KeriDouglas

How does one begin to understand the notion of impermanence? Perhaps the fall leaves, the death of a loved one, the sun rise in the morning…or words of wise spiritual teachers?

In the last weeks, the word "impermanence" has been used by three very different people. Rabbi Steinlauf used the word ‘impermanence’ when he welcomed everyone into the Sukkha tent built to represent the temporary nature of life and still being willing to live life fully. A week later in the very same spot stood the Dalai Lama who wished to learn how the Jewish community thrived in exile despite hardships and atrocities. Then an art gallery opening presented Eleanor Kotlarik Wang, whose collection of paintings titled “Impermanence” captured the faded cave paintings of Buddhists images in western China, the very end of the Silk Road.   Read more...

Success happens when all opposing sectors join for a common goal.

Earth Aid educates, rewards, monitors and reminds consumers of new trends in energy efficiency. Partnering with government energy offices and local businesses, Earth Aid offers tips on ways to save electricity, conserve water, save gas and the overall environmental benefit of being energy efficient. In addition, local diverse businesses have joined Earth Aid to offer discounts for members who are successful in lowering their energy use.   Read more...

"And when one is thinking lovely, kind, beautiful thoughts of course one has no time to become lonesome."

Simple wise words for children (and adults) from a father to his daughter long ago. How similar in philosophy to spiritual teachers from around the world addressing parliaments, mass audiences, authoring countless books, or presiding over a simple gathering of families looking for just a bit of wisdom to carry into the following week. Yet, this father, Johnny Gruelle, was an author and illustrator from Arcola, Illinois in the early 1900s.   Read more...

Yesterday, another Nobel Peace Prize winner was in Washington, D.C. On a slightly overcast day with rain drops sprinkling from the sky, the Dalai Lama visited Adas Israel Congregation to meet with the community.

Following the seven days of the Festival of Sukkot, it was only fitting that on this holiday of Shemini Atzeret, Rabbi Steinlauf spoke of how love is timeless and spaceless. He asked the congregation to imagine someone they love, there with them, what they looked like and what they would say. With tears, many would realize that their loved one was indeed there with them in their heart whether they lived far away or had passed away. In effect, the Rabbi was preparing the community for the visit of the Dalai Lama.   Read more...

Only a woman would be able to photograph women living in the Muslim world and even some women behind a veil. What sense of truth is present? What perspective is revealed in the eyes of the photographer?

Portraits and Stories of Women in the Middle East exhibit is open to the public in Geneva at the Museum of the International Committee of the Red Cross and Red Crescent (ICRC) from September 23rd to January 24, 2010.   Read more...

A brisk burst of air waves off the humidity revealing strong, powerful, majestic trees. Against the crisp blue, trees in the city reach into the sky providing a service for the community like none other.

Bapuji, a former freedom fighter for Gandhi and a retired UN official shares the yogi perspective. He says, "Trees are the ultimate symbol of service to others." He continues explaining trees remove carbon dioxide and provide oxygen. They provide shade when it is hot. They offer fruit and nuts for our pleasure. When the branches are heavy with fruit they lower closer to the ground easy for picking. They do all of this and ask for nothing in return. Bapuji's words resonate every time I see a remarkable tree standing tall.   Read more...

You know the old joke... how many (fill in the blank) does it take to change a light bulb? Well, the real question is: How many people does it take to clean up a broken CFL.

Be extra diligent with the Compact Florescent Lamp light bulbs. Yes, they use 75% less energy than the incandescent light bulb and come in all sizes and shapes now. But be cautioned, there is an unseen cost. The CFLs require special care in handling when inserting into the socket and then extreme careful removal when broken.   Read more...

Farmers’ markets have gone presidential in the United States. On September 17th, 2009, a FreshFarm Market will open by the White House in Washington, D.C.-- just weeks after President Barack Obama wished for a market during his national forum on health care.

This is a remarkable achievement in the recent history of the return of the farmers markets. In 1994, the U.S. Department of Agriculture recognized 1,755 fresh produce markets across the United States. Now, there are more than 4,685. The growth has been slow and steady, and is now a recognized benefit for farmers, consumers and ultimately the health of the community.   Read more...

"When I was a boy ... I had dreams" are Captain Abu Raed's first words to the group of hopeful children surrounding him on the hill top in Jordan. The dusty dry soccer area circled by Roman columns and the airport become the settings in the award winning film, Captain Abu Raed. The older widower and several children from the village learn life's joy and lessons. It is a tale of truth, dreams, compassion, forgiveness, courage and sacrifice.   Read more...

Confetti in brilliant colors illuminate the magic of Paris on canvas as only Angelique can create. Opened her 10th show in Paris on August 27 at the Seven Seventy Gallery, 18 rue Dauphine, Paris 75006. Angelique reveals the hidden romance and joy of Parisian life.

With palette knife and bold colors Angelique blocks out the air, roof tops, cobble stone streets and cafe street scenes with ethereal illusions. Each has a notion of mystery and curiosity. To capture the unusual colors and light, Angelique delicately balances a canvas while climbing a drain pipe to the roof. She sets up early in the morning to capture the spring light hitting the bronze roof tops with clay chimney pipes. Often shuttered windows are open offering another breath of life.   Read more...

Books are whispers of the past heard well into the future. Lydie Hakizimana opened her bookstore Drakkar Ltd. in Nyarutarama, Mountain Center in Kigali, Rwanda three years ago. Lydia sells new and used books with an emphasis on educational material and text books for students at the local schools and universities. With the return to academics for many Rwandans, Lydia has a created a welcome niche.

However, though the genocide is over, the lingering result is a collective ambition for survival, success and deeper faith, which is reflected in Lydia's current recommended reading list.   Read more...

In the world of HIV/AIDS, communications is vital. In many communities, often the initial reaction is to say, "we do not have any men who have sex with men; we do not have any men who visit prostitutes; and, we do not have any HIV/AIDS." Reality is a bit different than the words. Today, according to the World Health Organization, approximately, 33 million people are living with HIV and 2.7 million new cases were reported in 2007. The face of HIV/AIDS is everyone's face. HIV/AIDS knows no economic, race, ethnic, gender, age or religious boundaries. It is an equal opportunity disease. As people move around the globe - so too does the virus.

A rural clinic physician is setting the tone for HIV/AIDS leadership. Dr. Thubten Phuntsok from the Kham region of the Tibetan plateau in China is a bold leader. The silence around HIV didn't quiet the facts that patients were trickling in for HIV treatment. The first patients - possibly non-Tibetans - were identified in Lhasa in the 1990s. A year later, the first Tibetan AIDS patient was identified. Gradually, more patients were identified in the region.   Read more...

As the morning light welcomes a new day, so too does an ice cream shop in the heart of Rwanda.

Marlene, a young woman with a big smile, opened Unik Ice Cream five years ago. She offers ice cream to the children and young at heart at Union Trade Center Mall on Avenue Justice in Kigali, Rwanda. Currently, Marlene imports her ice cream from South Africa and shares this delight with many.   Read more...

Professor Muhammed Yunus, founder of Grameen Bank of Bangladesh, was honored by President Barack Obama with the Presidential Medal of Freedom alongside fifteen other individuals being honored for their work as “agents of change.”

Dr. Yunus, who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006, challenges the notion of hopeless poverty in his country, Bangladesh and now in the United States. Currently, Dr. Yunus is expanding into health care services in Bangladesh and offering financial services in the United States - striking in the epicenter of the financial world of New York.   Read more...

Why is it ‘news’ when someone applies the laws of nature to architecture, climate change, or even national energy policies?

Common sense is returning. Recently The Economist profiled the new U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu in the July 2, 2009 issue. Secretary Chu being a Nobel Prize winner in physics is a rare commodity in national policy making. He is a scientist in a leadership policy-making position. For a little perspective, there are 535 members in the U.S. Congress - only 11 have a science background.   Read more...

Ken Thaiday Senior, respected artist from the Torres Strait Island, presents his visions and art with grace and eloquence. With his wife Liz by his side, they have been transported from one world to another to be honored in Washington, D.C. during NAIDOC Week, which celebrates the achievements of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Mr. Thaiday reveals a perspective into a world of dreams, faith, nature, fishing, dancing and art all the while connecting ancient spiritual traditions to contemporary times.   Read more...

The Mubarak Prize for Arts recipient this year is artist professor Muhammad Taha Hussein, a contemporary artist who illustrates the fine balance between modern and tradition.

Mr. Hussein is a gentle giant of a man who stands tall in height, with encompassing hands and has a large vision for the arts and life in general. His enthusiasm for new designs, new technique and new ideas is appealing. Especially when he recognizes his roots in historical neighborhoods in Cairo contrasted by his time in Germany. This constant balance between new and old is reflected in his work.   Read more...

Often when I travel, I look for a good local bookstore. I am curious to know what people are reading and what is the role of the bookstore in the community. Plus, I have found that books can be treasures that transport you back in history or possibly forward in time to events yet to take place.

In Cairo, I discovered Diwan Bookstore in Zamalek. It is a special bookstore featuring books in Arabic, English, French and German. When I entered, they had on display front and center their recommended books, among them:   Read more...

“Are you Obama?” Imagine my surprise when young and old yelled this question to me as I walked through crowded Cairo just days after US President Barack Obama visited Egypt. Being blonde and blue eyed, I realized when I questioned them they were asking me if I was American. I had to smile and realize an era has passed.   Read more...