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

Discriminatory Law on its Way to the Dustbin of History

12/18/2010

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

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

Greater New York Chapter Human Rights Campaign 

Contact Me

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 7^th 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 15^th.

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

Email: vnquinn@yahoo.com

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

Contact Me

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:  Pakistan Youth Alliance:    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  _______________________ International Youth Conference  Dr Arslan:   0092 300 9800000 iycfqueries@gmail.com If you believe you have what it takes to live the change  join us! # # #  Susan Marie Public Relations Think Twice Radio This is NOT the Apple New York USA 2010 Contact Me 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

http://fightinghunger.walmart.com/city/Buffalo-Niagara-Falls-NY

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

  

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

Contact Me
Reviews © Susan Marie Give Local: Boys and Girls Club Buffalo

Give Local: Call for Work, Preview and Event: Boys and Girls Club Buffalo

GIVE LOCAL 2010
We're seeking tiny gifts to make a BIG impact.
Donate your art to make a difference in our community.

GIVE LOCAL

$20 Art sale to benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of Buffalo Arts Programs

Hosted by WAM (Writers/Artists/Musicians). Over 70 pieces of original works from Buffalo artists, all for sale for $20, with a mini-gallery of artwork from teens from the B&G's art program. ALL money to the Boys & Girls Clubs!

FREE event, open to the public

Wednesday Dec 15th, 2010 7-10pm; The EIGHTS, 888 Main Street; 

Live music Provided by WAM; Featuring Foxangelica, finger food & drink specials offered by the EIGHTS

CALL FOR WORK

Seeking artists to donate a small piece of original art. Matted photographs, small paintings, drawings, poetry books, collages, jewelry, small sculptures... anything about 6"x6” or less. All work should be mounted or ready to hang for window display, as part of a large collection of small works. You may donate any number of unique pieces. All work will be on display in the street-facing windows of The EIGHTS, 888 Main Street.

DROP OFF WORK

By Wednesday 12/01 at either of the following locations:
- Hyatt's All Things Creative, 910 Main Street Buffalo M-F 9-6PM, Sat 10-5
- 464 Gallery, 464 Amherst Street Buffalo T-F 12-6PM, Sat/Sun 11-5PM

TICKET SALES

$20 tickets for the art will be on sale starting 12/03. At 8pm, ticket numbers will be called randomly and guests with tickets will be invited to select any piece of art; 1 per per ticket. Tickets may be purchased in advance at Gallery 464 (464 Amherst Street), or at The EIGHTS on preview night 12/03 or on the night of the event 12/15 , from 7-8PM.

PREVIEW NIGHT

This Friday Dec 3rd, 2010 7-10pm; The EIGHTS, 888 Main Street
Join us for First Friday's in Allentown & catch a sneak peek of the art that will be available for sale at Give Local! Purchase your presale tickets this night and enjoy specials offered by The EIGHTS.

Think fundraiser. But a fun, up-for-grabs holiday fundraiser that allows you to buy original artwork for just $20, with live music & great food, celebrating local talent for an incredible cause, keeping money in Buffalo... Be a part of the ART!

www.nomadbuffalo.com/givelocal

If any arts organizations or artists have multiple donations, we'd be happy to pick up. Contact nomadbuffalo@gmail.com

 

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WAM Buffalo
Writers Artists Musicians Event
http://www.WAMBuffalo.com

Sponsored by:

NOMAD Art & Lit Magazine
http://www.nomadbuffalo.com

Free Henry!
http://www.FreeHenryBand.com

CNN 2010 Hero: Anuradha Koirala: Friends of Maiti Nepal

Anuradha Koirala has won CNN Hero of 2010... Watch the tribute show this weekend from BRIGITTE CAZALIS-COLLINS and JOE COLLINS www.friendsofmaitinepal.org Anuradha Koirala, CNN Hero of the year, with Anderson Cooper. Anuradha the winner by popular vote Dear Friends, We know you share our joy in learning that Anuradha Koirala founder and chairperson of Maiti Nepal has won CNN Hero of the Year on CNN-TV. The tribute show aired first on Thanksgiving Day, and there are several more opportunities to see it. Watch the tribute show with a very moving piece about Maiti Nepal Saturday 11/27 & Sunday 11/28 at 8pm ET/PT on CNN. Check listings for even more repeat airings all this weekend. For those outside the US, please check local listings for CNN. The Heroes 2010 Tribute show will be available worldwide in the coming weeks. The girls at Maiti Nepal are overjoyed! Anuradha Koirala is our hero Please share this great news with everyone! Thank you, merci, dhanyibad! Namaste, Brigitte Cazalis-Collins Joe Collins THANK YOU TO EVERYONE  WHO WERE A PART OF  ARTISTS UNITED FOR HUMAN RIGHTS PEACE,  SUE  CONNECT For more event photos please see our facebook page. For more info. and video, visit our website.

Joseph Wooten and The Union: I Matter: Dec. 29th The Tralf

Music with a higher calling. 
 

That’s what 3 time Grammy nominated artist Mr. Joseph Wooten will be presenting to the Tralf Music Hall on December 29th, at 8:00pm, when he brings his prodigious brand of soul, heart, and music to the stage.  


Joseph Wooten, no stranger to the bright lights, and international venues, will be performing for the first time with Buffalo’s gospel greats “The Union.” With songs such as “I Matter”, A Light in the Distance”, “My Final Tomorrow”, “I Dream in Color”, “I Pledge Allegiance to Unity”, and a vast collection of compositions that ring true to the human spirit of desires, and dreams, ambitions, and goals.
 

Wooten is the keyboardist for the legendary Steve Miller Band, taking him from Japan, to Europe, Hawaii, and throughout the United States.  When not on the road with Steve Miller, he performs with his brother Victor,  5 time Grammy recipient. Joseph also performs with an elite group of hand picked musicians called Freedom Sings, organized by the First Amendment Center in Washington, D.C, presenting a multi-media experience celebrating The First Amendment and free expression.  

Joseph is currently featured in the November issue of Keyboard Magazine as well as in the latest issue of Following Your Joy with Michelle Joy Stimpson.

 
Joseph’s career began at an early age, sharing the stage with Curtis Mayfield, War, and The Wooten Brothers.  In the 70's, Joseph shared the stage with The Temptations, Stephanie Mills, Dexter Wansel, Ramsey Lewis, and Maze. Joseph also sang back up vocals for Whitney Houston on her debut album, as well as Kenny G.  Joseph also contributed numerous compositions on two of Victor Wootens Grammy nominated CD’s.  
 

The Union has had a strong presence in Western New York, and the entire East Coast, for the past 25 years.  This gospel trio has been featured twice on the Bobby Jones Gospel Hour, opened for the late Rev. James Cleveland, Delois Barrett Campbell, The Winans, Shirley Caesar, Keith Pringel, Vicky Winans, Douglas Miller, and Billy Preston. The Union performed background vocals for Phoebe Snow, CeCe Penniston, Sara Dash and Dorothy Norwood at the Apollo Theatre during a human rights benefit, sponsored by Reebok.  

They have appeared alongside Gregory Hines, Ziggy Marley, Susan Sarandon, Richard Gere, and Peter Gabriel.  The Union is active in community performing the American and Canadian Anthems for the NFL, and the NBA.  Their tight, clean, melodious, and impassioned voices bring a blend of voices that is rare, and a real joy to hear. 

 
Joyce Wilson Nixon of The Joyce Wilson Nixon Band and vocalist for Taylor Made Jazz will be your host for the evening. 
 

In Joseph's words, “We want to do good with what we have to work with in life; we have a chance to be the things that other people and ourselves are looking for . . . to inspire in a few different ways through lifestyle, music, how we conduct ourselves on stage, and afterward, and to inspire to move, to lead by example, to be able to present good music, from good musicians . . . we want to be able to expound goodness for the evening as best as we know how, so we can catch the next opportunity when it shows up.”  
 

This event is in support of The Food Bank of Western New York during the holidays so please bring non perishable food items to the show to support your community during the season. 


When the curtain goes down, on December 29th at the Tralf,  all will be able to say as the song “I Matter” suggests: 

“This is what I got to see, see that no one means more than me, and one day, when my days are numbered, headed to my final slumber, I’ll say that I was here, I was here, I was here, and I matter . . . and YOU matter too."




**Please visit Josephs website to listen to and download: "I Matter" HERE. You can submit who matters to you and find out who you matter to in this world. 

Wednesday, December 29th 2010 Soul Angel Management Presents: Joseph Wooten featuring Buffalo's Own Premier Gospel Vocal Trio, "The Union" 7:00pm Doors | 8:00pm Show $35 Presale | $40 Day of Show Tickets on sale at all Ticketmaster locations, charge by phone 1-800-745-3000 or *BUY NOW* "AKA The Hands of Soul, Joseph Wooten is the fourth brother of the quintet The Wooten Brothers. Currently he tours with his brother Victor Wooten, and The Steve Miller Band." Joyce Wilson Nixon of The Joyce Wilson Nixon Band will be your host for the evening.

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

Producing & Selling Music: UB North: Nov. 14 Free Seminar

Thanks to the generosity of the organizations sponsoring this event, it is presented at no charge. Building off of the success of the February 2009 and April 2010 “Producing & Selling Music” seminars, this workshop will dig deeper into some of the most important issues facing musicians today, with specific, practical advice that will help you reach your goals.

There will be an interactive Q&A session where you will be able to get advice surrounding the issues you are facing in your career.

The workshop will be led by:

Susan Marie: 
A Freelance Journalist, Public Relations Executive as well as a Radio Producer, Engineering Technician, and published author. Susan’s work includes connecting artists with venues, business with community and people, as a whole, together to bridge the gap between all cultures through media.  http://www.susanmarie.info

Joseph Wooten:
Joseph is a 3-time Grammy nominated artist who has played for the past 18 years as keyboardist for The Steve Miller Band. He is also the keyboardist for his brother, 5-time Grammy Award winning bassist Victor Wooten.

Joseph has produced a CD of all original music titled “Joseph Wooten, Hands Of Soul” and is currently working on his 2nd album. Most recently, Joseph was featured in the international publication of Keyboard Magazine, and he will be one of the highlighted artists in their November 2010 edition.  http://www.handsofsoul.com

Alex Foote and Derek Presti from “Free Henry!”:
Free Henry! is a free-flowing rock n' roll jam-band that captures the spirit of pioneering and evocative jazz rhythms and melds it with their descriptive lyrics that catapults their listener into a unique experience. Within the past year this Buffalo, NY band has expanded from the Western New York music scene by playing the areas most famous outdoor music festivals and venues.

They were recently named "Best Original Rock Act" by the 2009 Buffalo Music Awards and "Best Rock Act", "Best Original Music Act", and "Best Male Vocalist" by the 2010 Artvoice Best Of Buffalo Music Awards.  http://www.freehenryband.com

Topics will include:
• Recognizing the Right Promoters
• Practical Networking Advice
• Building a Fanbase for Success as an Independent Artist
• Using Technology to Your Advantage
• Being Noticed in the Digital Age
• Distribution Channels That Work
• Finding a Niche in the Music Scene
• Getting Paid for Your Music
• Website Do’s and Don’ts
• MySpace: Must-Have or Don’t-Bother

More on, “Producing & Selling Music III” can be found at our website:  http://www.producingandsellingmusic.com

The University at Buffalo Jam Club and The Buffalo/Niagara Just Plain Folks present this workshop from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 14, 2010 at the University at Buffalo's North Campus Student Union Theatre.

DIRECTIONS HERE 

 

Thank You To Our Sponsors

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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. 

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE  

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.

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.