Tuesday, June 8, 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 8th  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 50th 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


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:
For more info and to find other vigils in your area, click here.


Monday, May 24, 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 


•  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.  
  

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

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.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

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 

Thursday, April 15, 2010

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




Monday, April 12, 2010

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

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Thursday, April 1, 2010

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


On August 24th, 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 11th, 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.


 

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Interview Amina Masood Janjua: Defence For Human Rights: Dr. Aafia Saddiqui

© Mr and Mrs. Masood Janjua (Masood is still missing)


Mrs. Amina Masood Janjua speaks of her quest for her husband, Masood Janjua, wrongfully aducted for 4 1/2 yrs. Amina dedicated her struggle to from Defence of Human Rights to locate and bring home people forcibly and wrongfully abducted. Mrs. Janjua speaks of Pakistan and American govt, misunderstandings, how they work in unison to weaken all people, realities of how/why people are abducted, work in Human Rights, and the latest case of Dr. Aafia Saddiqui. Dr. Saddiqui's case to date, is the largest abomination of every human right. The United States government is refusing to set her free. Please click HERE to help free Dr. Saddiqui and assist Mrs. Janjua in finding her husband, Masood, as well as all missing persons. Mrs. Janjua was featured on Frontline World



Dr. Aafia Saddiqui, Before and After Wrongful Abduction 2003




Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Bunny Up For Gabrielle Bouliane: Feb 14 Nietzsche's





On February 14th, 2010 at Nietzsche's  248 Allen Street downtown Buffalo from 2pm - 11pm, we are Bunnying-Up on Valentine's Day to celebrate the beautiful life of our fabulous friend, Gabrielle Bouliane.  This fundraising party will be the perfect way to honor L*O*V*E, Gabby style!

Gabrielle left this world end of January 2010 due to a rare form of cancer.  This benefit is a celebration of her life.  Gabrielle was a forerunner in supporting the arts, music and literary scene in Buffalo and WNY, bringing National and Global exposure to artists, musicians and this fine city.  Gabrielle was a filmmaker, poet, writer, began the Nickel City Poetry Slam and covered many local and national musicians.  All funds from Feb 14, will go directly to Gabrielle's family. A new fund will be announced in Gabrielle's honor to assist an emerging leader in cancer survival or one wishing to pursue the field of arts. 

Musicians donating their time include:  The Irving Klaws, Blue Rocket Trio, The Steam Donkeys, Geno McManus, Joe Rozler,  John Lombardo, Shaky Stage, Emile Latimer, Noa Bursie, Kilissa Cissoko, John & Mary (John Lombardo and Mary Ramsey of 10,000 Maniacs), and a special appearance by Scott Carpenter and Fleuron Rouge Bellydance Troupe and more TBA.  Poetry by:  Patricia Smith, Rachel McKibbens, Jacob Rakovan and more TBA.

The donation is a minimum of $5 (at the door) - to $100, as much as you are able to give. We need to be together in tribute to the joy and love that was Gabby's spirit.  If there were not music, dancing, drinking, kissing, poetry and smiling, then we would not be honoring Gabrielle respectfully.

Gabrielle was a supernova and loved by all that knew her.  Her last public performance was in Austin Texas at the Austin Poetry Slam.  View her performance on You Tube, "Gabrielle Bouliane: Austin Poetry Slam", filmed by Eirik Ott and the Feb 14 event is on facebook.  Just search: Bunny Up For Gabrielle.

To volunteer or be a part of the festivities, please contact Rachel, Molly or Colleen at: bunnyupforgabrielle@gmail.com, if you are unable to attend yet still wish to donate to the fund and her family or you are out of state; do this via PayPal at the email above.

Celebrate the life of one extremely selfless woman who never gave a second thought about celebrating each and every one of us.  In the very least we owe her no less than what she has coordinated in the past which is one of the biggest parties we can muster - Buffalo style.

Donate, attend, volunteer and contact Molly, Rachel and Colleen above.  Most importantly, share her work, keep her dreams in motion, and live your own dream now, not tomorrow or  ten years from now, but right this minute. Life is far too short too waste.  Gabrielle would have loved that.

Please pass this on to anyone who may like to attend, it is open to everyone.


LIVE audio Austin Poetry Slam (with 35 call in messages)
LIVE show Gabrielle Bouliane 
© Indie Feed - Mongo 2009

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© Poster David A. Moore 2010
(Print it at 100% of file size (11 x 17) white cover stock.)


 
Nickel City Poetry Slam 2007 © Rose Salley Albright Knox