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Bill Withers-“Grandma’s Hands” – Book-Signing with Marcia and Kori Withers @ Barnes and Noble- 555 Fifth Avenue, NYC – Friday, April 17 at 12 pm | Eventbrite

Austin Tang — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 12:39:28 +0000

Please join Bill Withers’ wife Marcia and daughter Kori on Friday, April 17th at 12 Noon for a special book-signing of the unique “Grandma’s Hands” children’s book by the legendary icon and Grammy-Award-winning singer-songwriter. It’s a great gift for Mother’s Day, Grandparents Day and many other occasions.

Reserve your tickets now while they’re still available www.Eventbrite.com

ABOUT GRANDMA’S HANDS:

“Grandma’s Hands” is a timeless, universal song originally featured on Bill Withers’ 1971 album, “Just As I Am.” With soulful lyrics, the song captures the significant impact that Withers’ grandmother had on his life as a child. Multiple award-winning artist R. Gregory Christie has brought the iconic song to life through vibrant illustrations, painting a tender portrait of Bill’s grandmother. Through the illustrations, readers are transported back in time to experience the comfort, security, and unconditional love that he found in his grandmother’s hands.

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Earth & Water Day Concert and Exhibition, Run of Show for Earthday – Apr 22, 2026

Austin Tang — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 14:44:33 +0000

“Treat every day of the year as Earth Day.” Dr. Jane Goodall

Run of Show Love Your Mother Earth & Water Day April 22, Times Square

Participants in the show as of April 8, 2026. At 7:30 pm

Red means assets

Segment 1

Start	Organization	Who
2:00 PM	Opening Video	Opening video (includes EarthDay.org, Stevie Wonder, Jane Goodall)
2:01 PM	Rev Paul Sladkus	Paul Welcomes World Audience, Partners, NYC Comptroller, OMMM, and sponsors, and welcomes NYC Officials
2:05 PM	NYC Mayor, NYC Comptroller, Manhattan Borough President	NYC Mayor, NYC Comptroller, Manhattan Borough President
2:10 PM	Pat from Charles Bruce Foundation, plus video	Pat from Charles Bruce Foundation/Homeless Cards speaks, video from Charles Bruce Foundation follows Pat
2:12 PM	Al Smith and Choir	Al Smith and Choir Performance
2:18 PM	Dr. Buntzman from Immokalee Fair Housing, plus video	Dr. Buntzman speaks from Immokalee Fair Housing, plus Immokalee Fair Housing video
2:23 PM	Rick Ulfic from We the World Anna Rathmann from Jane Goodall Institute	Anna Rathmann, Executive Director, USA Global Security Peace Messenger. Jane Goodall Institute speaks followed by Rick Ulfic, We The World, Jonathan Granoff Message
2:29 PM	Pete Seeger Video	Video – Pete Seeger Tribute with Donna Stein, President, NYC Friends of Clearwater.
2:34 PM	Peace Parrots Hudson Henley, Mia Narciso Tony Orlando video	Peace Parrots for future generations prayer Hudson Henley, actor Song Sung Blue and Mia Narciso, singer, NYC schools followed by Tony Orlando Video
2:41 PM	Leonardo video, Pat Boone Video	Video – Leonardo DiCaprio Peace Messenger and Pat Boone Tanzania Water Video
2:48 PM	Anika from Marita Brings Life Foundation plus video	Anika from Mother of Edwards Syndrome child/Marita Brings Life Foundation plus Marita Brings Life Foundation Video
2:57 PM	Irene Michaels	Irene Michaels Performance
3:00 PM	Paul gives Neha Award Hello dad trailer	Neha Lohia receives award for Environmental Film- Hello Dad, Hello Dad trailer Video
3:03 PM	Neha Lohia and Prashant Goyal – Heritage India Fashion Show	Prashant Goyal, Heritage India Fashions
3:12 PM	Neha Lohia and Rohan Narang Fashion Show	Rohan Narang, Designer Fashion Show
3:15 PM	Dr. Anna Yusim and Dr. Chris Pittenger, Peter Sullivan, Dr. Eva Selhub	Dr. Anna Yusim, Dr. Chris Pittenger – Yale University Peter Sullivan – Clear Light Ventures Dr. Eva Selhub
3:26 PM	Giorgia Fumante	Giorgia Fumante performance
3:35 PM	Pinkalicous	Pinkalicous – 30 Years children’s book, cartoon, Broadway Show
3:42 PM	Jeremy Allan Amaze Allan video	Video – Amaze, Jeremy Allen
3:46 PM	Katya Grineva	Piano Extraordinaire

Segment 2

Start	Organization	Who
4:00 PM	OMMM opening video	Opening video
4:04 PM	Alejandra Cuesta	Opening Blessing
4:06 PM	Yogini Jaima	What is OMMM?
4:11 PM	Aaron Ableman	Opening Remarks – Personal Intro, Love Your Mother
4:16 PM	Sister Dr. Jenna	Opening Meditation
4:30 PM	Jarvis Smith	4 Acres
4:36 PM	Joe Rajapashka	Q&A and Joe’s, I Have a Dream Speech
4:45 PM	Mia Narciso-Krutz	Mia and Friend Performance
4:51 PM	Indrani Pal-Chaudhuri	Indrani Pal-Chaudhuri and Video
4:57 PM	Tenzin Seldon	Gross Domestic Regeneration
5:05 PM	Kunal Sood	AudacityAI & WeThePlanet
5:13 PM	Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati	Sadhviji speaking
5:22 PM	Chris Deckker	Origin in South Africa Video – Origin
5:25 PM	Aaron Ableman	Performance and Gaia’s Game intro and Ball kickoff
5:39 PM	UNPFII rep	What is UNPFII? 25th Anniversary
5:41 PM	Rebecca Irby	Spoken Word
5:44 PM	Rebecca Irby, Francisco Ayala, Carl Smith	Indigenous/Sacred Wisdom/Education Panel
6:00 PM	FiVth Empire video	Video – FiVth Empire
6:02 PM	Reachel Singh & Vinay Vyas	Reachel and Vinay Performance
6:11 PM	Abuela Martha Pico, Sam Nava, Ale	Blessing & New Fire Story
6:14 PM	New Fire video	Video – New Fire
6:16 PM	Tess Cacciatore and Harlem Children’s Choir & Start of Sacred Circle	Tess Project with Harlem Children’s Choir Performance
6:23 PM	Reachel Singh & Vinay Vyas	Reachel and Vinay Performance while Sacred Circle is happening

Segment 3

Start	Organization	Who
6:32 PM	David Longoria and Harlem Children’s Choir	David Longoria and Harlem Childers’ Choir Performance
6:38 PM	Juilliard Dance Group	Juilliard Dancers perform to Appalachian Spring
6:46 PM	Yushuang Alice Liu and Ivy Mah	Chinese Opera Legend Yushuang Performance, Alice Liu and Ivy Ma Performance
6:55 PM	Shakira UNICEF IMAGINE and Annie video	Shakira, Unicef, Imagine, and Annie video

Video Edit to One Minute Austin/Paul

7 pm to 8 pm POWER OF LOVE CTW Route 66 Series? TBD Need lighting?

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS: All logos need to be sent as a .png file (with Alpha) for logos (aka transparent logos) and high resolution, by April 10th the latest

All video files must be 1920×1080 and 29.97 fps MP4 files. By April
10^th the latest.

Background graphics must be 1920×1080 high-resolution JPEG files
3.5 MB or higher. By April 10^th the latest.

Backing Tracks need to be sent as MP3 files. By April 10th

Please email or if the file is too large, Google Drive to the following emails. Please clearly state what it is on the file name and subject. Thanks

paul.sladkus1@gmail.com

lauren.minis@gmail.com

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Al Smith – Electric Eclectic Show!!

Austin Tang — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 19:27:41 +0000

Listen to “Al Smith – Electric Eclectic Show!!” on Spreaker.

April 26, 7:30 PM

TheCuttingRoomNYC.com

Directions:
The Cutting Room 44 East 32nd St, New York, NY, 10016
United States

Here is a LIVE CUTTING ROOM SHOW that Al did some years ago, he is fantastic: Note please be patient as the Camera person started tge camera to soon by a few minutes, then Al gets on.

https://youtu.be/Zd8N0MBM7B4

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Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal Free Night at the Studio Museum was a success + Community Board Applications Extended in NYC

Austin Tang — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 17:41:23 +0000

Listen to “Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal Free Night at the Studio Museum was a success + Community Board Applications Extended in NYC” on Spreaker.

Good News and Reverend Paul Sladkus, All Faiths and Spiritual joins Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal and team for a tour, what a great museum, don’t miss it…even work by famed artist, Jean-Michel Basquiat. What a joy, thanks Brad and team.

On Friday, February 27 from 4-9pm, join the Manhattan Borough President’s Office for a Free Night at the Studio Museum in Harlem to celebrate artwork that has been inspired by Black culture. Free tickets to the Studio Museum will be first come, first served while supplies last. We look forward to seeing you there!

Note: Music for our video is by Billie Holiday, “I’ll Be Seeing You,” in our video, who was discovered in Greenwich Village, NY, and was closely related to HARLEM. BTW, Harlem is Thriving. Paul

Community Board Application Deadline EXTENDED to Friday, March 6

You now have until March 6 at 5pm to apply for a position on a community board, the most grassroots form of local government and official liaison between your neighborhood and elected officials.

You can learn about the location and work of your community board here. You must be at least 16 years old and live, work, or attend school in the community board to which you’re applying.

Apply by March 6

I’m hosting an ICE preparedness town hall and training this Sunday, March 1 at 5:30 pm at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church (225 W. 99th St.) We’ll have a panel on learnings from Minneapolis’ response to ICE and a training on what to do if ICE shows up. No RSVP necessary.

Applications for Free 3-K and Pre-K Seats Close TOMORROW, Friday, Feb. 27

Families with children born in 2022 and 2023 can apply for a free 3-K or pre-K seat through this Friday, February 27. Families can apply online at MySchools.nyc, over the phone at 718-935-2009, or at a Family Welcome Center (Manhattan’s two FWCs are at 123 Morningside Dr. in Morningside Heights and 333 7th Ave. in Chelsea). 3-K and pre-K offers will be sent out in mid-May.

Last week, I was thrilled to join Mayor Mamdani to announce a new NYC childcare site on the Upper East Side at 65th Street, which will have 72 pre-K seats and 60 3-K seats this fall.

Apply for 3-K and Pre-K

Due to last weekend’s blizzard, we postponed my Inauguration Celebration and Borough Convention, so keep an eye on your inbox for an updated invitation coming soon.

All best regards,

Brad Hoylman-Sigal

Manhattan Borough President

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TWO DAYS AWAY: National Quarterly Forum: Creating a Legacy of Public Safety in Urban Cities | Monday, 2/23, 2PM EST

Austin Tang — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 13:12:10 +0000

We are pleased to invite you uur upcoming virtual National Quarterly Forum: Creating a Legacy of Public Safety in Urban Cities on Monday, February 23rd 2PM-3PM EST. We have invited Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez (NYC) who often refers to himself as a “progressive prosecutor,” and speaks largely about his office’s efforts to prevent violence, rather than prosecute it and the nations’ second black Governor of the US, Gov. Albert Bryan, (USVI). You can register using the link [HERE] to get into the meeting room.

Together, we will explore how faith-based leadership, community partnerships, and proactive prevention efforts can shape a legacy of public safety that restores hope and protects generations to come. Our goal is clear: to move beyond temporary fixes and build a lasting legacy of safety, equity, and opportunity in our cities.

Thank you for your continued commitment to peace, justice, and community healing. We look forward to gathering with you on the 23rd.

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NOT GREAT GOOD NEWS FOR NEW YORK CITY FINANCES, SHARED BY COMPTROLLER MARK LEVINE…LET’S DO OUR PART!

Austin Tang — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 14:20:37 +0000

New York by the Numbers
Monthly Economic and Fiscal Outlook

No. 110 – February 2026

READ MORE

A Message from the Comptroller

Budget season is in full swing and I just returned from Albany where I testified about the state of the City’s finances, the significant challenges we currently face, and the urgent need for greater investment in New York City through State funding.

As you’ve likely heard, the City faces a multi-billion-dollar budget gap in the next two years.

It’s not all doom and gloom, however; revenue is high and revised tax receipts are up this year. Still, New York remains a city of contradictions.

The stock market is at an all-time high — the Dow above 50,000 for the first time ever — yet nearly 90,000 New Yorkers slept in our shelters last night.

New York City is home to more billionaires than any other city in the world. And yet nearly one in four New Yorkers live in poverty. That’s 2 million people, including 420,000 children.

And this month’s New York by the Numbers, our monthly economic snapshot, reflects that disconnect.

While New York City’s office market has continued its steady and robust rebound in early 2026, job growth remains stagnant, with weekly jobless claims creeping upward in January and persistent hiring challenges for recent graduates which could further hamper future job growth.

Rents continue to soar, which means shelter costs and the City’s contribution to rent subsidy programs are also rising. At the same time, New York City remains a preeminent destination with tourism numbers coming in stronger than last January and higher consumer confidence than the rest of the country.

These contradictions are also evident in the City’s budget. With a fiscal gap not seen since the Great Recession, all options are on the table and a stronger partnership with Albany will be essential — after all, New York City sends far more money to the state than we receive in return; by one recent estimate, more than $20 billion.

If we act now with clarity, urgency, and a real partnership with Albany, we can create a more resilient fiscal foundation, steel ourselves for the uncertainty ahead, and be a city and state that leaves no one behind.

As always, we will continue to track these trends closely and share clear, data-driven insights to help New Yorkers understand what’s happening in our economy, and what it means for the City’s future.

Sincerely,

New York City Comptroller Mark D. Levine

The U.S. Economy

New York City Economy

City Finances

Highlights

The U.S. unemployment rate, which had reached a 4-year high in December, receded slightly in January, and private-sector employment notched its largest monthly gain in just over a year (+172K). However, job creation during 2024 and 2025 was revised down substantially.
In NYC, both initial weekly jobless claims and continuing claims, which had remained fairly subdued up until mid-January, have risen in recent weeks—likely driven by the nurses’ strike and harsh weather.
Consumer confidence fell nationwide for the sixth straight month in January; in New York State, confidence retreated from its highest level of the year, but it remained above the U.S. average.
Regional business sentiment improved somewhat in January but is still at tepid levels, based on the New York Fed’s surveys of manufacturers and service firms.
While the nationwide office market has struggled to recover, New York City’s market has continued its steady and fairly robust rebound in early 2026.
Tourism in New York City registered a bit less of a seasonal slowdown in January than usual, as both hotel occupancy and Broadway attendance were up noticeably from a year earlier.
Over the past 12 months, the average asylum seeker shelter census decreased by 38%, while the non-asylum-seeking population declined by 2%.
As of the end of January, the City’s total full-time staffing headcount was 292,483, compared to 305,777 authorized positions in the FY 2026 November Financial Plan, resulting in a vacancy rate of 4.3%.
Total tax revenue collected over the first half of this Fiscal Year (through December 2025) has risen by 6.8% ($3.15 billion) over a year earlier, led by strong growth in Personal Income Taxes & PTET.
As of February 2nd, the cash balance stood at $9.04 billion, down from $13.52 billion at the same time last year.

View the February Newsletter

In Case You Missed It

Over the past month, the Comptroller’s Office released the following announcements on the state of NYC’s economy and finances:

Office of the New York City Comptroller
Office of New York City Comptroller Mark D. Levine
1 Centre Street
New York, NY 10007
United States

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Sharing Something Close to the HEART.

Austin Tang — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 20:29:24 +0000

This Saturday evening on Jan 24, we’re gathering for Happy Life Yoga — a gentle, joyful session of laughter, breath, and release.
Jan 24 | 6–7 PM | Bhakti Marga NYC (243 W 30th St, 10th Floor)
Led by Tirlok Malik.
Free to Attend. No mat, no pressure — just you and us laughing together.
If your heart feels like it, come join us Looking forward to laughing with you.

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