IAT
NEWSLETTER
# 100!
SPRING 2009
Celebrate Earth Day...every day...
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"IT'S ABOUT TIME WE BEGIN IT,
TO TURN THE WORLD AROUND . . . "
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ORGANIZATION INFORMATION
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Co-Founder/Former President - Marcelle Orswell
(notmartha2@yahoo.com)
Co-Founder and Secretary -- Theresa Shea (Tree1A@aol.com)
Co-Founder/Webpage Designer-Sandy Clark (tybrenn@comcast.net)
Co-Presidents -- Ann Schnitz (aerie01@comcast.net)
and
Mary Ledford (eagleshorses@yahoo.com)
Web Site -- -- http://home.comcast.net/~tybrenn/iat/
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LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
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Dear Friends,
Happy Earth Day, everyone! And welcome to our 100th IAT newsletter. Coincidentally, this is also my 10th year as the president of IAT. I would like to acknowledge the contributions of the wonderful people who came before, without whom IAT wouldn’t be here now – former officers Marcelle Orswell, Theresa Shea and Sandy Clark. Of course, Sandy is still with us as our webmaster and Theresa “Tree” is always on the ball, sending us wonderful things for the newsletter. By the way, be sure to visit our website once in a while – there’s lots of good information and fun stuff there, including recycling tips [http://home.comcast.net/~tybrenn/iat/recycle_tips.html] and JD-oriented word search puzzles [http://home.comcast.net/~tybrenn/iat/forfun.html] – I didn’t even know about those until I went on just now! Sandy does a great job – please let her know if you drop by and see things you like. And of course, we’d love it if you’d send us things for the site.
On this occasion of our 100th newsletter, I went back to have a look at the first one I ever put together. Wow – time has definitely changed some things. But one thing that still hasn’t changed is the need for participation, both here and in the world at large. We are lucky in the US to finally have what looks to be a more environment-friendly administration in office, but they can’t do it alone. Now is our chance to take part in creating the world we all long for – a world of peace and harmony. And if you do take part – whether it be by attending an event or even writing a letter about an issue you’re passionate about -- won’t you let us know?
Thanks to all who submitted content for this season’s newsletter – I couldn’t do this without each and every one of you!
My heart to yours,
Ann
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QUOTE OF THE MONTH
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Only when the last tree has died and the last river been poisoned and the last fish been caught will we realise we cannot eat money. ~Cree Indian Proverb
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS
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MAY
May 2, 2009 – Atlanta, GA – “Friends With You” Band (678) 576-0269 http://www.friendswithyouband.com
May 9, 2009 - Mandello Del Lario (Lake Como) ITALY - Mack Bailey, Chris Nole, and Pete Huttlinger in concert. Teatro San Lorenzo Via
XXIV Maggio 8pm info@chrisnole.com
May 11 & 12, 2009 - St. Gallen SWITZERLAND - Mack Bailey, Chris Nole, and Pete Huttlinger in concert. Kellerbuhne Das St. Galler
Kleintheater. info@chrisnole.com http://www.kellerbuehne.ch/seiten/spielplan.php#Anker4
May 16, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. - Mt Holly Springs, PA - Christopher Westfall - "An Evening of Acoustic Music" - Will include Chris'original songs, covers by various artists, and some patriotic songs to honor Armed Forces Day. Holly Inn, 31 Baltimore Ave., Mt. Holly Springs, PA in their banquet room - srose312@embarqmail.com or http://www.hollyinn.com.
May 23, 2009 - North Yorkshire, UK - Ray and Jackie are putting on a concert by Mack Bailey and Rachel Levy at Kirkby Church Hall, North Yorkshire, Tickets are £10.00 and doors open at 7.30pm. Send a cheque payable to Jackie Freeman to Feet First, 53 High St. Stokesely, North Yorkshire. TS9 7AN (include SASE) Telephone number is 01642 713575 Ray & Jackie’s website http://www.freewebs.com/feet-first-stokesley-north-yorkshire-uk/
May 30, 2009 – Bristol, PA -- Charlie Zahm at Silver Lake Nature Center, 7:30PM. Come early to enjoy the trails and exhibits, then relax and enjoy the Concert. Tickets: $10/person. Call 215-785-1177 or email: PattiAnn Cutter at pacutter@co.bucks.pa.us for tickets and additional information. Visit Charlie's website at http://www.charliezahm.com or http://www.silverlakenaturecenter.org
JUNE
June 13, 2009 – Hamilton, OH – “Friends With You” Band (859) 567-2955 http://www.friendswithyouband.com
June 13, 2009 - Liberty, NC - Christopher Westfall Presents: John Denver - A Musical Retrospective Liberty Showcase, Liberty, North Carolina 7:30pm Join Chris for a splendid evening of music in this theater located in the Piedmont area of North Carolina. Chris will be doing a comprehensive review of John Denver's music, as well as original pieces. Tickets are $12 in advance Or $15 at the door. Please call: 1-336-622-3844 or go to http://www.libertyshowcase.com
June 14, 2009 - JAPAN - John Denver Tribute Concert in Ginza, Tokyo - Tanaka Takeru sings John Denver's best-loved hits, joined by Suga Katsutoshi and Daniel Clay Idol / Ginza TACT / 6-9-15 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, JAPAN / +81-3-3571-3939 (03-3571-3939) / 1:00pm / 2,800 yen http://www.bekkoame.ne.jp/~nisenora/e-pineapplers-liveinfo.html
June 19, 2009 - Kennecott, Alaska - "John Denver Solstice Tribute 6:00pm Recreation Hall / Live music, video, potluck dinner and storytelling info@wrangells.org (907) 554-4464 http://www.wrangells.org
June 19, 2009 Westampton, NJ 6:30 PM Charlie Zahm presents a Tribute to John Denver with fiddler Tad Marks and guitarist Steve Hobson. This is a free concert at the beautiful 500-seat Burlington County (NJ) Amphitheater
5 Pioneer Blvd.
Westampton, NJ
www.charliezahm.com
Info: pahough@aol.com
June 26, 2009 - Medford, NJ - Chris Westfall in Concert 7:00pm Village of Taunton Forge Summer Concert Series Taunton and Tuckerton Roads, Medford, NJ. Come on out and join Chris for an evening of music under the stars in Taunton Forge's beautiful pavilion. Bring a chair and dust off the vocal chords. This is a free outdoor concert nestled in the village. http://www.chriswestfall.com
June 27, 2009 - JAPAN - John Denver Tribute Concert in Komae, Tokyo – Tanaka Takeru sings John Denver's best-loved hits. / add9th / 1-2-6 Nakaizumi, Komae-city, Tokyo, JAPAN / +81-3-3480-4996 (03-3480-4996) / 7:30 pm / 2,000yen http://www.bekkoame.ne.jp/~nisenora/e-pineapplers-liveinfo.html
June 27, 2009 - Denver, CO - "John Denver - The Tribute" with Roy Rivers, featuring Steve Weisberg. 8:00pm $25 Red Rocks Amphitheater http://www.john-denver-tribute.com
JULY
July 11, 2009 - Modesto, CA - "A Tribute to the Music of John Denver" starring Jim Curry and his band. Gallo Center for the Arts Mary Stewart Rogers Theater (209) 338-2100 toll free: 1-877-488-3380 http://www.galloarts.com http://www.jimcurrymusic.com
July 14, 2009 - Estes Park, CO - "John Denver Tribute Concert" - TropiCowboy Band / Brad & Kathy Fitch
July 25, 2009 - Hesston, PA - "Headin' To The Mountains II": An Evening with Christopher Westfall! 7:30pm Seven Points Amphitheater, Raystown Lake, 7 Points Road, Hesston, PA. srose312@embarqmail.com * http://raystown.nab.usace.army.mil/.
AUGUST
August 1, 2009 - Hesston, PA - "Friends With You Band - Tribute to John Denver 7:00 - 10:00pm / Seven Points Amphitheater - Raystown Lake Seven Points Road - Hesston, PA / Free admission but donations accepted. Suzanne < srose312@embarqmail.com > or Patty < pjspiker@verizon.net > http://raystown.nab.usace.army.mil/
August 2, 2009 - Dana Point, CA - "A Tribute to the Music of John Denver" starring Jim Curry and his band - City of Dana Point, Heritage Park 34400 Old Golden Lantern (949) 248-3530 http://www.danapoint.org * http://www.jimcurrymusic.com
August 7, 2009 - Holly Springs, PA - Chris Collins and friends in Concert 7:00 p.m, Tickets: $15.00 Holly Inn, 31 Baltimore Ave, Mt. Holly Springs, PA Info: srose312@embarqmail.com or pjspiker@verizon.net, www.hollyinn.com or the Holly Inn 717-486-3823.
August 14, 2009 – Van Wert, Ohio – Tribute to John Denver starring Ted Vigil and his band. Fountain Park – Van Wert, OH
Branson, MO - Monday through Saturday 10:00am "A Tribute to John Denver & Country Music Legends". James Garrett sings John Denver's best-loved hits. IMAX Little Opry Theatre / 3562 Shepherd of the Hills Expressway / Branson, MO 65616 (800) 419-4832
(thanks to Emily Parris and the Rocky Mountain High newsletter for these dates; thanks too, to Karen Tupek for keeping us up to date with Mack Bailey’s schedule, PattiAnn Cutter and others for information on Chris Westfall and Charlie Zahm’s engagements, and Deb Sanderson for news of events in California)
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LETTERS & POEMS
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Bison Blessing
from Jennifer Hunter [jenden1099@yahoo.com]
http://www.pjstar.com/news/x126902659/Giving-back-to-the-bison
This is an article (with some video) about blessing the Bison grounds at Wildlife Prairie State Park in Illinois in the Peoria Journal Star (4/19/09).
Photography and video were not allowed during the ceremony, so the video is of the animals, the drum circle, and the people going to the circle. The journalist also spoke with my husband Dennis and I when we were talking with Spotted Thunderhorse (who gave the ceremony).
Spotted Thunderhorse had smudged the grounds and people with the smoke of burning sage. He smoked a sacred pipe to each direction, North, South, East and West, and had people face that direction. He told a story of an indian boy and his grandmother who were outcasts, that were saved from starvation by the buffalo and later, they saved the tribe from starvation with the buffalo. He asked us to open our hearts to save and protect the animals of the earth.
They gave us some tobacco before the ceremony and told us to say a prayer with it and release it wherever we wanted, where it will do good. Spotted Thunderhorse explained that we were all like seeds to be dispersed and planted where we can do good.
He also used a wooden bowl of water and a sprig of juniper to sprinkle water on the circle of people. The sage, juniper, and sweetgrass are for cleansing. The sage is burned and the smoke washes and purifies. He told us that Mother Earth gives us life and food to nourish us, but Father Sky gives us rain.
The bison became very curious and gathered around the circle, coming close, to about 30-50 feet away. Many are due to calve soon and you could see their big bellies. The elk were trotting with their noses in the air and waded into a lake. Right next to the bison grounds is a pen with wolves trotting around and during the ceremony, the bald eagles were calling. (they are in an enclosure not too far away).
Jenny
from Ellen [Ellens104@aol.com]
Here is something interesting for newsletter. Go to www.rangells.org/programs.html to see the June 19 entry of the Kennecott Rec Hall. That evening features the second John Denver tribute pot luck social featuring Tony Oney. Ellen
From Theresa Shea [TREE1A@aol.com]
http://www.geni.org/globalenergy/endorsements/individual/johndenver-geni-video-intro.shtml
John Denver's introduction to the GENI Video, "What If... A New Global Option"
Hello, I'm John Denver.
From the time I was a small child, I've been in love with nature — the mountains, the ocean, the deserts, the forests. Nature has always been the greatest source of comfort and inspiration in my life. And certainly my music is filled with metaphors from nature.
As I've had the opportunity to travel around the world, I've grown to appreciate all of mother nature, all of the earth and it's people. It pains me to see the damage we do to one another and to the planet. I am personally committed to doing whatever I can to make it better for all of us.
It is the purpose of the Windstar Foundation to be a catalyst for responsible action on a global scale toward a sustainable future. I believe that it's going to take all of us working together to solve the problems that confront us. Whether it's ending hunger, promoting world peace, or creating a healthy environment. I believe that each one of us makes a difference.
From the first time I heard his name, Buckminster Fuller was a hero to me. It was one of the greatest thrills of my life to have met Bucky and beyond that to spend time with him and to develop a really close relationship. Bucky was an incredible inspiration to me as he has been to people all over the world.
Bucky personifies for me the difference that an individual can make and the possibility of what one man can do. That in fact was the name of the song that I wrote for Bucky on his 85th birthday and in that song I talked about Bucky being the Grandfather of the Future.
You see Bucky always presented us with the big picture. The video that you are about to see explores the potential benefits of a global option that Bucky proposed 20 years ago. This proposal supports a global plan for ending hunger, third world development, environmental benefits, stemming the population explosion and a universal increase in our standard of living.
The proposal presented in this video offers a unique solution to many of our current global problems. Over the past 3 years a network of people around the world have been educating us to it's benefits and encouraging us to take a stand for its creation. Due to their efforts, the project has created a focus for global cooperation.
I invite you to watch and listen carefully, because it's important. And then to take action. The video will show you how. Thank you.
(You can order the video here: http://www.geni.org/globalenergy/shop/geni_products/products.shtml#whatifvideo)
Green Asphalt
by Carole Romanowski [whispjesse@aol.com]
Cold Mix Manufacturing Asphalt Company in Queens, NY has created GreenPatch, a new type of cold mix asphalt,used for filling potholes and other patchwork,using no diesel, kerosene or other harmful solvents to the environment, according to Glenn Shapiro, head of business development for the company.
Last November, James Statini, superintendent of road maintenance for the County Dept. of Public Works, said they bought 16 tons - about 2 truckloads - to test GreenPatch on well-traveled roads - and it seems to be working!
When a new road or parking lot is set, or a major section replaced, workers spread hot asphalt which hardens when it gets cold. Asphalt used for patches needs something to keep it pliable until it's in place because by the time a truck drives around to several potholes, the material cools off. So many asphalt types use diesel or kerosene to keep it workable, but these substances can leach out into the ground.
However, GreenPatch uses plant oil which, if it leached into the ground, would be similar to vegetable oil seeping out. According to Mr. Shapiro, "Our solvents are derived from sustainable sources and are biodegradable and nontoxic."
GreenPatch will be further tested by the Public Works Dept. for its performance in warmer weather. This product was already tested for 2 years before Cold Mix Manufacturing began selling it late last summer. The website describing GreenPatch and its benefits is www.greenpatch.com. And the information on this product was obtained from my daily newspaper The Journal News, dated Jan. 5th, 2009.
Environmental groups would love to see less asphalt, not because of what it contains but because rain won't soak through it. Instead rains rush off the roads and parking lots and other hard surfaces, washing pollutants toward local rivers. But no one's talking about getting rid of all of the asphalt. So for that which we need,
GreenPatch hopes to bring the benefit. The idea of green asphalt would make one think of so many other advances that would bring us toward a greener future one step at a time.
If John Denver were here today to read this article, I wonder if he'd change the words in the title of one of his songs to "Take Me Home Green Asphalt Country Roads" !!
"Endings and Beginnings"
by Richard Romanowski [WrangellMtns@aol.com]
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I saw many peaceful sunsets and dawnings of the day
Both endings and beginnings on the bay at Monterey.
On one October evening with eagle’s faltered flight
A precious life was taken there and drawn into the light.
No more to give us wisdom in the lyrics of a song,
No more to warn and guide us, no more to right a wrong.
Yet the gifts John gave to us while with us on this earth
Are treasures to be valued and immesurable in worth.
To incorporate these valued gifts into your daily life
Is to carry on his legacy in times of joy or strife.
So when you see a sunset know that dawn is hours away
Remember endings and beginnings on the bay at Monterey.
(c) 2009 by Richard Romanowski
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"Cool and Green and .....!"
by Carole Romanowski [whispjesse@aol.com]
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John so loved our planet Earth
Since he was "green" before our time.
He beckoned us to "Follow Me"
Through his example, verse and rhyme.
Reduce your carbon "Autograph"
"Its Up to You" to preserve the Earth.
For we want our children to inherit
The "Season Suite" we've loved since birth.
Recycle, conserve energy
Reduce emissions, and by and by
Cleaner air would still enable us
To "Catch Another Butterfly"!
For if we become complacent
I'm sure we'd sorely miss
The flower beds that once full- bloomed
While asking "Whose Garden Was This?"
"Mother Nature's Son" was very,very cool!
To "Take Me to Tomorrow" he'd let it be.
And we agree that John was definitely "green"
- But he was NEVER, EVER "shady"!
(copyright by Carole Romanowski)
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CONSCIOUS CHOICES – TIPS AND TRICKS FOR SAVING $, TIME AND THE ENVIRONMENT
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Did you know that chargers such as those for your iPod or cellphone are always drawing electricity, even when they’re not in use? Pull out their plugs unless you’re charging your electronic equipment to save money and energy.
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WEBSITES OF INTEREST
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Did you know that you can save 200 gallons of water every year, just by turning off the water when you brush your teeth? Here’s more – on toothpaste:
IDEAL BITE [http://www.idealbite.com/]
Does your toothpaste get wasted?
The Bite
The thing is, the tube's probably still loaded. Most people dump product containers before they're empty, so next time you go to toss that lotion or toothpaste tube, squeeze, cut, invert, shake, or water down, and raise your glass to less waste.
The Benefits
More cash for vino. Save yourself from buying more stuff than you need.
Sipping away at waste. About 10% of your toothpaste goes unused if you don't squeeze out every last bit.
It's as satisfying as getting to the bar during happy hour. You paid for it; it's yours, so why not take advantage of the whole shebang?
Wanna Try?
Cut It Up - cut your toothpaste tube or lotion bottle in half - you'll be amazed how much is left inside.
Shake It Up - add a little water to your shampoo, conditioner, or liquid laundry detergent bottles, then shake it up, baby.
Turn It Upside Down - store containers upside down in your fridge, cabinet, or shower, and let gravity work for you.
Warm It Up - shower with bottles; the heat will soften the product inside.
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FOR SALE
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If you're looking for something special for a special someone, come check out what Wildlife Creations (http://www.geocities.com/wldlifecreation) has to offer!! We have many items relating to John Denver and other items that would make fantastic gifts for people you know and love! Or gift someone who is hard to buy for, something that they will talk about for years! From keychains, snowglobes, t-shirts, potpourri jars and more!!! We're sure you'll find something! And remember, whenever you purchase from Wildlife Creations, you're not only giving a gift to someone you know, but to the Windstar Foundation and also the National Wildlife Federation, in John's memory, for wolf education as all proceeds are given to them. Wildlife Creations is now offering a feature product.
Checkout the website for this month's offering! For more information, you can email us at wldlifecreation@wildmail.com.
In this healing time...
Thank you for helping to make the world
a better place in which to live,
Diana and Susan
Wildlife Creations
http://www.geocities.com/wldlifecreation
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ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS
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The Green Home
Looking Beyond the E.P.A.’s Seal of Approval
By JULIE SCELFO
Published: April 15, 2009
LONG before “green” was a household buzzword, a small company in Burlington, Vt., was making nontoxic cleaners and selling them through catalogs and word-of-mouth. Twenty years later, Seventh Generation seems to be everywhere, so the Green Home dialed up its president, Jeffrey Hollender, to see what makes this company tick.
The cleaning aisle is chock-full of so-called green cleaners. Why should consumers buy your stuff instead of Method, Greenworks and countless other brands?
There are lots of products that look and feel green, and maybe contain a few drops of baking soda. But from our perspective, they’re not really green. We only use ingredients that are proven to be safe. Most companies take the opposite point of view, and assume all ingredients are safe until proven otherwise. Is formaldehyde a carcinogen? Scientists haven’t determined. But rather than put that in our products, as some companies do, we know it’s better not to take the chance.
I’ve heard many complaints about the effectiveness of your products. The automatic dishwasher gel, in particular, seems to get low marks — even from readers of Seventh Generation’s blog.
The gel is not as effective. We know that and we wouldn’t dispute that. We’re reformulating the gel right now, but keep in mind it doesn’t have phosphates or chlorine, which means it’s safer for you and the environment. Most of our other products, when tested by independent third parties like Consumer Reports, perform nearly as well as the best in their categories. Consumer Reports says our high-efficiency laundry detergent performs identically to Wisk, nearly as well as Tide, and better than All and Purex.
Why doesn’t Seventh Generation participate in the E.P.A.’s Design for the Environment Program, which confers a seal to products made with chemicals that are deemed less harmful?
The E.P.A.’s program, while one of the better ones, isn’t as stringent as our standards, so we’ve chosen not to participate. Even though we would easily meet the criteria, we don’t want consumers to compare our product with another one bearing the same seal, and think they are comparable.
Your company preaches environmental responsibility, but what about all the packaging that ends up in landfills. Isn’t Seventh Generation just adding to the problem?
That is absolutely a problem. We have been working on ways to mitigate it. Some time this year, 75 percent of our bottles will be made from recycled plastic. That’s not as good as making them reusable or refillable. But that is better than making bottles from largely nonrecycled materials.
Tell us about your book, “Naturally Clean,” which offers recipes for homemade cleaning solutions.
Making your own cleaners has the lowest environmental impact of all. It would be difficult to make your own laundry and automatic dish detergent, but if people want to make their own glass cleaners, they should.
So instead of buying your glass cleaner for $4, I should make my own?
Yes. For windows, fill a spray bottle with a mixture of two cups of water and 1/4 cup of distilled vinegar. For counters, mix 2 teaspoons washing soda, 2 teaspoons borax, 1/2 teaspoon natural liquid soap and 1 cup of hot water. Shake well.
Are there other cleaners that can be made at home?
Baking soda and water is a good solution, and you can use it as a bathroom cleaner for tubs and tiles.
What other advice would you offer for staying green?
While it’s better to buy recycled over nonrecycled, it’s better to buy nothing to begin with. The first thing you should do is don’t buy things you don’t need. Even our products.
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NEWSLETTER NEWS
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If you would like to submit articles, news items, stories, poetry, or any other pertinent information to IT'S ABOUT TIME, please e-mail any of the IAT staff. The submission deadline for the next edition is July 19, 2009. Please be sure to include any contact information so that members can e-mail or snail-mail for further details.
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The contents of this newsletter are entirely at the discretion of the "It's About Time" staff. Contributions, as always, are welcomed, although inclusion is not guaranteed. All contributed material may be subject to editing for content and length.
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". . . IT'S ABOUT TIME WE START TO LIVE
IT,
THE FAMILY OF MAN,
IT'S ABOUT TIME
AND IT'S ABOUT CHANGES . . .
AND IT'S ABOUT TIME."
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