Wednesday, March 27, 2013

NYS Senators, NYS Assembly: Restore the Cut to Western New York Disabled Services [OPWDD]



Senator David Carlucci and this petition below are linked HERE, with over 15,000 signatures. Thank you to all supporters, unfortunately this was voted against.


Action Needed Before March 31st !

Please sign, share and hit the "email contacts' link on the petition


---> PETITION


52 million dollars is being considered by NYS Senate & Assembly to be spent on Ralph Wilson Stadium [sports] and Television while cutting essential disabled educational services in Western New York like Starlight Studio. The Learning Disabilities Association of Western New York has already taken massive cuts, please share, sign and make a difference in the lives of people that need disabled services.
 





There is an effort being coordinated by groups representing voluntary agencies serving the developmentally disabled regarding the 4.5% cut. This effort amounts to calling Majority party members in both houses to urge them to vote against the 4.5% OPWDD voluntary cut in the budget proposed by their leaders. To do this, we want them to speak on behalf and vote for a "hostile amendment" which the Minority Parties in both houses will propose.

Again, we need as many Majority Party members as possible to make a big issue of this on the floor of both houses for the leaders, the Governor and the press to see. Minority Party members are expected to vote for the amendment. The aim of this amendment is to generate pressure through the many rank and file members who were genuinely supportive of full restoration.

The issue: Albany, N.Y. (WKBW) - Senators spend most of the night on Tuesday into Wednesday making tough decisions on the state budget. The big issue was the $90 million cuts to the disabled.

Taking away funds would cut services for thousand of people across Western New York. One program that will be affected is at the Starlight Studio. It is an art program for the disabled that allows them to use their talent to communicate. For many people, art is the only way of expressing their feelings. Experts said cutting these programs could lead to major frustration and anxiety for the disabled.

"We all care about the developmentally disabled and we want to improve the quality of life for them and their families. We did our best to minimize their pain. We minimized the cuts from six to four in a half," Senator Kathleen Marchione said.

Another concern for those against the cuts is that there are millions of dollars going toward entertainment, yet taking away from the disabled. In the budget, about $52 million will go toward the renovations of Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park. There will also be about $5 million going to move "The Tonight Show" from its home in Los Angeles to New York City. Many people feel the state is putting entertainment before the disabled and other important programs.


The budget will head to the State Assembly where it will be debated. It is expected to pass before the March 31st deadline.



Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Buffalo Small Press Book Fair



Free Event April 6th and 7th 










    Wednesday, March 13, 2013

    Make Yourself Better : A Book Review







    Written by Philip Weeks, published by Singing Dragon, "Make Yourself Better : A Practical Guide to Restoring Your Body's Wellbeing through Ancient Medicine" covers various disorders a human being can experience ranging from spiritual, mental, emotional and physical. Philip manages to cover extensive medical background regarding the human body, how each system operates and how a dysfunction in each system and organ affects our bodies and minds. Philip provides an extensive holistic guide in order to improve each system, if a disorder arises, as well as simply staying healthy. 

    The most important aspect of this reference guide are the chapters on stress, the kidneys and adrenal glands. Stress is, generally, the root of all dysfunction. Philip includes precise, yet simple to purchase and accomplish, holistic ways to cleanse the body of built up toxins for every organ and body system.

    As an expert on natural medicine, nutrition, a Master Herbalist and acupuncturist, Philip does state that if one is to detoxify the body, to make sure it is healthy to do so and observed by a medical doctor first. Such precautions are essential, as all of our bodies function differently.

    Guided by Eastern Medicine and applying Western Medicine, the author provides a full account of how and why the body acts the way it does, as well as realistic solutions to rid the body of already present toxins and to avoid and dispel potential illness.

    This volume is a must read for those who have no understanding of Eastern Medicine, holistic practice and the ways in which our bodies and minds function. Medically, the book is extensive in explaining, yet in simple terms, every single system and organ. 

    A pleasant and shocking surprise, one will enjoy learning how "everyday" things adversely affect us, often without our knowledge. 

    More importantly, after understanding your body, checking with your physician and understanding the content Philip provides, "Make Yourself Better" includes various ways to help yourself


    Visit Philip's Website :  Make Yourself Better




    Saturday, March 9, 2013

    For Lahore, Badami Bagh, and Joseph Colony


    For Lahore, Badami Bagh, and Joseph Colony : 

    "Make Me A Channel Of Your Peace" by All Angels 
    on audio, not video, just click link, no download:  


    God Bless and Peace.





    Friday, March 8, 2013

    I Am Kashmir






    I Am Kashmir 

    Dedicated to Shaheed Tahir from Baramulla



    a
    rat
    a
    tat
    tat

    ya hear that?

    another round
    locked, and loaded

    where boys,
    are forced to be
    men

    and women
    are raped

    and children,
    throw
    stones

    until a bullet hits the skin
    piercing within
    the gentle flesh that God made

    My skin is worn
    my heart,
    heavy
    and my mind,
    must constantly evade
    the darkness

    Yet I am light
    and my spirit

    it IS strong

    it flies with the midnight moon
    chasing stars
    supernovas
    faster than the speed of light
    stronger than the wind
    more powerful than the sun herself
    shining

    celestial majestic divinity . . .

    Aged.

    I am

    Kashmir.


    © Susan Marie 2013


    * CNN yanked this off of my professional media profile today. This young man, Shaheed Tahir died in Indian occupied Kashmir this week.
     

    Saturday, March 2, 2013

    Quietly, dying


    "The world is a prison for the believer .  .  . " - pbuh


    There are times
    i awake
    and the day
    she greets me
    naked
    pure


    In all her wondrous glory

    And i am grateful
    for solitary breath
    for limbs
    that work perfectly
    for the sun
    when she shines
    rain as it falls
    and for birds, 


    endlessly trilling
    outside my window


    And there are times
    when i simply wish
    to close my eyes
    to sleep eternal


    A most peaceful rest,
    one of absolute divinity
    where i need not think,
    eat, nor breathe


    An existence
    where i am truly one
    with all of creation


    Where I am more than energy
    more than the speed of light
    stronger than the sun
    wind
    moon
    and the stars


    as they shine their weary smiles
    upon me now.


    Gently.


    I wish to be the Great Frontier
    its grasslands plenty
    horses, wild, free
    trees, untouched by man


    My spirit,
    the heartbeat
    of wild buffalo


    This place exists
    in my heart
    and I am
    a sentient being


    Human. 

    Quietly,

    dying.


    © Susan Marie 2013