their acronyms. In fact, the National Organization of Mental Health (or some such organization) has a source-book full of them...

But when it comes to City business - the expenditure of taxpayer monies - I really think the public needs things spelled out more explicitly --- that we need to know exactly who (or what organization) these monies are going to --- and for what purpose?

There is NO offense implied here. I am simply putting out my view on this matter, hoping that (as appropriate) the public, the new "Auditing Committee", the Mayor, the new County Comptroller and the new County Executive will give this some serious thought.

[If any errors have been made here, please let me know and I will post corrections immediately]

[General feedback is welcome and appreciated.]

N.S.

Old Record Albums...

[Photo by NS]

Yesterday my mother dropped off some old albums for me to list (for sale) on site.

The following is just a partial [Most are 33 1/3 RPM] list:

A Series of "Showboat" (78 R.P.M.) Reference Recordings (Old Radio Show) [National Broadcasting Company; 1937]

Gene Autry's Western Classics (Columbia Records; 1947; Set)

"Yes Indeed!" (Name of Album) [RCA Victor Records; Undated]

Don Ho Greatest Hits (Anyone Remember "Tiny Bubbles?" [Reprise Records; Undated)

"Dancing in the Moonlight"; David MacDowell and his Society Orchestra (Audition Records; Undated)

Andy Griffith and Dolores Gray in "Destry Rides Again...." [Original Cast Album] [Decca Records; Undated; 1st World Premier in 1959 (Schubert Theatre)

The Best of Tex Williams; Premier Albums; Undated]

The Wonderful King Family; Columbia Records; Undated]

Tennessee Ernie Ford: "Hymns" [Capitol Records; Signed; Undated]

Skating Time; Ken Griffin... [Columbia Records; Undated]

Bobbi Martin [Remember "Have You Ever Been Lonely?") [Decca Records; 1970]

Roy Clark's Greatest Hits - Volume 1 [ABC Records; 1975]

BlueGrass Banjo Hootenanny (Ed Cassady and the Georgia Corn Stompers) [Coronet Records; Undated]

22 Favorite Waltzes With the Mom and Dads [Remember the "Tennessee Waltz?"] [GNP/ Crescendo; 1976]

"To You Sweetheart, Aloha" (Andy Williams) [Cadence Records; Undated]

Firestone 5 Star Fiesta [Dean Martin; Jackie Gleason; Nat "King" Cole; Kay Starr; Guy Lombardo] [John H. Begley Ass.; Undated]

Inquiries to wingedbirdinflight@live.com

N.

Inaugural Party at Kingston Muddy Cup... Jackson Brown "For Everyman" You Tube

[Jackson Browne - "For Everyman"; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qr-hqAjdNrU; Submitted by "stampbeugel" on June 03, 2007]

I have lined up to host, in collusion with the MoveOn Civic Action League, an Inaugural Party at the Kingston Muddy Cup. Here are the details of the event:

Inaugural Bash

Tuesday, 20 Jan 2009, 7:30 PM

Midtown Kingston Muddy Cup
516 Broadway
Kingston, NY 12401

Announcement, as submitted to MoveOn...

"This will be an informal Inauguration Party where folks can gather, share ideas and even, if they choose (This is to add a unique twist!) say a few words, read some poetry (open mike / pertinent to the occasion) or sing (just for fun!) a few Karaoke songs. The Muddy Cup is a great venue for such an event. Some local political figures and activists will get a personal invite. And the press... is definitely welcome! The focus will truly be a celebration! Let's have some FUN!"

There is no fee for this event, but one can purchase coffee / snacks at the counter.

Please help spread the word and come be part of this historic celebration!

N.S.