Peter Thomas Senese and the I CARE Foundation have made a significant contribution protecting children from international abduction. Since the I CARE Foundation’s inception, the reported U.S. outbound child abduction rate has declined 38% since 2009. Under Peter’s leadership the I CARE Foundation’s International Travel Child Consent Form has been called a groundbreaking global child abduction prevention tool praised by the international legal community
Like every parent who has chased into the storms of international parental child abduction, I have been to He!! and back. There is nothing that I can compare what it is like to be a chasing parent searching for your child.
Recently the Examiner published a fairly detailed article about the I CARE Foundation and our efforts to help children fighting cancer or who are targeted for international parental child abduction. The published story has a theme that I appreciate outside of my advocacy work, and that is books really can and do make a big difference in our lives. Chasing The Cyclone has done that for a large and growing number of parents.
In the meantime, I urge all parents, particularly those involved in multi-cultural relationships that show signs of previous or ongoing strain to remember that the Christmas Holiday Season is a hightened time of the year when children get internationally abducted. Please do not think this issue is not important to you - most every parent who has had their child stolen by the other parent didn't feel it was important either; however, with as many as 125, 000 American and 20,000 Canadian children expected to be internationally abducted over the next 10 years - it is worth 2 minutes of your time to understand.
Once the 2012 election is certified, residents of Colorado and Washington State can legally smoke marijuana. Imagine that.
Yes, smoking a joint is still illegal under Federal Law. But state law in the Rocky Mountain state now allows for people to light up whenever they want - without a medical prescription. Same for Washington State.
Tourist are sure to flock to Colorado for this new recreational activity that may see more visitors roll up and than hit their amazing slopes. And if they don't want to travel to Colorado, they can travel to the Pacific Northwest - the new Amsterdam - and toke up while hiking Mount Baker or kyacking around Orca's island, or picking blueberries outside of Blaine.
As for me: I don't light-up. I really don't want others to light up because of the impairment issues. And I sure don't want my son to ever light up.
Of course, I understand there is a medicinal benefit to marijuana. And I appreciate the benefits of the use of the drug for medical purposes. So long as it is not abused.
But it hasn't really been abused, right? Hmm
It is also going to be interesting to see how the clash between federal and state law is going to oversee marijuana use in Colorado and Washington.
Surely there are going to be many legal court battles . . . and many advocates on both sides of the issue are going to be weighing in.
Could the legalization be all part of a masterplan by real estate developers and hotel operators in Colorado and Washington State to increase business in this sluggish economy? Will smokers and tokers decide to pick up and move to these two pot-friendly states that will allow residents to grow up to 6 pot plants of their own per household? Will there be a new chain of state hotels that mix fine accomodations with licensed pot distributors? Oh the possibilities. Seriously . . . I'm not sold on any of this.
This was taken from the Denver Post . . .
Voters approved an amendment legalizing recreational marijuana use in Colorado on Tuesday, making this one of two states to end prohibition of the drug but also raising new legal questions and setting up potential court battles.
The historic result, projected by The Denver Post on Tuesday night, drew raucous cheers and applause from the amendment's supporters, who gathered in hundreds at Casselman's in downtown Denver.
"We won! We won!" supporters cried as the results were splashed across a giant screen.
Amendment 64 led late Tuesday night with 53.3 percent voting yes and 46.7 percent voting no, with 1,863,535 votes or about 66 percent of active voters counted, according to the Colorado Secretary of State's office.
"This is really groundbreaking," said Beau Kilmer, co-director of the Rand Drug Policy Research Center. "No modern jurisdiction has ever removed the prohibition on the production and possession of marijuana for recreational purposes. ... Since no one has done this before, there are a lot of uncertainties."
Voters in Washington state approved a similar measure Tuesday; in Oregon a legalization issue failed.
The amendment will allow those 21 and older to purchase up to one ounce of the drug at specially regulated retail stores. Possession would be legal but not public use. Adults could grow up to six marijuana plants at home. It sets up a direct challenge to federal drug law, which regulates it as an illegal substance. Federal authorities have not said how they will respond.
"This demonstrates that the people of Colorado are just as smart as we thought they were," said Mason Tvert, one of the directors of the Yes on 64 Campaign. "They were fed up with prohibition and decided they want a more sensible approach."
Prohibition of drugs is a bad thing? Really?
Critics argued that passing the amendment would make Colorado a destination for drug tourists and prompt a federal crackdown. They cited concerns about increased use of the drug by children and more drugged driving.
Among the opponents was Gov. John Hickenlooper, who said in a statement Tuesday night that "the voters have spoken and we have to respect their will. This will be a complicated process, but we intend to follow through. That said, federal law still says marijuana is an illegal drug so don't break out the Cheetos or gold fish too quickly."
State criminal penalties for possessing the drug won't disappear until the election is certified, which could take up to two months.
The amendment doesn't spell out the details of how the commercial marijuana industry will be regulated. It leaves that up to the state Department of Revenue, which would oversee the specialty shops. Proponents envision something similar to the state's system governing medical marijuana, which involves security requirements, the monitoring of plants as they are grown and shipped and auditors who perform site checks.
Who is in charge?
"Colorado has a lot of work to do quickly in terms of setting up the appropriate rules and structures," said Rosalie Pacula, another co-director for Rand's Drug Policy Research Center. She noted that because the measure is a constitutional amendment, it will have to go back to voters for repairs if there are problems; the legislature will be unable to intervene.
The federal government's response is anyone's guess, she said, but it will likely be resistant. Other experts have said federal agents could arrest individual users, though that would be a departure from their usual focus on large-scale dealers.
In the year before the first stores open, the federal government may choose to challenge the measure in court by arguing that it is pre-empted.
Whatever happens, I sure hope that if you are going to choose to light up in Colorado, just like drinking, that you do it in serious moderation and remember that your body's ability to react slows, your perception changes, and you increase the chances that you might hurt yourself and others.
Be smart. And parents - do whatever you need to in order to protect your children. Seriously.
As for me, I will refrain from smoking. Instead, I'll continue to embrace my own drug of choice: pizza. Be safe - Peter Thomas Senese
I respect President Obama a great deal as a man, a leader, and as President of the United States of America.
However, I do not believe he is the best candidate to lead our nation over the next four years.
Here are a few reasons why, in the simplest of terms . . . and yes, I understand that things are not simple:
1. Our National Debt is out of control; and,
2. Our Economy continues to slide down; and,
3. The handing of certain foreign policy events are very damaging.
4. I have lost confidence in his policies.
Regardless of you view of our current president, remember HE is OUR president and the office of President of the United States is to be respected for what it represents.
Whatever you do, whatever you believe in - Get Out And Vote!
Now - I'm off to make some cupcakes and get ready for a very interesting night of watching the news!!
The Holiday Season And International Parental Child Abduction In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy and the havoc she brought upon the New York - New Jersey Metropolitan area, I want to share a very important message that we are now upon the Christmas Holiday Season, which means it is also one of the prominent times of year when many children are internationally abducted by one parent from another.
As in all cases of parental abduction, these crimes against children are well-thought-out, well-planned and designed to catch a targeted parent off-guard and unsuspecting that a horrible scheme is underway to have their child taken.
And the schemes that eventually see children abducted or illegally detained abroad are being carried out right now.
With 100,000 to 125,000 American Children and anywhere from 12,500 to 20,000 Canadian children reported to be expected to be internationally abducted over the next ten years DO NOT STICK YOUR HEAD IN THE GROUND: International parental child abduction is a panemic that silently steals children. Don't let your child be abducted. Educate yourself.
You should know only an estimated 10% of all children internationally abducted ever come home.
What To Look For
In many instances of cross-border parental child abduction that occurs during the holiday season, generally the largest number of incidents takes place when one parent travels to another country with their child or children of a relationship accompanied by, or with the initial consent of the other parent.
Generally, the travel takes place under a guise of a holiday trip abroad to visit family members of the parent intending to abduct. Of course, the targeted parent is clueless as to what is really going on.
So for example, Father X was born and raised in the Middle East but married Woman Y, who is an American citizen. The couple lives in the United States, where their child was born and raised.
Unknown to the the woman in the relatioship, the husband wants to end the relationship and relocate back to his country of origin back in the Middle East. However, he has one problem: he knows that his wife will never allow for him to legally take the child with him. So instead of announcing his true intent to seperate, the husband will create critically important misdirection. Meaning, he will do everything possible to make his wife believe that he is happy and committed in the relationship. I did say everything possible.
Why? Becuase it is critical that she put her guard down and not suspect any foul play or scheme.
In the meantime, little things - that are really big things - may be taking place visibly or without knowledge of the targeted parent. There are many warning signs to look for, but if the subtleties are not carefully considered, then the would-be abductor will get away with their plan. So the husband who is intending to abduct the child by wrongfully detaining the child abroad will continue to create a facade of being happily married and committed to the relationship while carefully laying out a plan to get the child abroard.
Eventually, and right about this time of the year, the would-be abductor makes the suggestion that it would be 'great' or 'nice' or 'meaningful' to travel abroad together or without the other parent (depending on reasonable circumstances) in order to see his parents, siblings, and extended family. And of course, all of this is in the best interest of the child of the partnership. Now, since the wife may believe the husband is committed to their relationship and does not even consider that he may have intent to not return to their marital home, she more than likely is willing to consent to the holiday vacation. Unfortunately for the mother and child, the trip takes place. Unknown to both, the parent intending to abduct has already hatched a well-thought out plan, including what may be necessary to keep the child abroad while removing the other parent's rights to the child abroad. Everything is deception - and everything must be considered.
For example: the husband may ship certain belongings like a crib or a stroller and other items of the child that may create the appearnace the other parent knew he was relocating - and gave consent! Or, he may have begun to move his assets abroad. Once abroad with his wife and child, the woudl-be abductor may make false accusations of child or spousal abuse (men and women both claim abuse in cases of of planned abduction), claims of drug use, or any other claim that may indicate that the child is at risk.
By stating the child is at risk, this could potentially allow a local court in the foreign country to grant him immediate custody of the child - even though the child's original jurisdiction is in the country they were born and raised. In addition, in cases where a Hague Application may be filed, the abductor has laid ground for an Article 13 Defense (which evolves around the best interest of the child). If it sounds complicated, it is. It is important for individuals married or in a relationship with partners who originate from non-Hague countries such as those located in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East to understand that if you are traveling to nations located in these areas and the other parent intends to not return to the child to the country of original jurisdiction, there is a very good chance they will be successful in keeping the child abroad . . . and your contact will be limited or absolved completely. Additionally, it is important to pay careful attention to Hague-Convention non-complying countries such as Germany, Brazil, Mexico, and Poland. Of course, if you ever plan to travel abroad and have been involved in a suspecious or strained relationship, please contact an attorney who is familiar with international parental child abduction prevention. Though I am not an attorney, I would highly advise you consider obtaining a court order prior to travel that the child is to be returned. However, remember - in countries that are not members of internatinal treaties regarding abduction or do not comply to such said treaties - if a child is taken - it will be very costly and difficult to bring your child home. So - if you have any suspecion that an abduction might be planned - and this time of year is the planning period for the high number of Christmas Holiday Abductions that occur - seek the advice of a qualified lawyer - and do not let your child travel abroad under any circumstance. Pay attention to the warning signs and act now!
Raising Awareness - The Power Of A Book
The American Flag and U.S. Senate Citation
As many know, I am committed to not only raising awareness about child abduction, but through the I CARE Foundation I am the Founding Director of, I am absolutely committed to stopping abduction by creating new laws and policiies that help prevent abduction or reunite children who have been abducted. And whenever possible, the I CARE Foundation will do what is necessary to help safely and legally bring a child home - something we have accomplished on numerous occassions thus far this year.
In fact, the natural progress of events beginning from the initial e-book publication of Chasing The Cyclone led to the creation of the not-for profit I CARE Foundation. I am happy to share that through the efforts of the I CARE Foundation dozens of children who have either been internationally kidnapped or who have been targeted for international abduction have either been safely reunited with their families or were actually protected from abduction, and remain safely home.
This is a fairly significant statement when considering that the foundation's volunteer reunification efforts represents a noteworthy number of all American children who have come home. Truth is, the majority of children will never come home. Some simply can't: they are gone forever.
And this sentiment is not a piece of fiction: it is reality. And it sucks. And it is worth standing up and fighting for.
Best-Selling Author Peter Thomas Senese
I think for any author, the biggest goal when writing any book is to have an impact on your intended audience. The financial success of a book is obviously important; however, the desire to influence others is the real intent.
And with dozens of children either rescued or protected from abduction thus far, combined with the many initiatives the I CARE Foundation has under way that will further help others, I am pleased with Chasing The Cyclone's impact thus far. But there is a long way to go.
Having seen first-hand the horrors of abduction, I am committed to continuing fighting this fight. Fortunately, governments from around the world are taking notice of the I CARE Foundation's work - which means we're making a difference.
In fact, last month I had the opportunity to participate in the United State's Department of State's 'International Visitor Leadership Program' at the United State's Mission to the United Nations concerning the foundation's advanced work in child abduction and human trafficking prevention. It was a great honor, particularly when considering some of the incredible global leaders who have previously participated in the program.
Unquestionably, the publication of 'Chasing The Cyclone' has helped many parents and children: new laws have been passed, new policies implemented, and new legislation that could help stop abduction and trafficking is on the horizon - and children are home.
From Left to Right Chris Morris, Eugene Pothy & I CARE Founder Peter Thomas Senese
My financial commitment to the I CARE Foundation and support of the organization's efforts to help children remains steadfast as shared by I CARE Board Member, Hague Convention Attorney Network member and highly respect attorney Joel Walter in a very kind article he shared on his website. In fact, I have donated 100% of all of my various novel's proceeds over the past year to the I CARE Foundation: it is a commitment I intend to continue (outside of the month of November, when all proceeds will be donated to help victims of Hurricane Sandy).
Being able to assist the I CARE Foundation has been a responsibility of mine that in truth has been a privilege to uphold. But truth is, nearly seven years ago I never even knew the collective words international parental child abduction were. Nor did I realize that I was one of a surging number of individuals who were not familiar with this vonocular. And quite frankly, at that time, most individuals in society did not realize the severity of this crime or what a chasing parent will go through to safely bring home their child. Nor did they realize that sociopathic tendancies of an abusive abductor, who, not only would kidnap a child, but would attempt to slander and defame the targted other parent because international law has established a loophole known as the 'Abductors Defense' (Hague Convention: Article 13) that know targeted parent is immune from.
To read about Chasing The Cyclone's impact, click here. To purchase Chasing The Cyclone, please visit Amazon or BN.
Most of all, if you are in a multi-cultural relationship and you think there may be a chance that your spouse or partner may try to abduct your child during the coming holiday season, please pay attention to the information I have provided. International parental child abduction is only three degrees of seperation from impacting someone you know.
People do the strangest of things during times of chaos. And Bitch Sandy sure brought on more than her fair share of hardship, struggle, irrational behavior - while also bringing out her fair share of idiots. .
Best-selling author and I CARE Foundation
Founding Director Peter Thomas Senese
One last thing: I have announced that I am donating 100% of all my revenue generated from my various international legal thrillers to help those impacted by Hurricane Sandy:
If you're in the areas impacted by Hurricane Sandy, please be safe out there. And wherever you are, if you have the ability of helping those who have been affected, please do.
In the wake of Hurricane Sandy and the devastation it has caused on communities everywhere, I will be donating 100% of my author revenues generated from my various books, incluidng the critically acclaimed international legal thrillers 'Chasing The Cyclone', the international financial thriller 'The Den of the Assassin', and the theological thirller 'Cloning Christ', as well as all other publications.
Hurricane Sandy Has Destroyed The Lives Of So Many
Should you desire to purchase a hardcover copy of any of my books, I would prefer you purchase this direrectly from my website as I will be able to include a dedication of your chosing.
As for e-book purchases, may I suggest shopping on either Barnes & Noble or Amazon.
The needs of the individuals in the areas hit hardest by Hurricane Sandy are immense. I will donate all revenue to help others up until at least December 1st, 2012, at which time a deciscion will be made as to what will be done next as my book revenues previously helped finance the I CARE Foundation - which has successfully rescued and safely brought home numerous internationally kidnapped children.
At the moment I am in Southern Brooklyn, not to far from the Marine Park Bridge that crosses into Breezy Point, Riis Park, Rockaway Beach and Bell Harbor.
The eclectic communities that make up this area of Southern Brooklyn include Mill Basin, Mill Island, Bergan Beach, Marine Park, Flatlands, and Gerritsan Beach (which has gotten hit really bad). Few homes here have electrical power or heat. Many households have children or elderly people in them. And it is getting cold fast.
Every
2 to 3 minutes the blaring sounds of a fire engine, police car, or
ambulance bursts into the air ... there are a lot of ambulance sirens. Even when I am sleeping I hear them now in my dreams.
On
the streets, which are mostly void of working traffic signals, I see teams of police
officers standing in heavily dense intersections trying to keep the heavy traffic of frustrated and scared drivers
flowing. These policemen and policewomen out on the streets come from some of the most heavily
impacted areas of Hurricane Sandy- many have lost their homes, or in the least, been
displaced just like so many. But there they are - doing what they do . .
. responding. And it amazes me.
Many of my friends have reached out to me asking what they could do to help. I have said to each of you at this time pray ... and when ready plan on providing assistance at the local organizational level in communities in New York and New Jersey that have been badly hit because, as I experienced during 9-11, these local community organizations are able to help those individuals who fall through the cracks ... and Sandy didn't simply make a few cracks - it blew out more than a few walls.
There goes three more firetrucks, a small convoy of the national guard and two more ambulances.
I know that I am bouncing from place to place here, but my own mind is 'walking in a circle'.
The
day before Hurricane Sandy came to shore I was thinking that I should
have returned back home in Los Angeles: my nice heated pool, my boat, and a
round of golf were all on the day's agenda. However, I decided to stay
here in New York because, well I am a New Yorker. Weighing in on my decision was the fact that I knew I
had many family and friends who may bear the brunt of this storm,
especially since the weather forecasters were talking about it coming
into the the Hudson Harbor and Long Island's Atlantic Ocean.
There goes an two Con Edison utility trucks. Why are they empty?
It was only five days ago since Hurricane Sandy ascended onto the New York and New Jersey shores but the havoc it has caused feels more like it has been a month of no heat, no power, no gas, limited food, limited access to most things ... and no answers. Many individuals are simply trying to figure out who to turn to, how to turn to them, and what to turn to them for.
Have you ever walked around in circles for 5 minutes? Try doing it for 5 days. It will seem like 5 weeks.
Have you ever lost an important photograph or your favorite sweater? Well, think about losing all of your possessions.
Have you a place to lay your head tonight? For many thousands, the same can't be said.
Which reminds me, a word to everyone who does not have heat: lather your body in Vaseline - the petroleum jell will close your pours, serving to keep your body's heat in while also acting like a wind and water deterrent.
Hurricane Sandy has causes such a mess.
Long Island's city of Long Beach and most of the homes in it are now gone. This was the home of my brother John and Kelly. My brother, like many who made Long Beach there home, was a 9-11 hero firefighter. He nor Kelly didn't deserve this. Thank God my brother has Kelly. Long Beach was also the home of several other family members: their homes are either gone or severely damaged . . . but you know, even the houses that have been severely damaged are useless since their is now power, the water in contaminated, the sewer systems have failed, the majority of the stores and restaurants have been destroyed, the schools shut, and garbage from the flood-soaked houses - food and furniture and clothing - liter the streets: Christmas has come early for the rodents.
Long Beach as it was once known is gone.
But the spirit of those who lived in Long Beach is time-tested and resilient. These folks, like my brother and Kelly, know how to come back, and come back stronger than ever.
God willing, that is what we will see.
Closer to where I sit here in Brooklyn - very close to the once sandy beaches of the Rockaway Peninsula that I grew up on as a young boy and young adult playing in the refreshing waters of Riis Park- is Breezy Point, which sits on the westernmost part of the Queens peninsula. It is a community very similar in many ways to Long Beach.
There go two more firetrucks, their lights streaming and the sirens screaming.
As many of you know, over 100 homes were destroyed by an unthinkable fire that occurred during the height of Hurricane Sandy. Many more were lost due to the Atlantic's swells that caused the ocean to meet Jamaica Bay.
Many of my friends including my brother are firefighters. I can't imagine what it was like for the firefighters who responded to the Breezy Point nightmare, especially because Sandy's fierce and furious wind along with the rain created an unreachable inferno fireball that was once the home of many of New York's first responder firefighters and police officers.
My cousin George and his wife Stella had a home in Breezy Point. My heart breaks for George and Stella. Last month, they lost their son and grandson in an early Sunday morning automobile accident. Now Sandy.
Another ambulance.
As I think about how many first-responders have personally been hit hardest by the storm who are out there now or will be out there later this evening, I immediately think of two pals of mine. My dear friend Paul, who I have been friends with for over 25 years and who has made a difference with the I CARE Foundation our our efforts to rescue internationally kidnapped children is a sergeant with the Port Authority and has his hands more than full dealing with the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel and its still 30 million gallons of water inside that tunnel, and the Queens Midtown Tunnel and the 12 million gallons that sit inside that tunnel. Paul lives in Staten Island - which has been hit so bad. In fact, on Paul's city block, one of his neighbors - a father - drowned the night of the storm when a surge of water flooded his home when he was in the basement, causing the doors to close on his life forever.
I'm not kidding, there are more sirens going off. I can't see what they are attached to, but I think they are firetrucks.
My very good friend is a Suffolk County police officer. He lives in one of the areas of the Queens Peninsula that has been hit hardest: Rockaway Beach. Fortunately for Chris he lived in a high-rise. But that didn't prevent the Atlantic from racing into his building. Chris didn't need this: before becoming a highly decorated police officer Chris was part of the FDNY. Tonight, this man will patrol areas of Suffolk Country prone to heavy crime and looting. Ever since Sandy has shown up, I pray for my friend's safety because he is out in an area that is simply not cool. Not cool at all. And so if you pray, please keep Chris in your prayers because he has another major challenge going on: his daughter had been internationally abducted and he is doing everything legally possible to bring her home. Sandy was one real bitch.
The other night I ran into my old friend Joe. Joe, like my brother John, is a FDNY hero now disabled due to the time he served the Great City of New York. Joe lived in Rockaway. Then the Atlantic showed up courtesy of Sandy.
Who invited Sandy? Seriously, Sandy was one real uninvited bitch.
My oldest childhood friend is Sam. There goes another convoy of flashing trucks - National Guard, Black SUV's, and a few FEMA trucks - and some glaring alarm is going off. I'm on sound overload.
My friend Sam lives in Staten Island. I have been trying to reach him. I can't. We have been friends since he was three years old and I two years old. I am worried about him and his family.
Back in Manhattan, most everything below 34th street is still shut down. Imagine being stuck in a building downtown with no power and no working elevator. Now imagine being on the 30th floor of a building.
In my role with the I CARE Foundation, we had sent out an Amicus Brief to help stop an abduction. The package was put into a Fedex drop located in one of the buildings downtown. I'm not sure if it was picked up by FedEx . . . I can't reach the building as it is closed, and I don't have the immediate access to the FedEx slip to track it. This weighs on me heavily: I take great pride in been able to help protect children who are at great risk of being internationally abducted by one parent from another.
I have many friends in New Jersey. Many are now homeless. Many more have no power, no heat, and no food. And it is cold.
Fuck you, Sandy.
Two hours ago I heard from my dear friend Eugene. I love Eugene, and was deeply worried about him, Clarice, Philippe and Lindsey. They have no power and heat. But they are okay, and the children are staying at Eugene's sister's home - who so happens to have heat. Police car, DOT, ambulance, police car, Con Edison utility truck.
Hurricane Sandy happens to be the worst storm to hit our shores in a very long time. The size and force of Bitch Sandy was so vast and powerful that it literally wiped out very large communities, while severely damaging many others. With so many people now homeless, with so little power in the region, and with the cold winter now on us, the people impacted by this monster storm unlike anything in American history need your help.
First, seriously ... prayer does work. So pray.
Secondly, if you are going to donate money, please donate a percentage of your money to nationally recognized organizations. In addition, please consider reserving a part of what you intend to give to local organizations run by community leaders in respective areas that have been severely hit. From my own personal experiences, I have seen that local organizations have the ability of assisting individuals in immediate need or individuals who might fall through the cracks for whatever reason. And God knows, right now there is a lot of cracks.
Most of all, please give what you can because so many people need help.
In the coming days I will share a list of some organizations worth considering.
Odd, 9 empty tractor trailers just passed by.
New York City is one of the most special places in the world because of the people that live here. New Yorkers come from all over the world ... some even live in other places (Hello Ned Treanor!) . . . but they have share something remarkable: a tremendous sense of determination and belief in one another and themselves.
One final thing: to the Sandy's of the universe out there ... this morning ray of sun is symbolic of the spirit of those who live in the New York area. All that was lost will be rebuilt.
Over the past few days I have had the opportunity to spend time in some of New York's most severly hit areas connected to Hurricane Sandy.
Let me make this clear: Sandy is a Bitch.
The devastation that has occurred in Breezy Point, Riis Park, Rockaway, Long Beach and Gerritsan Beach is so much more than any words or photographs can ever express.
In the coming future these communities - which have been either completely wiped out, or severely crippled - will need great assistance. Please keep an eye out on those organizations that are specifically being created for direct aid into these communities - as it is critical that aid gets to individuals in immediate despair.
Most of all, please keep all the individuals impacted by Hurricane Sandy in your prayers. Many have lost their life, scores more have been injured, tens of thousands have lost their homes, and millions have been impacted.
Here are a few photographs I though worth sharing:
Like every parent who has chased into the storms of international parental child abduction, I have been to He!! and back. There is nothing that I can compare what it is like to be a chasing parent searching for your child. 
