Blizzard 2010 Snapshots

Indian Days – Evie Lovett

Traditions typically hidden from glare and intrusive eyes are revealed to photographer Evie Lovett and novelist Suzanne Kingsbury in the current Indian Days photography exhibit at the Vermont Center for Photography from February 5 to 28, 2010.

Both white; both aware of the generations of exploitations;  both aware of the stereotypes found in presenting the North American Indian community;  Evie and Suzanne traveled from Vermont to Browning, Montana for the North American Indian Days where families gather during this time to celebrate with long held traditions of drumming and dancing.

Capturing the beauty of the traditional and modern North American Indian family, Evie Lovette uses a 50 year old Rolleiflex and develops her own film.  The richness of Evie’s photographs is enchanting.

All photographs on exhibit are for sale and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Piegan Institute, which preserves and teaches the Blackfeet language and culture.

The Vermont Center for Photography is located at 49 Flat Street, Brattleboro, VT 05301.

By Keri Douglas, writer/photographer, Washington, DC

Original Text Message – the Inukshuk and Inunnguaq

The Inukshuk symbol of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics is a brilliant reminder that human beings need information whether coded in symbols or in a universal language.  Could the original coded text message be a series of stacked rocks?  We (were here).  Fish (here).   Food (here).  For the Inuits in the Arctic, yes.

Stone giants, standing tall and imposing on the horizon are welcome signs for travelers braving the cold, snow and ice.  For Inukshuks and  Inunnguaqs are beacons sending messages that “You are on the right path. Someone has been here. You are not alone.”   A sense of survival and community is conveyed in this barren empty landscape with no one visibly ahead nor behind.  A solitary existence for any hunter yet one with guidance and comfort.

These structures are an ancient Inuit tradition of communicating the past, present and into the future.  Arms or no arms direct the message.  Arms indicate an immediate message of life for hunters – directions to other hunters or even food caches.  An Inunnguaq in the shape of a human form with legs and arms may point a rock ‘hand’ in the direction of the previous hunters.  With antlers replacing the ‘hands’, the sculpture may have a cache of food tucked high in between two rocks for the next group of hunters.

An Inukshuk with no human form will provide  news of dangerous crossings or falling rocks; be a marker for an area with plentiful hunting for seal, whale, walrus, fishing or caribou;  or be a navigational guide by pointing to the North Star.

Even how they are constructed – one rock balanced on another built by many.  Alone the rock means nothing.  Together the rocks share a purpose and importance.  Be it a memorial to a fallen hunter, a trail marker, or a cache of food, these Inukshuks or Inunnguaqs on the horizon are a comforting site.

The Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics introduce the Inukshuk as the national symbol of Canada.  Athletes and television viewers from around the world will join in the spirit of sportsmanship from February 12 to February 28, 2010.

Consider the message of the Inukshuk when viewing the Olympic games.  Even in the most barren of landscapes the human being needs news and information and each other.  Of course, sitting with one another and directly sharing news in every culture is most special.  However, with technology today we share bits of information through a multitude of sources – newspapers, magazines, radio, television, cable television, postcards, letters, books, a variety of phones (land line, cell, satellite), the internet, GPS, e-mai, web sites, blogs, tweets, Facebok and even text messages with bizarre short cuts in language to send coded messages.  The Inuit way was to build “road” signs through a recognized systematic structure of rocks to send a message to the next traveler … Help yourself to food and see you in the next village (that way).  The Inukshuk is a coded message comforting and connecting human beings.  Working together by sharing information is vital to our livelihoods and survival.

By Keri Douglas, writer/photographer, Washington, DC

Mafia – Saviano’s Authentic Grit in the NYT

“When I was a teenager here, kids used to shoot dogs in the head.”

Roberto Saviano, writes an opinion editorial in the New York Times of January 24, 2010 opening with power, grit and the reality of why African immigrants are rioting in Italy.  Contrary to public perception, the riots are against the mafia, who control the jobs, wages, housing and security. He writes, “The only ones who have courage to rebel against them (mafia) are the Africans.”  Understanding the nuances on the ground is essential.  Saviano says, “The Rosarno riots were not about attacking the law, but about gaining access to the law.”

Newspapers offer fewer and fewer op-eds because the majority of space is obligated to contract columnists, who opinions are known just by reading their name.  Saviano, author of “Gomorrah: A Personal Journey Into the Violent International Empire of Naples’ Organized Crime System”, on the other hand – is shocking, riveting, relevant.  His writing is blunt and true.  Op-ed pages would be revitalized with more authentic writings like Saviano.  A stark reality rarely exposed.

By Keri Douglas, writer/photographer, Washington, D.C.

Haiti: Invest Now – Think Outside of the Box

Thankfully, the natural instinct of the global community is “how can I help?” when disaster hits.  As we grow through this current disaster in Haiti, perhaps the question should develop into, “How can I invest in Haiti?”

A 7.0 earthquake hit Haiti on January 12, 2010, probably killing more than 150,000 people and destroying countless homes and businesses.  Since then the international community has been trying to deliver emergency aid to rescue those buried in ruble and assist those who survived.  The devastation and destruction in Haiti is a complete blow to an already challenged poor country.  Now the real work begins and this is an opportunity to do it right.

Haiti’s challenges have been consistent over the last century whether it is poverty; good governance; rampant disease; illiteracy and corruption.  Haiti is the third largest country in the Caribbean (behind Cuba and the Dominican Republic) and yet the poorest country in the Americas (even ranked 142d of 182 countries in the world).  Turbulence was inevitable with the arrival of Christopher Columbus and the discovery of gold.  Slavery, racism and conflicts over control of the western half of the island of Hispaniola became a way of life.  Haiti was a failed state before the earthquake hit and now certainly is after the earthquake.  Given that this was not an ignored country the responsibility of failure should be shared.

The question is how can the international community really help especially after the television cameras disappear to cover the next crisis.  The international community can invest in new buildings, energy efficiency, reliable and relevant health care, educational systems and new technology.  I would propose that anyone doing business in Haiti whether it is a government organization; a non-governmental organization; a non-profit/charity; a religious organization; an individual donor – basically any enterprise, which has any dealings with Haiti- take an oath of fair business.

With a business way of thinking, if success is not being accomplished, plans can change and be adapted to a new formula for success.  Isn’t the definition of insanity doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.  In business, there is a reality, either it is working or it isn’t.  If it isn’t working, a new plan for success is created.

My suggestion is to integrate fair business principles to lead good governance; economic opportunities; education for all; and basic health rights.

Good governance: Any technical and financial assistance must require improved governance capabilities, mentorship and offer solutions.  Apparently a large US scientific government organization alerted Haiti to the potential of tremendous seismic activity in Haiti years ago and offered no solutions.  Common sense would indicated that if a problem can be identified at least offer a solution.

Economic advancement: Any organization doing business in Haiti must be willing to set the standards – pay a fair wage; ensure rights of the worker; ensure skilled training; and stimulate the local economy. When financial aid is supplied, rules of transparency and financial accountability needs to be agreed upon.  How many challenged government representatives have enormous amounts of money in overseas banks?   Capital flight must be prevented.  To do so, a stable government and banking mentorship is required.  On the other hand, international organizations that designate funds for assistance should make spending the funds locally a priority.  If the donor country requires purchasing supplies (medical, food, clothing, housing needs, etc.) from the donor country and then shipping to country in need; it would appear to benefit the donor country more than the country in need.  Spending locally is clearly more cost effective with the additional benefit that it stimulates the local economy.

Health is a human right: Clean water; maternal health; vaccinations and overall basic health education needs to be a priority without the interference of religious or political dialogue.  Why is clean water still even an issue around the world?  Clean water is vital.

Coordination: If any crisis area has been determined to need assistance, it is imperative that a coordinated approach needs to be taken within the entire emergency area and then recovery.  A zip code approach would remove duplications and provide transparency.  If priorities were identified for each zone, duplication and irrelevant activities would be minimized.

For Haiti, thinking out of the box is vital now.  Aid dollars need to be invested differently now.  I emphasize invest because financial support is an investment in the future capabilities of Haiti.  Investing in charities only builds charities and is not creating self-sustaining opportunities.

Investing in a transparent, socially responsible, accountable organization is vital to changing the dynamic on the ground. With a little bit of broadminded thinking, purchases and donations become growth opportunities.  Rebuilding Haiti is the opportunity for a 21st century Marshall Plan.  Why?  Because it is the right thing to do.

An easy option is to purchase items made in the crisis country be it art, furniture, produce, clothing, machinery, etc.  If it says “Made in Haiti” buy it. (See www.VivaTerra.com.)

In addition, a multitude of investment options are available.  Options include investing in health care, education, refugee support, loans, housing, green building, energy efficiency and venture capital funds.  Think outside of the box.  Ask questions.  Invest in building the nation up not rebuilding the status quo.

Some organizations to consider as recommended by the Social Investment Forum Foundation and Green America include:

ACCION International – Microfinance

Calvert Social Investment – Loan fund

Catholic Relief Services – Microfinance

Developing World Markets – Bank

Emergency Liquidity Facility – Venture Capital Fund

FINCA International – Microfinance

Fonkoze – Microfinance

Freedom from Hunger – Microfinance

Habitat for Humanity International – Housing developer

Mennonite Economic Development Associates – Venture Capital Fund

Oikocredit – Loan Fund

SERRV International – Social Enterprise

Businesses have a powerful role to play in any society.  It is time to think out of the box when a crisis hits and invest in for-profit enterprises to create jobs, stability, health, security and start to leverage the talents of the community.

Make a difference, invest in Haiti.

By Keri Douglas, writer/photographer, Washington, D.C.

Read more at Ode magazine Exchange.

EXTRA:

Viva Terra, a home interior business, sells special Haitian artisan pieces. A great example of doing business, offering technical assistance and offering the most critical element –  linking to the market.  See more at www.vivaterra.com .

Stephen Jordan, Business Civic Leadership Center, sent a thoughtful e-mail out on the important role of businesses in rebuilding Haiti.

A friend has asked for a local emergency aid group.  Research Christian Relief Services.  They will direct all of the funds donated through the web site directly to the Fondation pour les Enfants d’Haiti.  Read more at: http://www.christianrelief.org/feh.htm

Bags BAGS bags to SAVE the Anacostia River

Anacostia River Countdown:  22 Years to Fish and Swim in the River

The District of Columbia government is the first in the United States to charge customers five cents for disposable bags in order to clean up the Anacostia River.

Customers, who do not bring their own bags, will be charged five cents per bag they need to pack their groceries, beverages, take-out food from street vendors and outdoor restaurants and drug stores. Exceptions include bags needed for bulk food items; frozen foods; baked goods; prescription drugs; newspapers; small hardware items; take home food or beverages from an indoor seating restaurant; and, dry cleaning.

The Anacostia River Fund (ARF), which will manage resources from the new initiative, is tasked with cleaning up river pollutants, which include trash, oil, grease and chemicals.  The ARF will engage a public education campaign to educate and inform the public on good practices to develop a safe river for fish to thrive and human to be able to swim in the river. Efforts will be increased to control sewer overflow; reduce storm water by planting trees and plants along roadways and parks; land erosion control; and, require polluters – including the Federal and District governments – for cleanup of toxic sites.

The first step is removing extra plastic bags from the environment.  Several businesses are selling bags, which fit in purses, gym bags, shoulder bags in lite, durable, colorful fabrics for impromptu or weekly purchases.

Some favorites include:

Walker Bags

Chico Bags

BagguBag

By customers using their own bag, they are supporting the first step in reaching the District of Columbia’s long term goal to have fish safe enough to eat in 22 years.

Just as important, hopefully, long before 2032 – all citizens of the District of Columbia will have the FULL right to vote in the U.S. Congress (two Senators in the Senate and one Representative in the House of Representatives) to join the Anacostia River fish fry.

Bags … just the beginning of change for the District of Columbia.

By Keri Douglas, writer/photographer, Washington, D.C.

“A Breath of Naive Air” Tel Aviv, Israel

Fresh, vibrant, alive and mystical all on each canvas at Gina Gallery in Tel Aviv, Israel.  Naive artists from around the world are exhibiting their work for a month.  Brilliant colors evoke peace, charm and whimsy only a Naive Artist can create. Magically, music lifts off the canvas and wafts into your imagination as you smile.

“A Breath of Naive Air” is open in Tel Aviv from January 7, 2010 to February 26, 2010.  The exhibit includes Naive artists from Europe, Central and South America, Canada and Israel.

Included in the exhibit  is Dutch artist, Anneque Lijnkamp Truyen, who delights with the ladies along the river playing musical instruments.  Her story brings a sense of joy and freedom to play loud, laugh at all times and dance, dance, dance until you drop.  Honduran artist, Roque Zelava Acosta, introduces The Happy Bride to tell the story of the true luxuries of life available to everyone- love, romance, music and lush landscapes.  Charlotte Lachapelle from France brings to life all of the magic of childhood toys lost in a dark attic.

Take a break to visit and enjoy.  Each artist has a flare for color and story telling bringing dreams into reality.

GINA Gallery of International Naive Art, 255 Dizengoff Street, Tel Aviv, 63177 Israel

By Keri Douglas, writer/photographer, Washington, D.C.

Who the Hell is this Foreigner? News from Rameen Javid in Afghanistan

“Who The Hell Is The Foreigner!” A while back I was riding a taxi, sitting gunshot, in Kabul when a policeman stopped the car near Zanbaq Square leading to Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We were the first car that he stopped and behind us the traffic came to a stand still. Apparently some nobody who by the miracle of today’s connections had become somebody was passing through and imagined that someone else would want to waste a good bullet on him. It seems that it has become a symbol of power and prestige to stop traffic and the longer you hold people in traffic the more important you are. God forbid anyone think serving people or accomplishing the tasks of their job description would be a measure of success or importance. Directly behind us was a NATO armored military vehicle. The armored vehicle’s driver signaled us to move aside so he could pass. The poor taxi driver dutifully obliged and advanced. He had not gotten a meter up that the policeman slapped the hood of the car, ordering the driver to stop immediately! Then the policeman angrily came over to the driver to scold him. The driver apologetically said that the foreigner has asked him to move up. The policeman, all steamed up, exclaimed “Who the hell is the foreigner!” I was both scandalized and amused, at the same time, by this statement. It was one of those rare moments when so many thoughts and feelings rush through you, that you can’t react or reply properly. Not that anything that I had formulated would have mattered to this policeman in a traffic rush. Ever since I heard this statement, I find new places in me that twitch. Retelling the story to friends sometimes get mixed reactions. I especially loved the reply of one person whom I told the story later on: “tell him the foreigner is your daddy” or more literally ‘your mommy’s husband’. In Dari that would be “shoi-e nanait”. What bothers me the most about the policeman’s statement is the blatant hypocrisy, which seems to have gripped almost everybody these days in Afghanistan. There is sense of distancing oneself from what goes on around them and a hypocritical sense of self-assurance that they are doing good but the system is corrupt. No one actually thinks that getting a large salary and being responsible for a key position actually means you have to do anything useful in return. The foreigners blame the Afghans for being corrupt, dismissive or incapable while Afghans think foreigners are overpaid, over appreciated and inapt, not to mention morally loose. Both sides blame the other for what is happening without looking at themselves. In reality, the policeman works for a government that was brought to power by foreigners and the whole government system was modeled after foreigners. The constitution and the parliament were modeled and designed by foreigners. The cabinet was arranged by foreigners. Even the policeman and his military colleagues are trained by foreigners and he is paid by foreigners. If the foreigner does not like something, they would quiet literally tell his president to shape up or else. Worse yet, his president claims Afghanistan to be sovereign and capable one day, but the next day he wants the foreign army to stay in Afghanistan for the next 15 – 20 years because the Afghan army is not ready to defend this sovereignty. In my prior articles, I criticize the blunder of foreigners quiet often and rightfully so; it is them who laid the foundation or helped lay the foundation of post Taliban and support those in power who are corrupt through and through. However, I am not blind to the fact that Afghans have been disorganized, unmoved and complacent partners in the process. Afghans do not provide an alternative as most are too busy collecting scrapes from the khaariji tables and missing their chance at something greater. Lacking a national identity and constantly being disappointed by the so called ‘representatives of the people,’ not much has remained for Afghans to be proud of. Not ever being conquered or colonized is a huge compliment if it went hand in hand with national independence or at least strong sense of national identity. Ask 30 million Afghans to define being Afghan and you will hear 30 million different definitions. If not even two Afghans think alike, how can they rule themselves and how will they be ready take over from NATO? There is no way Afghanistan will be a sovereign state or one that would be self governing if this situation persists. Perhaps the foreigner is all too familiar with this and wants it this way. A strong Afghanistan is really not in the best interest of the region, who have a lot more strategic importance at the moment than Afghanistan and the foreigner is all too willing to trade Afghanistan for favors. Most of this reality is lost on the young generation who are either complacent in that they wish someone would do something but expect high posts after this dream revolution takes place, or are directly benefiting from this chaos, thus prefer to keep the status quo. Alas, financial gains are defining and effective incentives to overwhelm consciousness and a sense of justice. One would have assumed that free will and intellectualism would have yielded independent loving and sovereignty inclined ideologists and not self-interested individuals with compromising principles who are eager to pass the bucket. The statement ‘who the hell is the foreigner’ and the pride of never being colonized would have been more worthy from those who actually controlled their destiny. In the title of my previous post, ‘make sure what you are laughing at is not your own beard’ I tried to underline this very concept which I am repeating once again, but from another perspective. In my previous articles if I had encouraged more transparency and justice from the foreigner, this time I am asking for a more realistic look at ourselves as Afghans. Claiming national pride, if not earned, does not actually translate into real national pride. Freedom is a sacred privilege that is earned with sacrifice and maintaining freedom is a constant struggle. People are defined by their everyday actions and choices. The greatest gift to pass on to our children is freedom and the pride of sovereignty. That road starts with one small action before the other. In the immortal words of Martin Luther King Jr. ‘I have a dream’; that, one day, Afghans realize their value, each other’s value and that of their country. By Rameen Javid in Kabul, Afghanistan

Hoppin’ John Talk

Hoppin’ John is just the way to start the new year.  It is a  southern American tradition – possibly introduced to America by African slaves. Hoppin’ John is a thick soup of black-eyed ‘peas’ (really beans).   The story from so long ago (and each family has it own version of the story) is that for every ‘pea’ eaten, a dollar will be gained.  So, families eat a lot of Hoppin’ John in hope of great prosperity in the new year.

This year, like many years past, an old Washingtonian family gathered at dinner on new year’s day to reminisce on the events of 2009; everyone’s good fortune to be healthy; and, the overall buzz of excitement for the new year and new possibilities.

Mrs.”T”, the elder at the table, is a debutante from a well established Washington, D.C. family. Her family includes military leaders; a Chaplain in the U.S. Congress; and, a couple of missionaries in China in the early 1900s.  She chose her own way to dedicate her life.  As a young mother, she traveled to Selma, Alabama to demonstrate in the Civil Rights movement.  Later, she found the passion to peacefully demonstrate against the nuclear arms race. Her life’s story is one of civil disobedience and passion for justice and peace for all.

As everyone around the dinner table is enjoying a big bowl of Hoppin’ John and pondering their next steps in 2010, Mrs. “T” quietly offers wise counsel.  To those searching and prepared for their next step in life, Mrs. “T” said, “Don’t think about it so much.  Just let it happen. Let it surprise you.”

By Keri Douglas, writer/photographer, Washington, D.C.

Smile, Wishes for Happiness to You

Ani Choying Dolma’s songs are ethereal and meditative in a language I do not know.  In the quest to discover the meaning of her words several years ago, I found a treasure to last a lifetime.   As we enter 2010, it is time to share this story.

Coming from a very tradition society, Ani Choying Dolma considers herself to be broad minded and thrives in the modern world- even though she is a very traditional Buddhist nun.  Taught by taxi cab drivers, Ani Choying Dolma is the first nun to drive a car in Nepal.  She is also the first nun to create a CD in Nepal.  Her songs are blessings, which we should all be so fortunate to hear.  Her perspective on life is enough to create a pause to question the direction of your own pursuits.

Ani Choying Dolma’s family was originally from Tibet a long time ago.  She was born and raised in Nepal with two younger brothers and an older half-brother and an older half-sister.  By the age of ten, she knew wanted to join the nunnery to avoid a possibly abusive marriage (an all to common reality for women).  Her experience showed that the only choice girls have in society is to either marry and certainly be abused or join the nunnery.  The choice was rather obvious.

Ironically, the men in her life gave her the worst and then the best impressions or examples of mentorship in her life.  Men in her family left the worst impression.  However, it was her teacher when she entered the nunnery – who was the best – as he encouraged her to use her gift of song.  He encouraged her to dedicate her voice to the ritual ceremonies, which include mantras or prayers sung or chanted.  Ani Choying Dolma explained mantras are a “meditation technique uniting the mind with the sound.”

Officially launching her musical career (alongside her spiritual journey),  Ani Choying Dolma thanks Steve Tibbits for hearing her sing and then making an album with her. With her first recording in 1996,  Ani Choying Dolma has just released  her 8th album Matakala in the Newari language in November 2009.  She regularly does concert tours through Europe and Asia.  Through the proceeds of her concerts and CDs, she created the Nuns’ Welfare Foundation, which helps educate young girls in Nepal.  She also has a special place in her heart for the street dogs in Nepal so she sponsors Street Dog Care Camp, which provides street dogs with veterinary care and adoption.

Ani Choying Dolma’s songs are blessings – traditional mantras or contemporary lyrics.  Her perspective on life is enough to create a pause for anyone to question the direction of their personal pursuits.

She shares the words of one song,

In the eyes of flowers the world appears as flowers

In the eyes of thorns the world appears as thorns

Talking about perception – how everything depends on how we perceive things

May my heart always be pure.

May my words always be enlightened.

May the sole of my feet never kill an insect.

In the beautiful eyes the world appears as beautiful.

When asked who inspires her, she immediately responds, “Mother Theresa because she is a nun.  Regardless of our differences in religion, fundamentally, we believe in the same thing:  kindness and compassion.”

East meets West as Ani Choying Dolma explains her views on the West, “everyone knows what the problems are … ”  as though speaking the obvious.  Inquiring further, she responds that in the West people live only with their brain as shown by the drive for intellectual and financial successes.  However, not that in Nepal everything is perfect, she said at least they live more with heart shown by compassion and hope.  Nepal is one of the few (if only) countries that does not identify the Gross National Product financial data but releases the Gross National Happiness number. Success is in combining the intellectual qualities of the brain and the compassionate qualities of the heart equally.  In her view, Ani Choying Dolma thought that in the West there is too much pressure to develop intellectually, increase the capacity of the brain and “forgetting ignoring the spiritual quality.”  By developing the heart qualities, a person becomes “more helpful, more wise, meaningful.”  She said, “Both sides are important.”

Ani Choying Dolma offers the sensitivity and wisdom to consider everyday.  She reminds that  “Everyone wants to be happy … even the animals wish to be comfortable.”

By Keri Douglas, writer/photographer, Washington, D.C.

Read more at Ode magazine Exchange.