“There but for the grace of God, go I.” The world is witnessing the largest displacement of people escaping unconscionable atrocities, wars, conflicts, genocides, religious persecution, and hunger. In the Mediterranean area alone millions are displaced due to the Syrian conflict. Who would dare risk their own lives let alone the lives of their children … Continue reading
When someone dedicates their life to help others, takes risks to speak the truth and asks questions to reveal the truth, this is a courageous spirit. One spirit, Natalia Estemirova, has been killed. By whom or by who it is only speculated in the news right now. Natalia, for the past ten years, has been … Continue reading
Why is it ‘news’ when someone applies the rules 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 (see earlier post). Secretary Chu being a Nobel Prize winner in physics is a … Continue reading
As in life nothing is black and white. In the case of the head scarf worn by Muslim women – there are so many questions. From the observer, is the head scarf to demonstrate their devoutness? Or, is it to imply they are devout? Is the head scarf a sign of ownership by men? Or, … Continue reading
Cairo is filled with unexpected surprises, especially the Cairo Egyptian Museum, which features centuries old stone carvings; plenty of coffins; dead bodies; and, organs in special vessels. Entering the museum reminds me vaguely of walking into the Louvre in Paris. Crowds of people and tour guides buzzing. More objects than one can possibly take in and history beyond human comprehension. Immediately in … Continue reading
At night, all of Cairo is by the water enjoying the cooler temperatures and fresh air. Thousands walk by the river. Families join together for evening picnics. Many enjoy the parks along the river side and watch the party boats. Young couples share a quiet moment on the bridge possibly their only time together during … Continue reading
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 … Continue reading
From Cairo: Are you Obama? “Are you Obama?” Imagine my surprise when young and old yelled this question to me as I walked through the Giza Pyramids; Cairo University; and through crowded city markets. Being blonde and blue eyed, I realized when I questioned them they were asking me if I was American. I had … Continue reading
Washington, DC The Friederich Naumann Foundation hosted a discussion on “War and Peace: Russia and her neighbors” on September 30. Foreign policy experts gathered to listen to guest speaker, Alexander Graf Lamsdorff who is a Member of the European Union Parliament and a member of the Free Democratic Party in Germany. Early August 2008, the … Continue reading
“Walls Between People” is a new exhibit at the Museum of the International Committee of the Red Cross Red Crescent in Geneva, Switzerland from September 2008 to January 2009. The exhibit is based on the book by Alexandra Novosseloff and Frank Neisse and artistically presented by Robert Ireland. Using military maps, the exhibit illustrates eight … Continue reading
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