With a grant from Walmart, we were able to include 54 WNY celebrities from the media, sports, music and other endeavors as well as hundreds of other folks in this splendid project which features a song written by 3 local musicians and recorded by 18 others.
Spoken Word Poet, Writer, Author, Broadcast Journalist, Licensed Mental Health Counselor.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Food Bank of WNY Music Video
The Food Bank of WNY spent the last 10 months producing a music video to showcase the Food Bank, all of its programs and many of its supporters.
With a grant from Walmart, we were able to include 54 WNY celebrities from the media, sports, music and other endeavors as well as hundreds of other folks in this splendid project which features a song written by 3 local musicians and recorded by 18 others.
With a grant from Walmart, we were able to include 54 WNY celebrities from the media, sports, music and other endeavors as well as hundreds of other folks in this splendid project which features a song written by 3 local musicians and recorded by 18 others.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
International Poet Tree Magazine Issue #44
As the year winds down, we would like to express how thankful we are to have met so many artists and art lovers with which to share our magazine. We thank each and every one of you who has supported Poet Tree Magazine and consider you part of our family. The love and encouragement that we have received has allowed us to maintain strength and focus, enabling us to complete another stunning issue.
What’s new in Issue #4:
• Poet Kelly Tsai: What you don't know about her.
• Which tattoo was artist Tom Sanford talked out of getting, and why?
• Was John Quincy Adams, the 16th president of the United States, a poet?
• Find out where to pick up the book, “imaginary poems for my imaginary girlfriend named Anabel,” by Elizabeth Mariani, “knots” by Susan Marie and also a volume by Doc Dalton.
• Are libraries still appreciated as they were in the late 1930s? Find out what Eleanor Roosevelt had to say about libraries, and how her wisdom pertains to today.
As always, Poet Tree Magazine features one of the most diverse compilations of art, poetry and short stories that you will find in one magazine, with artists from around the world. As always, Poet Tree Magazine supports positive change across the globe.
For this issue, we have partnered with a not-for-profit organization to help buy school uniforms for children in Haiti. When you purchase one of our Haiti Rebel Flag T-shirt/magazine combos, 100 percent of the funds go to the cause. (We've got 50 T-shirts we hope will sell out quickly with the help of our readers.)
Thank you again for supporting our publication, and for supporting the arts.
Sincerely,
Vagner Revol, founder of Poet Tree Magazine
(venum7@hotmail.com, 561-889-3119)
UPCOMING EVENTS!
Please visit us on Facebook for information on the 2nd annual I write poetry contest.
Special thanks to everyone at www.artistIlove.com and www.lethalpoetry.com, as well as the following contributors: Sonya Pressly, Darren M. Grine, Cassandra Tribe, Irina Grisolle, Sarah Torribio, and Leah Goodwin.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Anuradha Koirala: CNN Hero (Please Vote, Stop Sexual Trafficking)
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Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Iqbal’s Eagle (shaheen) Yearns For Change
October 20, 2010 by Nooruddin Jalal |
Allama Mohammad Iqbal (Poet of the East) ignites me to write. He is among many whom inspire me. For me, he was a poet, philosopher, a revolutionary and a devout Muslim with Sufistic bent of mind. He stirred up a revolution in the apathetic masses through his powerful poetry. The most significant and dynamic symbol in his poetry is that of the Eagle (Shaheen in Urdu.) To understand the Eagle motif in his poetry thus becomes essential to understand Iqbal’s message. Several times in his poetry, Iqbal refers to Muslim youth as Shaheen. Youth are the greatest wealth and strength of any nation that have immensely contributed to nation building. There are several examples in past history. The fresh minds have charisma to bring change. That is why Iqbal motivated the youth of sub-Continent to bring revolution. Why did Iqbal choose the eagle to motivate our youth? Why not use a symbol of lion or tiger, or some other fast and furious animal? What distinguishes the eagle from the other is its sharp vision, courage, daring attitude, love of freedom and action, struggle, devotion, dedication, self-reliance and its ability to soar up into the air and rule the sky.
Last night I was watching a documentary on National Geographic about the life of eagles. What I learned regarded an eagles’ ability to “Transform” or “Change” after certain periods of time and need. An eagle can live more than 60 years but during its life period it has to face tough challenges. During its 40’s, its long talon can no longer catch prey for survival and its sharp beak becomes bent. The eagle then has only one option to exist to adapt to change. In order to survive, the eagle has to go through the transformation process, which is very painful, such as: plucking its talon and waiting for the new to grow, and knocking its beak upon rocks. After this painful process, it can fly again and hunt with the same dynamics.
~Nahi Tera Nasheman Qasar-e-Sultani Kay Gumbad Par
Tu Shaheen Hai Basaira Kar Paharon ki Chaton Par~
Tu Shaheen Hai Basaira Kar Paharon ki Chaton Par~
After learning of this transformation process, I realized why Iqbal preferred the eagle over other animals. He wants Muslims to stop living a life of vulture (Karghis) and accept the challenges of life. According to Iqbal’s view, Muslim Umma needed a change, particularly Muslims of sub-Continent. He tells Muslim youth to go back to their roots and become eagles again. According to Iqbal, when a person forgets/neglects the tasks assigned to him/her, then God makes him/her forget himself as a result. We (youth) need to bring back our lost history. The real cancer is in our minds. The only way to progress is to bring change within ourselves, families and societies. It is time to take actions for our responsibilities. Allah has given us freedom of choice so take responsibility for the outcomes of your choice. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) left us a responsibility to take heed to His message for continuous guidance .
“ Every leaf of the tree becomes a page of the book , when once heart is opened and it has learnt to read.” Sa’adi~
~Parwaaz Hai Donon ki Usee Aik FaZaa Main
Kargas Kaa Jahaan Aur Hai, Shaheen Kaa Jahan Aur~
Kargas Kaa Jahaan Aur Hai, Shaheen Kaa Jahan Aur~
Let us not forget the message of Iqbal and focus on constructively using the power of the youth for the betterment of the nation. Youth are the powerhouse of infinite energy. Youth power is unbeatable and irrevocable. All we need to do is direct the energy of our youth in constructive channels that lead to development and progress. Let us frame such policies that aim at empowering our youth so that we are assured of a better future and brighter tomorrow. After 63 years of independence, our country still faces hard times such as: suffering from poor governance, providing safety for citizens, Sufi shrines and other prayer places, an increase in sectarian violence, ignorance, dim strategy, cruelty and personal lust of power. All of that causes me to speak for the “Change.” The patriots of Pakistan are now geared up against all the traitors, looters, betrayers, and criminals. The Eagles of Pakistan are yearning for change.
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