Category Archives: Social

DISCOVER THE TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF ART: RUSSIAN ACTIVISTS IN EXILE SHARE THEIR EXPERTISE THROUGH IMMERSIVE ART EXPERIENCES

TBILISI, Georgia, 7-Jul-2023 — /EPR GOVERNMENT NEWS/ — This summer, a group of Russian activists, currently living in exile, are banding together to cultivate artistic resistance to the war among the Russian diaspora. The activists, all of whom are working artists collectively specializing in a variety of mediums, initially connected through their participation in the inaugural “Art of Peace” artist residency sponsored by Campaigns for Humanity, the human rights-focused philanthropic arm of digital marketing agency Renaissance3. The initiative is designed to bring together artists affected by conflict and provide them with a platform to express their opposition to war and engage with their host communities.

“It [Art of Peace] provides an opportunity to collaborate with other talented artists, poets, and writers, united by a common goal: confronting war and violence through art.” – Anastasia Vladyckina, Art of Peace resident

Reflecting on the residency, one participant, who asked to be identified only by the letter “R” due to concern for the safety of her family still living in Russia, stated, “War cannot stop us from creating art. Here we meet, speak out, exchange, and create.”

Driven by their belief in the transformative power of expression, the “Art of Peace” residents are sharing their expertise with the broader diaspora community through immersive art experiences open to the public–including those who may not yet consider themselves artists. During these experiences, participants are guided to cultivate a sense of community amongst themselves as they create works centering around the themes of peace and pleas of “I want you to live,” an appeal directed at those in Russia they fear they could lose to this unjust war.

One of the experiences produced by the residents, titled “Verses Are Louder than Bombs,” is being organized by musician Semra Fogel and takes place at Reforum Space Tbilisi on 8, 15, and 16 July. Prospective participants must submit an application containing an original anti-war poem, which they will transform into a soundtrack over the course of three sessions led by Fogel, who received professional training in workshop facilitation as part of the “Art of Peace” residency.

“I want to inspire people opposed to the war to create art and feel the courage to share it with those who became victims of propaganda,” said Fogel. “I believe that art can be a powerful tool to promote peace and understanding between people of different backgrounds and political opinions.”

Those selected by Fogel to participate will have the opportunity to contribute the song they create during the sessions to an anti-war album that will ultimately be released to the public. Participants pay a fee of 30 GEL, with all proceeds sent to Helping To Leave, a volunteer-driven initiative that provides assistance to Ukrainians affected by the war. Participation is free for Ukrainian citizens.

Additional “Art of Peace” resident-led experiences, including a collaborative street art project conducted in augmented reality and a masterclass in protest art held in virtual reality, will be announced soon.

“Art is also capable of restoring the spiritual strength of people suffering from war and destruction. It can help them perceive the world and themselves in it anew, seeking paths to inner reconciliation and emotional peace. In this sense, art serves as a means of healing and self-expression, which can help people cope with traumas and fears.” – Anastasia Vladyckina, Art of Peace Resident

As “Art of Peace” moves beyond the residency phase and expands its reach to the general public, the founding class of artists expressed enthusiasm about the project’s potential. “While war–using weapons–deprives us of the opportunity for dialogue, art remains a means of interaction on the path to peace,” wrote resident Alisa Yoffe, who is known for her large-scale anti-war art installations. “I am an artist from Russia, and I find it extremely important to speak out against war.”

To participate in the Art of Peace movement, individuals and communities are encouraged to:

  • Share their anti-war artwork on social media using the hashtags #ArtofPeace, #ИскусствоМира, and #IWantYouToLive.
  • Contribute to the virtual gallery hosted by Campaigns for Humanity.
  • Host their own collaborative art-making meetups. The resident artists crafted a guide for members of the public to use, outlined below.

Guide to Hosting an Art of Peace Art-Making Meetup

  1. Gather a group of people and any art supplies you like or have access to. Old magazines, glue, and paper are all you need to create a collage!
  2. Together, look at a piece of art, such as one of those included in the virtual gallery. Then discuss how it makes you feel, what you like about it; maybe what you didn’t understand or didn’t like about it.
  3. Spend some time as a group making art or poetry of your own, inspired by the discussion and the artwork. You might use the title “I want you to live” or “art of peace” to help guide you.
  4. Share your work on social media using the hashtags #ArtofPeace, #ИскусствоМира, and #IWantYoutoLive

To stay up to date on the latest Art of Peace news, including announcements of forthcoming workshops, follow Campaigns for Humanity on TwitterFacebook, and Instagram.

SOURCE: EuropaWire

The anti-war Russian diaspora, united by opposition to the invasion of Ukraine, has emerged as a powerful force for justice and Ukrainian sovereignty

VILNIUS, 31-May-2023 — /EPR GOVERNMENT NEWS/ — According to reporting in the Moscow Times, up to 1 million people have fled Russia in the wake of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Hailing from a diversity of backgrounds but united by an impassioned opposition to the invasion and unequivocal support for Ukrainian sovereignty, the anti-war Russian diaspora has established itself as a massive force driven by tireless emigres committed to justice.

Lana Pylaeva, the coordinator of Free Russia Netherlands, told independent media outlet Not My War, “To me, the greatest achievement is that we have established ourselves in the Netherlands as a community of war–opposing Russians. To achieve this, we have organized a whole complex of activities since the full-scale war.”

From collecting humanitarian aid for Ukrainians and running bots to help those in Russia avoid conscription; to in-person pickets, marches, and blanketing the streets with protest art; to launching a multinational project demanding the return of Ukraine’s stolen children, dubbed SaveChildrenFromPutinism.org; the opportunities to reject Russian state aggression are as multifaceted as the people spearheading them, and the rate of activity is enough to make the head spin.

Driving the opposition effort’s momentum are centralized hubs–such as the online platform Map of Peace–activists use to coordinate their activities and support one another. Originally launched just after the full-scale invasion as a means of connecting Russian-speaking anti-war activists across the globe, Map of Peace, bolstered by a recent Campaigns for Humanity award, is announcing a new goal of hosting every Russian anti-war initiative on its map. With 144 communities already on the map and growing by the dozens in recent months, project organizers are confident the updated platform’s one-stop-shop convenience will amplify the impact of the legions of expatriates agitating for peace.

As the war drags into its 16th month, there’s a renewed sense of urgency among anti-war advocates, fueled by evidence suggesting that their efforts are working. For example, activists with Feminist Anti-War Resistance (FAR), a movement hosted on Map of Peace, frequently engage in creative propaganda subversion techniques designed to appeal directly to those in Russia, such as creating “anti-lessons” parents can use to counter the effects of the militarization indoctrination imposed on Russian schoolchildren, and turning a favored Russian propaganda tool–tanks–on its head by posting to Google Maps photoshopped images of tanks covered in blood and featuring anti-war slogans.

Excerpt from Feminist Anti-War Resistance Facebook Post About Its “Anti-Lesson”: “Before May 9, propaganda ‘patriotic classes’ are held for many Russian schoolchildren and students, justifying the attack on Ukraine with the narrative of the Second World War. We studied the materials of ‘Conversations about the important things’ to May 9 and information on how educational institutions will celebrate this day. Based on what we’ve read, we have prepared an outline and materials for the Anti-Lesson for May 9th to initiate a conversation about anti-militarism and the causes of war.

Can exiled Russians’ ingenuity influence the outcome of the war? Recent reporting suggests so. According to Mediazona, Russian AWOL figures are soaring, surpassing the 2022 full‑year tally within the first four months of 2023. Both contract soldiers and conscripts are going AWOL, either by directly refusing orders to deploy to Ukraine or deserting from the front lines.

As stated by the Congress of Antiwar Initiatives on the one-year anniversary of the full-scale invasion, “We must keep resisting the regime together, support all forms of protest, change the minds of supporters of the war, help those who are in trouble because of the war and show solidarity by all means available and safe for us, let’s not be afraid to speak the truth! We urge Russians to refuse to participate in and help others to not take part in the criminal war and genocide of the Ukrainian people.” Join our mission for peace and justice for Ukraine. Visit www.mapofpeace.org today to ensure your initiative is represented.

The Colombia Country Brand is going all out on Twitter by Taking Territorial Marketing from the Streets of New York to a Twitter Account near You

As part of its international strategy to attract new business and tourism, the Colombia Country Brand, a competitive tool of the National Government, is taking country branding to the social mediascape to show the world the positive change Colombia is experiencing. The country is in a process of renovation, in a growing economy with ample possibilities of business, travel and investment.

Since April 18th at 3 p.m. EST, Colombians have been the talk of town across the world thanks to the auctions of six unique experiences that Colombia country brand brought to the world, an activity that shows the world why the Answer is Colombia.

The inauguration event took place in Times Square, where New York inhabitants and tourists alike had the chance to appreciate the cultural, touristic and musical richness of the South American country. An impromptu concert by Fonseca and the appearance of both coffee legend mascot Juan Valdez and the queen of this year’s Barranquilla Carnival, helped kick start the event that drew people from all continents.

Between April 18 and May 28, the event Auction was highlighted with an event on the ground at Times Square where people could have their picture taken along with the country brand’s auctioneer, get directions on how to participate in the auction, or even have a Twitter account created for them so they could participate. And from then on the auction has continued through Twitter, where the followers of the Colombia country brand English language profile, @BrandColombia, have had a significant impact in the social network, making the #ColombiaTimesSquare hashtag a Trending Topic not only in Colombia, where it is to be expected, but also in countries as far away as Spain.

Tweet for a Unique Experience
Through the Auction of Unique Colombian Experiences, people from countries all over the world have the chance to win an all-expense paid experience in Colombia.
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The experience can be chosen from one of the following six options: being witness to the rearing of a whale calf in the Pacific, having a smooth cup of coffee while breathing in the cafetero atmosphere and landscape, living the magic of the biggest theater festival in the world, taking a marvelous stroll in the walled city of Cartagena, feeling the welcoming ways and perfect spring-like weather of the people of the most innovative city in the world or discover the secrets of San Agustín.

The mechanics of this auction are very simple, there are two ways to participate, one for Colombians, who already know and love their country and one for foreigners who despite many having come visited the country in the past, can still learn a lot about it; Colombians must make a one minute video telling the world why “The Answer is Colombia” (the tagline for the country brand’s campaign), and upload it to YouTube, where a jury will review it and select the best one.

As for foreigners, all they have to do is follow @BrandColombia on Twitter, write one or more tweets using the tag #TheAnswerisCOlombia and then go bug their friends, family, followers and even annoying stalkers in order to get the most retweets. They have until May 5th at noon Colombian time (1 p.m. EST) to be the loudest Tweep out there.

The 20 people with Twitter accounts who get the most retweets overall can pick one of the six experiences auctioned, and then live their pick, and visit Colombia. People from all parts of the world are already tweeting and asking for their friends’ support to be part of the list of winners.

What has been achieved?

In terms of activity, there has been a remarkable interest of more than 180 foreign citizens from countries like France, England, Finland, South Korea, India, among many others, and many are already packing their bags to embark on an adventure that only Colombia can provide.
The auction accounts for more than 300 participants and some of them have already reached the 200-retweet mark; the final ranking will be available on May 9th, after all the tweets and retweets have been duly tallied and counted.

So fart the Twitosphere has gotten to know Colombia’s best: On April 18th the hashtag #ColombiaTimesSquare became a Trending Topic in Colombia, Latin America and Spain.

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If Colombia was invisible to foreigners in the past, this event managed to put the country in the map of many travelers who seek adventures they won’t forget.

Via EPR Network
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Pinstripes For Banksters And Justice For All. It’s Only Right.

Peaceful restoration of our freedoms and justice for all is what all of us want. Over two hundred years ago when we fought against tyranny for our independence, many lives were lost, some of those were innocent people but in that instance it was necessary, today we hope that our govenrmnet comes to it’s senses and realizes that they can’t and mustn’t favor one class of people over others and justice should be doled out equally to all if a law has been broken-we must not just tolerate crime and look the other way for certain people.

Turn off the TV, don’t let them divert your attention any longer, wake up because your freedoms are slowly and surely being stripped from you. It won’t be long before they knock on the door to your home, they tell you to surrender your guns and issue a decree that you are no longer authorized to protest in any way against the government. This will also include postings online, speech and that your opinions and dissent must be kept to yourself or you will be imprisoned for inciting violence against the government or should I say, the monarchy.

The banks and the government created this financial mess but the citizens, taxpayers and homeowners have had to take the brunt of it and it’s now weighing so much on our shoulders that we can’t tolerate in any further. Stop the insanity now, these people have the misconception that they are Gods, perfect in every way and they put it across to all of us in an arrogant and belittling way. All of us deserve better, we deserve a media that reports the truth, not what the government authorizes or we aren’t any better than Venezuela, where Hugo Chaves controls the media in every way and tries to keep the people uninformed and preoccupied with news and reports of a mundane nature so no one will catch on that he’s fattening his vault just as the leaders of all of the countries in the Middle East that have fallen already to the uprising of the people. If you recall when you read the bible last that Jesus only got angry with one group of people-they were the moneychangers and he cast them out, this is what we must do without hesitation.

The people of this country fought the second World War and defeated two dictatorships that wanted to control the world, but the U.S. men and women of that generation got the job done, everyone worked together, over 20 million men joined the armed forces, while the women took their places in the factories and that’s how it’s done. A peaceful resolution is what we all want but we must leave all options on the table as the government and the banks have already bought the police and they will be utilizing the returning troops to stand guard over all of us but we have hopes that they would not shoot us down like dogs as they may be killing their own loved ones, friends and co-workers at the behest of the real animals that are threatening the values, democracy and economic structure of this country.

If we are going to restore the freedoms and stop the fraudulent bankers from pilfering and betting on our economy and threatening our futures than we deserve what we get, otherwise, let’s get together and demand a stop to his treachery and debauchery orchestrated and implemented by Washington D.C. and Wall Street elitists. Their plan is simple, financial destruction of the multitudes.

Justice for all, no exceptions and If the bankers commit fraud, they must be treated as any other citizen no matter what, including prison sentences if the crime is serious enough to warrant it.

Via EPR Network
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Local Politician Uses Innovative Social Marketing To Get Rural Tennessee Residents Registered To Vote

Bradley Troutman grew up in Jefferson County, and has farmed his land in Dandridge for as long as he can remember. He most recently decided run for the vacant Register of Deeds position in Jefferson County, TN and began to think of new and exciting ways that he could the word out about his campaign. Although social media is a recent addition to his life and campaign he has embraced it fully with the help of www.DouglasLakeFun.com and the addition of an election Facebook page.

The idea to provide anyone in Jefferson County, TN a personal visit to provide them with voter registration just came naturally to him. The personable warm smile and ability to talk to anyone makes him a natural fit as candidate for Register of Deeds and will help him garner more voter interest for all of Jefferson County’s future elections.

Anyone that is not registered to vote in Jefferson County, TN and desires a personal delivery of the appropriate paperwork from Bradley Troutman is urged to visit http://www.douglaslakefun.com/index.php/coupons, log in, and print the coupon. Mention this when you contact him and he will set up a time when he can deliver the paperwork.

Bradley Troutman a candidate for the vacant Register of Deeds position in Jefferson Couny, TN was reviewing the list of registered voters when he realized that only a small population of the eligible public was registered to vote. He teamed up with www.DouglasLakeFun.com to provide a coupon to allow anyone, anywhere in Jefferson County, TN to have the necessary paperwork delivered to them free of charge by Bradley Troutman.

Bradley Troutman, www.DouglasLakeFun.com, Voter registration drive

Douglas Lake Fun
http://www.douglaslakefun.com/index.php?option=com

Troutman for Register of Deeds
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Bradley-Troutman

Via EPR Network
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President’s Call For Jobs and Justice Fuels Rallies By National Black Farmers Association

The call for jobs and a renewed emphasis on civil rights in the State of the Union address will echo through upcoming rallies, according to Dr. John Boyd, president of the National Black Farmers Association.

President's Call For Jobs and Justice Fuels Rallies By National Black Farmers Association

In a series of regional events, black farmers will urge Congress and President Obama to act now on a promised $1.15 billion to remedy decades of discrimination.

“The nation’s treatment of black farmers is a blight. Empty promises only make matters worse,” said Dr. Boyd. “It is time for Congress to do the right thing and compensate discriminated black farmers for the government’s wrongs against them. It certainly has found the will to fund far less worthy and much more expensive causes. “

Beginning on February 6 in Little Rock, Arkansas, black farmers and supporters from some of the most depressed areas of the country will come together to insist on long promised and long delayed justice. It was back in 1999 that the government agreed to one of the largest civil rights settlements in our history, the Pigford case, due to discriminatory practices by the USDA.

In his State of the Union address, President Obama observed: “We find unity in our incredible diversity, drawing on the promise enshrined in our Constitution: the notion that we are all created equal, that no matter who you are or what you look like, if you abide by the law you should be protected by it; that if you adhere to our common values you should be treated no different than anyone else.”

On the other side of the aisle, Governor Bob McDonnell of Virginia found it easy to agree on the subject of job creation.

“We were encouraged to hear President Obama speak this evening about the need to create jobs,” said McDonnell. “All Americans should have the opportunity to find and keep meaningful work, and the dignity that comes with it.”

But for black farmers, the ideals laid out by both President Obama and Governor McDonnell have been only a dream. Black farmers and supporters will rally throughout the Southeast culminating in a rally in front of the US Department of Agriculture in Washington, DC to make heard the urging of thousands: keep your promise; justice now.

The rally schedule includes:

Saturday, February 6, 2010: Little Rock, Arkansas (The Downtown Hilton)
Monday, February, 8, 2010: Memphis, Tennessee (Handy Park)
Tuesday, February 9, 2010: Jackson, Missouri (Battlefield Park)
Wednesday, February 10, 2010: Montgomery, Alabama (in front of the Capital Building)
Thursday, February 11, 2010: Columbus, Georgia (The Columbus Civic Center)
Friday, February 12, 2010: Columbia, South Carolina (The Clarion Hotel)
Saturday, February 13, 2010: Richmond, Virginia (Downtown Hilton)
Monday, February 15, 2010: Washington, DC (US Department of Agriculture – Jefferson Drive side)

For more information, please contact Billy Warden (919) 412.0630 or visit http://nbfarally.com/.

Via EPR Network
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The Latest Health Study Of 9/11 Survivors And Rescue Workers Is Raising Serious Concerns Among Leading Experts And Politicians Alike

According to the World Trade Center Medical Working Group of New York City’s 2009 Annual Report on 9/11 Health, long-term medical and mental health problems continue to rise in the terrorist attack victims. The report also underscores the urgent need for increased special federal funding for medical services and additional research. [http://home.nyc.gov/html/om/pdf/2009/pr418-09_report.pdf]

“It’s critically important to sickened 9/11 heroes and heroines that they are not forgotten as the majority of them still don’t have the proper health care and struggle with medical insurance companies,” says Steven M. Centore, author of One of Them: A First Responder’s Story.

Mr. Centore, who is a 9/11 first responder, a federal employee and a Navy veteran, details his own battles with medical insurance companies and the federal government in his book—battles that have made his many 9/11-related health problems all the more painful to deal with.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg released the Annual Report on 9/11 Health, which was based on recent medical and environmental research.

“We will do whatever is needed to take care of those who came to our aid after the city’s darkest day,” said Mayor Bloomberg.

Appointed by the mayor two years ago, The World Trade Center Medical Working Group is comprised of health experts in the fields of science, medicine and government. Its aim is to examine and analyze research findings on health impacts caused by the September 11 attack.

“It’s eight years after the attack and 9/11 victims continue to fight for the government’s attention and help,” adds Mr. Centore. “They put their own health, their own lives and the futures of their families on the line when the nation needed them, and they deserve respect for their sacrifices.”

Mr. Centore has appeared at congressional hearings to fight for the rights of the thousands of first responders. In his book he details his own personal account of his experience at Ground Zero on 9/11.

To learn more about how you can help or to buy the nationally acclaimed book One of Them: A First Responder’s Story, visit www.SteveCentore.com or www.wadv-oneofthem.com. The book is also available on Borders.com, Target.com, Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com.

For more information about One of Them: A First Responder’s Story, contact Steven M. Centore directly at Scentore@yahoo.com.

WORLDWIDE ASSOCIATION OF DISABLED VETERANS, INC. and author Steven M. Centore chose Arbor Books, Inc. (www.ArborBooks.com) to design and promote One of Them: A First Responder’s Story. Arbor Books is an internationally renowned, full-service book design, ghostwriting and marketing firm.

Via EPR Network
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New Yorkers To March On Washington For Fair Share Of Stimulus Money

City Council Candidate Aaron Fraser is angry at the way in which New Yorkers are being treated in the Federal stimulus package. He will express his ire by leading a citizen’s march on Capitol Hill on March 28, 2009. Marchers will ask politicians to consider New York’s contribution to the overall health of this nation’s economy, which is vastly out of proportion to what the state is being allocated in the stimulus package.

According to Fraser, “I am gravely concerned that New Yorkers will not get their fair share of the stimulus package. That share should reflect our tremendous contribution to this nation’s economy as well as to the world. We have taken the chitterlings from Capitol Hill for far too long. We want a side of beef. Before bridges to nowhere are built; before greedy politicians fill their coffers with cash for their pet projects; the people of New York, you and I, should demand our fair share.”

New York is the hub of international trade and commerce. Aside from being the largest regional economy in the United States, it is home to over 160 different languages and the largest stock exchange in the world. It has commercial real estate worth $802.4 billion and is home to the seventeenth largest economy in the world. New Yorkers contribute over a trillion dollars to this nation’s GDP, which equates to a little over 9% of its total. The City’s budget is larger than the budgets of forty of the U.S. States, including the two U.S. protectorates. The top 25 Fortune 500 companies have headquarters here, not counting others on the exchange who rank lower but have primary offices here. New York is home to half of the 32 largest Chinese corporations.

Aaron Fraser, an Independence Party of America candidate, is running for New York’s 36th District City Council seat, which represents the Brooklyn-Bedford Stuyvesant community.

Via EPR Network
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Edward Palonek Of Foundmoney.com Has New Interesting Ideas To Help Mr. Obama Stimulate The Economy By Reuniting People With Their Missing Money

Edward Palonek reports that more than 9 billion dollars are unclaimed in New York State. “With rate of recovery nearing 75%, the money from unclaimed accounts could add up to close to 7 billion dollars of economic stimulus” says Palonek, founder of FoundMoney.com

People find money in many places like street corners, old jackets, but few consider the idea of finding money online. The new trend is to search for money online. While there are many websites, one stands out of the crowd. Foundmoney.com has been operating since 1994 where thousands of people have found a small fortune. Recently, someone in New York State has claimed an account worth over 4 million dollars in stocks he did know existed. The top account holders in New York are valued at $6.8 million dollars. There are some millionaires walking the streets and they don’t even know about it.

Government institutions like IRS has unclaimed money and procedure for storing and locating the owners of this money. According to irs.gov website, the abandoned property is stored according to 9.7.11.4 (05-15-2008). These section states that:

“Abandoned or other unclaimed currency or monetary instruments shall not be deposited into the Treasury Suspense Account. Abandoned or other unclaimed currency or monetary instruments may be deposited into the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Suspense Account until an owner files a proper claim or title vests in the United States”.

Edward comments “Claiming the money from various institutions can be tricky but most are relatively easy”. IRS has a very strict procedure on claiming money as to the 9.7.11.8 section of the “Abandoned Property” manual, which state:

“The procedures relating to claims filed for abandoned or unclaimed property contained in 41 CFR 128–48.502 and 41 CFR 48.503 are similar to the petition for remission or mitigation process covered in IRM 9.7.7, Claims and Petitions”

President Obama has promised massive spending bills to stimulate the economy, perhaps one of the first agenda on the new administration list should be the re-structuring current handing and recovery of unclaimed money. “As in New York, the 9 billion dollars could go a long way to help this State” comments Edward. Currently the handling of unclaimed money by the State and other intuitions allows for a lot of fraud. As a result of various found money scams the states are making it harder for legitimate unclaimed money owners to claim their money. Foundmoney.com has seen all sort of scams and claims of unrealistic fortunes. “Be aware of the imitators who promise a large sum for a small percentage” says Mr. Palonek

Via EPR Network
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One of Them: A First Responder’s Story

One of the first responders who helped clear debris and search for bodies at the World Trade Center site is hoping President-elect Barack Obama doesn’t repeat the mistakes made by the Bush administration in handling the care of his fellow volunteers.

Steven Centore, a nuclear physicist and Navy veteran, was one of the many volunteers who assisted in the immediate aftermath of the September 11, 2001 attack.

Unfortunately, as do many of the other rescue workers, Mr. Centore now suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and other medically debilitating ailments that have kept him from working. These conditions have required endless surgeries and physical therapy to treat.

In his book, One of Them: A First Responder’s Story, Mr. Centore details the neglect and mistreatment he and his fellow volunteers have suffered at the hands of the government.

“The Bush administration really fumbled this issue,” says Mr. Centore, a lifelong Republican. “The attacks of that day are still having an effect on this country in the wars we fight overseas. But they’re also having an effect here at home.”

Mr. Centore spent months at the World Trade Center and says that exposure to the toxins in the air at the site have crippled or killed thousands of first responders. His book includes some shocking statistics about the health of first responders, including:

• 4,517 people with upper respiratory ailments
• 3,857 with lower respiratory illness
• 398 with lung disease
• 2,616 with asthma
• 1,340 with sleep apnea
• 2,528 with heart conditions caused or worsened by 9/11

“I was appalled at the lack of support and meager financial resources provided to 9/11 first responders by the US government,” says Mr. Centore, who has testified before Congress about the thousands of people just like him who were told that the air at the WTC site was not dangerous.

He adds, “I wanted to tell the story of how I became ill, what the government did and did not do for me, and what happened to me as a result. I’d like to shed some light on the cover-ups that the government has been perpetrating in the news.”

To learn more about how you can help, or to buy the breakout book One of Them: A First Responder’s Story, visit www.SteveCentore.com or www.wadv-oneofthem.com. The book is also available on Borders.com, Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com.

For more information about One of Them: A First Responder’s Story, contact Steve Centore directly at Scentore@yahoo.com.

WORLDWIDE ASSOCIATION OF DISABLED VETERANS, INC. and author Steven Centore chose Arbor Books, Inc. (www.ArborBooks.com) to design and promote One of Them: A First Responder’s Story. Arbor Books is an internationally renowned, full-service book design, ghostwriting and marketing firm.

(One of Them: A First Responder’s Story by Steven M. Centore; ISBN: 0-9801274-0-8; $16.95; 208 pages; 5½”x 8½”; softcover; Worldwide Association of Disabled Veterans, Inc.)

Via EPR Network
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As the country’s economic crisis worsens even while the US government pumps billions of dollars into failing banks and industries, another major threat to the nation’s financial stability is going unnoticed

As the country’s economic crisis worsens even while the US government pumps billions of dollars into failing banks and industries, another major threat to the nation’s financial stability is going unnoticed.

A particularly insidious form of pollution called “stray voltage” is impacting the health and agricultural sectors of American life and business, and the financial consequences could be enormous. 

Stray voltage — electrical current that travels through the ground and the infrastructure we all touch every day — has escaped the attention of major media. But its effect on the economy might be just as devastating as errant Wall Street banks, according to one expert.

Russ Allen, author of Electrocution of America: Is Your Utility Company Out to Kill You?, says, “Stray voltage is a massive tax on the American economy because it causes health problems for people and losses in revenue for farms across the country. The cost to the government could be in the billions.”

Mr. Allen also notes, “Because so many Americans are uninsured, and because stray voltage has been shown to exacerbate conditions such as diabetes and multiple sclerosis, the effect on the economy has been massive. The only problem is that no one is noticing.” 

Stray voltage has been deemed dangerous enough in Wisconsin, Michigan and Canada that legislation was introduced in an effort to regulate it. Most of that legislation has not passed and most people don’t know that it likely runs through the pipes of their homes, showers and pools, and that is has killed people, according to Mr. Allen.

In Electrocution of America, Mr. Allen explores the cost of stray voltage to the economy through his own multimillion-dollar lawsuit against Wisconsin Public Service, which he won. 

“I wasn’t the only one affected. This happens all over the place,” says Mr. Allen. 

According to Electrocution of America, stray voltage hurts the economy in the following ways: 

• Increasing hospital visits 
• Loss of work time due to illness
• Fines and lawsuits resulting from stray voltage mishaps
• Decreased production of product on America’s farms

Russ Allen lives outside of Green Bay, Wisconsin, and is a leader in the movement against electrical pollution animals. He won a multimillion-dollar lawsuit against Wisconsin Public Service for the damage they caused because of a poorly designed electrical distribution system.

Electrocution of America: Is Your Utility Company Out to Kill You? can be found on Amazon.com,  BarnesandNoble.com, Borders.comPriceGrabber.com and Ecampus.com

For more information, contact the author directly at allen4568@sbcglobal.net.

GLENMORE BOOKS and author Russ Allen chose Arbor Books (www.ArborBooks.com) to design and promote Electrocution of America: Is Your Utility Company Out to Kill You? Arbor Books is an internationally renowned, full-service book design, ghostwriting and marketing firm. 

(Electrocution of America: Is Your Utility Company Out to Kill You? by Russ Allen; ISBN: 0-9779685-0-2; $22.95; softcover; 5½” x 8½”; 406 pages; GLENMORE BOOKS)

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War Crimes and Crimes against humanity in Ogaden

Ethiopia’s refusal over Ogaden war crimes issued at 26.11.2008

Injustices and human rights abuses inflicted upon the Somali people in Ogaden dated back to the Ethiopian occupation of Ogaden at the end of World War II. This Occupation took place three periods. The last part was handed over to Ethiopia in 1954 by Great Britain. who was colonising Ogaden. Since then the Ogaden people are fighting for their rights to self-determination and Ethiopian successive governments including the current EPRDF/TPLF regime were committng war crimes and crimes against humanity in Ogaden.

On 09th June 2007, Ethiopian Prime Minister, Zenawi, declared in a news conference in Addis-Ababa that his army has launched a political and military operation to contain the activities of the Ogaden National Liberation Front. This was the beginning of the genocide and ethnic cleansing which is still going on in Ogaden. The war crimes and crimes perpetrated by the Ethiopian government in Ogaden was first time witnessed by the United Nations mission who visited Ogaden in 2007. This mission has recommended in vain an independent investigation to be carried out.

However, Ethiopia declined to implement any recommendation of this international body as UN and continue to blocked human rights organizations, international media access to Ogaden with the aim of hiding the suffering of the civilians. At the same time Ethiopian government expelled from Ogaden several NGO’s, such as ICRC and MSF while those who were allowed to go to Ogaden are confined in the Garrison town at the discretion of Ethiopian government. In addition, to the continuation of genocide in Ogaden, the Ethiopian government wants to impose a new bill which bans the international NGOs work in a number of fields, including conflict resolution, children’s rights, disabled rights and criminal justice reform.

It’s obvious, that the international community does not expect putative answer to accept the crimes it committed against Ogadeni people, instead of confessing they prepared such false report to once more hoodwink international community. The Ogaden people are not only suffering from human rights violation but also socially and economically. With no aid from the international donors, the Ethiopian authority would not be able to stay in the Ogaden and commit War Crimes.

Finally, we request the United Nations, the EU, the AU and international community to take their responsibility and force Ethiopian government to open a corridor for aid to Ogaden and allow human rights organizations and international media to operate in Ogaden freely. At the same time we request that they set up international mission to investigate human right situation in Ogaden and bring to justice the perpetrators of this heinous crimes in our country, Ogaden, crimes witnessed by the United Nations’ humanitarian mission at the end of 2007 confirmed by the Human Right Watch.

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Guilt By Association, A Book That Delivers On Its Promise To “Make Treason Transparent”

In a searing indictment of U.S.-Israeli relations, a former counsel to the U.S. Senate publishes Guilt By Association, a book that delivers on its promise to “make treason transparent.”

This in-depth account offers what former Congressman Paul Findley calls a “persuasive study of how stealth, deceit and cunning helped create today’s situation in the Middle East.” Chronicling the impact wielded on U.S. politics by elites and extremists loyal to Tel Aviv, Guilt is destined to provoke debate on Israel’s legitimacy as a sovereign state.

An adviser on financial policy to the governments of 35 countries, author Jeff Gates shows how treason became systemic by those skilled at displacing facts with what people can be deceived to believe. That duplicity includes a false belief in Iraqi WMD and mobile biological weapons laboratories and a widely shared “consensus” faith in the infallibility of unfettered financial markets.

Offering a sophisticated analysis crafted in layman’s language, Guilt describes how those complicit prey on faith as a means to influence behavior. Tracing this lineage of trans-generational manipulation to organized crime from the 1920s, the author offers a new context for grasping how corruption grew to global scale through the exploitation of manipulated beliefs.

A widely acclaimed author, attorney, investment banker, educator and consultant to government, corporate and union leaders worldwide, Jeff Gates’ previous books include Democracy at Risk: Rescuing Main Street From Wall Street and The Ownership Solution: Toward a Shared Capitalism for the 21st Century. Endorsers for these books include CEOs, heads of state, legislators, educators, commentators and Nobel laureates in peace and economics.

This book is available now. For more information, or to order, go to www.criminalstate.com.

Guilt by Association: How Deception and Self-Deceit Took America to War is poised to become the first in a best-selling Criminal State series. (ISBN: 978-0-9821315-0-3; $27.95; 320 pages; 5½” x 8½”; perfect bound soft cover; State Street Publications).

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Dr. Michael W. Cantrell, Sr. the visionary behind The Federal Housing Recovery Plan (FHRP) believes that once enacted, the FHRP will enable the housing industry to recover in less than 24 months from the date of its implementation

Dr. Michael W. Cantrell, Sr. the visionary behind The Federal Housing Recovery Plan (FHRP) believes that once enacted, the FHRP will enable the housing industry to recover in less than 24 months from the date of its implementation. It will allow people who own a primary residential home the opportunity to save their home from foreclosure, ensure that property values will not decline due to the restructuring of loans, and mostly it will protect the everyday citizen and taxpayer from having to foot the bill for a bail-out plan and instead will secure the value of their homes.

The Federal Housing Recovery Plan is designed to bring liquidity to the markets and make at-risk securities more valuable and buyable on the open market; therefore lessening the effect of government involvement. The securities backed by this plan would inevitably yield a 102% increase in face value. Most importantly, it will not drive down the market prices of homes in and around the neighborhoods of people who do not require the assistance of FHRP and they will not be affected by the restructuring of FHRP Mortgages.

A brief example of how FHRP Mortgages will work –

Problem:
An individual or family owes $150,000.00 to their current lender and property values decline by 20% (on average) reducing the value of their property by roughly $30,000.00, and this individual or family cannot effectively pay their mortgage at the current rate of interest, but also cannot refinance their property due to the declining market values. However, they can afford to pay a portion of the mortgage loan payment every month, but that is not enough for their lender.

Solution:
The Government, through the
FHRP would buy this mortgage for .62 on the dollar. This, in turn, would free up the liquidity of the banks or investment firms that otherwise would write off this type of loan to zero dollars; thus allowing funds to flow for the institution to lend more money.

The FHRP Mortgage Representative would negotiate the mortgage payment terms with the homeowner(s) to an amount they could afford monthly enabling them to stay in their home. The original mortgage loan would be back figured to a first lien mortgage that was agreed upon-becoming an FHRP Mortgage.

The difference between the old and new loan amounts would be held by an FHRP Mortgage Bond for up to 15 years with no interest due and be recorded as a second lien on the property. This lien would be required to be paid off when the property is sold or refinanced at or prior to the maturity date.

Conclusion:
The Federal Housing Recovery Plan enables the family to stay in their home, make affordable monthly payments, and not reduce the mortgage amount thus not reducing the value of other homes in their neighborhood.

The new mortgage at the lower negotiated amount now becomes valuable for servicing because the family is consistently paying their mortgage payments. When people are paying on their mortgages, banks and investment firms would be inclined to buy these FHRP Mortgages because they know they are secure.

Dr. Cantrell believes that in 15 years or less the housing market will rise to the point that their property value would also rise above their first and second mortgage liens. The family’s income will rise during this 15 year period also and will allow their credit to cure so they may be able to refinance the FHRP Mortgage and the government held second lien FHRP Mortgage Bond with traditional institutional banks, mortgage bankers… etc.

The second liens will be securitized by United States Savings Bonds. FHRP Mortgage Bonds will be sold to the general public, not companies, for .75 on the dollar. The Treasurer would determine when the bonds would pay out at 100%.

This is a short version of Dr. Cantrell’s plan to bring this country out of its current turmoil and bring the foreclosure rate down to about 1.5%.

Dr. Cantrell has been working in the mortgage industry for almost 20 years starting out as a mortgage broker in 1989, then working his way through the industry closing loans and selling bundles of quality mortgage loans to investment institutions on the secondary mortgage market. While other lending institutions began offering interest only loans and option arms – his company did not, as they knew this new way of lending with a potential negative amortization would lead to disaster in the long term.

Dr. Wald Carum of Almeda University recently had this to say about Dr. Cantrell’s FHRP: “This Plan demonstrates a breadth and depth of knowledge about its subject that can only come from a true outside the box thinker and experienced businessman. Drawing upon his life experience as well as his training as an MBA, Dr. Cantrell has constructed a workable and simple plan to help America out of its current housing crisis. In this nearly unprecedented time of financial turmoil, Dr. Cantrell recognizes that the essence of the problem and the solution lie within the housing market. As Dr. Cantrell succinictly theorizes, “The Federal Housing Recovery Plan is designed to bring liquidity to the markets and make at-risk securities more valuable and buyable on the open market; therefore lessening the effect of government involvement.” The last phrase is key to avoiding a slide into socialism. Dr. Cantrell’s plan maintains the predominance of capitalism and the free market system while allowing “the family to stay in their home, make affordable monthly payments, and not reduce the mortgage amount thus not reducing the value of other homes in their neighborhood.” Congress would do well to give Dr. Cantrell’s plan a thorough consideration and hearing. It makes more sense than anything I’ve read the past two months. I applaud Dr. Cantrell for his excellent efforts, for which he richly deserves his doctorate degree from Almeda University.” Wald Carum, PhD

Dr. Cantrell states “I look at this FHRP as a way to right a wrong. I have been on both sides of the fence. The banks and investment firms got on the wrong side of the fence and we now have to correct it. I offer my extensive knowledge to bringing this back into the right perspective and am very passionate about helping America out of this crisis.”

America is angry. Especially the 90% of people who are able to make their payments on time and are watching the value of their homes continuing to decline due to foreclosures that are selling for .50 on the dollar. This plan will reduce or eliminate declining home values. It will close the Gaps, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and FHA now in place and will bring confidence to the general public that their housing values will remain stable, and their investments, 401Ks and retirement plans that are tied to the financial market will also recover. This is a true recovery plan.

FHRP Mortgage and FHRP Mortgage Bonds must become a reality – our future depends on it. This plan can start working in as little as 90 days. Contact Dr.Michael W. Cantrell, Sr. mcantrell@fhrpmtg.com or visit the website for a free copy www.fhrpmtg.com for more information on this plan that he hopes will get before the right government officials quickly. For a more detailed example or a copy of frequently asked questions please contact Michael Cantrell or his virtual assistant Marie Tucker of Girl Friday Services of Maine at girlfridayservices08@yahoo.com or visit www.fhrpmtg.com.

Dr. Michael W. Cantrell, Sr. has the experience, knowledge and information on exactly how we can turn the troubled housing market into a booming housing market.

Get the full plan www.fhrpmtg.com or email mcantrell@fhrpmtg.com. 

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Dominic Slingsby, Managing Director of Slingsby, has called for organisations to review their health and safety ahead of the introduction of the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007

Slingsby calls for organisations to take precautions against potential health and safety risks in advance of important changes which are due to be introduced into UK law in 2008.

Dominic Slingsby, Managing Director of Slingsby, has urged employers to ensure that they are completely up to date with current health and safety regulations and that increased efforts are made to protect workers prior to the new Corporate Manslaughter Act in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and Corporate Homicide Act as it will be known in Scotland, being put into force.

Dominic Slingsby stated that it is vital, especially in light of the introduction of the new law that; “Organisations take precautions against potential health and safety risks. With only a small amount of time and effort companies can both protect their employees and safeguard the organisation against prosecution”.

From April 2008 the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007 will come into force in the UK, and for the first time, companies and organisations can be prosecuted in the event that serious failures in the management of health and safety result in a fatality. If a jury decides that an organisation neglected health and safety requirements for employees, then it is possible that unlimited fines, remedial orders and publicity orders could be imposed.

The new law is being introduced to help combat the current high numbers of deaths and injuries in the workplace, where according to official statistics; every year more than 200 people are killed and over 30 million working days were lost in 2006 alone to occupational ill health and injury accumulating in a total cost of £30 billion.

A spokesperson for Slingsby said, “Addressing health and safety issues and assessing risks is something that cannot be avoided and can save organisations time and money, it can help reduce employee absence and employee turnover rates, while at the same time reducing the risk of litigation. It is important that organisations regularly review their health and safety management systems and that all possible precautions and preventions are put into place to protect their employees from injury or fatality”.

About Slingsby
Formed in 1893 Slingsby, are leading suppliers of industrial and commercial
safety equipment with a range of 35,000 products to assist companies meet health and safety guidelines.

The company consistently strives to improve its manufacturing pedigree through investment in new technology, quality and increased product ranges.

While originally famous for manual handling equipment, the latest catalogue features a range of essential products covering the entire workplace, providing more choice and a credible single source solution for all Slingsby customers. The latest range includes over a three thousand new products, from traditional areas like materials handling through to exciting new janitorial and office equipment products.


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Political Analyst Earl Ofari Hutchinson Tells What An Obama Presidency Means for America’s Racial and Social ills

Political Analyst Earl Ofari Hutchinson Tells What An Obama Presidency Means for America’s Racial and Social ills

The previously thinkable is possible and that is that Democratic presidential contender Barack Obama could wrest the Democratic presidential nomination and even beyond that the White House. His Iowa showing is proof, says political analyst Earl Ofari Hutchinson, that he can appeal to a wide segment of centrist white voters. An Obama presidency would be a racial step forward in the sense that it shows that millions of Americans can look past race to make a black, especially an exceptional black, their leader.

Unfortunately, it will not show that millions of Americans are yet willing” says Hutchinson, to do the same for the millions of blacks that cram America’s jails and prisons, suffer housing and job discrimination, are trapped in failing public schools in America’s poor, crime ridden inner cities.

Hutchinson will assess:

*Why Obama’s Iowa showing is a historic first
*What’s next for Obama
*Whether black voters will fully embrace Obama
*Whether he can appeal to wide segments of mid-American voters
*Whether an Obama presidency is an antidote for America’s racial and social ills

Earl Ofari Hutchinson is an author and political analyst. His forthcoming book is The Ethnic Presidency: How Race Decides the Race to the White House (Middle Passage Press, February, 2007).

You could visit his blog at the following web address: earlofarihutchinson.blogspot.com

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