AUTISM SPEAKS NEEDS YOUR END OF YEAR DONATION TO REACH THEIR GOAL! WILL YOU HELP?

Image by bonnieann1815 via FlickrThis is the time to make donations to benefit you on your taxes...but MORE IMPORTANTLY TO HELP ORGANIZATIONS LIKE AUTISM SPEAKS AT THE END OF THE YEAR.

It's not too late to make a year-end tax-deductible donation
to AUTISM SPEAKS.

With your support, we can continue to:

* Fund research into the causes of autism, more effective treatments, and better diagnostic procedures.
* Advocate for insurance reform to help families cope with autism's financial demands.
* Provide services and resources for families living with autism now.
* Raise awareness of autism.

Thank you if you have already made your gift this year.

Recommended reading on the NAMI site

AnnMarie Cunniff thought you might be interested in the following Web page from NAMI - National Alliance on Mental Illness:

"2008"

Follow the link below:

http://www.nami.org/ADVTemplate.cfm?Section=Advocate_enewsletter_2008&Template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=71053&lstid=274

This is what AnnMarie Cunniff has to say:

Order from the NAMI Bookshelp
to support the cause.

----------------
NAMI
National Alliance on Mental Illness
www.nami.org
---------------

ARE YOU SAD IN THE WINTER?

Image via WikipediaI have friends who suffer from SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) and for a few years we took to reminding him/her in the winter, that they felt this same way the year before.

Not to minimize the impact this disorder puts on people, but just reminding them may ignite a spark bright enough to get them to their doctor and get the help they need. As it says in the article below, some people get relief from a little tanning or some particular lighting, but some may need medication and some extra help through these months.

Seasonal Affective Disorder

The holidays are a celebratory time for most people, but those affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) may experience continuing episodes of depression during the late fall and winter, alternating with periods of normal or high mood the rest of the year. While the environment can trigger the disorder in some people, a new study suggests that others may have a genetic predisposition to SAD.

People living with SAD may experience oversleeping, daytime fatigue, and weight gain. Others may show symptoms associated with depression, such as decreased sexual interest, lethargy, hopelessness, suicidal thoughts, lack of interest in normal activities, and social withdrawal. Many people with SAD do not feel “normal” until May.

In the study, researchers observed 220 people, including 90 people without depression and 130 people diagnosed with SAD. In the latter group, seven people had two mutated copies of the photopigment gene in the eye, which helps detect colors. The mutation makes a person with SAD less sensitive to light.

This information one day may be used to predict whether a person may have a higher risk for developing SAD, or whether light therapy will be effective.

While researchers have not identified specific causes of the disorder, seasonal circadian rhythm interruption, as well as changes in serotonin and melatonin production, may also play a role in the disorder.

When seasonal changes trigger recurring mild feelings of depression, some people living with SAD find that light therapy—using bright lamps or scheduling more time outdoors in winter—helps to manage symptoms. If symptoms noticeably affect one’s daily living, he or she should consult a mental health professional who is qualified to treat SAD.

FREE ASA PIN WITH YOUR DONATION TO AUTISM

Image by Ravenelle via FlickrTime’s running out to get a Free ASA lapel pin with your year end gift!



THIS THURSDAY is your last chance to get a FREE Autism Awareness lapel pin when you
make a year end gift to the Autism Society of America to help families living with autism.

2 Autism Awareness Cloisonne Pins
This colorful ribbon pin will tell the world
you care about the growing autism crisis.
It’s yours FREE with your year-end gift
in support of our mission!
Offer ends this Thursday, December 18th.
DONATE HERE
TELL A FRIEND

Please remember that while you help the Autism Society of America to improve the quality of life for individuals on the autism spectrum, you will also get a valuable tax deduction in 2008 to the full extent allowed by law.

Thank you for being such a strong partner in our mission and please be as generous as possible and make a secure, online donation today to get your pin!

Thanks for all you do!

Lee Grossman
President and CEO
ASA Member since 1991
Parent of a son with autism

YOUR OPINION COUNTS

Image by Getty Images via DaylifeI think it is important that the government know that our children with disabilities should be a priority in our country and they should all, under whatever conditions, first be DIAGNOSED BY A NEURO-PSYCH DOCTOR, especially before they are started on any type of medication. It is time that Pediatricians, who are not specialized, stop diagnosing children without the right tools and tests. We have to let them know that schools and insurance companies must open their doors to these children. Having limitations on the available benefits are what is hurting our children the most.

The ASA is looking for suggestions to be offered to the new White House Team about what benefits are needed to improve the lives of families with Autistic family members. This is what they are saying:
It is time for aggressive action from the grassroots level. President-Elect Obama and the Transition team need to hear from ASA and our community in a VERY BIG way!
Tell the new administration
your ideas for Autism
VISIT CHANGE.GOV
TELL A FRIEND

Please visit the Change.gov Health Care page and advance the agenda to support individuals with autism and their families. Here, there’s a button where you can submit your ideas for change. The more people write in to tell the new administration their autism concerns, the bigger chance we have of improving the lives of all affected by autism.

Click here for some suggested language.

Please pass this information on to family, friends, neighbors and anyone else you know who has an interest in improving the lives of all affected by autism. Then, ask them to go to the site and do the same. Together, we can create positive change!

Sincerely,
Lee Grossman
President and CEO
ASA Member since 1991
Parent of a son with autism

HELP KEEP THE RESOURCES COMING!

If just half of everyone reading this donates online, NAMI can finance NAMI.org for the entire year.

Every day, NAMI.org provides infomation and support to tens of thousands of individuals, family members and loved ones affected by mental illness.

And every hour of every day, NAMI.org visitors dig down deep and find a way to make an online contribution which helps NAMI continue to be the nation's voice on mental illness.

Every donation, no matter how small, helps NAMI provide real support, to real people.

AUTISM SPEAKS-e-SPEAKS UPDATES

Image via Wikipedia e-Speaks || December 5, 2008
Illinois General Assembly Passes Autism Insurance Bill

In yet another key victory for children with autism, on November 20, the Illinois General Assembly passed Senate Bill 934, an amendment that requires private health insurance companies to provide coverage of evidence-based, medically necessary autism treatments and therapies. To learn more about Senate Bill 934 and to find out what you can do to help the bill become law, click here. To stay informed about 2009 federal and state autism insurance reform legislation, sign up for action alerts here.
IAN REPORTS ON SPECIAL DIET
The Interactive Autism Network (IAN), which collects information via the Internet from families of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) throughout the U.S., surveyed parents on the use of special diets as treatment. In this report, IAN researchers share data on what parents have reported about their use of special diets, including the gluten-free/casein-free diet. Read more.

2008 Society for Neuroscience Annual Meeting Spotlights Autism Treatment
Washington, D.C. played host to more than 30,000 neuroscientists from around the world, including many Autism Speaks grantees, for the five-day Society for Neuroscience meeting November 15-19. Amidst many exciting developments in all fields of neuroscience, a theme of treatment of the component features of autism emerged. Read an overview of this year's conference here. Read more about progress in autism brain tissue research with highlights of Autism Tissue Program researcher projects here.

"Train 4 Autism" and Raise Money for Autism Speaks"
Running in a race or training for a triathlon? Join Train 4 Autism and help raise much-needed funds for autism research! Click here to learn more.
Share Your Holiday Tips with Our Community!
In our latest "In Their Own Words" essay, a mother tells how her son with autism spread a message of autism awareness and acceptance by starting an Autism Speaks Student Club at his middle school. Read more.
Share Your Holiday Tips with Our Community!
Do you have ideas or anecdotes that may help other families with autism prepare for the upcoming holiday season? Send them to us at editors@autismspeaks.org. We will include these in our next issue of e-Speaks.
DONATE NOW
CONTACT US

MEDICAL ALERT INFORMATION

Image via WikipediaI ran across some very helpful information today while researching Vagus Nerve Therapy (VNT) for Treatment Resistant Depression (TRD). Most people that take a range of medications must keep that information with them at times and usually do it through the use of a Medical Alert Bracelet, which usually costs about $40.00, but this fellow is suggesting a flash drive with all of the pertinent info loaded onto it for about $9.00. I thought that was a great idea and wanted to share it.

WHY DO WE PANIC?

Image by Forty Photographs via FlickrI just ran across a great article written about anxiety disorders that has some relevant and useful resources. Take the time to read up on panic disorders, in case you or someone you knows begins to experience them. As a sufferer, I know the pitfalls, but I also know, that good, solid, understandable information, will be the first step in recovery. My anxiety disorder is under control now, but every once in awhile I have a bout of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) that sets me back for a few days. It's all controllable, that is why articles like THIS ONE are so important. Do as much reading about this disorder as you can, especially if you or a loved one are suffering. It goes without saying, get help.
We all carry baggage and sometimes we don't don't know what the price of holding it all in, will cost us, until we are hit with something like a panic attack. Trust me, they are no fun. Be prepared, get informed, and if you do suffer, get help.

Medicare Drug Benefit Update: 2009 Plan Year Enrollment Begins

Image by dumbeast via FlickrNovember 15 marks the start of the open enrollment period for the Medicare Part D drug benefit for 2009. During this "open season" period for 2009 drug plan enrollment, Medicare beneficiaries will be able to select prescription drug coverage that goes into effect on January 1, 2009. The open season process ends on December 31.

As the 2009 plan year approaches, NAMI is watching closely to ensure that beneficiaries with serious mental illness, especially low-income dual eligibles, are able to maintain continued access to drug coverage that meets their complex treatment needs. Of particular concern are the estimated 1.3 million dual eligibles and low-income subsidy (LIS) Medicare beneficiaries that are being required to switch to different prescription drug plans (PDPs) on January 1. In addition, NAMI is also concerned about the more than 447,000 dual eligibles that are losing “deemed” status in 2009 and must now apply for the Part D LIS program to avoid increased costs next year.

To learn more about the important issue of Medicare drug plan reassignment of dual eligibles and LIS beneficiaries for 2008, click here.
Learn More about the 2008 Drug Plan Options

There are a number of important web-based tools to search available plan options, research whether or not a specific medication is on a plan’s formulary for 2008 – or is subject to an access restriction (placed on a tier requiring higher cost sharing, prior authorization, step therapy, quantity limit, etc.). Most can be searched by zip code to check on availability by geographic region. Here are a few links to these websites:
Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services
CMS 2009 Plan Finder.

CMS 2009 Formulary Finder

MAP-Rx Information on 2009 Open Season

Information for Dual Eligibles
Mental Health Part D

Access to Benefits Coalition

MENTAL ILLNESS DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE BETWEEN DEMOCRATS AND REPUBLICANS

Image by Vaguely Artistic via FlickrVOTE WISELY: VISIT NAMI FOR THE DETAILS.

"USE YOUR BIG BOY WORDS, DENIS LEARY"

Image via WikipediaI don’t known why a degree from Emerson gives him the right, but evidently Denis Leary seems to believe that he knows more about Autism than the neurologists that diagnose children with Autism in this country. He has called the parents of Autistic children “lazy, stupid or both”. How can anyone that has not been present when a parent hears the words, “Your child has Autism,” have any idea about the life those parents and their children live? In an article in The Boston Herald today there is an interview with the mother of an Autistic child, responding with outrage, to the things that Denis Leary has said in his book that is due out November 18. Is his book so bad that he is looking for publicity? What is the purpose of making comments about the parents of Autistic children? Has he run out of profanity? Every other word out of the comedian’s mouth is profane and yet he calls these parents lazy. Denis Leary is lazy or stupid if half of his vocabulary consists of profane expletives. Oh wait...IT DOES.

ELECTION DAY IS NOVERMBER 4

Autism Society of America: Vote 4 Autism in 2008
We need you to go out and vote.

AUTISM SPEAKS AND DANCING WITH THE STARS

Dancing With The Stars - About the Vote - ABC.com
Make sure you check out Dancing With the Stars tonight on ABC at 8:00 pm. Then vote for Toni Braxton in support of Autism Speaks. Do your part and vote for Toni.

re: INSPIRATION

This contains a lovely sentiment, a beautiful story that is touching many people. I hope it touches you as it has me.
Ann-Marie

--
LOL (LOVE OUT LOUD)
OUR GRATITUDE
http://www.linkbrander.com/pogo2go
http://www.linkbrander.com/65114
Add Magic Code to Your Site Make Money Instantly:http://annie4852.magiccode.hop.click




TO: UNSUBSCRIBE FROM THIS LIST: email anortonc@gmail.com

SENSORY FRIENDLY FILMS COMING TO THEATRES THIS WEEKEND

Autism Society of America: Email - Sensory Friendly Films Coming to New Theatres This Weekend
Don't Miss Beverly Hills Chihuahua this weekend.

ABC won't air our ad

ABC refused to air the Alliance for Climate Protection's Repower America ad about how oil and coal companies have blocked the country's switch to truly clean energy.  Tell ABC to reconsider their decision and air the Repower America ad. http://www.wecansolveit.org/ABC We're working to get 100,000 public comments to ABC before 20/20's next airing. Thank you.

HOW ARE YOU AFFECTED BY THE MENTAL HEALTH PARITY ACT?

The Mental Health Parity Act
Get the details and find out where you, friends, and family are affected by the passing of this bill.
I was watching Bonnie Hunt today and she had Joe Pantoliano on discussing his battle with mental illness.  He is working on a Documentary about his battle and that of others.  Watch for it, and go now and see how this parity bill will affect you.

PROFANITY IS UNACCEPTABLE IN A CHILD'S VOCABULARY

Great article to help change your children's behavior before it becomes habitual.
“F--- You, Mom!” How to Stop Your Child from Cursing in Your Home"

Do we like the same books?

Just a friendly reminder that I invited you to Shelfari. Come see the books I love and see if we have any in common. Then pick my next book so I can keep on reading.

Join me on Shelfari!

http://www.shelfari.com/

AnnMarie

Shelfari is a free site that lets you share book ratings and reviews with friends and meet people who have similar tastes in books. It also lets you build an online bookshelf, join book clubs, and get good book recommendations from friends.

You have received this email because AnnMarie (acunniff4852@gmail.com) directly invited you to join his or her community on Shelfari.

It is against Shelfari's policies to invite people who you don't know directly. Follow this link to prevent future invitations to this address. If you believe you do not know this person, you may view his or her Shelfari page or report him or her in our feedback section.

Shelfari, 616 1st Ave #300, Seattle, WA 98104

RE: I QUIT USING ADWORDS

Wow...

Yesterday, Eric Rockefeller a well known
super affiliate and marketer and a friend
of mine launched one of his "newest" secret
weapons that pillages Google for *free* clicks...
 
And it's selling like crazy, in just the
past 24 hours over 1000 smart and saavy
marketers, have picked up a coveted spot.

At this rate, he's sure to shut the doors
even sooner then expected, so I recommend
 grabbing yours now:

==>GOOGLE WEALTH MAKER

The response to this has been ridiculous...

WHY?

That's easy...It solves all the most common
 problems an affiliate marketer might have
with push-button ease.

*Get's you No-Cost traffic

*Helps you build rabid, responsive, lists

*Pillages Google for 1st page rankings

*Inserts "money links" for you
 
And it does it all with point-n-click power!

Sound awesome?

It is...but you have to go now...

==> http://www.automaticwealthmaker.com/member/?r=2553&i=1
 
There's an iron clad risk free guarantee
crush Google or your money back...

Take Care,


P.S.Think about what you can do with a
whole bunch of traffic hitting your money
pages without worrying about your budget...
 
==> http://www.automaticwealthmaker.com/member/?r=2553&i=1

Ann-Marie
--
LOL (LOVE OUT LOUD)
OUR GRATITUDE
http://www.linkbrander.com/pogo2go
http://www.linkbrander.com/65114
Add Magic Code to Your Site Make Money Instantly:http://annie4852.magiccode.hop.click




TO: UNSUBSCRIBE FROM THIS LIST: email anortonc@gmail.com

Do we like the same books?

I just joined Shelfari to connect with other book lovers. Come see the books I love and see if we have any in common. Then pick my next book so I can keep on reading.

Join me on Shelfari!

http://www.shelfari.com/

AnnMarie

Shelfari is a free site that lets you share book ratings and reviews with friends and meet people who have similar tastes in books. It also lets you build an online bookshelf, join book clubs, and get good book recommendations from friends.

You have received this email because AnnMarie (acunniff4852@gmail.com) directly invited you to join his or her community on Shelfari.

It is against Shelfari's policies to invite people who you don't know directly. Follow this link to prevent future invitations to this address. If you believe you do not know this person, you may view his or her Shelfari page or report him or her in our feedback section.

Shelfari, 616 1st Ave #300, Seattle, WA 98104

Join me

I just used the We Campaign's simple letter to the editor writing tool to tell my local paper about how now is the time create a green economic recovery.  Main street needs these jobs.  Our climate requires them. It's easy, and I wanted to ask you to take a moment and write one too: http://www.wecansolveit.org/content/speak-out-green-jobs-now/ The We Campaign is a project of The Alliance for Climate Protection -- a nonprofit, nonpartisan effort founded by Nobel laureate and former Vice President Al Gore. The goal of the Alliance is to build a movement that creates the political will to solve the climate crisis -- in part through Repowering America with 100% clean electricity within 10 years. You can find out more at: http://www.wecansolveit.org/ Thanks!

CONTACT YOUR CONGRESSMEN

NAMI | Current Status of Federal Mental Illness Insurance Parity Legislation
With only 1 week left it is crucial to get information to your congressmen to vote on the parity bill to require plans to cover mental illness and substance abuse treatment on the same terms and conditions as all other illnesses.

How would you like 2 Million Sites linking to your ad ?

More and more people are subscribing to feeds every
day and there are millions who are already subscribed.
Thus, your ad will reach a very broad range of potential customers with
each use of Feed Blaster!

Feed Blaster is the first & only submitter that can submit your
ads to thousands of feeds within a few minutes!

Post your ads where people read them!

- What if you could place your ad into all these feeds ?

Right, that would mean you would have millions of sites
linking to your ad - and millions of users reading your message within
minutes - and my idea actually works.

http://61.145.62.86/1/s/feedblaster/

http://61.145.62.86/remove/

The Dash - Sent Using Google Toolbar

The Dash

[X]

Join Our Free Newsletter

IF YOU ENJOYED THIS MOVIE, CLICK HERE TO SHARE IT WITH YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS.

RECEIVE A FREE DVD OF THE DASH MOVIE When you purchase The Dash For Only $16.95. Limited Time Offer, Good Only While Supplies Last. NOT SOLD IN STORES

How would you like 2 Million Sites linking to your ad ?

Weblog or blog population is exploding around the world, resembling the
growth of e-mail users in the 1990s.

Post your ads where people read them!

- What if you could place your ad on all these sites ? Right, that would
mean you would have millions of sites linking to your ad - and my idea
actually works.

I have developed a software that automatically places your ad on millions
of blogs.

You will receive thousands of targeted hits to your website as Blog Blaster
places your ad on blogs that match your ad's category. This method has never
been released to the public before. Very few, if anyone has implemented
this.

http://61.145.62.86/1/s/blogblaster/

http://61.145.62.86/remove/

many are getting more Customers and Sales than they can handle

What if I told you that I'm making thousands of dollars each week and I'm
not paying a dime for advertising ?

Google, Yahoo, MSN and others are sending me hundreds of new customers
every week - at $0 cost! Make Money On Auto-Pilot While You're Sleeping Or
Even On Vacation? STOP Everything You Are Doing and Read This Now!

This works for any product, website or affiliate website!

In other words�. Now You Can Have Years of Research, Testing, and
Experience At Your Fingertips.

http://61.145.62.86/1/w/seo/

http://61.145.62.86/remove/

sets this up completely for you on Auto-Pilot!

No Matter what you are selling - Hit-Booster will send targeted visitors to
your website!

Within 15 minutes you will have your own website traffic generator that
will bring in an ever increasing amount of hits to your websites!
Automatically

This software is perfect for bringing real traffic to your site... even
if... it's an affiliate link where you have no control over the website
content!

http://61.145.62.86/1/s/

http://61.145.62.86/remove/

you'll get 1000's of Highly Targeted visitors to your web site or affiliate web site overnight

What if I told you that I'm making thousands of dollars each week and I'm
not paying a dime for advertising ?

Google, Yahoo, MSN and others are sending me hundreds of new customers
every week - at $0 cost! Make Money On Auto-Pilot While You're Sleeping Or
Even On Vacation? STOP Everything You Are Doing and Read This Now!

This works for any product, website or affiliate website!

In other words�. Now You Can Have Years of Research, Testing, and
Experience At Your Fingertips.

http://61.145.62.86/1/w/seo/

http://61.145.62.86/remove/

$12 million grant for Autism Treatment Network

Gmail - e-Speaks: Autism Treatment Network Receives $12 Million Grant; 100 Day Kit Now Available in Spanish; Autism Speaks Debuts Community Pages - acunniff4852@gmail.com

1000s Of Hits From Google, Yahoo, MSN And Others At $0 Cost To You !

As incredible as it may sound you're about to discover�
a system how you can drive 1000s of potential customers�
to any website or affiliate website at $0 cost to you!

What if I told you that I'm making thousands of dollars each�
week and I'm not paying a dime for advertising ?

Google, Yahoo, MSN and others are sending me hundreds�
of new customers every week - at $0 cost!�

Make Money On Auto-Pilot While You're Sleeping Or Even�
On Vacation? STOP Everything You Are Doing and Read This Now!

This works for any product, website or affiliate website!

http://61.145.62.86/1/s/seo/

http://61.145.62.86/1/remove/

ART CREATED TO SUPPORT SUTISM

There is a wonderful sight with Art created to help support Autism Research. You can find many things that you can find practical uses for while supporting a wonderful cause. Take a minute to CHECK IT OUT.

SUPPORT THE MILITARY FAMILY AUTISM EQUALITY ACT

Autism Society of America President and CEO Lee Grossman joined Congressmen Jim Moran (D-VA) and Jeff Miller (R-FL) last week as they announced new bipartisan legislation that would help military retirees get health care coverage for autism therapy at a Capitol Hill press conference.

“The Autism Society of America strongly supports H.R. 6930, the Military Family Autism Equality Act, which would provide quality care to families that have made tremendous sacrifices for our country,” said Grossman. “It also sets an example for insurance companies in the private sector, an important step toward getting all families and individuals affected by autism the appropriate, medically necessary care they need.”

As you know, ABA therapy has been shown to be effective in treating individuals with autism, and reducing overall lifetime costs. Unfortunately, the military retiree health program does not provide coverage for ABA. This policy leaves approximately 8,800 children with autism of military retirees without access to needed care.

The Military Family Autism Equality Act would correct this problem by allowing military retirees to receive coverage under the Department of Defense’s Extended Care health Option (ECHO). The ECHO benefit provides up to $2,500 per month with a maximum of $30,000 per year for this important therapy.

We need your help to get this important legislation passed. Send a letter to your representative asking him or her to cosponsor H.R. 6930, the Military Family Autism Equality Act.

Sincerely,
The Autism Society of America

drive 1000s of potential customers to any website or affiliate website

Can you afford to lose 300,000 potential customers per year ?

How would You like to divert 1000s of fresh,
new visitors daily to Your web site or affiliate web site from
Google, Yahoo, MSN and others At $0 cost to you...?

..iNSTANT BOOSTER diverts 1000s of fresh,
new visitors daily to Your web site or affiliate
web site from Google, Yahoo, MSN and others
at $0 cost to you!

..No matter what you are selling or offering -
INTSANT BOOSTER will pull in hordes of potential�
customers to your website - instantly!

http://61.145.62.86/1/w/instantbooster/

http://61.145.62.86/1/remove

FEED THE CHILDREN

Gmail - Raise Your Voice Against Hunger - acunniff4852@gmail.com

1000s Of Hits From Google, Yahoo, MSN And Others At $0 Cost To You !

Can you afford to lose 300,000 potential customers per year ?

How would You like to divert 1000s of fresh, new visitors daily to Your web
site or affiliate web site from Google, Yahoo, MSN and others At $0 cost to
you...?

..iNSTANT BOOSTER diverts 1000s of fresh, new visitors daily to Your web
site or affiliate web site from Google, Yahoo, MSN and others at $0 cost to
you!

..No matter what you are selling or offering - INTSANT BOOSTER will pull
in hordes of potential customers to your website - instantly!

http://61.145.62.86/1/s/instantbooster/

http://61.145.62.86/1/remove/

NAMI 2008 RESOURCE GUIDE

NAMI UPDATE RECEIVED 09-22-08

Voting is the foundation of democracy. Every vote counts.

In 2000, President George W. Bush won the presidential election by winning in Florida by a margin of only 930 votes out of six million cast in the state. That win made the difference in the Electoral College.

Deadlines for registering to vote are fast approaching. You can register to vote online today through this newsletter. Please be sure to check your state's deadline. Absentee ballots involve different procedures with later deadlines. For separate applications and easy- to-follow procedures on absentee voting, please visit "Go Vote Absentee."

For additional information about deadlines and procedures, NAMI also recommends the League of Women Voters Education Fund's "Vote 411" site.

NAMI has released the responses of presidential candidates John McCain and Barack Obama to a detailed questionnaire about mental health care, along with highlights of the Democratic and Republican platforms.

The positions are offered as part of public education. As a non-profit organization, NAMI does not endorse political candidates, but mental illness does not discriminate between Democrats or Republicans. One out of four Americans is affected by mental illness at some point during their lifetimes.

Be an informed voter! Learn the positions of candidates and parties before you vote.


Help make mental health part of the Election dialog with candidates at the federal, state and local levels. There are many ways to make a difference.

* Learn the issues. Read through NAMI's Policy Action Agenda and pick up useful facts and points to emphasize.

* Ask questions. Attend a candidate forum. Ask candidates one or more open-ended questions related to mental illness.

* Talk with family, friends and others. Educate them. Make sure that they plan to vote on November 4.



Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) is observed October 5-11 and coincides with a televised presidential debate on November 7. One way to raise awareness of mental illness for that week is by submitting letters to editors or op-ed commentaries a week or more beforehand to your local newspaper.

A model letter and op-ed are included among MIAW materials. Please adapt them to include a personal story or observation in your own words and submit them to your own local paper-no matter how small.

This year's MIAW theme is "Building Community, Taking Action." In a democracy, elections are one way that we build community. Taking action means speaking out as part of public dialogue-and voting. The outcome of elections will also help determine actions that will be taken long after ballots are cast.

Post your ad to thousands of feeds

More and more people are subscribing to feeds every day and there are
millions who are already subscribed.

Thus, your ad will reach a very broad range of potential customers with
each use of Feed Blaster!

Feed Blaster is the first & only submitter that can submit your ads to
thousands of feeds within a few minutes!

Post your ads where people read them!

- What if you could place your ad into all these feeds ?

Right, that would mean you would have millions of sites linking to your ad
- and millions of users reading your message within minutes - and my idea
actually works

http://61.145.62.86/1/s/feedblaster/

http://61.145.62.86/1/remove/

99% Automated Auction Income!

Ever heard of the eBay ca$h machine ? 

I have developed the eBay Cash Machine - it allows everyone to make a
great 
income on eBay 99% automatically. It only takes a few minutes to set up
and 
once that is done you will have your own eBay Businesses that literally run
on auto-pilot! 
You just wait for the money to come in!

I have found a foolproof method how anyone can easily 
make an extra $250, $500 or even $1000 per week on eBay using my eBay Ca$h
Machine. 

http://61.145.62.86/v/cash/

http://61.145.62.86/1/remove/

Come Join My Network at Digg

AnnMarie Cunniff is a member of Digg and would like to send you an invitation. With Digg you can help promote and share news to the millions of Digg viewers with a single click (Digging a story). It is free to join and only takes a minute to sign up!

To accept this invitation follow this URL:
http://digg.com/invitefrom/pogo2go?OTC-em-in1

To verify that this email was sent by Digg user pogo2go, visit:
http://digg.com/verifymail?key=bce456090dc56d970e965a09cecc337e&OTC-em-in2

To opt out of ALL future emails from Digg, visit:
http://digg.com/optout?key=9bde38dd32e9667d372a6656df60d28f&OTC-em-in3

Digg will NOT store your email address, even if you opt out! Digg will store only an encrypted key, which even Digg cannot decipher.

Post your ad to thousands of feeds

ore and more people are subscribing to feeds every day and there are millions who are already subscribed.

Thus, your ad will reach a very broad range of potential customers with each use of Feed Blaster!

Feed Blaster is the first & only submitter that can submit your ads to thousands of feeds within a few minutes!

Post your ads where people read them!

- What if you could place your ad into all these feeds ?

Right, that would mean you would have millions of sites linking to your ad - and millions of users reading your message within minutes - and my idea actually works

 

Click here to visit my website

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unsubscribe

Preview movie trailers - $10-$50 per trailer!

How would you like to make $75 - $250 every single day just for clicking your mouse ?

This program is a MUST for:

Stay at home moms or dads
People who are retired
Anyone who needs extra money but has little time to spend
Students who need extra income
Anyone who needs to stay home but needs an income

All you have to do is click your mouse! 

 

Click here to visit my website

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unsubscribe

Create thousands of links to your website

How would you like 2 Million Sites linking to your ad ?

Weblog or blog population is exploding around the world, 

resembling the growth of e-mail users in the 1990s.

Post your ads where people read them!

- What if you could place your ad on all these sites ?
Right, that would mean you would have millions of sites linking to your ad.

 

Click here to vizit my website

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unsubscribe

MENIERE'S DISEASE

Recently I found that a friend of mine has a daughter that is suffering from Meneiere's Disease. I was doing some research online and found this printed on Menieres.org I thought maybe someone will find some solace in it. I am looking for forums and support sites that are formed around Meneiere's. If anyone has any to add for me, please contact me @ acunniff4852@gmail.com or add a comment to this post.
Thank you, and enjoy this post:

MENIERE'S DISEASE

Raymond Hines, the owner of Menieres.org, recently had an article published in the Spring 2008 issue of "Hearing Health" magazine by the Deafness Research Foundation. They asked him to write about how he coped with the vagrancies of Meniere's Disease and it is being reprinted here in the hopes it can also help you or at least give your friends and family what it's like to battle with Meniere's Disease.

Coping with Meniere's Disease
I'll never forget the day my world literally turned upside down, sideways, and then some. It was my first vertigo attack and even to this day -- more than ten years ago -- I can vividly remember being thrown into an emotional and physical tornado. I remember the violent spinning as if on a carnival ride gone awry in the worst way possible, the seemingly endless vomiting, and my bewildered mind crying for the spinning to please just stop.
Eight hours later the world finally came to a still and I was able to get back on my wobbly feet. At the time, I shrugged this off to a very bad case of food poisoning, not knowing back then that this was just the beginning of a lifelong struggle with Meniere's Disease. Over the next few years I would be plagued with the Pandora's box of aliments that came with it - violent vertigo attacks, further loss of hearing and balance, loud ringing in the ears, heavy brain fog, and the ensuing emotional trauma resulting from dealing with it.
Dealing with the physical part of Meniere's Disease is bad enough, but dealing with it emotionally can be even harder. Imagine the impending fear and anxiety that pours in when you feel an imminent vertigo attack coming - for many, panic attacks kick in at the same time, further worsening the situation. Imagine lying in bed riding out a battle royale going on in your ears and balance system. You're totally helpless and just trying to hang on for dear life, hoping against all odds that it'd be a mercifully short ride.

Then there's the damaging long-term effects of having to deal with Meniere's Disease that inexorably changes your life. There's the fear of going out into public places, even grocery stores whose floor patterns and row after row of aisles can make one feel woozy due to being overloaded with visual stimulus. There's the need to alter your lifestyle where you can't do the things you used to love and have taken for granted, such as riding roller coasters or even flying on planes for some. Plus, your own mind starts to question a lot of things that come with any life changing event - agony, sorrow, anger, despair, "why me?", and wondering how to deal with this the rest of your life.
It truly does seem like it's the end of the world for many of us that have to deal with Meniere's Disease and it is perfectly understandable given all the horrors that come with it.
Yet, the good news is there's thousands of us out there that have learned to deal with it and even live with it somehow. Although Meniere's Disease is considered incurable, there's lots of ways you can try to manage it the best you can. The key is to keep trying to find that right combination of factors that can help you, be it certain medications, or specific lifestyle changes such as reducing the amount of sodium intake, or even just getting in better shape health wise by exercising more. Due to the idiopathic nature of the disease, many different things work for many different folks, so it's important to explore every option available by doing your research and discussing it with your doctor.

It's also very important to come to terms with your disease emotionally and mentally. Do not let it control your life! At times you can feel all alone in the world with it, so it's essential that you find a support group that can include your friends and family to help you cope with Meniere's Disease. There's also plenty of places on the internet to find a group that suits you and provides you with the support you need. There's no greater feeling than finding a like group of fellow sufferers who understand exactly what you are going through that embrace you, give you a virtual hug, and then share their ways of coping with a chronic illness.
Above all, a positive attitude can go a long way, especially once you're past the "why me" stage. Knowing that you're not going to let this thing beat you and that you're still going to try to live your life to the fullest can be an enormous mental boost in coping with Meniere's Disease.
I'm a good example of a success story when it comes to living and coping with Meniere's Disease. Early on, it was a big struggle trying to learn how to deal with it mentally and physically. I was mired in a period of mourning and self-pity and I was letting the disease dictate my life. I even almost lost my own business due to an inability to run it. Fortunately, I decided to plow forward with my life and take it back. My doctor and I researched and found the best ways to control my symptoms, I changed my attitude to one of "I cannot" to "Do the best I can", and as with my profound hearing loss since birth, treated Meniere's Disease as just another obstacle to work around. As a result, my life is as normal as it can be, my business as flourished, and more importantly, I live a happy and fulfilling life.
You can do it too! Stay positive, surround yourself with a good support group of friends and family (including on the internet), and don't ever give up - you are not alone. Just remember that the down moments you'll encounter with Meniere's Disease are just speed bumps in the road of your life.

Unlimited visitors to your website 15 minutes from now!

No Matter what you are selling - Hit-Booster will send targeted visitors to your website!

Within 15 minutes you will have your own website traffic generator that will bring�in an ever increasing amount of hits to your websites! Automatically

This software is perfect for bringing real traffic to your site... even if...it's an affiliate link where you have no control over the website content!

 

Click here to vizit my website

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unsubscribe

1000s Of Hits From Google, Yahoo, MSN And Others At $0 Cost To You !

As incredible as it may sound you're about to discover 

a system how you can drive 1000s of potential customers 

to any website or affiliate website at $0 cost to you!

 

What if I told you that I'm making thousands of dollars each 

week and I'm not paying a dime for advertising ?

Google, Yahoo, MSN and others are sending me hundreds 

of new customers every week -  at $0 cost! 

 

Make Money On Auto-Pilot While You're Sleeping Or Even 

On Vacation? STOP Everything You Are Doing and Read This Now!

This works for any product, website or affiliate website!

Click here to visit my website

 

 

 

 

 

Unsubscribe

drive 1000s of potential customers to any website or affiliate website

As incredible as it may sound you're about to discover 

a system how you can drive 1000s of potential customers 

to any website or affiliate website at $0 cost to you!

 

What if I told you that I'm making thousands of dollars each 

week and I'm not paying a dime for advertising ?

Google, Yahoo, MSN and others are sending me hundreds 

of new customers every week -  at $0 cost! 

 

Make Money On Auto-Pilot While You're Sleeping Or Even 

On Vacation? STOP Everything You Are Doing and Read This Now!

This works for any product, website or affiliate website!

Click here to visit my website

 

 

 

 

 

Unsubscribe

Your invitation from AnnMarie Cunniff is about to expire

AnnMarie Cunniff sent you an invitation to connect as business contacts on Pulse on August 17. That invitation will expire soon! Follow this link to accept AnnMarie's invitation.

http://pulse.plaxo.com/pulse/invite?i=38901888&k=1492001817&l=en_us

Plaxo is free, easy to use and takes only a minute to join. Come see what AnnMarie wants to share.

Thanks!
The Plaxo team

---

More than 20 million people use Plaxo to keep in touch with the people they care about.

Don't want to receive emails from Plaxo any more? Go to: http://www.plaxo.com/stop

Your invitation from AnnMarie Cunniff is about to expire

AnnMarie Cunniff sent you an invitation to connect as business contacts on Pulse on August 17. That invitation will expire soon! Follow this link to accept AnnMarie's invitation.

http://pulse.plaxo.com/pulse/invite?i=38901888&k=1492001817&l=en_us

Plaxo is free, easy to use and takes only a minute to join. Come see what AnnMarie wants to share.

Thanks!
The Plaxo team

---

More than 20 million people use Plaxo to keep in touch with the people they care about.

Don't want to receive emails from Plaxo any more? Go to: http://www.plaxo.com/stop

RESPONSE FROM BARNEY FRANK, MASSACHUSETTS

September 16, 2008


Ms. Ann Marie Cunniff
13 Norton Glen Road, Apartment 69
Norton, Massachusetts 02766

Dear Ms. Cunniff:

Thank you for contacting me with your support for H.R. 1424, the
Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act of 2007.
I cosponsored the bill, and was pleased to join with my colleagues
in voting for it when it was passed by the House. With the House
having approved this long overdue legislation, I will continue to do
everything to ensure that mental health parity is mandated.

BARNEY FRANK

BF/JN



In order to ensure that my office is able to record incoming communications
properly, please use the "email Barney Frank" link at the top of the home page
(http://www.house.gov/frank/) underneath my signature if you wish to contact me
again.

HEALING WITH EFT

drive 1000s of potential customers to any website or affiliate website

Can you afford to lose 300,000 potential customers per year ?

How would You like to divert 1000s of fresh, new visitors daily to Your web site or affiliate web site from Google, Yahoo, MSN and others At $0 cost to you...?

..iNSTANT BOOSTER diverts 1000s of fresh, new visitors daily to Your web site or affiliate web site from Google, Yahoo, MSN and others at $0 cost to you!

..No matter what you are selling or offering - INTSANT BOOSTER will pull in hordes of potential customers to your website - instantly!

 

Click here to visit my website

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unsubscribe

Make $75 per online survey

How would you like to make $50 - $250 every hour - starting minutes from NOW ?

If you are ready to finally start making money online this is the right System for you.

I have developed the "MinuteProfits" - System that allows you to stark making money on the Internet 15 minutes from now - without any investment or advertising!

 

Click here to visit my website

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unsubscribe

Post your ads where people read them!

ore and more people are subscribing to feeds every day and there are millions who are already subscribed.

Thus, your ad will reach a very broad range of potential customers with each use of Feed Blaster!

Feed Blaster is the first & only submitter that can submit your ads to thousands of feeds within a few minutes!

Post your ads where people read them!

- What if you could place your ad into all these feeds ?

Right, that would mean you would have millions of sites linking to your ad - and millions of users reading your message within minutes - and my idea actually works

 

Click here to vizit my website

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unsubscribe

"How would you like to have your ad on 2 Million Websites ?"

How would you like 2 Million Sites linking to your ad ?

Weblog or blog population is exploding around the world, 

resembling the growth of e-mail users in the 1990s.

Post your ads where people read them!

- What if you could place your ad on all these sites ?
Right, that would mean you would have millions of sites linking to your ad.

 

Click here to vizit my website

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unsubscribe

NAMI UPDATES

Image via Wikipedia Information received from Nami.Org for September 08

We are now closer than ever to ending insurance discrimination in health insurance, for individuals living with mental illness and their families. NAMI is working closely with friends in the House and Senate, Senators Domenici, Kennedy and Enzi, Representatives Kennedy and Ramstad to enact legislation requiring health plans to cover treatment for mental illness on the terms and conditions as all other medical conditions equally.

While this effort to hold private sector health plans accountable moves forward, NAMI achieved another major victory with passage of parity in the Medicare Program. Since its inception in 1965, Medicare has imposed a 50% beneficiary cost sharing requirement for outpatient mental illness treatment.

This is a stark contrast to the beneficiary cost sharing requirement for all other outpatient medical services of 20%. In other words, when a Medicare beneficiary has a visit for diabetes or a heart condition the co-pay is 20%, but for depression or bipolar disorder, the co-pay is 50%. This is
discrimination that must end.

In July, Congress overrode the President's veto of a Medicare reform package that includes a provision lowering this 50% co-pay requirement to 20% over the next 5 years. This is an enormous achievement for NAMI that will have tremendous benefit for Medicare beneficiaries living with mental illness.

NAMI'S advocacy made an enormous difference, both in pressing Congress to address this longstanding discrimination, and in securing support in the House and Senate necessary to finally achieve passage.

We need your continued support to keep providing these and other services to the many people who count on NAMI. It is through donations from you that allow us to fight for these causes. NAMI remains dedicated to the eradication of mental disease and the improvement of the quality of life for all who are affected by these diseases.

Please help NAMI by making a donation today...

Mental Illness affects everyone. It does not discriminate by age, race, gender or economic background. Every day thousands of persons with serious mental illnesses are not able to find the basic services and support necessary to keep them safe and move them toward recovery and a place in the mainstream of their communities. This is simply not acceptable.

People with mental illness deserve access to quality mental health care no matter where they live or what they do. Together we can all remove these barriers.

Please continue to support NAMI by sending a donation either at the Leadership Level of $500.00 or at the level you are comfortble with. A monthly donation of $35.00 will give you a membership to The NAMI Alliance.

Send tax deductible donations to:
NAMI
2107 Wilson BLVD, Suite 300
Arlington, VA 22201
or contact NAMI to give on at NAMI
If your company matches your donations let them know.
You can also make a donation in the memory of a loved one by calling (703) 524-7600
Consider Giving in the workplace through your United Way.

Make $75 per online survey

How would you like to make 75 - 250 every single day just for clicking your
mouse?

Start earning Minutes from now!

The "CashCreation" - System that allows you to start�
making m.oney on the Internet 15 minutes from now - without any investment
or advertising.

All you have to do is click your mouse!�

For Full Details please read the attached .html file

Unsubscribe:
http://61.145.62.120/remove/

RAISE YOUR VOICE AGAINST HUNGER

Feeding America
Everyone can do "some thing" to help during Hunger Action Month. Be the first to take a step forward and let the voices be heard:
SEPTEMBER IS HUNGER ACTION MONTH-STAND UP AGAINST HUNGER NOW!
1 IN 10 Americans are at risk for hunger!
Make a commitment to take some kind of action today!

How would you like unlimited hits to your website 15 minutes from now ?

No Matter what you are selling - Hit-Booster will send targeted visitors to
your website!

Within 15 minutes you will have your own website traffic generator that
will bring in an ever increasing amount of hits to your websites!
Automatically

This software is perfect for bringing real traffic to your site... even
if...it's an affiliate link where you have no control over the website
content!

For Full Details please read the attached .html file

Unsubscribe:
http://61.145.62.120/remove/

GULF COAST FAMILIES AFFECTED BY AUTISM

Gmail - Resources for Gulf Coast Families Affected by Autism - acunniff4852@gmail.com

AUTISM TREATMENT NETWORK RECEIVES $12 MILLION GRANT

Gmail - e-Speaks: Autism Treatment Network Receives $12 Million Grant; 100 Day Kit Now Available in Spanish; Autism Speaks Debuts Community Pages - acunniff4852@gmail.com

1000s Of Hits From Google, Yahoo, MSN And Others At $0 Cost To You !

As incredible as it may sound you're about to discover a system how you

can drive 1000s of potential customers to any website or affiliate website
at $0 cost to you!What if I told you that I'm making thousands of dollars
each week and I'm not paying a
dime for advertising ?

Google, Yahoo, MSN and others are sending me hundreds of new customers
every week
- at $0 cost! Make Money On Auto-Pilot While You're Sleeping Or Even On
Vacation?
STOP Everything You Are Doing and Read This Now!

This works for any product, website or affiliate website!

http://www.mgstyle-biz.com/1/w/seo/

To Unsubscribe
http://www.mgstyle-biz.com/remove/

MENTAL AWARENESS WEEK

In October Mental Illness Awareness week is October 5-11, check with your local NAMI Sponsor for events that will be planned around this week.

WILLIAMS SYNDROME

Image by Pensiero via Flickr William Syndrome is a rare disorder caused by missing genes. The disorder which affects 1 in 7500 people has distinctive psychological and physical effects. People with Williams can live full and healthy lives, but they do experience cardiovascular and other physical symptoms related to the disorder. Before 1980, people were considered mentally handicapped but later researchers were able to note, although that had difficulty with math skills, writing, and negotiating space, their language skills were rather good they were friendly, talkative and outgoing. People with Williams are able to maintain intensive eye contact with other people, and can easily engage strangers in conversation. However, these traits can often get them in trouble, because Williams Syndrome patients lack a sense of irony, cannot read facial expressions well, and are unable to see malicious intent.In other words they lack a theory of mind-they are unable to see things from another person's perspective.
To learn more about William Syndrome Go to The Williams Syndrome Association.

drive 1000s of potential customers to any website or affiliate website

Can you afford to lose 300,000 potential customers per year ?

How would You like to divert 1000s of fresh,
new visitors daily to Your web site or affiliate web site from
Google, Yahoo, MSN and others At $0 cost to you...?

..iNSTANT BOOSTER diverts 1000s of fresh,
new visitors daily to Your web site or affiliate
web site from Google, Yahoo, MSN and others
at $0 cost to you!

..No matter what you are selling or offering -
INTSANT BOOSTER will pull in hordes of potential customers to your website
- instantly!

For Full details please read the attached .html file

Unsubscribe:
On full details .html file click contact form

Invitation from AnnMarie!

Hi * Attractor Genie *,
It's AnnMarie,

I just found out about something so cool, and YOU
were the first person I thought of when I saw it :
Attractor Genie - The Secret Software that will help you
master the Law Of Attraction !

http://www.attractorgenie.com/index.php?a=tr&cid=17

The reason I'm sending this email is because I know you will appreciate
this great product. Besides, I know you'd do the same for me :-)

You'll see what I mean when you take a look at
this web page. http://www.attractorgenie.com/index.php?a=tr&cid=17
It can't get any better than that! Let me know what you think.

Regards,
AnnMarie

If you do not want to get an invitation from our site ever again, please click here.
http://www.attractorgenie.com/spreadtheword/unsubscribe.php?a=bl&e=YWN1bm5pZmY0ODUyLm9wcG9zaXRpb25hbEBibG9nZ2VyLmNvbQ==

Feed Blaster puts your ad right to the screens of millions in 15 Minutes !

More and more people are subscribing to feeds every day and there are
millions who are already subscribed.

Thus, your ad will reach a very broad range of potential customers with
each use of Feed Blaster!

Feed Blaster is the first & only submitter that can submit your ads to
thousands of feeds within a few minutes!

Post your ads where people read them!

- What if you could place your ad into all these feeds ?

Right, that would mean you would have millions of sites linking to your ad
- and millions of users reading your message within minutes - and my idea
actually works

http://www.advertise-b.com/1/w/feedblaster/

Unsubscribe:
http://www.advertise-b.com/1/remove/