What If This Were Your Family In Need of Disaster Relief?

This is still ongoing in 2011 . . . 

YOU are a part of HUMANITY. This is OUR World. 

Please help the PEOPLE of PAKISTAN.  

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© International Medical Corps 2010



CLICK HERE TO HELP FROM ANY COUNTRY INTERNATIONAL AND IF IN PAKISTAN TO JOIN A RELIEF TEAM OR TO DONATE TO ONE INTERNATIONAL


 

I received a story written by Amna Siddiqui, a young lady in Pakistan, a nation currently declared the largest relief aid effort overshadowing Hurricane Katrina, the Tsunami, and the Haiti Earthquake by the United Nations News Room.  Following a severe plane crash (as reported by the BBC), sudden and extreme flooding has left [and continues to leave] families without homes, belongings, food, and safe water to drink.  Numerous teams of people in Pakistan are bringing food, water and assisting with medical aid to victims of flood areas. The reality of this situation is not what is seen on television or newspapers.  Through the mouths of those living in this disaster, I share with you pictures, videos and information.

The Boston Globe Initial Flood Pictures


Pakistan Youth Student Relief Team


Pakistan Youth Rescue and Relief Operation



Pakistan Youth Rescue and Relief: Free Medical Camp 


Pak Fauj Relief (Pakistan Army) 


MORE TO COME . . .

©  Pakistan Youth Alliance 2010

Below is Amna's story and following her story are links to teams in Pakistan to join, reputable organizations to donate to, and cell text donations.  I share this to educate and inform.  Many countries have and are sending aid, however, the aid is needed now.  The aftermath of each passing day presents new areas of flood victims, need for more food/water, medication/medical aid workers to halt waterborne disease, and to prevent further death. All underlined links below go directly to the website mentioned.  We are all a part of humanity. Please join me in lending your hand to the people of Pakistan, and if in Pakistan, join your nation in whatever way possible.

This Family by Amna Siddiqui    
[Ramadan is a celebration of blessings.]

5 days had gone past; washed away more like. And with them, washed away were my house, my family, my things; things that mattered, and things that now, didn’t. And I was left alone, to ponder over its meaning. 5 days, and I still couldn’t believe it.

Ramadan was to start from tomorrow; the Month of Blessings. And I wondered, with a pang of disgrace, over the things I had lost. Certainly, there was no compensation to family; my mother and father and my two younger sisters. Every single thing reminded me of them, and with every single reminder my heart would break anew.

As I looked around, I would only see houses that were flattened, the school destroyed, parents missing, siblings missing, and the fruit laden trees washed away. What was there to be grateful for now? What blessings was Ramadan going to bring me? Nothing mattered to me now, as fresh tears flooded my eyes and I silently wished I could drown myself in them.

With a tired sigh, I got up and started walking. It was a long and silent night. I had no idea of time. I put my hand in my pocket and felt the half eaten pack of biscuits my sister had lent me a week ago. With a tight throat, I lifted it out of my pocket and opened it. The biscuits were soggy; not really my choice. As I was counting them, a cough distracted me. I looked up and noticed a faint glow coming from a distance away. Curiously, I started walking towards it, and saw a few figures settled around a fire. My heart skipped a beat.  They must have food.  I thought. At last, I wouldn't have to eat these soggy biscuits. I sped up towards them.

As I reached nearer, I could make out their faces. Two old men, a woman and a little girl, a middle aged man doing the fire, and two young boys sitting next to him. They weren’t talking, just sitting there drying their clothes and warming up their broken hearts.

© UNHCR The UN Refugee Agency 2010

“Assalam o alaikum” I said loudly so the middle aged man and a few others looked up. 

“Walekum assalam” he replied. “Do sit down.”  

I sat down on a small boulder next to him.

“My name is Zaheer” he said, “And you are?”

“Azhar. From the village down the… road.”  I said.

“Hmmm… Do join us.” Zaheer said with a faint smile and pushed a plate towards me. It had a few dates and some rice. I looked around and noticed others had the same eccentric dish in front of them. The little girl was eating her cold rice hungrily, and the woman, possibly her mother was chewing on the dates.

“This is all we have” Zaheer said without looking up. “But it’s something.”

And I felt like someone had shoved a brick down my throat. I could not speak, I could not swallow. I just sat there with my eyes burning.  Reminding myself of all the blessings I had been ignoring.  How could I have been so ungrateful?  I never valued the whole ripe fruit we grew in our own houses.  I never appreciated my relations.  I sulked over not having a brother,  when blessed with two wonderful sisters.  And worse yet, I loathed my village folk.  I thought of them as illiterate, ignorant, crazy people.  And now, all these blessings were taken away from me.  And I didn’t deserve them in the first place.  And now,  I were blessed so much still. 

And here I was, a Muslim. Sitting among my fellow Muslims. None of us knew each other. The woman and her daughter, the two old men, the little boys and Zaheer himself, all belonged to different families. And were now, sitting together, preparing to Fast.  Of course I still had a family.   They were my family.  My brothers and sisters.  There was no place in the stretched out world where a Muslim was not having Sehri [the feast before the fast] right now, or any moments to follow.  No matter what calamity, we were still here, assembled together for praying.  No matter how many people were lost, we still had ourselves to heal us, and our belief to keep us going. And it was this belief, that linked us together, that made us a family.

© UNHCR The UN Refugee Agency 2010

“Do you… have water?” I croaked.

“Lots of it…” said Zaheer and handed me a huge plastic bottle.

I drank the cold liquid, grateful for every gulp.

“You should start eating.” Zaheer prompted.

I nodded and reached my pocket and brought out the pack of biscuits and handed them over to him.

He instantly opened them and distributed a biscuit each amongst us. Thankfully, there were enough.

“Alhamdulillah.” [Praise to God] We both said and ate gratefully.

And the warmth I felt towards my fellows in faith around me was warmer than any fire could create.

_______________________________________________________

Thousands of people have died, 2 million have been displaced and 14 million lives have been disrupted by exceptionally heavy monsoon rains in Pakistan since July. The U.N. says that even more lives could be lost if aid doesn't arrive soon.


CLICK HERE TO HELP FROM ANY COUNTRY INTERNATIONAL AND IF IN PAKISTAN TO JOIN A RELIEF TEAM OR TO DONATE TO ONE INTERNATIONAL
 

Click pictures below for live video of the flood 

© YOU TUBE VIDEO ITT news 2010 

 © CNN.com YOU TUBE VIDEO 2010 Reza Sayah


© YOU TUBE VIDEO www.Pakistankakhudahafiz.com




YOU are a part of HUMANITY. This is OUR World. 
Please help the PEOPLE of PAKISTAN.  


Peace,


Sue

Susan Marie Public Relations

This is NOT the Apple
New York USA 2010

Contact Me

Speak Up For Pakistan by Nooruddin Jalal

Speak Up For PAKISTAN

 

We patriots will be celebrating 63rd Independence Day of our beloved motherland Pakistan, which came into being on 14th August 1947.  After  63 years -where we stand ? What we have achieved in this long journey? Did we accomplish any of our founders dreams? Did we give a proper law to the country? Are we REAL Pakistani!  Be sincere and think for a while- are we just Pathans , Hazara,  Baluch, Punjabi, Seriaki ,Sindhi, Muhajir, Chitrali ,Gilgiti and Kashmiri?  Where is the unity within us? Where is pluralism and tolerance? Where is our National Aim and rule of law? Where are the rights of minorities? Where is the sense of Pakistaniat?

Despite of whatever resources we have, despite of what the government is doing, despite of what the international forces are trying to do, let’s play our role to develop our country and to speak up for our land. Let’s learn how to live and help others within current circumstances. Let’s create a sense of Pakistaniat First! Taking care of our motherland will be in our shoulders Students, as Quaid –e- Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah used to say, are the future of Pakistan. And this future is in chaos between politics and religious dogmas, between panic and terror, between monism and pluralism and between Chair and Leader, between present and future of Pakistan.

We need to ponder on the REAL threats, which are the cause of today’s and tomorrow’s future. We need to redefine our dim strategy and need to develop ‘National Aim’- an aim for Pakistan under which every politician, leader and citizen can put their efforts and intellects for the betterment of Pakistan. I have seen that our elected politician work to complete the five years tenure of the Chair. So that’s why; without national aim we are left far behind.

There is a saying “A boat doesn’t go forward if each one is rowing their own way.” A creative leadership is required for the country , who can lead people, who listens, who responds to success and failure and who dedicates his tenure not for party mission but for the vision of Pakistan. This land does not belong to those politicians who come and go before seasons change or those who during the hard times and trials and tribulations spend their time on expensive vacations to Europe, or those who pack their bags, rush to embassies, get the visas stamped and fly overseas. It belongs to those who support their brothers and sisters during tough times, natural calamities and those who shed their blood for their motherland, and to those who suffer and survive of it, it belongs to those to get hurt and die for it and finally it belongs to us!

We can make it more flourish and more prosper only when we are civilized, aware and educated. As Quaid –e- Azam advised students, “Let me give you this word of warning:  you’ll be making greatest mistake if you allow yourself to be exploited by one political party or another… Your main occupation should be – in fairness to yourself, in fairness to your parents, in fairness to the State – to devote your studies.” – (Addressed at Public Meeting Dacca, March 21, 1948).

Let’s be  together again and develop our nation, let’s work on our Quaid three magical words ~ Unity , Faith And Discipline. Unity, faith and discipline are the three words which made Jinnah the Quaid –e- Azam. It is blueprint of success which he shared with his nation himself. Unity, Faith and Discipline is the shortest possible distance between dream and its reality which is very much-needed in this time for us. If we follow this we do not have to beg for any aid.

We do not have to go to anyone to make Pakistan better. We all want betterment of Pakistan then why are we not working for it with unity. Why we keep on combating as Pathan, Hazara, Punjabi, Seraiki, Baluch, Sindhi, Punjabi, Gilgiti, Muhajir and Chitrali.

We all are hard workers then why don’t we have faith on each other? It is fruitless to blame government for everything wrong. It is our country and we have to make it better than the rest then better than the best. To craft a change we have to follow the way which Quaid showed us. We have to follow his principles to compose and rebuild Pakistan. It is three, just THREE words – Unity, Faith and Discipline.

I quote Quaid Azam here “With faith, discipline and selfless devotion to duty, there is nothing worthwhile that you cannot achieve.”

Do not let yourself be a victim. Real threat is not to our bodies, it is to our mind, thoughts and thinking. This threat is to everything which can do some good to Pakistan. Educate yourself, be aware of the danger, be familiar with the real threat. Education is main power. Get it and go for it. Let the education work to fertile your minds not only enhance your resumes and fill up your pockets. Be aware of the real danger. They can remove our bodies but can’t remove the thinking and morals.

We need to educate our selves  not only in technology but other fields as well, because now, it is a matter of honor, the honor of Sabz Hilali Parcham (Pakistani Flag). Be aware and do not let anyone play with our morals. Real targets are not bodies; actual targets are morals and unity of Pakistan. May be at some point we belong to different religions, races, colors and cultures but above all we belong to one Motherland – PAKISTAN…!!! 

All the crimes and bad things happening around us are not only because of wrong doings of bad ones but more because of the silence of the good ones.

Speak up, Grow Up And Rise Pakistan  
  Paaaakistaaa`aa n  Zindabad!   
~Happy Independence Day~

© Nooruddin Jalal

Karachi, Pakistan 

63rd Independence Day 2010

Nooru on WordPress

Grace Stumberg: "to whom it may concern" CD Review

Grace Stumberg soars as a supernova on her first CD,  "to whom it may concern."  Released by Popadelic Records, produced by Bob James/Cabin5Studios, Grace Stumberg, Audio Magic, CGR Audio, Soundscape Recording and Zittel Street House of Sonic Affairs; this 12 track masterpiece is exactly what this world is waiting and bleeding for.

Grace Stumberg, an enlightened young woman, gives thanks to her parents for providing support, introducing her to music at a young age.  In addition to Robert James, musical career coach and guitarist, and musicians such as:  Bob James, Howard Fleetwood Wilson II,  Robby Takac (Goo Goo Dolls), Emmi James, Dave Riffel, Marc Hunt, Bethany Deyell, Cathy Carfagna, Rob Deyell, Jim Calabrese, Buffalo Select Chorus, Ana Vafal, Diana Nowak, and Brian DeJesus; with design by Erica Eichelkraut and Music in Action; this CD is well worth owning.   

The first track, Change the World, is a global call for solidarity. From the voice of one Western New York musician, first performing this at New York State's Capitol in Albany; Change the World embodies all our voices into one musical message, apparent in the chorus, "Cause I will change the world / with all that I am / I will change the world / I know I can."  Grace's powerful vocals are intoxicating, stirring the spirit to act seen here, "Life is too short to waste any time / so I'm gonna sing this song and shine."  Change the World is prolific. It is a message of a generation, "So many faces around me / so much pressure to fit in / Who will I be / where will I begin / is the question I ask from within / But I won't stop / until I know that my dreams will come true."  

© Erica Eichelkraut

The title track, to whom it may concern, is a story of how often we are shot down for our dreams. Grace's acoustics along with Cathy Carfagna on accordion, Bethany Deyell on violin, Rob Deyell on acoustics and Howard Fleetwood Mayall II on percussion, make this a powerful call to never allow anything to stop you from reaching your goal. " Ready or not here I come / Now that I'm tall / you hold my dreams so low / Keep trying to shoot me down / but I won't give in, no."

Track 5, "The Roses", (my personal favorite although the entire CD is simply divine), begins with a melancholy Dylanesque acoustic similar to the intro of  "One More Cup of Coffee."  Grace's vocals belt angelic, "She said ohhhh . . . look at the roses / so beautiful and bright."  This tune brings folk and bluegrass  mainstream.  The Roses" is bittersweet, beautiful hurt.

Track 11, WarTune, is a raw outpouring of emotion, "Why do you let them put you through / what you don't want to be put through?"  War Tune is a nice surprise coming from this acoustic/electric performer, "Some say the present/ learn from the past/ if that's the case / then why the hell are we in a war that lasts?" Simultaneous, Grace manages to speak of her own experience, as well of that of the world. The chorus is like a ball and chain hitting a brick wall. This must be listened to very loud.

Grace Stumberg is a genius. She is a powerhouse of positive. Her music is proof that music is not dead nor dying. "to whom it may concern'  is full of life, talent, ambition, hard work, and a call to wake up and pay attention because life is much to short. The beauty that surrounds Grace is humbling.  She is so talented and unpretentious which makes her valuable.  Her voice, guitar and outlook on life is exactly what is needed in this chaotic world. This CD never leaves my truck. If you haven't bought it, do so, now.  "to whom it may concern" is thick with healing, cohesion, social justice, solidarity, growth, pain, love, happiness and raw, rare talent. This is what music is all about.

Grace can be heard on WBFO, Think Twice Radio, grab the CD on her website and CD baby. She is a shooting star. This young woman has the entire package and she isn't gloating about it either. That is art, music and life.  Grace, in her sweet innocence, brings us back to ourselves questioning exactly why we are all here.

©  Susan Marie 2010

 

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

Interview with Iara Lee: Mavi Marmara: Cultures of Resistance

Iara Lee, a Brazilian of Korean descent producer/director/activist, speaks of her experience on the Freedom Flotilla to aid Gaza May 2010, the Israel (IDF) attack on the Mavi and passengers (children and adults), her film history, Caipirinha Productions, Turkish NGO IHH, civil disobedience, her firsthand experience 2006 Lebanon War and her stay in Iran 2008.

LISTEN TO AN INTERVIEW ON THINK TWICE RADIO
 

Iara's organization, Cultures of Resistance, utilizes all genres of art as a vehicle to promote social justice globally.

View Iara's documentation of the night of the attack on the Mavi Marmara in International Waters, as well as her presentation of that case to the United Nations on YOU TUBE.

A USA To GAZA Freedom Flotilla is being formed in New York City. To donate, sponsor, or become a part of the next boat to Gaza to deliver humanitarian aid, go HERE.

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

Interview: Grace Stumberg: Change the World

LIVE INTERVIEW HERE

© Erica Eichelkraut

Singer/Songwriter Grace Stumberg has just released her first album entitled " To Whom it May Concern."  This album touches on many issues that are both social and simply fun. It taps into something soulful and meaningful. No auto-tune, no click tracks, just simply the power of song. 

"to whom it may concern" can be purchased on her WEBSITE. 

Grace you are a supernova. This is so beautiful and positive. This music just fills me right up with so much hope and she is so talented. Beautiful vocals and guitar. I mean you MUST have this CD its amazing.

Voices From The Herd: An Anthology For Buffalo, New York

Voices From The Herd: An Anthology For Buffalo, New York, is an anthology of Western New York writers as an homage to the city, its people, struggles, triumphs, weather, sports and historical landmarks. This volume is an incredible collection of fiction, nonfiction and poetry. 

Writers include:  Alycia Ripley, Tom Waters, Cindy Mantai, Susan Marie, George Tutuska, Christina Wos Donnelly, Sadie Worth, Stephanie Russell Haefner, Diane Meholick, Joanna Wos, Sean Scarisbrick, Paul Rehac, Ralph Walstrom, Caitlin Militello, Todd Shoepflin, Billy Mariani, Rachel G. Hunt, Jeff Schoeber, Lesa Quale, Joe Genco, Judith Frizlen, Karen Lewis, Martha Deed, Frank Thomas Croisdale, Charles Forness, Denise Amodeo Miller, Dan Sicoli, Karen Sands O'Connor, Carol Townsend, Marina Blitshteyn, Jennifer Campbell, Perry Nicholas, Peter Fernbach, Courtney Aja Barton, John Marvin, Jane Sadowsky and Jason Franco. 

To purchase, go to www.Lulu.com and search: Voices from the Herd.  $12.99 for paperback or direct download for $4.99.  100% of the proceeds will be sent directly to the Just Buffalo Literary Center.  You can also post your own reviews on the lulu site along with ratings for prospective readers.   

  

Support our arts, Just Buffalo Literary Center and the work of Western New York writers, editors and designers.

Voices From The Herd is a not-for-profit anthology about the present day city of Buffalo.  All royalties will go towards the betterment and continued success of the Just Buffalo Literary Center.

© Susan Marie 2010

Think Twice Radio on Kasama Project.Org & Gaza Freedom March.Org

By Susan Marie, Think Twice Radio |

July 06, 2010

Shadi Salman: Gaza Strip on Gaza Freedom March.Org HERE

Shadi Salman, Palestinian photographer, human rights activist, lives on the Gaza Strip. Shadi is involved with The International Solidarity Movement, Free Gaza and Gaza 2 Istanbul. The Israel West Bank barrier violates international law. All people, especially children, are subjected to violence, oppression, little or no food, medical supplies/medication, freedom to move in their country, and the world, due to the Gaza blockade. Shadi speaks from a human perspective, not a political or religious viewpoint. He is dedicated to educate globally of the conditions on the Strip in order to replace what has been lost for the people of Palestine.

Listen to Radio Interview

"Gaza 2 Istanbul" Campaign

________________________________________________________________

Stephanie McMillan, creator of Minimum Security cartoons, on Kasama Project.Org

Click here for the interview.

Stephanie speaks on capitalism’s destruction of the earth, organizing resistance to the British Petroleum oil spill, and the difficulties of stereotypical left outreach, and the essential need to live independent of all systems currently in place for complete survival of this world. Share this statement about the urgency of this moment. Act together. You can subscribe to her work at Minimum Security and go to Sneak Previews.

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

Interview with Stephanie McMillan: Minimum Security: Code Green

Stephanie McMillan, political and environmental activist/cartoonist, educates the public on social, political and environmental issues through her website, Minimum Security through her self-syndicated weekly editorial cartoon, Code Green.

This is an amazing interview frank and upfront speaking of the state of the world and the United States Government.  Listen HERE. 

Stephanie speaks of capitalist economy, the British Petroleum oil spill, awareness with action, the destruction of our planet, societal/governmental systems, and the essential need to live independent of all systems currently in place for complete survival of this world.

Subscribe to her HERE at Minimum Security and go to Sneak Previews.

Stephanie is a fantastic artist, her cartoons are hysterical, as well as educational. She is a true artist, with an intellectual background in activism. She can be found on facebook.

Live From the Gaza Strip: An Interview with Shadi Salman

Listen LIVE Audio HERE

 
Shadi Salman, Palestinian photographer, human rights activist, lives on the Gaza Strip. 

Shadi is involved with The International Solidarity Movement, Free Gaza and Gaza 2 Istanbul. 

The Israel West Bank barrier violates international law. 

All people, especially children, are subjected to violence, oppression, little or no food, medical supplies/medication, freedom to move in their country, and the world, due to the Gaza blockade.  

Shadi speaks from a human perspective, not a political or religious viewpoint. He is dedicated to educate globally of the conditions on the Strip in order to replace what has been lost for the people of Palestine. 

Check out: Death in Gaza and The Gaza Flotilla Raid. 

Picture: ©Shadi Salman:  Control tower shoots to roads, farmers and all people approaching the border up to 300 meters.  Region: the borders of the Gaza Strip Khuzaa

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

Contact Me

Dunn Tire Raceway Park: Red Dirt Rising

 

On July 24, 2010, be a part of racing history with the premiere of, “Red Dirt Rising’ at Dunn Tire Raceway Park in Lancaster, NY.  ‘Red Dirt Rising’  is a the true story of how racing’s earliest hero’s were born. The story follows the lives of three young men who come of age to find escape from life’s challenges on the track, ultimately shaping the future of their families and stock car racing during the Fightin’ Forties. The film boasts a veteran cast and crew with extensive resumes in television and film. To learn more or gather clips, visit RED DIRT RISING.

This outdoor movie theatre includes:  twelve time Emmy award winning composer/producer/arranger Cliff Downs, a meet and greet with early legends of racing, Bill Blair, Jr. and Gary Lewallan, son of early NASCAR legend Jimmie Lewallan, the makers of “Red Dirt Rising”, Kathleen ‘Bo’ Bobak  (Director’s Guild Award Recipient for ‘Titanic’), and James Suttles of Suttle Films, along with the actors. There will be a Cruise-in’ Car Show judged by Bill Blair, Gary Lewallan, following the premiere of "Red Dirt Rising." 
 
Children under 6 are admitted FREE. Gates open at 5:30 pm and the park will have plenty of activities for the whole family so bring lawn chairs. Cruise In car show participants, show your ticket at the pit entrance and enter the show for $5.00 extra bucks.  Tickets are $15.00 and available at Dunn Tire Park Raceway, Ticket Birdie,  Facebook, or by calling 716.771.8475.

Brought to you by Delacey Ford and in association with: Gentle Dentistry of East Aurora PLLC, AJ’s Grand Prix, Buffalo Film Society, Cyberspokes and Stylin’ Tattoo.

A portion of all proceeds from “Red Dirt Rising” and its soundtrack will support the non-profit Racing Legends Medical Fund.  Established in 1991, this hardship fund benefits past drivers, team owners and mechanics who qualify for assistance. 

©  Susan Marie