Scott Celani Band Aids Wildlife in The Gulf

Recently featured on WKBW Buffalo, WIVB Buffalo and MSNBC, Scott Celani of the Scott Celani Band has been adamant at aiding the wildlife affected by the Gulf Coast Oil Disaster.

 While there is much anger directed at B.P. [British Petroleum] and the government over their response to the oil leak, Celani wishes to take a peaceful stance and support wildlife.   

Partnering with The National Wildlife Federation, the United States' largest private, nonprofit conservation education and advocacy organization, with over 4 million members and supporters, and 47 state and territorial affiliated organizations; Celani has begun a "Make It Up To Them", campaign. 

Scott had previously written the song "I'll Make It Up To You" before the oil leak crisis.  The Western New York singer-songwriter decided that in light of the oil spill wildlife had nothing to do with this situation and we [people] have an obligation. 

Celani sees this as an opportunity to help the situation in the Gulf and the wildlife affected by the spill from our home, our city, our country. "That's where the concept of making it up to the wildlife comes in, and we can with things like this and I'm hoping this inspires other people to do their own thing," says Celani.

Downloads of the song, "We Can Make It Up To Them", can be purchased HERE on CD Baby for $1.99 with proceeds going to The National Wildlife Federation.  
 

Also, view the video On You Tube

"We owe them. We need to make it up to them," said Celani.

For more information: Scott Celani Band

Tibetan Monk "Puja" Ceremony on Think Twice Radio

Live Audio of event HERE.

Photography by Enid Bloch HERE
Photography by The Buffalo News HERE

 

The monks of Drepung Loseling Monastery performed a powerful ceremonial puja for healing on Tuesday, June 29 at 7:00 p.m at Unity Church in Buffalo, New York. 

In the Tibetan world, all practitioners associated with the healing profession seek out this empowerment, and then practice the associated mantra on a daily basis in order to enhance personal healing power.  Participants submitted names of family, friends and individuals for whom they wished to dedicate prayers for health and healing. This ceremony was a guided meditative healing experience, with sacred chanting in the Tibetan language, as well as music performed by the visiting monks

 

Unity Buffalo is spiritually centered, to celebrate a world of love, peace and abundance.  Their mission is a diverse, loving, spiritual community empowering growth, transformation and peaceful living.  Unity honors the individual truths in all religions and respects each individual's right to choose a spiritual path.
 

Drepung is the largest of all Tibetan monasteries and is located on the Gambo Utse mountain, 5 kilometers from the western suburb of Lhasa.  About 40% of the old monastic town was destroyed after the Chinese arrived in Lhasa in 1951, though luckily the chief buildings including the four colleges, the Tsokchen and the the Dalai Lamas' residence were preserved. Drepung Loseling is dedicated to the study and preservation of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition of wisdom and compassion.  

The Tibetan culture is endangered and leads a fragile existence in the exiled refugeed communities in India and Nepal.  
 

Unity of Buffalo -1243 Delaware Ave.-Buffalo, NY 14209 (716) 882-0391-info@unitybuffalo.org

 

Susan Marie Public Relations
Think Twice Radio
This is NOT the Apple
New York USA 2010

Buffalo’s Oil Spill Vigil: Stand with the Gulf Coast: Move On.org

Buffalo New York:  Oil Spill Vigil  7 p.m., Tuesday, June 8^th  at Elmwood Avenue and Bidwell Parkway in Buffalo.  For a map, please click here.  

This event is in response to MoveOn.org’s call for vigils around the country on the 50^th day of the BP oil spill.  MoveOn’s website says the purpose of these vigils is to:

·         Demand an end to our dependence on oil

·         Call for stepped up efforts to end the spill, and

·         Stand in solidarity with all those affected in the Gulf 

These are objectives we all can stand behind.  And we can add to that list, e.g. that environmental clean-up, remediation, and wildlife rescue efforts be accelerated and sustained, that the Gulf economy be rebuilt and relief provided to those who have lost their livelihoods,  and that BP pay the full cost.

The local Buffalo event is ad hoc and is being pulled together very quickly.  Please feel free to make your own signs or banners. There will be a few speakers, music, petitions or letters to sign, and a silent vigil.

You can register to attend the event through the MoveOn.org message box below -- though there is no need to register.  You can just come.  If you do try to register and the response is that the event is closed because it has reached a maximum 50 person quota, please come anyway.  It would be great to have more than 50 people turn out. 

Please circulate this message and bring your family and friends. 

Nan and Walter Simpson Energy Really Matters

enconser@buffalo.edu

WNY Climate Action

For more information, please contact Joni Russ at 882-2242 X 30 or Nan Simpson 839-0062.  

Buffalo Oil Spill Vigil: Stand with the Gulf Coast Can you make it to this vigil? Click here for more details and to RSVP: I can come. Sorry, I can't make it this time. For more info and to find other vigils in your area, click here.

Susan Marie Public Relations
Think Twice Radio
This is NOT the Apple
New York USA 2010

Grace Stumberg CD Release: Babeville: June 7, 2010

On June 7, 2010 from 7-9pm,  at Ani DiFranco's Ninth Ward @ Babeville, 341 Delaware Avenue @Tupper, Buffalo NY, musicians are gathering for Grace Stumbergs CD release party in conjunction to support the Food Bank of Western New York.  $13 includes admission and a $3 donation to The Food Bank. 

Singer/Songwriter Grace Stumberg, has performed with: 

guitarists Matt Stachowiak of Blackest Red, Professor Richard Strauss, as well as Vocalist Adrienne-Tworek-Gryta and mentor, Bob James.  Presently, Grace is involved with 

the Music In Action Program (Robby Takac, Goo Goo Dolls, and Buffalo Music Hall Of Fame inductee, Bob James.)  Grace gives songwriter workshops and tips to the students. For her accomplishments in helping to change the world, see her website HERE. 

The Food Bank of WNY distributes food to member agencies that have serviced record numbers of families in need.  The Food Bank of Western New York distributes over 1 million pounds of food per month to over 400 agencies throughout Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie and Niagara Counties.  Over 96,000 individuals rely their support, 39% are children and 11% are seniors.  The Food Bank strives to procure more nutritional foods for our agencies while making available educational materials on the importance of a healthy diet.  They seek out ways to address hunger issues in the hope of one day wiping food insecurity off the map.  For more information go HERE. 

Honored and special guests in this event include:  

•  Noa Bursie 

•  Cathy Carfagna 

•  Dee Adams  

For more information:  Bob James, Creative Director http://www.studentvoices.orgor 716.912.6656.

Every dollar raised stays in WNY and is used to sustain programs and services. Hunger is an issue 365 days a year.  

  

Susan Marie Public Relations
Think Twice Radio
This is NOT the Apple
New York USA 2010

Contact Me

 

Buffalo Select Chorus on Buffalo Place for May 26 with Joseph Wooten

Buffalo Select Chorus, with national recording artist Joseph Wooten, will perform their 5th Annual Concert on Wednesday, May 26th at 7:30 p.m. at Asbury Hall at Babeville.  The concert and reception to follow is free and open-to-the-public.  The evening is a mixed musical repertoire of local musicians and the supremely talented Buffalo Select Chorus under the direction and guidance of Musical Director, Linda Lombardo Appleby.

Buffalo Select Chorus is the only chorus made up of Buffalo high school students, with nine different schools represented.  The Chorus is a talented, dynamic group that has persevered despite challenges for funding in the arts in the Buffalo schools.  The Chorus has grown exponentially over several years and in partnership with the Righteous Babe Foundation, will continue its mission to provide a venue for Buffalo High School students to expand their vocal skills while offering actual performance experience under the tutelage of certified music teachers and professional musicians.  This program of excellence will also be saying goodbye to many graduating seniors.

Buffalo Select Chorus can be heard rehearsing every Monday night at Asbury Hall and their annual concert is not one to miss.  To donate, purchase a CD or for more information search HERE on facebook for Buffalo Select Chorus.  Abury Hall at Babeville is located at 341 Delaware Avenue.

Read on Buffalo Place HERE 

Buffalo Select Chorus/Joseph Wooten: Live at Asbury Hall: May 26

Buffalo Select Chorus, with national recording artist Joseph Wooten, perform their 5th Annual Concert May 26 at 7PM LIVE at Asbury Hall at Babeville. The concert and reception to follow is free and open to all public.  The evening is a mixed musical repertoire of local musicians and the supremely talented Buffalo Select Chorus under the direction and guidance of Musical Director, Linda Lombardo Appleby. 

Buffalo Select Chorus is the only chorus made up of Buffalo high school students, with nine different schools represented. The  Chorus is a talented, dynamic group that has persevered despite challenges for funding in the arts in the Buffalo schools.

In spring 2005, Linda Appleby (creative director and vocal instructor), and interested community members and parents set out to create a citywide Buffalo Public High School Chorus.  The group would have weekly practices, play in a variety of venues over the year, have a final concert and reception, and produce a professional recording for use in the college application process.  What resulted from their efforts was a selection of talented individuals from Buffalo Public High Schools who gathered to rehearse once a week for six months.

The Chorus has grown exponentially over several years, and in partnership with the Righteous Babe Foundation, will continue its mission: to provide a venue for Buffalo High School students to expand their vocal skills while offering actual performance experience under the tutelage of certified music teachers and professional musicians. This program of excellence will also be saying goodbye to many graduating seniors.
 
Buffalo Select Chorus can be heard rehearsing every Monday night at Asbury Hall and their annual concert is not one to miss. To donate, purchase a CD or for more information, visit: FACEBOOK.  May 26th, 7:30 pm, Asbury Hall at Babeville on Delaware Avenue, Buffalo,  NY.  The concert and reception is FREE and open to ALL public.

The students that put the "Select" in Buffalo Select Chorus are a much desired investment.

Artists United For Human Rights: Anuradha Koirala on CNN

"Please Tell The World About My Girls" 

Anuradha Koirala, Founder of Maiti Nepal 

"On behalf of these unspeakably abused children, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.  They are defenseless and abandoned persons who now suffer with no hope and in their short lives “ never had a chance”

Barring breaking news, the CNN HEROES profile of Anuradha Koirala is scheduled to premiere THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2010 at some point during the hour of Larry King Live (9-10pm EST) and re-air during the slotted times, EST, listed below.  

Beginning Friday (4/30/2010--EST), the story will also be available and viewable online at CNN HEROES 

Thanks to everyone for your assistance with this story!  

Best,  Ebonne

AIR SCHEDULE, CNN HEROES: ANURADHA KOIRALA

FRIDAY (4/30) EST

CNN: 8-9a, 11a-12p, 2-3p

*may get extra airing in 3p hr

HLN: 6:30-7a, 1:30-2p, 5-6p, 8-9p/10-11p/1-2a

*may also air in 7:30a hr

CNNI: 2a, 7a, 12p, 8p

  

SATURDAY (5/1) EST

CNN: 10-11a, 3-4p, 5-6p, 11p-12a/2-3a

HLN: 8-8:30a, 2-2:30p

  

CNN en Espanol

Monday (5/3): Premiere in Panorama Mundial 9pm EST

Tuesday (5/4/2010):

- Al Dia 7am EST

- Nuestro Mundo 2pm EST

- Encuentro 6pm EST

- Directo 7pm EST

Sunday (5/2/2010): Mirador Mundial 7pm EST

Friends of Maiti Nepal 

501 (c) 3 Massachusetts non profit corporation

Brigitte Cazalis-Collins (Exec Director)

Joseph H. Collins (Assoc. Director)

63-6 Commercial Wharf Boston MA 02110 USA 

WEBSITE

HERE ON FACEBOOK 

Rosie's Therapy Muscular Dystrophy UB School of Medicine

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is the most common genetic disease of boys.  There is no known therapy or cure.  In 1984 Sachs Lab, University at Buffalo's School of Medicine, Dr. Frederick Sachs, UB Distinguished Professor of Biophysics, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, and his colleagues, have discovered mechanosensitive ion channels, pores in the cell membrane that open under mechanical stress.  When the genetic defects of dystrophy break down reinforcement of the cell membrane, these channels become activated and let calcium leak into the cell causing the muscles to atrophy.  This is what causes muscular dystrophy.

Sachs Lab made the discovery of the channels when there were no drugs known to affect those channels.  Taking a wild chance on Nature's chemical libraries, they examined venoms from scorpions, centipedes and spiders and in a tarantula venom, they discovered a drug that did work. The drug turned out to be a small, non-toxic, protein.  Keep in mind, everything in a venom is not poisonous.  The lab tested the protein (known as GsMTx4) on isolated dystrophic muscle since dystrophin makes a reinforcing network under the cell membrane, and its loss transfers stress to the membrane. This increased stress turns on the channels producing the calcium leak.

GsMTx4 caused the muscle less likely to be damaged from stress. In collaboration with Dr. Eric Hoffman of the Wellstone Institute for Muscular Dystrophy in Washington, Sachs Lab tested GsMTx4, and after a month of treatment there were no significant side effects.

Sachs Lab is close to having a therapy for muscular dystrophy.

To handle commercialization of GsMtx4 after preclinical testing, Sachs Lab formed Rose Pharmaceuticals, a research-based biotech drug company founded with the specific goal of treating muscular dystrophy.  Rose Pharmaceuticals is located in Buffalo and started by Drs. Fred Sachs, Phil Gottlieb and Tom Suchyna and Mr. Jeff Harvey, and Rosie, the tarantula.

Sachs Lab has found a therapy for muscular dystrophy.  There is no known therapy or medication for this condition.  Sachs Lab and Rose Pharmaceuticals is in need of funding and support in order for this therapy to pass FDA Regulation for pre -clinical testing.  The least amount needed is 1.5 million dollars.  Dr. Frederich Sachs speaks of Rosie's Therapy on my radio show, This is NOT The Apple and information can be found at Sachs Lab at UB School of Medicine and Facebook HERE under: Rosie's Therapy for Muscular Dystrophy.  

You can help the research.  Donate (tax deductible) to the lab by sending whatever amount you feel is appropriate for "unrestricted research funds" to:    Rosie's Therapy for Muscular Dystophy:    Grammostola Spatulata Fund UB Foundation P.O. Box 900 Buffalo, NY 14226.

When this therapy passes FDA regulations and pre-clinical testing, not only will there be a therapy for muscular dystrophy, but this medication GsMTx4, with no known side effects, will also be able to treat other conditions that affect muscle walls such as various heart conditions and everyday chronic and acute pain.   Right now, the only medications available for such conditions, including muscular dystrophy have severe side effects and are addictive.

Please join Sachs Lab, Rose Pharmaceuticals and the UB School of Medicine (all Buffalo based entities), in passing a medication that can literally help millions of people. Currently, everyone at Sachs Lab is funding this endeavor out of their own pockets.

Rose Pharmaceuticals has been featured in The UB Reporter,  Technology Transfer Tactics, Innovations Report.com, Fox News National, Buffalo State News, Futurity.org Health & Medicine, and Channel 2 WGRZ. on National News.

The drug is in preclinical trials at the Wellstone Institute in Washington DC.  There is no toxicity.  There are no known side effects.  There are no known addictive properties.  There is no cure or therapy. 

Until now.

You can help the research.  Donate. 


© Susan Marie 2010
Sachs Lab, Dr. Frederick Sachs
University at Buffalo School of Medicine
Rose Pharmaceuticals

Susan Marie Public Relations
Think Twice Radio
This is NOT the Apple
New York USA 2010

Contact Me

April is National Poetry Month

In 1996, The Academy of American Poets introduced National Poetry Month, a nationwide month long celebration of poetry to increase awareness and appreciation of poetry all month long every April.  

New York, The East Coast and Western New York can lay claim to poets such as: Billy Collins, Muriel Ruckeyserl, Louise Gluck, Tupac Amaru Shakur, June Jordan, John Ashbery, Frank O"Hara, Walt Whitman, Edgar Allan Poe, Allen Ginsberg, Dylan Thomas, W.H.Auden, Peter Orlovsky, Gregory Corso, and Langston Hughes. 

Celebrations in Western New York include readings at:  Just Buffalo Literary Center, The Screening Room, The Center for Inquiry, The Rooftop Poetry Club, EM Tea Coffee Cup, Talking Leaves, Hallwalls Contemporary Art Center, Crane Library, Albright Knox Art Gallery,  Rust Belt Books, Empire State College and many more.  

On April 21st, 2010 at 7:30 pm, The Screening Room will feature two Buffalo poets, Gunilla Theander Kester (The Empty Chair: Love and Loss in the Wake of Flight 3407) and Professor Anthony Hughes (Ph.D. Associate Professor of English, Hilbert College.) 

The Screening Room has open slots available for everyone.  Arrive 7:15 pm to check in, $2 admission for an evening of outstanding poetry.  For more information:  The Screening Room Northtown Plaza Business Center 3131 Sheridan Drive, Amherst NY 14226 and online:  www.screeningroom.net/.  Whatever you plan to do make it to The Screening Room to listen, read, relax, eat, drink and celebrate the written and spoken word. 

"Stop this day and night with me 
and you shall possess the origin of all poems, 
You shall possess the good of the earth and sun,
there are millions of suns left.  
You shall no longer take things at second or third hand 
nor look through the eyes of the dead, 
nor feed on the spectres in books,
You shall not look through my eyes either, nor take things from me,
You shall listen to all sides and filter them from yourself."

- © Walt Whitman "Song of Myself II" (May 31, 1819 – March 26, 1892.) 

© Susan Marie

Susan Marie Public Relations
Think Twice Radio
This is NOT the Apple
New York USA 2010

Contact Me

Benefit For Jon Croom: Buffalo Firefighter: Pearl Street April 11

On August 24^th, 2009, two of Buffalo’s Bravest Firefighters attempted to save the lives of those they thought were in danger. It was a day of great pride, but also of incredible sorrow.  

Those who knew Jon Croom, knew a man of strength, integrity and purpose. He was a brother, a father, a son, our friend. Jon left behind a daughter, not yet 3 yrs old, and a new son, born only 2 weeks after his death. He never even held this child. It is for this reason that we, Jon’s friends, have come together to lend a hand to what Jon started.  We are earnestly working together to create a college fund for each of his children, Johanna and Jonathan, so that they can experience the same zeal for life that Jon himself enjoyed.   

A benefit in honor of Jon’s life and memory will be held April 11^th, 2010, at Pearl Street Brewery.  14 bands, a 50/50 raffle and a basket auction are featured. All of the bands have donated their time, and Pearl Street has graciously donated the space.  100% of the proceeds will go directly to the trust funds in place for the children of Jonathan Croom.

“This gift will show Jon’s kids how much he meant to his friends, and how much this community appreciates the sacrifice he and Lt. McCarthy made for us,” said Jason Hall, owner of Sessions Studio in Black Rock, who graduated with Croom from the Buffalo Academy for the Visual and Performing Arts.

The organizers of this event are seeking in-kind donations to enhance the Basket Auction the day of the event. We are hopeful that you will see the great opportunity to commit, as a community; to the children of our neighborhood Hero, and that you would consider helping us reach our goal.   

For more information, Jay Hall, Sessions Video (716) 447-1508, purchase tickets online HERE and HERE.  Please see event on FaceBook.