Thursday, December 23, 2010

Peace From Susan Marie Public Relations

"Peace on Earth, that implies no violence, no starving children, no violent minds, no violent households, no violence, no frustration, no fear."

- John Lennon when asked in an interview if he had one wish for Christmas time what would that be? 
Rare interviews with Lennon, a genius, please listen and be grateful for what is around you and put by you, because others may be less fortunate and be happy.  
John speaks the truth:(click below)



As Lennon said: The thing we have in common is love and love equals peace. My Dad was a WWII Marine and everyone I know is involved in the madness of war in some fashion. This was my visit to Arlington. At the end of this, I tried, you know, as Lennon had, and maybe woke at least one mind.   (click below)
Happy Christmas, (and to ALL celebrations at this time) love one another, be nice, don't judge and most important, be good to your own self.

Peace,

Sue





Sunday, December 19, 2010

U.S. Senate Votes to End "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell"

Discriminatory Law on its Way to the Dustbin of History



Washington – Today the U.S. Senate voted on legislation that will allow for the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT).  This historic action comes on the heels of the passage of an identical bill Wednesday in the U.S. House of Representatives.  President Obama has said that he will sign DADT repeal into law.

“Today, America lived up to its highest ideals of freedom and equality. Congress recognized that all men and women have the right to openly serve their country,” said HRC President Joe Solmonese. “Plenty of people had already planned the funeral for this legislation. Today, we pulled out a victory from what was almost certain defeat just a few days ago. We are grateful to President Obama, Majority Leader Reid and Sens. Lieberman, Collins and countless others for their dogged determination to repeal DADT.”

Today’s vote caps off two weeks of frenetic, roller-coaster activity. Last week, the Senate voted for the second time against allowing debate to begin on the National Defense Authorization Act, to which DADT repeal was attached. As a result, Senators Joe Lieberman (I-CT) and Susan Collins (R-ME) introduced a stand-alone repeal bill in the Senate. This Wednesday, the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved a DADT bill sponsored by Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) and Representative Patrick Murphy (D-PA). That bill was advanced to the Senate and voted on today.

DADT was made a law seventeen years ago and is the only U.S. law that punishes people for simply telling the truth. Since the law went into effect, over 14,000 gay and lesbian service members have been discharged from our nation’s military simply because they were gay or lesbian. An estimated 66,000 gays and lesbians are currently on active-duty.  Over the past two years, Human Rights Campaign has worked steadily, including dedicating over $3 million in financial resources, to bring about today’s successful outcome. Click here to see a summary of our work.

Senator Joe Lieberman, the sponsor of the Senate bill, added his perspective to this historic day. “This ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Repeal Act of 2010’ removes a law that discriminates against military service members based solely on their sexual orientation and also harms our national security.   This historic day has been seventeen years in the making and would not have happened without the leadership of Joe Solmonese and the Human Rights Campaign.”

“This is an historic moment.  Like our closest allies, the United States’ Armed Forces should welcome the service of any qualified individual who is willing and capable of serving our country,” said Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine).  “And, I agree with Defense Secretary Gates that it is critical that the issue is decided by Congress, not the courts.”

The Human Rights Campaign issues a critical warning to service members that repeal of DADT is not effective immediately and service members are still at risk of being discharged on the basis of their sexual orientation until certification occurs and an additional 60 days have passed.  Click here to see the Pathway to Final Repeal.

“This has been a long fought battle, but this failed and discriminatory law will now be history,” added Solmonese.  “Congress now joins the majority of our troops and the American public in the common sense belief that on the battlefield, it does not matter whether a service member is lesbian, gay or straight – what matters is that a service member gets the job done. The President can now fulfill his promise and sign this repeal legislation into law.  After signing this legislation, we call on the President and Secretary of Defense to act expeditiously to complete the steps necessary to implement final repeal.”

The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

© Human Rights Campaign 2010



Greater New York Chapter Human Rights Campaign 
Contact Me Facebook Twitter MySpace YouTube

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Habitat for Humanity: South Buffalo: 2nd Buffalo ReStore

New Doors Open, New Hope Enters



Buffalo, NY- Once a brick, primer colored car dealership, then glove factory, then ultimately a warehouse in an economically troubled area of South Buffalo is now a retail center selling so much more than just building and home furnishing materials. It now sells hope, not only to families in need through-out WNY, but for an area of Buffalo built on partnership and strength of community.
On Tuesday, December 7th Habitat for Humanity-Buffalo opened the doors, of its second ReStore location at 1675 South Park Avenue in South Buffalo; grand opening celebrations are scheduled for Saturday, January 15th. The ReStore, a retail outlet, carries 100% donated materials. Shoppers can find deeply discounted merchandise for all home furnishing and improvement needs.  
Along with the first ReStore location, located at 501 Amherst Street in the Black Rock section of Buffalo, the new location hopes to continue to provide, and create an increase of additional revenue available, outside of private donations and mortgage repayments, for the mission of Habitat-Buffalo, which is to provide affordable housing opportunities for families in need through-out Buffalo. In addition to raising funds for housing, the ReStore helps the environment by diverting thousands of tons of usable materials away from landfills, and allows for responsible recycling. 

To date, the new Habitat ReStore is the first and only business to open in an area that has been part of the City of Buffalo’s South Park Revitalization Initiative, in which 2.3 million dollars was spent to help improve the conditions of an area that has long since been neglected.

“I grew up on Pries Avenue, which is only 3 blocks down from the new ReStore, and to see a new business open in this area of South Buffalo is extremely refreshing and renewing from a personal stand point, and I am grateful to be able to be a part of it!”-Evan Quinn, Marketing Manager Habitat-Buffalo

Habitat-Buffalo specifically chose this area with the intention of being part of the hope that is symbolized by the efforts of the City; attempting to restore the beauty of one of Buffalo’s greatest neighborhood, and centers for local commerce.

“We are excited to extend our mission in South Buffalo with this investment on South Park Avenue. The building as well as the community was perfectly suited to house Habitat-Buffalo’s second ReStore”-Kevin Scherf, Store Manager ReStore South

The Habitat ReStore concept in Buffalo currently accounts for 12% of the Habitat-Buffalo revenue, with the opening of the second location that hopes are high for the number to increase greatly.

“Habitat Buffalo is thrilled to have a new ReStore location in South Buffalo. Our second ReStore will enhance the sustainable funding stream already in place with our store at 501 Amherst Street and will allow Habitat to continue to expand on the work we are doing throughout the city of Buffalo in helping low income families realize their home ownership dreams.” Dave Zablotny, Executive Director Habitat-Buffalo

The ReStore hours of operation are Tues-Fri 10-6pm, Saturday 9-6pm, Sunday 12-4pm(north store only). Pick-ups of any and all donated materials are available in Niagara and Erie County, and can be scheduled by calling 716.852.6607. For additional information, visit habitatbuffalo.org. Grand opening festivities for the South Park location are scheduled for Saturday, January 15th.

For addition information, quotes, and hi-res photos please contact Evan Quinn:
Evan Quinn
ReStore Marketing
Habitat For Humanity ReStore/Buffalo
1675 South Park Avenue,
Buffalo, NY 14220
Tel: (716)852-6607
Cell (716)907-1844
Contact Me Facebook Twitter MySpace YouTube

Sunday, December 5, 2010

International Youth Conference and Festival Dec 6-9, 2010

Ministry of Youth Affairs Miradore Productions and Young International Club in collaboration with Government Ministries is holding this International Youth Conference & Festival in Islamabad, Pakistan from 6-9 December, 2010.



Youth power is an absolute power for a nation's strength and its pride. Youth with the power of vision explore incredible horizons for its nation's splendor, dignity and prominence.

Youth is a force that can change the future of the world and make it a better place to live. Youth only requires proper attention and now young people have realized that our elders have failed to deliver, so it is the duty of the youth that they should act at the earliest.


The main objective of the conference is to promote peace and harmony among the youth of different countries of the world. It provides an opportunity to the young leaders of the world to interact with each other and will strengthen goodwill and foster understanding among them. This workshop carries a message of harmony and friendship among the youth of different nations.

PYA was the brainchild of Syed Ali Abbas Zaidi (now a renowned youth activist and philanthropist). Other founding members include Samad Khurram (famous for refusing to take an award from US Ambassador to Pakistan, Anne Patterson) & Maryam Kanwer. 

© International Youth Conference/Pakistan Youth Alliance 2010 


Contact

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Chairperson PYA 

Syed Ali Abbas Zaidi

 

chair@pya.org.pk 

 

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Facebook   
Twitter   
You Tube

 _______________________


Dr Arslan 
0092 300 9800000



If you believe you have what it takes to live the change 
join us!

# # # 



This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

ONE click will help the Goodwill and Food Bank

A message from Jeremy Juhasz: Goodwill Industries of WNY and The Food Bank of Western New York.

"Walk Softly and Carry a Big Stick"


As some of us know, we are currently in the middle of a national in-store Walmart food drive. The folks at Walmart have also set up a separate web site specifically for a complimentary Facebook competition among 100 markets spanning the nation.

Facebook users choose to “support” a region, and Walmart will distribute $1.5 million to hunger relief organizations in those regions that finish 1-5. The Food Bank of WNY is part of those organizations listed underneath the Buffalo/Niagara Falls umbrella.

Here is all you have to do. Click this link below

Then click on the “Like” icon just to the right of the orange arrow. By doing so, you may be redirected to Facebook to log in. Once you’re logged in, your vote is registered. I also urge you to spread the word on Facebook by updating your status and copying this link to your message.  Email friends of the food bank, tell your neighbors, do whatever you can to generate support from your network of relationships. Together we can finish at the top! Even if you’re not active on Facebook, find those in your family who are. You’re bound to know someone who’s affiliated.

Just to give you an idea as to where we stand currently. We sit right in the middle at 50/100 regions. The top vote getter to this point is a region in Florida at 300+ supporters. We have about 45. The competition, remember, only applies if you’re on Facebook. And the contest concludes December 31, 2010.

Thanks Everyone!  

Jeremy Juhasz
Social Media/Web Site Coordinator
Goodwill Industries of WNY and Food Bank of WNY
GW 854-3494
FB 852-1305