Clinton-Obama Spat provokes “1789 contribution campaign,” Alan Brody makes call to action after Clintons ignite a political brawl, reflecting on damage to Party and Country, and worrying over how another Clinton presidency might use extraordinary powers Bush has gathered in the White House. Brody calls for 1 million $17.89 donations to Obama (in honor of Constitution’s adoption date) to send a message to political attack dogs Republican and Democratic alike: “We want a new politics, and a President who will return to our Government civility, the rule the of law, and the integrity of our Constitution.”

Byriehlifegrace

It is from numberless diverse acts of courage and belief that human history is shaped. Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of…

St. Louis Art Museum’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Freedom Celebration’s 7th year—Raises voice for youth through performances and distinguished African American photojournalism panel

Byriehlifegrace

“We need to tell our stories; argue our case.”–D. Michael Cheers (Assistant Professor, Photojournalism, San Jose State University) _______________________________________________________________ From the opening presentation of “Crowns of Glory” (Victor Little–actor–Sheila Forrest–vocalist–and David A. N. Jackson–vocalist & percussionist), through the panel of three distinguished photojournalists (D. Michael Cheers, Jason Miccolo Johnson, and Wiley Price) moderated by Alisa…

Compassionate Grandmother of Cookie Sutra by Judy Tart

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Judy Tart, my Rigpa sangha-sister, whom we’ve heard from before on two previous Riehlife posts as an eclectic reader and eco-activist, just got back from a 10 day vipassana retreat in Santa Barbara. Judy was gracious enough to share the Compassionate Grandmother of Cookie Sutra. Here is compassion practice with taste buds! Judy says that…

“Charlie Wilson’s War” reviewed by Alan Brody, UN front-line 1993 Afghanistan witness for the end-game

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Because of Alan’s time in Afghanistan, and because of the timing of his work with the UN in Afghanistan from 1993 onward, I was thrilled when he agreed to review the political satire “Charlie Wilson’s War.” I’d seen the film, thought it well-made, and well-acted, but really could find no words to share. So, it…

Virginia Quarterly Review online publishes Alan Brody’s story and commentary “Revisiting Afghanistan: A Conversation with Najibullah”

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Alan Brody worked for twenty-two years with the UN Children’s Fund, most recently as UNICEF Representative in Swaziland (1999–2006), and before that with assignments in China, Afghanistan, Turkey, and Nigeria. He is a graduate of Yale University and the University of Iowa, and served for over seven years as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Ghana…

Susan Tweit’s Podcast “The Nature of Life” reveals power of intention inherent in fervent New Year’s resolutions

Byriehlifegrace

Check out Susan Tweit’s Podcast on “The Nature of Life” with some great stories and perspectives on the power of intention that came from some surprise 2007 resolutions. Susan says: It seems to me that if we don’t write from our hearts and say the things we believe most deeply, there’s no point in writing….

Janet Riehl celebrates 59 years—a revelatory conversation gestures the way to choreograph a creative life and bring forth many talents and art disciplines

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Seventeen years ago (December 1990) I taped and transcribed this conversation with Lynda Caesara when I lived in the Bay Area. I’ve excerpted some portions I thought relevant to the themes of my Riehlife…creating connections through the arts, across cultures, and generations….and my role as catalyst and nexus. It is a snapshot of a stage…