miserere nobis

"If they arrested Sadam..they must arrest Bashir.."

2012-01-23T09:14:00.003-07:00

Please watch this video of a woman in Nuba Mountains Sudan imploring the world to arrest Omar Bashir, President of Sudan and indictee by the ICC for genocide. Please pass it along. Via Ryan Boyette, on the ground in Nuba.

July Top 5: Front-row concert tickets, stainless steel trees, new countries, yellow mailboxes, techmology..

2011-07-25T13:25:00.004-06:00

I've been a bit lax on the ol' blog posting lately, despite all of the news that is worthy of reporting. In this post, we'll cover the following topics:

1. We moved

2. U2 show

3. Incredible sculpture(s) at the Nelson-Atkins/Bloch

4. South Sudan Independence and also some bad news

5. Advances in the world of techmology & social networking

1. We Moved. Of course you already know this because it is the one thing I actually have mentioned recently on this blog. On Saturday I painted our mailbox and house numbers bright yellow to match my ceramic lion sculpture that Toby got for me shortly after we got married (which was previously just stone-colored, but of course I had to spray paint it!). The interiors are [mostly] painted and all the decor is almost in place. We own a lawnmower and two garage-door openers. And of course, the house came with a token stray cat to ensure that Lucinda will continue to go nuts on a daily basis. Aiyaa.

2. I, along with three lovely ladies, Sarah, Sara, and Malina, was third row at the recent U2 360 show in St. Louis, MO. If you've long followed my blog, you may recall that the very earliest days of this blog started with a si milar experience, of which the title of the blog post is purely humiliating to me but I can't avoid it (it's been six years, so give me a break!). Anyway we were equally close on July 17 at Busch Stadium due to the commitment of waiting in line for approximately 13.5 hours from the time we got in line until U2 actually took the stage. And yes, it was hot as hell. But it was worth it. My favorite part of the night was the encore of "Hold Me Thrill Me Kiss Me Kill Me" which involved no less than Bono swinging on a microphone that hung from above while wearing a jacket made out of laser-pointers. Check out the video below of the same performance from another show (fast forward to about the 2-minute marker to skip the video intro if you like). Or check out some of my pics from the show h ere.

3. Kansas Citians, have you seen THIS?!?!?

I literally dropped the f-bomb out of pure shock and awe the other night driving down Cleaver II Blvd when I caught a glimpse of this sculpture. It. Is. Unbelievable. There are models of many similar sculptures in the Bloch Building through the end of August, but we are honored to have the real deal outside in the sculpture yard permanently. It's been up since April and somehow I haven't seen it until now. Find out some info on the artist, Roxy Paine, and the process here.

4. Many Congratulations to South Sudan on celebrating its independence from Sudan on July 9. It's been a long time coming and I pray that the growth of the world's newest nation will be positive, sustainable, and peaceful.

Meanwhile, please pray for the area of South Kordofan, home to our beloved Nuba Mountains which I've spoken of often. This area of Sudan has seen incredible violence over the past month or so. Innocent civilians are being bombed, killed, run out of their homes, and worse. It is said that if intervention doesn't occur soon, Sudan will yet again find itself amidst another genocide. If you have a moment, please head over to the Enough Project and send a quick message to President Obama to encourage action in this area (it will only take a minute - the letter is written for you if you wish). If for nothing else, do it for me on behalf of our friends in Nuba. Thanks.

5. Google Plus! Spotify! Techmology!

Okay Google+ is pretty great - while it's little used now by the masses, I look forward to the day that it replaces Facebook entirely. While I use facebook often, it kind of makes me mad. With Google+, you can easily post information only to certain "circles" of friends - groups who you designate as actual friends, acquaintances, people you haven't spoken to in 20 years, etc. It's got some other great features as well, so if you don't have an invitation to it yet then leave me a comment and I'll send you one.

Same thing with Spotify - amazing! Spotify is a brilliant combination of Amazon Cloud (which I

quickly got over when I realized it was literally going to take 4 weeks to upload all my music to) and the old-school Napster. With Spotify, you can listen to pretty much any music you want from online free of charge. Yes, there are advertisements to pay for this "free" listening. But it's like having every thing in your iTunes library, all the time! Recently, I just added almost everything from my recent "Music To Buy" list to my Spotify playlists just like that, and listening now with only a few commercial breaks over the course of several hours. It's really something. Additionally you can connect with friends via facebook (and hopefully eventually Google+!) in order to share playlists and music suggestions. Pretty sweet. Request an invite here.

All right, that's my top 5 for this month, party peoples. In fact I think I'll start a Top 5 series. That will motivate me to at least post once a month! Doing it. Just like that.

Farewell to the 315 and the Old Northeast

2011-06-27T21:36:00.009-06:00

My home of the past six years, this place has been as much of a home to me as the house I grew up in. And now it's time to say goodbye. I've lived on both levels with a total of 25* people and 8 pets, crawled through the attic trying to rescue my cat, been spied on by raccoons from the neighbors roof, worn out at least four cheap DVD players, watched a ton of BRAVO (mostly with Rachel & Christina), written a lot of research papers (which resulted in a master's degree!), gone from single to married, from job to job (the first of which at YouthFront being my initial connection to the house), and so much more all in this one place.

But now Toby and I have bought a house in midtown, so it's time to say goodbye to the 315 and the Old Northeast. I adore the Northeast and am sad to say goodbye. Quick drives down to City Market, bike rides on Cliff Drive, mornings at Happy Gillis, crazy visits to Dr. Swoope--the "Dr. Huxtable of Vets" down on Independence Ave--all of these have become so important to me over the years and I will not fail to return and revisit them even though I'll be farther away. Not to mention, the best landlords EVER - Mike & Michelle. A huge thanks for all of their grace, generosity, provision, and friendship over the years. They're fantastic and you should let them be your landlords too (I heard they have a place available starting in July in the Old Northeast). :)

As I've reflected over my years in this house recently, it occurred to me that I've lived with an excessive number of roommates and housemates during my time here. It's insane how much of a revolving door this place has been! But it's been all for good and I've made such great friends and so many connections through all of my random roommates (including the welcoming of my dearest furry friend, Lucinda, who was taken in by Kristin who lived with me in 2007).

There have been so many in fact that I decided to create a visual aid. I know, it's totally ridiculous that I did this but let's just say I've got a little extra time on my hands these days. The blue line through the center represents my six years. All of those listed on top are the upstairs apartment, and underneath the downstairs. The change in hue on my line shows when I got married and moved from the upstairs to the downstairs, taking Lucinda with me and adding Toby. If you want to view it larger and clearer, head over to my Flickr page.

So there you have it. My history at the best house in all of Pendleton Heights. Soon I'll post a few pics of our new home in midtown. But for now - it's time to keep packing and hopefully have time to sit on the porch one last time.

*Amended from 24, not reflected in the chart. After posting this chart on facebook, I was reminded by one former roommate that I actually forgot someone! Sorry, Klarisa of 2008!

Best of Maux Dreams, Pt. XXVIII

2011-06-22T07:43:00.003-06:00

Last night I had a dream that six dogs, all half-beagle, half-pug, wandered into our house in the middle of the night. (I guess we left the door open, like ya do in the hood.) Four of the dogs were female, two male. The girl dogs all had long blonde hair and talked. The boy dogs were just plain ol' dogs.

The leader of the dog group, with the most beautiful of long blonde hair and tall bangs, explained to me that they were actually celebrity dogs. Celebrities [human ones] often hired them to attend events to make it look like they owned this beautiful, well-behaved kennel of dogs. She told me that their most recent gig was, of course, the Royal Wedding.

I was impressed, to say the least. But I was faced with a hard decision: do talking celebrity dogs with long, blonde hair still just sleep on the floor in the garage? Or do we have to provide them a guest room?

I woke up at that point, so the question remains.

Love Wins

2011-06-13T13:35:00.003-06:00

I've heard around the water cooler that Rob Bell's new book "Love Wins : A Book About Heaven, Hell, and the Fate of Every Person Who Ever Lived" is a bit controversial, but I honestly didn't care enough to learn why until saw a recent cover of TIME Magazine featuring the story. I thought, "Whoa. Rob Bell is on the cover of TIME?! I gotta see this." So I proceeded to read the article while sitting at my parents-in-law's home at 11:30 at night last weekend (one should note that I can hardly stay awake after 10:30 most days, much less read non-fiction at that hour...needless to say it must have been interesting).

Here's a link to the article, which summarizes the book and the reaction to it, and here's the summary of the book from Amazon.com:

Millions of Christians have struggled with how to reconcile God's love and God's judgment: Has God created billions of people over thousands of years only to select a few to go to heaven and everyone else to suffer forever in hell? Is this acceptable to God? How is this "good news"?

Troubling questions—so troubling that many have lost their faith because of them. Others only whisper the questions to themselves, fearing or being taught that they might lose their faith and their church if they ask them out loud.

But what if these questions trouble us for good reason? What if the story of heaven and hell we have been taught is not, in fact, what the Bible teaches? What if what Jesus meant by heaven, hell, and salvation are very different from how we have come to understand them?

What if it is God who wants us to face these questions?

Author, pastor, and innovative teacher Rob Bell presents a deeply biblical vision for rediscovering a richer, grander, truer, and more spiritually satisfying way of understanding heaven, hell, God, Jesus, salvation, and repentance. The result is the discovery that the "good news" is much, much better than we ever imagined.

Love wins.

And here's what I have to say about it (note that I haven't actually read the book, just the article):

I am so thankful that Mr. Bell publicly shared his insights with the world on this topic, as I have wondered about similar ideas for many years. Over time I have landed on my usual conclusion of "I don't know." But it's not a lazy, apathetic "I don't know", but rather it's a facing of the reality that God is far bigger and more incomprehensible than we even realize, and therefore how could I know? A friend of mine recently referred to this idea as "Christian Agnosticism", which I really latched on to.

I was discussing this with another friend who brought up Jesus' references to Gehenna and the Lazarus parable, and then posed the question, "What do you do with that?". My response is simply that we are not given enough information in Scripture to do anything with that. And the best part is--that's okay! As Christ-followers, we are not required to know everything about every issue that the Church has ever faced. In fact, we would probably be much better at following Jesus if we would do just that - follow Him by loving God and loving our neighbors. I gotta give it to Rob Bell - he nailed it by summing all of this up with the phrase "Love wins".

Contrarily, I was saddened to see that so much of the Evangelical community has come out against both Mr. Bell's ideas and Mr. Bell himself so ferociously. I'm especially saddened to see a teacher who I used to follow closely, John Piper, respond with such judgment and exclusion. To respond with hate to a book about love is just plain ridiculous. Come on, guys.

Finally, I do not intend to start a theological debate here on my blog on this topic, but am very happy to have an open, learning-based conversation on the topic of "Love Wins" as both a book and an idea. I'd also be interested to hear about other literature with a similar orientation if you have thoughts on that.

..."for I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified."
-Paul's first letter to the Corinthians (2:2)

A Day Without Dignity

2011-04-06T09:51:00.010-06:00

Today I am contributing to a counter-campaign to TOMS Shoes "A Day Without Shoes" Campaign. A Day Without Dignity is an attempt to spread the word that in-kind donations acting as international aid is bad aid. Aid workers from all over the world recently participated in A Day Without Dignity. You can find some of their results, ideas, and ramblings here.

TOMS Shoes and other do-good companies like it are making bank by melding two things that Western culture, especially youth culture, has come to LOVE: doing good things and having cool stuff. Meanwhile, they're sending a pair of their super-cool shoes to some supposedly destitute poor kids in the developing world, suggesting that these shoes are going to change lives. But like Vivek Nemana wrote in "A Tryst with TOMS" at Aid Watch, the $25 worth of shoes that TOMS sends overseas would be far better used in aid that actually works to affect change at the root of the problem. For example, if TOMS shoes are preventing kids from contracting soil-borne diseases, then perhaps taking all of those tens of thousands of dollars in shoes and instead contributing to dealing with sanitation issues instead might be a far better, sustainable form of international aid. And that's just one idea (Vivek's, not mine).

I could go on and on, but instead I'll post a few links to some fantastic posts for the Day Without Dignity campaign explaining why in-kind donation based aid is NOT good aid.

Aid Watch: Barefoot on Broadway
Texas in Africa : a day without dignity
Tales from the Hood: A Day Without Dumbassery

I've been learning a lot in the past year that it's okay to be an "Aid Elitist" as Tales from the Hood puts it. There are thousands of people coming up with all sorts of ideas on how to creatively help bring the rest of the world out of poverty--but the bottom line in aid is that good intentions are simply not enough. TOMS Shoes sounds real nice, and heck--we Americans with our cute shoes get something out of the deal too! But as Tales from the Hood reminds us, aid is not and should never be about us, the giver. It is not about a tax break, a warm fuzzy, or a cool pair of shoes. It's about getting the right, most effective assistance to the right people at the right time under the right circumstances. It's incredibly complex and complicated, and should not be taken lightly. So on this upcoming "day without shoes", think about taking a hard look at your charitable giving, and change your plans to buy another pair of TOMS.

Disclaimer: No, I am not going to judge or mock you to your face if I run into you and you're wearing TOMS. :) Even me, there was a time when I owned a pair (they didn't fit anyway). I mean, they're cool shoes. So don't go throw them out if you like them, just think about your next do-good move when it comes to consumerism. Yay!

My Music-To-Buy List as of February 2011

2011-02-02T12:20:00.005-07:00

Lately I have had a renewed desire for new music, including artists who are new to me. I tend to get in a rut where I only listen to my existing music library and/or only purchase new music by the same artists I've been listening to for years. This is not a bad thing, however I do want to expand my repertoire every now and then.

Recently, I was assisting my friend Sara Swenson with some publicity for her own music, and through this activity discovered some great music blogs. After scrolling through a few bloggers' "Best of 2010" lists, I came up with a good list of albums for my to-buy list, including albums I was unaware of by artists I love as well as new artists I've not previously heard of. Here's my current list. I've put the artists who are completely new to me in italics, with the regular text representing new albums (or at least new to me) by artists I already know and love.

Laura Marling - I Speak Because I Can
Amos Lee - Mission Bell (downloaded this just yesterday and LOVE it. He has one of the most incredible voices out there, and he's playing Liberty Hall on Monday! Wanna go?)
Joanna Newsom - Have One On Me (my girl friends have loved her for years, and suddenly now I want to get in that!)
The Deadweather - Sea of Cowards
Antony & the Johnsons - Swanlights
Deerhunter - Halcyon Digest
Isobel Campbell & Mark Lanegan - Hawk
Junip - Fields (Jose Gonzalez sings for Junip)
Damien Jurado - Saint Bartlett
Jose Gonzalez - In Our Nature
Iron and Wine - Kiss Each Other Clean
St. Vincent - Actor
The Civil Wars - Barton Hallows (just heard about this one today, people are loving it)
REM - Collapse Into Now (released 3/8/2011--pre-release reviews say that this album is a return to the classic R.E.M. style, unlike their last few albums.)
KC Chinese Music Ensemble - Actually, they don't have an album but I really want some traditional Chinese music to remind me of my time in Hong Kong, so I'm hoping to find something like what they do. Saw this ensemble perform at the Chinese New Year Celebration at the Nelson-Atkins.

Here's a few of the blogs that I got these ideas from. Additionally, thanks to all my great friends with great taste in music who have also added to this list. Please leave comments and let me know what else I should check out!

The Jeopardy of Contentment

I am Fuel, You are Friends

Daytrotter

I hope your ears bleed

Finally, here's a video of Amos Lee performing a song from his new album. So good! Please leave comments and let me know what else I should check out!

Best of Maux Dreams, Pt. XXVII

2011-02-02T12:15:00.002-07:00

A few nights ago I had a dream that it was Halloween, and my dear friend Rachel and I decided to dress up as robots by covering ourselves with Rachel's mom's expensive gold eyeshadow. It took quite some time to make any progress with this medium, and eventually we ran out of the makeup only half painted. I guess we were going for this look:

Election Day

2011-01-08T14:46:00.003-07:00

It's happening, people. In about 8 hours, the people of Southern Sudan will hit the polls. Most likely, the world will soon birth a new nation as they vote for independence from Sudan. Crazy stuff.

What will happen to Southern Sudan as an independent nation? They are a land with little infrastructure, no roads outside of the major cities, extremely high poverty and extremely low literacy. The US, UN, and others have committed to helping them along the way, but what will that help look like? Will it be the right kind of help? Will it be sustainable? Or even more, will the Southern Sudanese government put it to good use or allow it to dissipate into corruption?

What will happen in Abyei? In the Nuba Mountains...the areas that reside just north of the Southern Sudan/Sudan border, that are overflowing with people who are ethnically and religiously like the South, but who will politically and economically remain a part of the North. Will they become even more marginalized than they already are? Will conflict break out there over the remaining oil land that will be left within Sudanese borders once the South breaks away?

Men at market in Nuba Mountains, Sudan, near Kororak village, December 2009.

Oh, and what the heck is CHINA going to do about any of this?! They're the ones extracting most of the oil from these disputed areas and have become notorious for destroying the land and having little regard for the surrounding communities.

Oh and you know how I feel about President al-Bashir, still in power under an international indictment for genocide and crimes against humanity. Recently it came out that he's been embezzling Sudanese money, millions of dollars over a number of years. Shocker. He did tell Al-Jazeera that he's likely to step down after the end of his current term in four years, but that means nothing considering the amount of damage he has the power to do in that time period.

Sigh.

I haven't posted in a long time, and this weekend the people of central Sudan are very much on my mind as they are bound to be abandoned, in a sense, by governments on both sides of them. So I present this post full of mostly questions and tidbits, in hopes that it will at the least lead us to pray for peace in Sudan and take any action possible. Of course, results forthcoming over the next few days, stay posted at your favorite major international news source in the meantime. Additionally, check out this wealth of information on the situation in Sudan at large via Al-Jazeera here.

Message to the U.N.: What are you guys DOING?!

2010-11-30T19:16:00.003-07:00

I seldom catch SNL when it's on TV, so I'm always glad when someone alerts me to a fantastic sketch or digital short on the internetz. This one came to me from one of my favorite blogs, Aid Watch. It's rich. Check it out.

Songs for the Advent Conspiracy

2010-11-29T14:23:00.004-07:00

If you're reading this blog from the KC Area, then mark off Saturday night on your calendars to head over to Jacob's Well Church and join us for the Advent Concert/Album Release show by Mike Crawford & His Secret Siblings, of whom I am honored to be a part. The album had a great write-up recently in Generate Magazine that Mike shared on the blog - click on the image to read it.
As the article notes, all the proceeds from album sales and the show will benefit a water-well building project in the Pokot region of Northwestern Kenya. Which brings me to my next point. :) Also on Saturday at JW, at 10am the Ubuntu group (that meets monthly to discuss Africa-related topics) will be hearing from the four Jacob's Wellers who recently had the honor of traveling to Kenya and visiting the communities who have benefited from the new wells. So, come hear about it in words at 10, and in music at 7! See you then. (And if you can't make it Saturday night, go ahead and download the album here.)

Buy a song | Build an Orphanage

2010-11-16T09:00:00.006-07:00

I told you a few weeks ago about the Actions Speak Louder campaign in partnership with my friends at His Voice Global (see the blog post). They have released a single that you can get on iTunes, with all proceeds benefitting the construction of a fourth orphanage in Southern Sudan. Just one dollar per person can go a long way, so please support this campaign, check out the single, and tell your friends!

Genoshop: African Crafts & Textiles

2010-11-06T09:43:00.001-06:00

I'd like to introduce you to Genoshop, an online business that specializes in African crafts and textiles handmade by women in Northern Uganda. Genoshop was created by my friend Emmanuel Ekochu, in partnership with Awava. Geno's goal is to promote the empowerment of African women by selling and marketing their local African crafts and textiles, in the belief that social and economic change for the most impoverished people in Africa begins with the empowerment of women. (See this video for some inspiration behind that.)

I bought a gorgeous handbag from Genoshop recently and adore it! It's bright, unique, well made, one-of-a-kind, and the perfect size for my daily outings!

Photo by Toby, resident Fashion Photographer.

Genoshop has many different sizes and fabrics in handbags (this style is called Kibegabega), as well as some incredible jewelry that I hope to be wearing myself very soon.

Please consider Genoshop this season as you begin to consider Christmas gifts, or simply if you need a new handbag (don't we ALWAYS need a new handbag, ladies?). It's a great way to support a sustainable, fair-trade business in Africa, and to receive something in return that's totally unique and beautiful.

Oh hey, and here's another way to do the same thing, though it may seem out of season (I'm kicking myself for not posting about this over the summer!): SSEKO SANDALS. I bought a pair of Ssekos this past summer and adore them - also handmade by young women in Uganda, helping them to pay for their first year of college! It's a great program that I'm also very pleased to support. Happy fair trade shopping!

His Voice building orphanage #4!

2010-11-04T20:28:00.001-06:00

I'm very excited to share that my friends Amber & Vernon, founders of His Voice Global (formerly His Voice For Sudan) are in the process of fund-raising to build their fourth orphanage in Southern Sudan! This is very exciting news, considering the high numbers of children left parent-less after the civil war and still due to the extreme poverty in Sudan.

Currently, they are looking to raise $125,000 for the building costs, $100,000 for a third truck for the Lion of Judah trucking company and $24,000 for half of the first years operating costs. By allocating the funds in this manner the orphanage will be self-sustaining within a year of it’s doors being open. This orphanage (like all of the others) will provide food, clothing, shelter, education, discipleship and medical care for 100 orphans and 42 indigenous staff members (15 of which are widows) and a meal a day as well as education for an additional 110 village children.

His Voice has also helped to create a trucking company (linked above). The company consists of two trucks that help to transport goods all over Sudan and Uganda. Lion of Judah is a fully registered company in Sudan and Uganda. If war were to break out in Sudan, the trucks could continue to generate revenue in Uganda to run the orphanages. With each orphanage that we raise funds for, part of the cost will go towards another truck that will provide the complete overhead cost of the orphanage.

I'm so proud of His Voice and how they have implemented the trucking company to make the orphanages sustainable.

In a few weeks, the Actions Speak Louder campaign is going to kick off to help raise funds for the fourth orphanage in Southern Sudan - the campaign was inspired by a group who recently went to Sudan with His Voice, which resulted in a song recording by the same name. I'll be blogging about it again when the campaign kicks off, as well as linking to the single via Collision Records that you can download with all proceeds benefiting the fourth orphanage! So, in the meantime, check out more about His Voice (or go ahead and donate), and stay tuned!

Best of Maux Dreams, Pt. XXVI: Chinese Fiddler

2010-10-26T07:40:00.000-06:00

Last night I had a dream that my friend Nicole kept morphing into an old Chinese man who played a mean fiddle. She would just be hanging around, then all of a sudden she would be gone and this guy would be running around like crazy playing the fiddle! It was awesome.

Imagine this guy (pictured) meets Fiddler on the Roof meets a bluegrass competition. That's what it was like.

Later, I left a container of chocolate ice cream in someone's truck and it exploded and coated the entire cab with melted ice cream.

The end.

California

2010-10-07T05:48:00.000-06:00

1 day with Jim & Sarala (aka my Hong Kong "parents" who now live in San Jose)

3 days with my best friend Val (and her friend Christen + sister + partner Shannon & Meredith)

4 days with our dearest Huffmans

California 2010!

More photos from our trip here!

First Anniversary Photos

2010-09-21T11:28:00.000-06:00

A few weeks ago, Toby & I celebrated our first wedding anniversary. My gift to him was tickets to see Bob Dylan, which happened a few weeks prior to our anniversary. He gave me several wonderful gifts, took me out for Indian food and ice cream, and surprised me with an anniversary photo shoot during our picnic at Loose Park! A big thanks to Danielle Larson and her "assistant" Travis Beckham for their time and energy with these fantastic photos. Here's a few of my favorites (more can be viewed here):

AIDS decline in Africa

2010-09-17T17:58:00.000-06:00

I was very pleased to see this article donning the front of the BBC News homepage today: Sub-Saharan Africa Leads Global Decline in HIV Cases. Imagine! It's pretty self-explanatory so I don't have much to say, other than - there is hope!

A New Era

2010-09-03T16:53:00.008-06:00

I have just completed a year of service as an Americorps VISTA (Volunteer In Service To America) with a local organization called Southtown Foundation, and specifically as the Project Manager for Tulips on Troost.

Here's the little blurb I wrote for my organization's newsletter by way of farewell:

Serving as the Americorps VISTA for Tulips on Troost and Southtown over the past year has led to a deepened understanding about the city I call home. I have had my eyes opened to parts of Kansas City that I'd never seen, opportunities that I didn't know existed for business owners, consumers and residents, and the immense numbers of dedicated community leaders who give every ounce of their time and energy to better our city. I have learned more about how our city works, from City Hall to a little office at 68th & Troost that holds a lot of sway. I have met the fantastic people of Troost Avenue and surrounding who have welcomed me and taught me about their experiences.

I am very thankful for the opportunity I have had over the past year to serve the Troost Avenue community. I have been inspired by the dedication of KC's citizens to making it a better place for all, and I hope to carry that vision on to wherever I go. Thank you for the chance to serve alongside you over the past year!

Toby & I at the TOT Volunteer Appreciation Picnic last Spring.

I'm sporting my flower-power headband.

So. Just wanted to share that little tidbit of my life with my greater blog following. Not that I have one. But just in case. And now I enter into a new era - an era of unemployment (read: living off my sugar daddy's income). ;) I'm hoping to find a part-time job to help make ends meet for now, as Toby & I explore what's next for us.

That said, it's a new era for me as it feels like Fall is being ushered in, as Toby & I celebrate our first anniversary, and as I find a new routine in daily life. All is well.

Precisely.

2010-08-25T09:41:00.000-06:00

This basically sums up my previous post. ;)

Taking a Stand Against Weather Hatred

2010-08-25T09:22:00.005-06:00

Take a moment to ponder this:

What would your life be like if you weren't so affected by the weather?
What if you could just be content no matter the outdoor environment?
What if you could fully embrace each day as it is, no matter how hot, cold, gray, or wet?

I have to say, our lives might be generally healthier if only we could set aside our strong weather-related preferences.

And so, on this beautiful early-Fall day that no one has anything to complain about, I'm taking a stand:

I refuse to complain about the weather.

And I want to encourage you to make the same commitment.

(Make no mistake - I fully understand this condition known as "Seasonal Affective Disorder." If that is something you truly experience, then that is a different conversation. Take the steps you need to take to be healthy and happy amidst the winter season.)

Red Bush, originally uploaded by maureen lunn.

But for the rest of us who, sure, may experience a little winter depression, or may hate the heat and even more the humidity (because it's not the heat, but...all together now.... IT'S THE HUMIDITY!). But must we really allow our lives and days to be SO negatively affected by it? Did you ever think that maybe, just maybe, you could CHOOSE to not hate the weather?

Rant Incoming!

When Fall comes, everyone's so excited (for some inherent reason) to start wearing jeans and long sleeves (myself included). It's not hot anymore and we are so happy! So we go to the park a couple times and maybe go camping once, and then basically forget about it until we're in the depths of winter, and then the complaining starts: "It's SO COLD!". Duh. It's winter. You live in Kansas/Missouri. IT'S THIS WAY EVERY YEAR, WHY IS EVERYONE ACTING SO SURPRISED?!

When Spring comes, everyone's so excited (for some inherent reason) to start wearing shorts and sandals (myself included). It's not cold anymore and we are so happy! So we go to the park a couple times and maybe go camping once, and then basically forget about it until we're in the fires of summer, and then the complaining starts: "It's SO HOT!". DUH. IT'S SUMMER. YOU LIVE IN KANSAS/MISSOURI. IT'S THIS WAY EVERY YEAR, WHY ARE YOU ACTING SO SURPRISED?!?!?!?!?!

Now let me be clear, I understand that weather affects people. Period. Even me, after the heat and humidity broke a week or so ago, it was a relief. And yet, those of us who have the capacity to be reading this blog most likely are much like me, living in completely heated/air-conditioned world. No matter the extreme weather, we can always find relief. We are not homeless, we are not in the Bush, we are in an American city, where - whether in our own homes or cars, in a friend's home or a public place - we can find relief from the weather. Let's be thankful.

You know, weather is kind of like religion. It can be moderate or extreme. Therefore, we can dislike the extreme weather, but the moderate, we just need to accept for what it is (or move). For example, an average cold winter is kind of like the mainline Protestant Church. But a death-causing blizzard is like Fred Phelps. Or, a normal year of dry and rainy seasons somewhere in Southeast Asia is kind of like the moderate Muslim community, but a huge tsunami is like terrorism. There is normal or average religion, there is normal or average weather. There is extreme or damaging religion, there is extreme or damaging weather.

In conclusion, consider taking a personal stand against weather hatred. Stop complaining. Embrace every day, no matter how hot or cold. Get upset and frustrated when extreme weather actually ruins people lives. But don't blame the entire weather system for it. Be thankful that you're comfortable and alive. And see if your life over the course of a year doesn't feel more content.

Or, move to California. BOOM.

Abandoned beach chair, originally uploaded by maureen lunn.

Best of Maux Dreams, Pt. XXV: That's a bingo!

2010-08-20T08:28:00.000-06:00

Last night I had a dream that myself and several other friends were paragliding, or hang-gliding, or parachuting, or something like that. Let's just say that we were falling from the sky with some sort of contraption that slowed us down (that's how dreams go). One by one, we all glided to the ground. As each person touched down, he or she threw their hands in the air and yelled, "BINGO!".

Of all the people in the dream, I specifically remember Rachel shouting out her bingo victory with the utmost excitement.

The end.

p.s. One of my favorite movie lines is from "Inglorious Bastards" - "That's a bingo!" View this clip:

p.p.s. I've got bingo on the brain because the organization I am currently finishing up my Americorps service with is having a "Charity Bingo night" on September 1. If you like bingo (the sitting at a table kind, not the parachuting kind), then join us! Details here.

Twilight Zone*

2010-08-06T16:42:00.003-06:00

I was driving home just now, and heard this story on NPR about cloned beef showing up in grocery stores without being marked as cloned.

Now. It's not uncommon to hear a news story about food not being what its label says it is.

But.... CLONED?! WHAT!? I mean I knew some sheep or something was cloned a few years ago, but I didn't know we had arrived such that we are now cloning cows and eating them en masse?!? I'M FREAKING OUT HERE. AM I IN THE TWILIGHT ZONE?!

What's more, the bad part isn't that cloned beef is being eaten, it's that it's not being advertised for what it is. Because cloned beef shouldn't be with regular beef, rather, it's considered a delicacy. A DELICACY!!!

What's happening?! This level of shock and awe can also be found in my reaction to Wyclef Jean running for President of Haiti (although I find that a bit more awesome than the cloned beef, which I'm mostly scared of). Freaking FUGEES, man! And.... the fact that I place my hand on a scanner in order to enter my local gym. And... that I can type in four random words into a little search bar on my computer screen and instantly have the exact result I was looking for without previously knowing it existed! (The latter example is in reference to searching for a toy my nephew described to me over the phone, I typed in "Dinosaur toy sprays water", and instantly found this:

BOOM. Couldn't have asked for more. And yes, I ordered it instantly. Duh.)

This shit is crazy!

WHAT YEAR IS THIS?! We are officially living in the twilight zone*.

But what's even more amazing is how much of the world is still living in the past, or how much of our lives and cultures have not advanced. Not just the developing world that still lives primitively, but right here in our backyard where we still live in a world of violence, poverty, addiction, crime, deceit, pain - if only we could advance beyond these things as well. It's ironic, no?

So, turns out it's 2010. I guess I didn't know we would ever make it this far, and yet be so far behind.

*I've never watched the show called "The Twilight Zone", but I often use the term to refer to a state or condition in which I feel like I don't know where I am/what's happening.

Hackable Election Monitoring

2010-08-05T12:04:00.003-06:00

Read this article yesterday at the Christian Science Monitor on the positive impact of SMS and Twitter on yesterday's referendum election throughout Kenya. It gave me warm fuzzies. Is that weird?

It reminded me of AGENCY'S ideas on "hackable infrastructures"--taking existing infrastructures and making them useful for the general public, including the marginalized public. Kenyans have taken a pre-existing technological infrastructure and altered it in order to benefit the masses. And the most amazing part--it worked!!

While the new constitution isn't perfect and will inevitably lead to various tensions and political conflicts, if Kenyans remain positive perhaps they will find peace and stability under their new laws.

Water Cartons

2010-07-27T19:39:00.004-06:00

Today I was at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City for their "Green Fair". I left with a few free magnets, pens, some new signatures on my organization's email list, a few less brochures, and this:This, my friends, is an environmentally-friendly, biodegradable, recyclable water bottle. BOOM. Finally. The mass consumption of water sold in plastic bottles creates in me a deep-rooted white hot fury. Why has the world not yet realized how ridiculous it is to buy all that plastic, and then to throw it in a dump? Yes, most water bottles are recyclable, but an incredibly small percentage of Westerners who use them actually recycle. So perhaps, just perhaps, this is the solution.

Eco Choice Water is based out of Overland Park, KS. Their water cartons are priced at just over $1, and can be found at many local grocery stores. Hopefully soon they will expand to a larger market such as convenience stores and entertainment venues. I sure hope so. While recycling is always the better option, throw these suckers in a dump and they'll break down in 1% of the time a plastic bottle would (if ever).

I just made that statistic up, but I'm going with it. (Toby just chimed in that it's likely less than 1%! BOOM.)

Anyway, check it out.

Cry, the Beloved Country

2010-07-02T11:50:00.004-06:00

Is it weird when I'm singing a worship song and thinking of characters in a book I just read, and in a sense praying for them? Probably. But sometimes it just happens. With an especially phenomenal book and an especially powerful song.

This week I'm down at YouthFront Camp South serving as the Storyteller (camp speaker). And loving it. It's been a wonderful little vacation in so many ways. One thing I've accomplished in my free time, other than getting a tan, is reading "Cry, The Beloved Country" by Alan Paton. This book has been on my shelf for years. After visiting South Africa in 2003, I knew I needed to read it but just never got around to it until now. Well, I should not have waited so long. What a masterpiece. Everyone should read this book. Everyone.

If you've read it, you'll remember that the book finishes with the promise of agriculture--land restored to health and a literal salvation of the people who live in the valley of Umzimkulu. After the events that have occurred throughout the book, this promise is more full of life and hope than one would normally associate with farming. And the poetry that describes it renders me speechless.

So, when I gathered here at the YouthFront Camp chapel and sang these words, I prayed for Africa. I prayed that he would also make literal things out of the dust, create resources for people who have none. Though the characters of Paton's book are fictional, there are hundreds just like them out there in the world.

All this earth Could all that is lost ever be found?
Could a garden come up from this ground at all?
You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of the dust
You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of us
-from "You Make Beautiful Things" by Gungor, listen here.

"Yes, it is the dawn that has come. The titihoya wakes from sleep, and goes about its work of forlorn crying. The sun tips with light the mountains of Ingeli and East Griqualand. The great valley of Umzimkulu is still in darkness, but the light will come there also. For it is the dawn that has come, as it has come for a thousand centuries, never failing. But when that dawn will come, of our emancipation, from the fear of bondage and the bondage of fear, why, that is a secret."
-Closing paragraph of "Cry, the Beloved Country" by Alan Paton

Evidence

2010-06-25T16:29:00.003-06:00

If you're not quite sure you believe what I said two posts town about the commonality of getting excited about sports, watch this video and tell me if you don't crack a smile.

Best of Maux Dreams, Pt. XXIV: Vegetarian Turkey?

2010-06-25T08:20:00.001-06:00

I had a rich dream life last night...I dreamed that Kevin Morris stole my bike, I caught him in the act, and he nonchalantly informed me that he would not be giving it back....then I was making lunch for Rachel Bonar (vegetarian) who opted for a turkey burger because, "it probably tastes a lot like a veggie burger" and somehow that made it okay. Finally, Michaela Meckel and I were in high school gym class. There was also some ongoing theme about drinking margaritas and traveling with Toby in a very dark school bus. The end.

The Visceral Experience of the World Cup (and more)

2010-06-23T10:27:00.005-06:00

Today's USA World Cup victory wouldn't have been nearly as exciting (to me) had I not chosen to view it with friends and fans at The Gaf. At a few points I thought the walls might come down due to the cheering and jumping and high-fiving in that place! I even double-high fived some 60-year old dude after our boys scored the first and only goal for the win in the 91st minute of play (whew!).

In that setting, I had a thought--there's something about this environment, this energy, that ANYONE can connect to--someone who couldn't care less about sports, who's never watched a game of soccer in their life, would quickly be sucked into the adrenaline rush of watching a game like this with 100 other people who care. There is something visceral about sporting events when watched with others. The main character in the book I'm reading commented on this very idea: "..it would seem it's a question of "mirror neurons": when you watch someone doing something, the same neurons that they activate in order to do something become active in your brain, without you doing a thing (p. 103)."

Precisely! I think this is one of the reasons that people across the globe love sports so much. We are connected through it because we all experience this same innate reaction. Fascinating.

That said, I'll be watching in the remaining weeks of the World Cup. Now it's down to rooting for USA and the only remaining African team that has a chance to advance-Ghana. Good luck to all!

Coming & Going

2010-06-17T19:32:00.002-06:00

As of May 2010 until now, the following dear ones have moved away (or are within weeks):

My very own mother and father
Our dearest and best Huffmans
Our longtime sweet Eddys

These have or soon will return from an extended leave:
The beautiful Hilary Meckel + her loving Joe Winans
Ever-missed, adventurous John Raux
My housemates of old and great friends, Glenn & Amy (+1)

So it's three out for three in, (if we're talking family groups, that is). But nevertheless it's been a sad month to see such important ones move on. And yet, for each and every one, I am endlessly proud of them, and know that this is without question the right thing for their lives. Today, a friend who is also considering a move (don't get me started), said that they were deciding whether to go based on this question: "Will moving add value to our own lives as well as the lives of those around us?" What wisdom. I pray that for each of you who have come and gone, that your lives will be richer and more valuable in these new seasons.

Recently, the one and only Tim Keel wrote a blog post about the experience of having relocated to New Zealand (if I were to expand my "Goings" list back a few months, his family among others would be there). It's so insightful and hard in a way. For instance, he writes: "Though we have met many wonderful people and are sowing the seeds for significant friendships, there is no relational equivalent to Miracle-Gro. Meaningful relationships are built over time. After having a wealth of such relationships, their absence is felt acutely."

Despite the difficulty of this reality, I'm encouraged by it--both for my friends listed here, and for Toby & I in the thought that someday we might be the ones going. And that each of us, here or there, will again find wealth in relationships, value given and received, time and time again.

Lunns & Huffmans (sans children)

Summer List

2010-06-09T14:32:00.004-06:00

Weekend Getaway, originally uploaded by maureen lunn.

Here are some things I want to do this summer:

Sew/mend some clothes that have been piling up for a year
Spend an entire weekend with NO plans
Go to the zoo a minimum of 3-4 times (we bought a membership!)
Have a backyard party with neighbors
Not only grow, but USE my fresh herbs
Try every flavor at Glace
Spend a week as Storyteller at YouthFront Camp South
See Modest Mouse in concert
Visit my parents at their new home in Texas
Read more than one book a month (in addition to book club)
Make plans to visit California
Apply for jobs

How 'bout you?

No Tour on the Horizon

2010-05-26T08:49:00.004-06:00

U2 Fans nation-wide were saddened yesterday when news came out that, due to an unexpected back surgery underwent by Bono, the summer U2 360° tour has been postponed. I had tickets for the show in Chicago on July 6. While we are all hoping for Bono's full and speedy recovery, I can't say that I'm not extremely disappointed. The shows will be rescheduled for 2011, at which time I hope to be living somehwere in East Africa so will likely not be able to attend. Sigh. Life is hard sometimes.

A word from The Edge:
U2.com > News > The Edge on Skype

So....I'll wait until the dates are released to sell my ticket(s), but if anyone out there is interested in buying them then let me know.

Sharansthan Orphanage Art Auction Benefit

2010-05-19T13:12:00.006-06:00

My dear friends Sage & Jarrett are hosting an Art Opening & Auction to benefit an orphanage that they work with in India. See details below and please stop in if you're in Kansas City!

Click on the image to enlarge:
More info:
Homeofhope.typepad.com

Event Administrator:
Lucinda on Facebookz

Don't Show SPLM!

2010-05-13T12:05:00.003-06:00

I posted over at His Voice about the CPA, and couldn't help but also share here the great political cartoon I found representing the Northern Sudanese government.

Cartoon found at http://humanrights.change.org/.

Don't feel like an idiot on my watch

2010-05-05T21:02:00.007-06:00

Now we all know how I feel about my cat, Lucinda. But after reading this post at Hyperbole and a Half, I wanted to share with all of my friends that I don't want you to feel like an idiot because of this:

Things that can make you feel like an idiot almost instantly:

Having your space invaded by your friend's cat

Cats don't give a shit about your personal space. You're sitting on your friend's couch, trying to enjoy a nice conversation and your friend's cat leaps up onto your lap and gets all up in your grill. You don't like cats, but you pretend to like your friend's cat because that's what friends do. Then the cat gets all pushy and starts kneading your chest with its paws and backing its ass up in your face. But you can't do anything about it. You just have to sit there and take it because your friend is standing right there and if you throw her cat violently to the ground, she is going to notice. So you just try to carry on and pretend the cat's butthole isn't two inches from your face and everything is fine.

What I want to say is, always, always, feel free to throw my cat violently to the ground. Well, maybe not violently. But throw her to the ground nonetheless, just like Andy Samberg. And definitely check out the rest of the things that can make you feel like an idiot, they are worth noting. ;)

Best of Maux Dreams, Pt. XXIII: Von Don

2010-05-05T10:13:00.000-06:00

Last night I had a dream that I walked out of the back door of my house and found a huge crowd gathered to watch a Pearl Jam concert. I was like, "Wow, that's pretty cool that Pearl Jam's playing in my back yard, but I wish someone would have at least let me know ahead of time. I wonder if they even asked my landlord's permission."

As the opening band took the stage, I realized that the lead singer was my Uncle Tom from California (Pictured right, and clearly cool enough to open for Pearl Jam). And I was like, "Wow, it would have been nice if Uncle Tom told me he was in town. I didn't even know he was in a band." The name of Tom's band was "Von Don."

The end.

P.S. VON DON?! What?!?!

Engagement Whale

2010-05-04T13:12:00.004-06:00

I was explaining to a certain friend of mine the rationale behind my purchase of the previously-posted "Whale Watching" painting. And let's just say that she wouldn't have chosen that particular painting herself. So I mockingly made a comment on her flickr about some engagement pictures she recently shot, and this is what happened:

BEFORE

AFTER
"Engagement Whale", original by Danielle Larson, whale modification by Travis Beckham.

Weekend Update: Whale Watching & Flying with the Blue Angels

2010-05-03T12:55:00.004-06:00

I bought this print by Phill Singer at the Brookside Art Fair, titled "Whale Watching."

And Toby flew with the USN Blue Angels F-18 Hornet Fighter Jets!

Wait, what?! You thought the title of this post meant we actually went whale watching in the ocean or actually flew in one of the real Blue Angels? Well that's just crazy.

Hadestown, or "Why I have a cool father-in-law."

2010-04-28T20:25:00.008-06:00

I'd like to apologize to all of you out there who appreciate my blog for its randomness and diversity. The last few months have been heavy with posts on Sudanese politics and current events. But now that the elections in Sudan are over and I'm completely underwhelmed by them, perhaps its time to get back to my roots (read: total randomness and no consistency whatsoever). Sound good?

So check this out: Hadestown. My dear father-in-law loaned this album to me, he bought it after hearing about it on NPR. At first I was all like, "Oh man what kind of dorky music is this gonna be?" (Alan, I thought you'd appreciate my honesty)...but I took one look at it and then I was like, "WHAT?! Ani Difranco? Bon Iver?! I have the coolest father-in-law EVER!". Needless to say, I popped it in the ol' Malibu compact disc player and was extremely impressed at what I heard.

As you'll see in the article linked above, Hadestown is a "folk opera" created by Anais Mitchell based on the myth of Orpheus. Each of the musicians plays a specific character--there are love songs, hate songs, fight songs, and just downright weird songs. But the collaboration is brilliant. And come on--Bon Iver? He's just awesome whichever way you look at it (or listen to it, rather).

My favorite tune so far is "Why we build the wall"--so dramatic and yet sing-a-long-able. In fact, perhaps that's precisely how I would describe this album. I should also mention that the physical CD case/art is really wonderful--worth buying the physical album for. You can listen to the full album here on Lala (just once, though). Let me know what you think!

Bashir wins: What it means for Sudan

2010-04-26T12:04:00.002-06:00

Today the election results came in: Bashir has been reelected as the President of Sudan. Shocker. I've been holding my breath to find out who the winner is. (Can you sense my sarcasm?).

After a long, corrupt, unfair, and poorly executed election, the Sudanese people are right back where they started. Same President, same laws, same oil money not being distributed fairly, same violence happening in Darfur, same criminal indictment going unpunished. And dare I mention the same international powers doing nothing to do anything about it, like, for example, our own President. (That's right, you just witnessed my first public statement in criticism of Pres. Obama. Boom.)

So what does it mean? Nothing, as far as I can tell. Bashir will go on being validated as an international leader despite his criminal indictment, and perhaps he will do so for years in the future unless someone in his government is willing to hand him over. Unlikely. But you've heard me say that before.

The one thing Bashir has said to try to gain the respect and trust of Sudanese people is, that when Southern Sudan has the opportunity to vote for secession next year, he will honor the results. If they vote to secede, he will allow them to do so peacefully. Only time will tell if he speaks the truth or is just using that as a ploy to get support from the South. But time will also tell if Southern Sudan can possibly come up with the infrastructure to hold a legitimate election. After this massive election fail that just occurred, I doubt it. What's more, I personally feel that the South seceding would result in a massive national disaster. But I won't go into that (and by "I won't go into that", I mean, "I need a whole blog series to cover that topic and you bet that I'll be doing so soon!").

17 years later...

2010-04-22T07:43:00.002-06:00

17 years later..., originally uploaded by maureen lunn.

Some 17 years after I caught my first big spoonbill fish, my dear husband went and outdid me by 11 pounds. He is literally standing in the same exact spot as I was 17 years before. Mine was 54 pounds, his 65. Well done, Toby!

I owe you an update.

2010-04-15T14:46:00.004-06:00

I've honestly been so overwhelmed with all the ups and downs in Sudan that I've not been able to blog about it. And even now, I don't really know what to say, but my previous post is way out of date! So, a quick run down:

The elections began on Sunday, as scheduled, despite boycotts and withdrawals.
Mass chaos and confusion at most rural polling places, and yet very little violence (no more than occurs anyway).
After the allotted three days of voting, the elections were extended by two days (today being the second of the two).
President Bashir, widely expected to win, announced that he would invite members from all other political parties to form a coalition government. (Good news).

Those are the main points. By tomorrow we will probably have some results, most of which will simply maintain the status quo.

However, the lack of violence and President Bashir's outstretched hand to the other parties does give me some hope. We've missed Pastor Morris's calls the past few days, unfortunately, but whenever Toby talks to him, he will hopefully give us some insight as to how things went in Nuba Mountains.

Sudan elections still up in the air, or "GET IT TOGETHER, PEOPLE!"

2010-04-06T13:38:00.005-06:00

I've officially lost track of who has withdrawn from the upcoming Sudanese elections, who has boycotted, who has threatened others for withdrawing or boycotting, and which international entities are supporting it or not supporting it.

Either way, the countdown is on so we'll find out in about three days if they are happening or not. The Economist today puts it this way: "The election may still be postponed. Yet, despite all these flaws, it is to be hoped that it will go ahead. If it does, the outside world should hold its nose and accept the result. For the election could lead to progress on one front in a country that is pitifully short of the stuff: it could result in a peaceful division of Sudan between north and south."

Personally, I don't entirely agree that it should go ahead anyway, nor do I agree that a division of north and south will possibly be peaceful.

But, all we can do now is wait. Keep up with the Sudan Tribune to read daily updates, as well as this very informative article at The Economist about what went wrong.

Yasir Arman Withdraws from Sudanese National Election

2010-04-01T08:04:00.003-06:00

Just blogged this over at His Voice for Sudan, but it's important enough to get the word out....

With eleven days remaining until the kick-off of Sudan's first Presidential elections in 24 years, the primary opposition candidate from the South, Yasir Arman, has withdrawn from the elections. This could mean one of two things:

1. His withdraw will create enough motivation and courage among other political parties to jointly step up and boycott the elections nationwide (this is evidently his intent).

2. His withdraw will not have this anticipated effect and consequently al-Bashir will win the elections hands down (Arman is Bashir's only significant competition for the national presidency.)

The Sudan Tribune also suggested that Arman's withdraw is not truly an attempt to boycott the elections, but rather it is a cover-up for a "secret deal" between the SPLM (Sudan People's Liberation Movement, i.e. the South) and the NCP (National Congress Party, i.e. the North). This unconfirmed "secret deal" is evidently an attempt to keep the peace with the North (read: give them what they want) as a bribe to prevent the North from interfering with the 2011 referendum on Southern secession. Oof.

So, this is all brand new information as of this morning, so I don't yet have an opinion on it or any predictions to make. But it is a crucial event that has occurred and I thought you all should know. Please pray for peace and justice in Sudan.

Patty Griffin--check!

2010-03-29T12:35:00.002-06:00

If only I had known..., originally uploaded by maureen lunn.

For a long time, I've had a list of concerts I've wanted to see (of artists I've never seen before). At the very top of my list, for about the past 8 years, has been the one and only Patty Griffin. She's been my favorite artist for years and yet every time she's come to the Midwest, I've never been able to attend due to ridiculous commitments like, for example, college graduation (missed her show in May 2004 because of this!). Well, this past Saturday night I finally crossed her off my list. But I put her at the top of a new list called "Musicians I want to see in concert again and again".

Patty's new album, Downtown Church, is an anomaly among most of her work (Read an NPR review and listen to the full album here). It was recorded in a church in downtown Nashville, and is primarily gospel music (mostly traditional tunes). Despite the fact that Saturday night she did not play some of the songs I most wanted to hear (Rain, Every Little Bit, Long Ride Home), her performance of these gospel songs was absolutely mind-blowing. HOW can that little tiny 46-year old woman belt out sounds so powerful and sharp and perfect? And she hardly even has to open her mouth before it sounds like you're in an opera house. Amazing!

Did I mention that we were in the front row? Due to a bit of confusion about when the show started, we ended up there an hour earlier than planned, which led to us being front and center. It was a perfect experience for my first Patty Griffin show.

Buddy Miller opened for Patty (though she came out and sang harmonies and played spoons during his set) and then he sang and played in her band as well. He was fantastic.

And to top the weekend off, the night before Patty Griffin, I had the pleasure of seeing my friends Waterdeep play their CD Release at the Record Bar, with opening guest Sara Swenson. They too played tons of tracks from their latest album, which I love despite how different it is from much of their previous work. But they also played the classics, even closing with Dylan's "All Along the Watchtower" which is a fan favorite.

Squirrel in the Bird Feeder

2010-03-25T10:00:00.000-06:00

Someone should write a bluegrass song by this title.

This actually happened (that's my parents' dog, Pearl). 'Nuff said!!

Best of Maux Dreams, Pt. XXII: Dreams of Justice.

2010-03-24T10:31:00.005-06:00

Last night I had a dream that I was watching TV and on came a news flash that President al-Bashir of Sudan had [finally] been arrested by the ICC. I was SO excited, like giddy excited, like little-girl-just-won-a-cake-at-the-cake-walk excited. But after a few moments of watching this news flash, suddenly I noticed Morgan Freeman standing in the scene...."What's Morgan Freeman doing in Sudan?", I dreamily wondered. "Wait...wait....NO! NO!!! It's a preview for a movie?! DAAMMMIIITTTTTT!"

My dreams were dashed, in more ways than one (zing!). But at least it was starring Morgan Freeman.

Toby suggested that the movie may have been called "World Cop." Good one.

Did I mention that the dream previous to this one involved a family of evil and deadly spiders? I don't think I did.

Don't let your fingers get cut off

2010-03-23T11:27:00.003-06:00

Is this really the man you want as President, Sudan?

".... if they interfere in our affairs, we will cut their fingers off, put them under our shoes and throw them out.” -Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir, discussing the suggestion by the International Election Monitors to postpone the election.

Wait--is he going to put their fingers under his shoes or the people themselves?

Granted, I don't want to see those elections postponed another second, so I have to agree with Bashir on that. But if it's a matter of elections gone wrong or not, then it would be better to wait.

Sudan Global Day of Prayer

2010-03-22T09:47:00.004-06:00

Please take a moment this week to say a prayer or send some blessings to Sudan. The events of the next few weeks may determine the quality of life for a good part of the population.

Sudan Global Day of Prayer | Samaritan's Purse

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, grant us Your Peace.

Family

2010-03-16T09:59:00.006-06:00

Particularly, mine.

I spent the weekend in Killeen, Texas with twenty-six of my favorite people in the world.

We celebrated my grandparents' birthdays--Grandmother's 79th & Grandad's 80th. Their wisdom and maturity did not prevent us from requiring them to blow out a total of 159 candles.

Also, new Sam had his 13th birthday, which resulted in a pinata beating.

We missed Daniel and Dustin, both serving with the Army in Afghanistan and Iraq, respectively. And we really missed Sean, our beloved cousin/grandson/nephew/son/brother who we lost to leukemia in 2002. Every family gathering like this one magnifies his absence, but we try to focus on remembering who he was to us while he lived.

Here's a few more pics, more are on my flickr site.

My gorgeous Grandmother.

Toby with his loot from the pinata.

Adam, with his loot from the pinata. Wait. Just kidding. That loot came from somewhere else.

Jumping into a quick photo with my sweet parents.

His Voice for Sudan blog

2010-03-11T08:21:00.004-07:00

My dear friends Vernon & Amber are the founders of a non-profit called His Voice for Sudan. They have helped to start up two orphanages with schools in Southern Sudan that are now fully staffed and run by local people. Soon, they intend to expand their ministries to other countries.

Recently, Vernon & Amber invited me to be a guest blogger on the His Voice blog! I am so honored to have this opportunity--my first post went up today! I'll be blogging a few times a month on various topics and events in Sudan, as I often do here. I'm going to do my best not to post the same info on both blogs, so definitely head over there if you want to stay up to date on what's going on in Sudan (from my perspective, that is). The big news right now is that Sudan's first general elections in 24 years are taking place in less than a month. This is big, people. Please check out His Voice for Sudan and support them in any way you can (even if that is only leaving really good blog comments...ha.)

Kid-tested

2010-03-04T12:15:00.002-07:00

Loved this video that I found on Andy's blog.

Never heard of these guys but might have to check out their album, sounds pretty good.

Frozen Entree Parade 2010

2010-03-03T12:20:00.000-07:00

Some of you may recall Yogurt Parade 2008, an experience in yogurt-tasting to find which brands and flavors most suited me. Well, in my unreasonable need to have a hot meal for lunch every day (cold sandwich?! Never!), I've been experimenting with frozen entrees. A friend recently suggested that I should perform another parade as I did in 2008. So here goes (Part I):

Amy's Organic Mac & Cheese - 4 stars
This is usual in the $3 range of Amy's products, which is quite inexpensive. And well worth it--I didn't know frozen cheese could become so tasty and smooth. Truly, Amy's Organic Mac & Cheese is a "delicious family favorite"

Trader Joe's frozen Mac 'n Cheese - 4++ stars!
This frozen mac & cheese from Trader Joe's is better than most homemade macs I've ever had. It's UNBELIEVABLE. In fact, don't even waste it on bringing it to work for lunch--save it for hosting a gourmet dinner party. It's ridiculous. Also very inexpensive. Finally, it's huge--I think 14 oz. or something, which is too much for me to eat in one meal, but kind of too small to eat only half. So I usually end up finishing it off and putting myself in a food coma.

And how am I, a Kansas City resident, supposed to get something from Trader Joe's, you ask? Check out KC Grocery Service--a local company who takes online orders and delivers TJs right here to KC.

Okay, clearly I love mac and cheese. On the days I forget lunch, I often go down to Price Chopper and get some from the hot deli. That's always a quick, cheap hot lunch option too. Moving on.....

Michelina's Fettucine Alfredo - 1 star
BLECH! I forced myself to eat two bites and then probably went over to Price Chopper. Right? This stuff is worthless. And here's the thing--I should have known by the price ($1-$2 range) that it couldn't possibly be good, but I had hopes. Never again.

Lean Cuisine Fiesta Grilled Chicken - 3.5 stars
Just had this one today and was surprisingly pleased. Very tasty--nice flavor, and the chicken was probably the nicest I've seen in a frozen entree. Rice is a good texture too, not too slimy. Available at your local grocer!

Trader Joe's Garden Vegetable Lasagna-2.5 stars
I was disappointed in this one, coming from my favorite grocer. It was a texture issue. It was basically noodles, some cheese, and green-colored ricotta. I was expecting actual vegetables in the lasagna, but it was more like vegetable-flavored filling. Kind of grossed me out.

Okay that's all for now.....Part II to come in the future. As for now, I've got a freezer full of Amy's and TJ's mac and cheese!

Would love to have your input on your favorite frozen entrees!

I think this is good news....

2010-02-26T15:32:00.000-07:00

BBC reported today that the deadlock over parliamentary seats in Sudan has ended, with an agreeable result that the South will now have enough members of Parliament to veto any constitutional changes. This power is necessary in order for them to ensure that the CPA remains in place. According to the article, due to last year's census (which in my opinion, and many others, was a major failure) the South did not have the population representation to have enough seats in parliament to hold this veto power. But after months of deadlock and threats from the SPLM that they would not even participate in the election, they came to an agreement.

The article also points out that more seats were awarded to Abyei and Kordofan, the areas which house our beloved Nuba Mountains. I think that's good news...

Finally, a recent peace agreement in Darfur should also lead to a calmer election process. Read more about that here.

Read the rest of the article here.

Introducing...

2010-02-25T12:52:00.001-07:00

Introducing...."KC Bookies", a new blog created by myself and the lovely ladies of my monthly book club. We're going to be posting different perspectives and thoughts on each book of the month, as well as taking suggestions on books that we should read. Occasionally, you might even find a wine review, as wine is a crucial element of a ladies' book club.

So, please head over to the new site, follow us, and start reading!

Tigers. Boom.

2010-02-24T21:17:00.002-07:00

Tigers. Boom., originally uploaded by maureen lunn.

Tigers. For real. My mom recently found this photo from when I was probably 13ish. We went to this exotic wildlife refuge in Eureka Springs and stayed in their lodge. They had just had tiger cubs born a few weeks before, and since we were the only guests at the lodge that day, they let us keep the cubs in our room with us. Overnight. Tigers. In my room. Overnight. What the.

What's more, please avoid looking at my sweet hair style. That's right. 13, babiez.

Matatu trends

2010-02-20T11:43:00.001-07:00

This article on the Christian Science Monitor today discusses the latest trend of Nairobi's matatus (public mini-buses). Generally, matatus are painted/decorated with words and images that range from political to religious to hip-hop themes. The article discusses how lately, matatus have been fronting Luis-Moreno Ocampo, the Prosecutor for the ICC, on their vehicles, suspectedly as a threat to the Kenyan government to get their act together. But, my favorite themes are those of total nonsense--like this list of matatu phrases I observed last year while in Nairobi:

POPSICLE
DOCKERS
HAPPINESS
UMBRELLA
STUNTIN' LIKE YOUR DADDY
BURAQ
HOT WAX

If that's not making a statement, I don't know what is. Who's tough? The guy who has "popsicle" written in dripping blood font across his windshield.

(Read original post)

The Man from Beijing

2010-02-18T08:18:00.001-07:00

This morning on NPR I heard this story about an author, Henning Mankell, and his recent novel, The Man From Beijing. Coincidentally, in this suspense novel he touches on a lot of the issues I discussed in my previous post about China's involvement in Africa. I think I'll propose this one to my book club! Let me know if you've read it or anything else by Mankell, his writing sounds quite interesting.

China in Africa: myths and realities

2010-02-17T16:27:00.000-07:00

During my graduate work, I focused a lot of my research on China's role in Africa in regards to foreign aid and development. A lot of the research came with a negative perception--that China's presence in Africa is only making things worse (under the facade of foreign assistance), for reasons you can see in the article below if interested. However, while in Nuba Mountains last year, I learned that China was building roads. Good ones. Between places that really need them. Now there is even controversy among culturalists over this issue, as roads lead to an influx of Western and/or metropolitan influence than can often lead to the destruction of cultural traditions. But there is little to no controversy among economists--roads bring development. Period. This realization led me to reconsider China's role in Africa.

Even so, say China is only building said roads so they can extract natural resources and export them more easily. Possible, likely even (per the image above!). And yet. Will these same roads not benefit the African people anyway? What do you think?

So here's the article I just read on Aid Watch that led to this blog post.

These two books by Chris Alden are a few of my favorites on the topic. Also, if you have further interest, then the Christian Science Monitor is usually a good source on this issue.

Best of Maux Dreams, Pt. XXI: Drive-Thru Pet Surgery

2010-02-16T10:32:00.001-07:00

Last night I had a dream that involved teleporting to another world and being held captive there. During the dream, I actually had the thought process: "Well if I'm being held captive, then I probably won't get to eat much and maybe I'll lose weight." Wow. Vanity pulsing through even my subconscious.

I had a second dream in which Toby and I were driving home and somehow we got lost on The Paseo--it dead-ended unexpectedly in this old junk-yard looking place. Right over the road as we neared its end was a huge yellow and blue archway--sort of a toll-booth looking structure. And in huge letters, it said "Drive Through Spaying & Neutering".

'Nuff said.

BBC video from Madiba Freedom Day 1990

2010-02-11T12:39:00.001-07:00

Madiba!

2010-02-11T07:47:00.004-07:00

Today is the 20th Anniversary of Nelson Mandela's release from prison, and the beginning of the end of Apartheid. As I expressed in a recent post, Mandela's story is one that inspires me, motivates me, and wrenches my heart more than most. Today, as all of South Africa and many throughout the world remember this day and honor Madiba, I find myself still moved by the power of it. I always will be, I'm sure. What's more, I hold it as hope for other African nations that I hold dear--that out of the most dire of circumstances, a true hero like Madiba could rise and literally save the people from the plight they've put themselves in.

Maybe that sounds a little dramatic. But it's true.

After a lifetime of fighting for freedom during the most severe oppression through White South Africa's Apartheid regime, Mandela was imprisoned, along with many other freedom-fighters, on counts of "sabotage". He remained in prison on Robben Island for 27 years. TWENTY-SEVEN YEARS. For nothing. He broke rocks most days.

In 1990, he was declared free by then President FW DeKlerk, who continued to pave the path over the next few years to dismantle Apartheid. In 1994, the first black president (SA was 90% black Africans and yet was ruled by whites for most of their history) was elected to South Africa's parliament: Nelson Mandela. A long walk to freedom, to be sure.

That is a crude history, and so I implore you to read up on Apartheid and on Mandela's life. It is an important part of our modern global history and is inspirational to all who know of it.

Listen:
Nelson Mandela leaves Victor Verster prison on February 11, 1990 | Times LIVE Multimedia

Read:

Long Walk To Freedom, by Nelson Mandela

Mandela: The Authorized Portrait

Cry the Beloved Country by Alan Paton

Nelson Mandela on Wikipedia

FW de Klerk on Wikipedia

Apartheid on Wikipedia

Watch:

Finally, keep South Africa in your hearts. While the celebrations of Mandela's life and work is joyous and freedom rings in the air, South Africa remains a dark and violent place. Nkosi Sikeleli Afrika.

Corruption, Africa, and "The White Tiger"

2010-02-09T14:13:00.002-07:00

Nate just sent me this article from the World Bank. Go ahead and have a read:

Imagine that you are an old lady from a poor household in a town in the outskirts of Chennai city, India. All you have wanted desperately for the last year and a half is to get a title in your name for the land you own, called patta. You need this land title to serve as a collateral for a bank loan you have been hoping to borrow to finance your granddaughter’s college education. But there has been a problem: the Revenue Department official responsible for giving out the patta has been asking you to pay a little fee for this service. That’s right, a bribe. But you are poor (you are officially assessed to be below the poverty line) and you do not have the money he wants. And the most absurd part about the scenario you find yourself in is that this is a public service that should be rendered to you free of charge in the first place. What would you do? You might conclude, as you have done for the last 1-1/2 years, that there isn’t much you can do…but wait, you just heard about a local NGO by the name of 5th Pillar and it just happened to give you a powerful ally: a zero rupee note.

In Doha last month, CommGAP learned about the work of 5th Pillar, which has a unique initiative to mobilize citizens to fight corruption. In India, petty corruption is pervasive – people often face situations where they are asked to pay bribes for public services that should be provided free. 5th Pillar distributes zero rupee notes in the hopes that ordinary Indians can use these notes as a means to protest demands for bribes by public officials. I recently spoke with Vijay Anand, 5th Pillar’s president, to learn more about this fascinating initiative.

According to Anand, the idea was first conceived by an Indian physics professor at the University of Maryland, who, in his travels around India, realized how widespread bribery was and wanted to do something about it. He came up with the idea of printing zero-denomination notes and handing them out to officials whenever he was asked for kickbacks as a way to show his resistance. Anand took this idea further: to print them en masse, widely publicize them, and give them out to the Indian people. He thought these notes would be a way to get people to show their disapproval of public service delivery dependent on bribes. The notes did just that. The first batch of 25,000 notes were met with such demand that 5th Pillar has ended up distributing one million zero-rupee notes to date since it began this initiative. Along the way, the organization has collected many stories from people using them to successfully resist engaging in bribery.

One such story was our earlier case about the old lady and her troubles with the Revenue Department official over a land title. Fed up with requests for bribes and equipped with a zero rupee note, the old lady handed the note to the official. He was stunned. Remarkably, the official stood up from his seat, offered her a chair, offered her tea and gave her the title she had been seeking for the last year and a half to obtain without success. Had the zero rupee note reached the old lady sooner, her granddaughter could have started college on schedule and avoided the consequence of delaying her education for two years. In another experience, a corrupt official in a district in Tamil Nadu was so frightened on seeing the zero rupee note that he returned all the bribe money he had collected for establishing a new electricity connection back to the no longer compliant citizen.

Anand explained that a number of factors contribute to the success of the zero rupee notes in fighting corruption in India. First, bribery is a crime in India punishable with jail time. Corrupt officials seldom encounter resistance by ordinary people that they become scared when people have the courage to show their zero rupee notes, effectively making a strong statement condemning bribery. In addition, officials want to keep their jobs and are fearful about setting off disciplinary proceedings, not to mention risking going to jail. More importantly, Anand believes that the success of the notes lies in the willingness of the people to use them. People are willing to stand up against the practice that has become so commonplace because they are no longer afraid: first, they have nothing to lose, and secondly, they know that this initiative is being backed up by an organization—that is, they are not alone in this fight.

This last point—people knowing that they are not alone in the fight—seems to be the biggest hurdle when it comes to transforming norms vis-à-vis corruption. For people to speak up against corruption that has become institutionalized within society, they must know that there are others who are just as fed up and frustrated with the system. Once they realize that they are not alone, they also realize that this battle is not unbeatable. Then, a path opens up—a path that can pave the way for relatively simple ideas like the zero rupee notes to turn into a powerful social statement against petty corruption.

Submitted by Fumiko Nagano

It's funny, I've just been reading a novel for our book club called The White Tiger, by Aravind Adiga. Corruption in India is the word of the day in his writing, and it's fascinating. His main character would have totally capitalized on this idea.

And yet.

Let's brainstorm about taking this one step further--how can ideas like the zero-rupee note transform more severe levels of corruption, like developing nations' governments embezzling foreign aid money and not getting it to the people? Think about it. Get back to me.

The Statues of Liberty Tax, or "They're people too."

2010-01-21T09:26:00.000-07:00

This post is a slightly more light-hearted version of my recent post about the plight of homeless people in harsh winter weather. Today, let's acknowledge the poor souls who are hired by Liberty Tax Services from January-April to dress up as the Statue of Liberty and stand on the corner enticing passers-by to come in and get their taxes done. They're known by the company as "costume wavers." And they're people too.

I've found that most people treat the Statues of Liberty Tax like we often treat homeless people--avoiding eye contact, hoping you're not the car that happens to be right next to them at a red light, quietly saying "Sorry, no thanks" if confronted directly about taking them up on their offer. Why do we do this? These people are in the freezing cold, dressed up in a costume, dancing and waving at every single car, for hours every single day for four months. The other day I actually saw a Statue of Liberty Tax rapping for people in a car that stopped nearby. That's awesome! Come on!

So, I implore you: Wave back. I've taken to giving them all an enthusiastic thumbs up as I pass by. No, I won't be coming in to have my taxes done, but I want them to know they're doing a good job. It's the least we can do. They're people too.

I'S ON FACEBOOKZ

2010-01-17T16:09:00.002-07:00

I's on Facebookz, originally uploaded by maureen lunn.

I can haz cheezburger

Cats for Gold!

Catorialist

The Tiger and the Snow

2010-01-14T07:29:00.001-07:00

Not the movie, which I love.

Rather, the one in my backyard:

Hand sculpted by Toby on the evening of January 13, 2010.

Rant: The Generalization of Africa

2010-01-11T20:34:00.000-07:00

I'm going to try to avoid starting a blog series about my pet peeves. But allow me just this one. It frustrates me to no end when people generalize the 53 countries and innumerable tribal/ethnic groups (literally, innumerable) into nothing more specific than "Africa", as if that says it all.

Probably three times in the past week or so I've been telling someone about Toby's time in Kenya and Sudan or of my studies of the area, and I've been met with something like, "That's great. One of my friends just went to Africa."

And I ALWAYS follow up a statement like this with, "Oh really? Where in Africa?", and nine times out of ten, the person does not know. And it drives me CRAZY. It takes everything in me not to say, "Really? Really?! You don't have any idea? Do you know how many different countries and tribal groups there are in that continent? Do you realize that depending on what country this friend of yours went to, unless it's one of the 3 or 4 that I have particular interest in and/or have been to, then you might as well just be telling me that your friend went to Chile?

(Now, I give you this: Africa does have a large portion of cultures which come from "Bantu" origins--there are endless commonalities among a significant portion of tribes in Sub-Saharan Africa. So there is some solidarity among the Sub-Saharan portion of the continent.)

But, I mean, come on people.

When your friend goes to Thailand or China, you don't just tell me they went to Asia. When your friend goes to Italy or Sweden, you don't say, "Cool, I went to Europe once." WHY is it that our culture continually over-generalizes Africa? It's as if the whole world sees it as one big blob and not the rich diversity of cultures and nations that it is.

Really?!

Now.

For the record.

I do understand that many people who hail from the great continent also refer to it as "Africa".

And yet.

AT LEAST THEY KNOW WHAT COUNTRY THEY'RE FROM.

And what's more, they probably know what countries border that country, and where on the continent many other countries are.

So, my challenge to you, oh Africa-over-generalizers*, is to just take a few minutes to study the above map. Try at least to learn where some of the most commonly-traveled-to nations are. Or at least that one country that your friend went to. THEN, next time you're talking to someone who loves Africa or even moreso is from there, just please remember the name of that country. That's all I ask. The name.

'Nuff said.

Really?!

*My apologies to anyone who actually asked me this question recently and is now seeing how I really feel.

People die in weather like this.

2010-01-07T16:03:00.000-07:00

That's what my friend Nick posted on his facebook the other day along with the following appeal:
"I'm asking you all to do something over the next couple of days. Put extra blankets or thermal underwear in your cars as you drive. If you see a panhandler or homeless person, ask their name. Tell them yours. Ask where they are staying/if they have enough to keep warm. Offer them your blanket/thermal underwear. Hug and depart. People die in weather like this. Let's take care of each other."

It really struck me. Especially in a neighborhood where I drive by a panhandler twice a day on average. It's easy to become numb to it. It's easy to get caught up in wondering if they are legitimately in need of money, or if they're going to use it for something destructive. It's easy to assume someone else will provide.

And yet.

When it's zero degrees outside, it doesn't really matter what their intentions are. Because people die in weather like this. So I took Nick's advice and made sure I had a couple of blankets in my trunk. Today I psyched myself up and spoke with a man who was at one of the usual panhandling locations that I pass by each day (the exit ramp from 71 North onto Admiral Blvd.). The moment I rolled down my window I was hit with a blast of mountaintop raging wind that I hadn't even noticed while I was in the middle of the city, or outside my office protected by buildings on each side. It's brutal out there. I don't know how he could even stand on that hilltop.

In this case, he had a place to stay tonight, thank God. Tonight may be one of the coldest nights my 28 years has ever seen in the Midwest.

Someone asked me the other day of Kansas City's homeless missions have enough beds for Kansas City's homeless. I don't know the answer, but I hope they do tonight, if ever.

A few days ago a man was found dead, frozen in the snow not far from my neighborhood. Yesterday, Toby saw a panhandler being taken away by ambulance at the exit ramp from I-70 to Independence Avenue.

So. I post this just as an encouragement to really, really try to reach out in these cold weeks. No, I don't give money to panhandlers in most cases. But I do think they should be treated like human beings. Make eye contact with them. Say hello as you drive by even if you're not going to give a dollar. Ask them if they're okay in the cold. Who cares if they scoff at you because all they really want is money? Do it anyway. Let's take care of each other, people.

Informal Urbanisms this Wednesday night

2010-01-03T14:56:00.002-07:00

Toby & I are going to be a part of a film screening and panel discussion on Wednesday night called "Informal Urbanisms: The Production of Space in the Developing World." Along with Stephen Mueller & Ersela Kripa of AGENCY (design, research, architecture, photography), and Andrew Mikhael, also an architect, we will be screening the film "Garbage Dreams" about the Zabaleen population of Cairo, Egypt. The film will be followed by a discussion on other global instances of this topic and how we can make a difference.

The event is 6:30-9:00pm at La Esquina Gallery at 1000 W. 25th Street. Donations are welcome but not required.

You can read more about it at The Pitch.

Invictus: The Hero of South Africa

2009-12-20T09:24:00.004-07:00

In 2003, I had the pleasure of a 4-week visit to South Africa (alongside others from my alma mater, SBU). This trip was one of the most rewarding short-term international experiences I've ever had, and this is due almost entirely to our team leader, Val, who spent the entire academic year prior to the trip schooling us on the history and current environment in South Africa, insofar as to learn all the words to the national anthem (in four different languages!).

I won't get into the details of what we did with our four weeks, but it was diverse and highly educational to the situation in SA nine years after Apartheid ended. I'll never forget it, and despite the fact that my studies and interests are now focused on the nations of East Africa, South Africa still holds a very special place in my heart.

Shortly after returning from South Africa, I determined that Nelson Mandela's autobiography, "Long Walk to Freedom" was a must read for me. The result: he became my hero and the historical and political figure that I am most endeared to.

When I heard from John that a movie starring Morgan Freeman as Nelson Mandela was being released, I was very excited:

Toby and I saw it yesterday. Toby's only verbal response was something about "little hot tears in the corner of my eyes". That says something. For me, I was newly inspired by Mandela's heart for reconciliation, but also saddenned that the country has not been able to hold to it after that great year of Rugby World Cup victory (little hot tears came, too). Let's hope that the new president, Jacob Zuma, will continue to pave the way for hope and unification in a severely diverse nation.

As for the movie itself, it was fantastic. Freeman and Matt Damon portrayed Mandela and Rugby team captain Francois Pienaar quite well, and the representation of barely-post-Apartheid life in Pretoria was well-done (based on what I know of it). The focus on Mandela's security team was insightful and a powerful representation of new friendships among blacks and whites. Plus there was a lot of grunting and tackling rugby action for the sports fans, and the typical thrill of anticipating who will be the victor of a major sporting event.

Please see this film and be inspired by it--but know that the fight for reconciliation in South Africa and many other developing nations is not over, and probably never will be. But we can have attitudes of reconciliation and forgivenes ourselves, whether here at home or if we find ourselves abroad in one of these struggling nations, and we can pray that our attitudes can spread hope to the hopeless.

I'm thankful for Mandiba and what he did for his country, and the message he's sent to the world.

Here is the poem by William Ernest Henley that gives this film it's title, and that Mandiba held on to during his 27 years in prison on Robben Island:

Invictus
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.

Valentino Deng makes progress in S. Sudan

2009-12-17T08:04:00.003-07:00

Here's some real evidence of William Easterly's case for "searchers" versus "planners" when it comes to relief work in the developing world. Valentino Deng, the man upon whom the novel "What is the What" by Dave Eggers is based, has successfully built a fully-functioning high school in his Sudanese hometown amidst tensions of war and severely impoverished circumstances. Read the article by Nicholas Kristof in the Times.

This week in the KC Music scene

2009-12-16T09:41:00.009-07:00

Saddle up folks, your two favorite local bands are playing shows this weekend and releasing all kinds of sweet music into your ears and your ipods.

Oriole Post: Recently released their first album on amazon.com, as mentioned here and will be playing their first show(s) since the release at Main Street Cafe on Saturday the 19th and the Riot Room on Monday. Read their great write-up in the Pitch here

The Model Congress: Debut & CD Relase Party at The Czar Bar Thursday night Dec. 17. Read what the Pitch has to say about it here and then listen to a few of their tunes here.

Best of Maux Dreams, Pt. XX: 20th dream post anniversary special!

2009-12-07T08:05:00.003-07:00

The other night I had a dream that I was at my parents' house, and I walked out to the end of the driveway with my mom to get the newspaper. There were three papers laying there--one was normal, one was about 3 times the size of a normal newspaper, and one was the size of a tree trunk--probably two feet in diameter and four feet long. I was like, "Whoa, Mom, that's a big newspaper." Her reply: "Yeah, sometimes they get kind of big around the holidays."

Forcing flower bulbs

2009-12-03T19:29:00.003-07:00

I've never been much of a gardener (only when I was little and my mother would let my pick out what pansy colors I wanted..that was about the extent of it), but this year I have a job that is somewhat gardening-related. And it has, of course, inspired me to do a little tulip gardening this Fall (oh wait..it's 25° ?....I guess it's Winter...I guess I should have planted my tulip bulbs last weekend when it was still 65!). So I still intend to plant some organic tulips in my front yard (hope that's okay with the landlords). Additionally, this Design Sponge article inspired me to try forcing some bulbs over the winter. Sounds kind of fun, and if it doesn't work, it's okay because it's only a couple bulbs at a time. Give it a try! (What? Don't have any bulbs? Look here.)

Best of Maux Dreams, Pt. XIX: Dish Towel Guitar

2009-11-28T08:33:00.003-07:00

Last night I had a dream that Thomas was throwing a birthday party for himself, at which he was going to play a concert. He asked me to back him up on acoustic guitar. Since he was going to be playing all Oriole Post songs*, which in my dream I knew all the guitar parts too, I happily accepted. So we get on stage and he hands me a stack of dishtowels and a small piece of cardboard. It was evident to me that I was to use the cardboard as a pick to strum the dishtowels**. This was awkward at first, but to my surprise it actually produced a lovely acoustic sound.

And the crowd went wild. (Okay that part didn't actually happen in my dream, or probably I just don't remember it.)

*This is strange, first, because Thomas is not in Oriole Post, rather he is in The Model Congress.

**Toby suggested that the dish towel guitar symbolizes my lost dream of being a rock star, which has been replaced by being a wife. Maybe?

Silver City

2009-11-23T13:08:00.003-07:00

The fantastic ensemble that is Oriole Post recorded their first studio album in the Spring of this year. As of today, Silver City is now available online! Congratulations to these dear friends and excellent musicians.

A hard copy of this lovely album will be available in coming weeks. But for now, head on over to Amazon.com and download the mp3 version, it will be well worth it!

This Is It

2009-11-11T12:28:00.003-07:00

People. Go see Michael Jackson's "This Is It" whether you like it or not. That's an order.

It's still in theaters, despite the initial statements that it would only be out for 2 weeks. I guess that was just a ploy.

Fair warning, before you see it make sure to have a sweet MJ mix ready to play when you get home, because you'll be dying to have an MJ dance party immediately thereafter.

And for those of you who don't like MJ, one reviewer said about the film, "This film will make people who joked on him in the past ashamed of what they said about him." Humble yourselves.

I'd like to tell you many more of the reasons that I think you should go see it, but doesn't MJ speak for himself? Just go! 'Nuff said!!

Orphan Sunday/His Voice for Sudan

2009-11-08T08:00:00.002-07:00

A couple of my dear friends, Amber & Vernon, head up an organization called His Voice for Sudan. They have worked with local Sudanese in Yei, Sudan to start several orphanages that have become home to over 200 children and 30 widows. Not only do they have a home, but they also receive an education there. It's a great work and is totally sustainable because it's totally run by locals. Love it.

So, today is "Orphan Sunday". There are 143,000,000 orphans in the world, and 500,000 of them are in Southern Sudan alone. I'm really proud of His Voice for working so hard to provide a better life for some of these brothers and sisters. May we all do what we can to provide for the orphans of the world, even if just one.

His Voice for Sudan from Amber Burger on Vimeo.

Discrimination complaint against Power & Light district

2009-11-05T11:17:00.002-07:00

It's about time somebody in this city has stepped up to bring down Power & Light's horribly discriminatory and racist "dress code" policies. Good luck to those of you who are trying. (However, for the record, a change in these policies would not entice me to want to go there any more than I already do. Which is not at all.)

Read article here.

Happy Halloween/Threw it on the ground

2009-10-31T14:06:00.002-06:00

My nephew covered a Andy Samberg video from SNL to celebrate Halloween:

Here's the original video, which is hilarious:

Here's my nephew's "Halloween Remix":

Op-Ed by Bono on Obama's Nobel

2009-10-30T08:13:00.002-06:00

Well those of you know me at all (or have read my blog at all) know that two of my favorite political figures are Bono and Pres. Obama, while the political issue closest to my heart is development in Sub-Saharan Africa. And so an article like this one is right up my alley. Please read.

Ripple Glass is coming!

2009-10-28T14:05:00.003-06:00

While I'm thankful that I live in a city where recycling pick-up is free and therefore easy for everyone, I've still been disappointed that glass recycling (which is not included in the city-recycling program) is so inaccessible. All the centers are so far away from everything. And then there's the part about separating all your colors of glass. These two factors usually lead to beer bottles (I mean, spaghetti sauce jars) collecting on my back porch for months and months before I have the motivation (and the good weather) to take them to the recycling center (which inevitably results in beer dripping all over my hands from having to separate all the glass. I mean spaghetti sauce).

Therefore, Kansas City Metro is happy to welcome Ripple Glass--an organization that is placing huge purple glass recyclers all over the city--supposedly no one should have to drive more than 5 minutes to get to one! AND you don't have to separate it! Just dump it in! I've never been so excited about recycling.

Here's where all their new bins are coming up in the next few weeks. Sure enough, there's a bin within 5 minutes of my house, and two within 5 minutes of my office! Bingo.

If your bin isn't up yet, they already have "tester" bins up behind the Boulevard Brewery that you can use in the meantime.

Happy Recycling!

hf09

2009-10-25T19:57:00.004-06:00

This past weekend Toby & I, along with some friends, celebrated the third annual Harvest Festival in Spring Hill, KS. It was such a great weekend, in which we felled trees, hung around a campfire, ate chilis, screen-printed our own shirts, went on a night hike, played improv games, drank wine, made s'mores, laughed, camped (and actually slept!), ate oatmeal, practiced yoga, ate some more oatmeal, then went out for BBQ. All with some of the best friends in the world. 'Nuff said.

Special thanks to Susan Bonar for hosting our lovely weekend.

US Reveals New Strategy for Sudan

2009-10-21T14:05:00.004-06:00

A few days ago, the White House unveiled their new Sudan strategy. Many are saying this is the most comprehensive plan that our country has ever released in regards to Sudan. Here's the NY Times article. But thanks to Vernon, I discovered this article from allafrica.com which is a bit more explanatory. Here's a bit of it:

The strategy recognizes that any durable solution to the conflict in Darfur must be inclusive of all segments of Darfuri society and address the root causes of the conflict – including political representation and development – as well as compensation for survivors and reconciliation. For this reason, the United States is working aggressively to find ways of including the voices of Darfuri civil society representatives in peace talks.

This new strategy comes only months prior to significant deadlines in the CPA being reached, and therefore reflects the urgency with which we view those milestones, to include national elections and a referendum on southern succession. The Strategy outlines how the United States will work closely with its international partners to: provide assistance for elections in 2010 and the referendum on southern self-determination in 2011; support efforts to push for the timely and transparent demarcation of the North-South border, support conflict resolution mechanisms within southern Sudan and along the north-south border; and Promote Improved Governing Capacity and Greater Transparency in Southern Sudan.

Let's hope that the US and any other international pressures (hello, China?!?) will focus just as much on the CPA between North & South as they do on Darfur, because one cannot reach peace without the other.

Facebook having major problemz!

2009-10-19T10:10:00.003-06:00

This is the kind of post I would usually just put on Facebook, but I can't because it won't let me. For the past few weeks, probably about 50% of the time I have attempted to use Facebook, it simply will not allow me to do anything. I can view any profile page I want and see updated statuses, and yet I cannot comment, I cannot update my status, I cannot accept friend requests, I cannot upload photos, etc......what is going on, Facebook? At first I thought it was just a temporary glitch, but it's getting old. Anyone else having these problems? Anyone from Facebook staff out there who wants to explain themselves?

"The Informant" & The Screenland Armour

2009-10-14T09:18:00.003-06:00

Last night Toby and I went to see "The Informant", which was pretty fantastic. I mean, I'm a sucker for Steven Soderbergh films after falling head over heels in love with all of the Ocean's films. But Matt Damon really nails this one. I recommend it.

But what I recommend even more is a change of your usual movie theatre locale, for you Kansas Citians out there. We went north of the river to the Screenland Armour. (It's in North Kansas City (the actual town), which is just north of downtown, less than 5 minutes from the River Market area). It's a buck or two cheaper than your typical evening show ($8), has a FULL bar!, and has one row of plush leather recliners, first come first serve*. And the best part is the life-size (or bigger) mechanical statue of Oscar who turns gears to open the curtain when the movie starts. Seriously. That is badass. So next time you're going to see a movie, check out the Screenland Armour for your viewing pleasures.

*The Crossroads Screenland shares these amenities, the main difference being that it tends to show independent films while Armour shows your typical Hollywood films.

Best of Maux Dreams, Pt. XVIII: Steak Sauce Cocktail

2009-10-08T09:32:00.003-06:00

Prepare yourselves for one of the most illogical dreams to ever hit the press:

The other night I dreamed that I was telling some friends about a dream I had, first of all. And in THAT dream, I was sitting at a restaurant, and was brought a cocktail that was made out of steak sauce. The waiter informed me that it was a new drink, very popular, and it was called the "A-1 Steak Bather."

What the hell people. BATHER?! What does that even mean?

Second of all, it begs the question--since in my dream I was telling someone about a dream--did I actually have the A-1 steak bather dream myself, followed by a second dream where I told someone about it? Or was it all fabricated at once? How bizarre.

Nomads from a Falata tribe

2009-10-07T14:16:00.001-06:00

Nomads from a Falata tribe, originally uploaded by Vít Hassan.

I found this image on Flickr today of some tribespeople in Sudan. When I visited Toby in Sudan last year, while driving we came across two people from this Falata tribe, a man and a woman. They're known as "magic people" (perhaps in the same way as witches) and are very striking in appearance. The man was riding a cow with one of these curved pieces of wood behind him--Toby suggested it was some kind of tent structure. The woman was leading a camel. They were both dressed in very bright colors, had very sharp features, and very deep eyes. I thought they might put a spell on me just by making eye contact. Maybe they did.

Anyway, I didn't get a photo of them, but have a very vivid memory of their unique appearance. So I thought I'd do a little searching. However, they're not even on Wikipedia--the photos from this guy's flickr are literally the only info I could find on them. How bizarre. Someone needs to get over there and do some research on this tribe.

Maybe I will.

That's all. Just a little info on a recent memory.

Best of Maux Dreams, Pt. XVII: A montage

2009-10-04T18:57:00.002-06:00

I've had a few crazy dreams recently:

3 nights ago: I dreamt that Nathan & Kerry were getting married (fyi, in reality they've already been married for several years) and that they were consulting me on some wedding advice. They sent me an envelope with about 10 different photographs of ice cubes, and asked me to help them select which ones I thought were most fitting for their wedding.

2 nights ago: I dreamt that I was eating at In-n-out Burger. This one isn't funny or interesting at all, but its just telling of my personality and my perpetual craving for cheeseburgers.

Last night: I dreamt that Toby & I received our first electric bill for our new house, and it was one million dollars. Toby was rather upset but I kept telling him it was no big deal, that I would call KCP&L and do a bit of negotiating, and hopefully get a bit of that knocked off.

"Her Fearful Symmetry" by Audrey Niffenegger

2009-09-30T13:32:00.003-06:00

A few months ago, I was privileged to receive an Advanced Readers' Copy of Her Fearful Symmetry from the publishing company, thanks to a blog post I wrote a few years ago on Niffenegger's previous novel, The Time Traveler's Wife. I absolutely adored "The Time Traveler's Wife" (although still have not seen the movie, not sure if I want to) and so was ecstatic to see that Niffenegger had produced another work of fiction.

"Her Fearful Symmetry" is equally captivating, but in a much different way. Many who loved "The Time Traveler's Wife" loved it for the depth of love and romance (plus a little science-fiction) that the story reflected. "Her Fearful Symmetry"--while the back of the cover summarizes that it is a story that shows love that lasts over time--is really a story of death and sin and the depravity of human nature (That's what I think, anyway). But it reveals this darkness in the most beautiful way as it tells the story of an aunt, her twin nieces, a historic cemetery, and a handful of other fascinating characters. This is a book that stuck with me--a story that, after completing it, I missed the characters like I miss a friend who just moved away. Weeks later, I still have moments of reminiscing about the story like a personal memory, until I snap out of it and remind myself that it was "just" a novel.

If that's not enough, I should say that I read the entirety of this novel on my honeymoon. While in California with the abundance of nature and adventure on all sides, my new husband would ask: "What do you want to do today, Maureen?" And I would sheepishly reply, ".....want to stay in and read books?".

"Her Fearful Symmetry" is a story that becomes a part of your life whilst providing shocking turns at every chapter. It's a must-read, both for men and women.

Check out Audrey Niffenegger's brief interview on NPR's "All Things Considered", as well as the New York Times book review.

4th Blog Anniversary

2009-09-25T13:44:00.003-06:00

In November of this year, my blog & I will be celebrating our 4th year anniversary. In order to celebrate properly, I decided to give the ol' site an overhaul. I hope you like it. Don't worry--all the lame and random posts of the last 4 years are still here for your viewing, but hopefully that viewing will be more aesthetically pleasing.

You might also notice that I've changed the title of my blog from "teaching me how to kneel" to "miserere nobis", which is Latin for "Have mercy on us." The new title follows the same theme, but I thought it was perhaps time to let go of the U2 lyrics. The idea behind both names, new and old, is that in all of these things that I post on this site, as well as that which occurs in my life, the only plea and the only hope that we all have is for the Lord to have mercy on us, and to teach us humility. Whether posting a tragic news story from East Africa or pictures of my cat, may the Lord show his mercy in my life and that of those I mention here (yes, including my cat!).

So, happy 4th anniversary, blog! I hope you like your new look, I know I do.

P.S. Just for fun, here's my first ever blog post. A lot's happened since then, eh?

A few good men

2009-09-23T11:51:00.002-06:00

On Tuesday, two of my dearest friends are departing Kansas City for year-long international journeys. John is headed to Nepal on an adventure of exploration, to experience the culture at its most real, to connect, to create, and to love on everything that comes his way (including, hopefully, a yak). David is headed to Guatemala to work as a legal intern with International Justice Mission, fighting sexual violence and human trafficking. Both of these courageous men have been dear friends to me for years, and I'm so proud of them for their upcoming ventures. If you want to learn more, you can read this piece by John that includes a bit more detail, and check out IJM's website to see more of what David will be doing. Also, you can support them in prayer or financially if you feel so led.

May your journeys bring peace and love to all you come in contact with, and may the Lord bring you back to this community in His due time.

John Raux: The Artist, originally uploaded by timsamoff.

John at his gallery opening, "Meandering Conclusions", where he displayed his 6x11 foot paintings inspired by his trek along the Pacific Crest Trail 2007-2008.

hello boys., originally uploaded by danielle larson.

David, center, at my wedding. ;) (Sandwiched by Tim & Kyle)

Oh by the way, I got married.

2009-09-17T19:33:00.004-06:00

Oops I kind of forgot to blog for almost a month, but I guess you'll forgive me since I was kind of busy getting married. And graduating. And moving. And going on a honeymoon. And starting a new job.

So much has happened, I'm not sure what to say about it all (except that its all been wonderful)! Here's a few things to note:

-I was a completely stress-free bride up to the very end.
-I can never thank my parents, siblings, and close friends enough for all their hard work in pulling off a beautiful wedding in my parents' front yard.
-Toby is hot.
-If you want to go on vacation, you should go to Sea Ranch, California. Hands down.
-If you graduate from KU but don't attend the graduation ceremony, don't expect to get your copy of the diploma in the mail for more than a month after graduation (I still don't have it). Also, don't expect that after you paid KU tens of thousands of dollars for your masters degree that they'll let you get off without paying an extra $10 for your own diploma. Ludicrous.
-I now work here.

And now for some photos:

My husband!

One day we visited the biggest of the big Redwoods at "Avenue of the Giants" inHumboldt State Park.

Just lounging around our house with our phenomenal view. (Toby looks unusually worried here but I think he was just focusing on our new GPS..probably trying to find me a nearby Trader Joe's or In-n-Out!)

Seals for realz! One day we came upon a beach and over the course of a few hours, there were harbor seals all over the place! Incredible!

The Lunns.

More photos (as usual) here and here.

Best of Maux Dreams, Pt. XVI: Spy Game

2009-08-24T08:24:00.001-06:00

Last night I had a dream that Toby & I discovered that some guys were trying to rob Rachel Bonar's house. So in order to catch them in the act, we made a fake schedule of when Rachel was going to be out and laid it on a table near the window. We knew this would entice them to look at the schedule, and then come to the house when it said no one was home. Brilliant!

Later, Tim B was with us and he, Toby, and I hid out in the back yard (which was a much larger back yard that Rachel's actual one) up on a hill. It was pitch black, and we didn't hide behind anything--we just thought the darkness would cover us. The robbers arrived, and all congregated there in the yard. I did not know what our plan was to "catch" them. Suddenly, one of them picked up a microphone in order to make announcements as to the plan (not too stealth-like). The one making the announcements walked up on the hill right next to us and they shined a spotlight on him, and consequently on us! We'd been detected. As we began to hear the robbers recognizing that there were spies, I kept looking at Toby mouthing "Should we run?! Should we run?!" He stalled for a minute, and then the two of us just took of running so fast. Except Toby was way faster than me and I was afraid I was going to get caught. But also, we didn't let Tim in on the part about "We're running away now" so I was worried about him.

Later, I was at Walmart.

The end.

Movie time

2009-08-18T22:27:00.002-06:00

Haven't been reading much lately, but sure have been watching a lot of movies. Here's my recent favorites:

Vicky Cristina Barcelona. Brilliant. I was dubious about this--not sure if it was just going to be all about sex or what. And it kind of was. But in a good way. :) The relationship triangles and rectangles and such in this film are quite phenomenal--I ended up loving every single character in very different ways, despite all their oddities and weaknesses. It is not a story of revenge or deceit, like it might seem. I recommend it. Plus, Penelope Cruz is just fantastic.

Gran Torino. Must see. Wow. Clint Eastwood grunts and growls a little bit more than necessary, but that is probably the only weakness in this film. Its the story of an old man who loses his wife, and estranged from his family ends up befriending a family of Hmong immigrants next door. Its absolutely phenomenal and tragic and heartwarming all at once. See it.

The Reader. Holy cow. Going into this film, I had absolutely no clue what it was about. Based on the previews, it seemed to be mostly about some weird sexual relationship between an older woman and much younger man. Turns out its not about that at all, really. It's set in post-WWII Germany and tells an incredibly powerful story of a woman and her life involving the war. Its a perspective I've never seen represented in film, history, museum, or anything of the like.

Doubt. Let's just say this one takes the cake as far as acting is concerned. My word. I found the story/plot fantastic, but it almost doesn't matter with acting this good. Yeesh. I'm not going to say much else, but I loved it. If you've seen it, let me know what you think about the ending--is he guilty or no? I think not.

Well there's some heavy movies for ya. I haven't really been into the comedies lately.

Happy birthday Elijah!

2009-08-04T17:41:00.003-06:00

for my nephew, on his 6th birthday.

My favorite animals

2009-07-31T15:39:00.007-06:00

Cheetah and Maureen, originally uploaded by maureen didde.

I recently changed my official personal favorite animal to the cheetah. My previous favorite animal was the tiger, and while its still a close call--I've been debating between the two for probably the past year--I recently decided that its just time to let the cheetah have its place at the top of my list. Now this may be due to the fact that in the past year I have both pet a cheetah and seen them in the wild (in Kenya-pictured at right). But I also have come to learn a few facts about the cheetah that have led to my new fascination. For example, it can go from 0mph-68mph in THREE SECONDS. Deeammn. It is so unique among the large cats that it has its own genus, Acinonyx. It cannot roar. It cannot climb trees. It lives a solitary life. The black stripes on either side of its nose act as sunshades. It purrs like a housecat. Nuff' said.

While the cheetah now holds the ultimate spot on my favorites list (with the tiger still claiming a close second place), I thought I'd share a few other categories of animal favorites. I'd like you to do the same, either in a comment or on your own blog.

Favorite North American Land Mammal: Fox (Toby told me I couldn't choose the domesticated house cat, but obviously my TRUE favorite is Lucinda).

Favorite bird: Snowy Owl

Favorite marine mammal: Otter

Favorite sea creature: Beluga whale

Favorite reptile: Gecko

Favorite primate: Lemur

Favorite Asian mammal (after the tiger, obviously): Red Panda

Top 5 Favorite East African Mammals: Cheetah, Giraffe, Leopard, Elephant, Hyena

Tell me if I'm missing an obvious category. Let's hear yours! And I don't want to hear "I don't have a favorite." Get one. Animals are awesome.

NPR: Get the Most Nutrition from your Veggies

2009-07-27T16:43:00.002-06:00

I found this story really interesting this morning, in light of the abundant world of fat-free dressings and raw foods...

Get the Most Nutrition from your Veggies

by Allison Aubrey

Listen here

Tomatoes are certainly nutritious — a good source of the antioxidants lycopene and beta-carotene. But consider this: if you eat a tomato without adding a little fat — say a drizzle of olive oil — your body is unlikely to absorb all these nutrients.
Scientists at Iowa State University figured this out a while ago. They recruited graduate students to eat bowls of salad greens with tomatoes and various types of salad dressings — from fat-free to regular Italian. "Basically once a month for several months we'd show up first thing in the morning," recalls participant Gregory Brown, now a professor of exercise science at the University of Nebraska. Researchers put IV lines into the participants' veins and drew blood samples before and after they'd eaten the salads in order to get precise measurements of the absorption of nutrients.
"The salads all tasted the same to me," says Brown. But when researchers went back and analyzed the blood samples they realized that people who had eaten fat-free or low-fat dressings didn't absorb the beneficial carotenoids from the salad. Only when they had eaten the oil-based dressing did they get the nutrients.
Carotenoids are the pigments responsible for red-, yellow- and orange-colored fruits and vegetables. And carotenoids are also found in dark green vegetables such as spinach. The compounds convert to Vitamin A in the body, and studies have found that carotenoids have anti-oxidant activity which may help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Human studies have linked high consumption of fruits and vegetables to reduced risk of cancer.
Beta-carotene researchers were not particularly surprised by the findings of the fat-free vs. regular Italian salad dressing study. "We already knew that carotenoids were fat soluble," explains Wendy White, a professor of Human Nutrition at Iowa State University. The results helped reinforce the idea that a little fat is healthy.
Chop And Chew
There are other ways to help maximize the absorption of carotenoid nutrients. Chopping or grating breaks down the plant material. "The finer the particle size ... the better the absorption of beta-carotene," explains White.
The findings of nutrition research often go against the grain of trendy food ideas. For instance, many people have heard that raw vegetables are best. But if you're eating carrots, it may be helpful to cook them gently. The heat can soften the food allowing more nutrients to be released.
A recent study in the Journal of Food Science suggests that some cooking methods may be better than others. Researchers at the University of Murcia in Spain cooked 20 different kinds of vegetables six different ways. Then they analyzed how well the foods retained antioxidants. They found that microwaving helped maintain the antioxidants, whereas boiling and pressure cooking led to the greatest losses.
Green beans, beets and garlic all did well with heat — maintaining beneficial phytonutrients after most kinds of cooking. The antioxidant value in carrots actually increased after cooking.
Experts explain that boiling may allow nutrients to leach into the pan water that people end up tossing out, especially with water-soluble nutrients such as Vitamin C and the B Vitamins.
Eat Plenty Of Colors
As testing methods have become more sensitive, scientists have the ability to peer into our foods and tally up all the phytonutrients that may be beneficial. But experts say the ways in which our bodies may use and absorb these compounds are complicated. Therefore, many experts say it's best not to fixate too much on how food is prepared. Instead, focus on eating more plant foods — of all colors.
Jeffrey Blumberg, an antioxidant expert at Tufts University, says "What's important is that you find a way to cook that's palatable to you so you're getting lots of plant foods."

East Africa gets high-speed web

2009-07-25T08:25:00.005-06:00

Via under water internet cables! Love it. Interesting article here from BBC. Also there is some feedback from people in East Africa about the new internet, including someone from Turkana, Kenya! Turkana is like the deep bush of Kenya, and its hard to imagine them having internet at all. Mobile phones have been widespread even in the bush of Africa, but now it looks like internet is well on its way to their little straw and mud huts. Fascinating.

Here's the Turkana's view: "I am happy that even my small village will also be linked with this cable. And to easen my studies I hope E-learning will be even possible at shaks rather than at schools and I hope the company will be able to regulate the cyber browsing prices all over the country. I think also internet services will be the services of choice in the near future cause as per internet revolution very many things has been a landmark to success. Thanks for the netting Africa with the rest of the world through this fibre cable."

Sudanese Accept Oil Border Ruling, or "FINALLY!"

2009-07-22T08:04:00.007-06:00

My heart leapt this morning when I pulled up the Africa page of BBC News to see the above headline. This has been a long time coming, and both the North and South's acceptance of the oil borders and the disputed region of Abyei could actually lead to a true peace in Sudan. Possibly. This is the first hopeful thing out of Sudan (on a large scale) since the CPA in 2005 (which was basically moot until this border dispute ended). If you want to read more about why one little border is so important, you can check out one of my graduate papers here--scroll down and read the sections highlighted in blue.

Hopefully these kids in Nuba Mountains will grow up in a peaceful land.

Anyway, here's the BBC article. It's not the perfect situation for those in Central and Southern Sudan, but I think it could truly lead to some progress in peace and development in Sudan (and hopefully free and fair elections).