Acid Attacks: Juliette’s Story

Many of you have read the story I wrote about a courageous acid attack victim from Kampala, Uganda named Juliette on this blog.  HDNet’s World Report aired an “in her own words” piece about Juliette that I produced for the show on April 14.  It is a very powerful story and Juliette’s ability to forgive her attacker and move on is inspirational.  I hope you are as transformed by Juliette’s … Continue reading Acid Attacks: Juliette’s Story

BeadforLife on The Newshour

Many thanks to PBS producer Patti Parson, Associate Producer Rebecca Jacobson and the folks at The Newshour with Jim Lehrer for the wonderful story they did on BeadforLife (http://beadforlife.org) on Thursday’s program.  Every time the NGO gets national exposure of this kind the phones ring off the hook and more and more people join the fight against global poverty.  Together we are making a difference and … Continue reading BeadforLife on The Newshour

Trend Setting Iowa

My husband is from Iowa.  His parents live in a town of about 10,000 called Storm Lake in the Northwest corner of the state.  I’ve been going back and forth for many years.  The Iowa I used to see was a conservative, set in its ways kind of place that didn’t really welcome change.  But my view is shifting dramatically.  Iowa voters were prescient with their … Continue reading Trend Setting Iowa

Pathway to Peace?

As the conflict between the Israelis and Palestinians rages on, a small company is presenting a model for peace and productivity. Global Hosted Operating System or G.ho.st is one of the few companies that is a partnership between Israelis and Palestinians. But running the West Bank company is tricky. Imagine being the CEO of a successful company and not being able to visit the headquarters … Continue reading Pathway to Peace?

New Face of Homelessness aka Economy Sucks Journal #2 2.7.09

Darlene and Jacob.  Teddy.  Craig and Margie.  All are the new faces of poverty.  Six months ago each had jobs, homes and middle class incomes to support themselves and their families.  Now two families are homeless and the other teeters on the brink.  Their falls have been fast and hard.  Darlene has a college degree and worked in the mortgage industry until October.  Her husband … Continue reading New Face of Homelessness aka Economy Sucks Journal #2 2.7.09

Note to Allied Jewish Federation

Hi Julia, Allied Jewish Federation has been reminding me of my $50 pledge which I have yet to pay.  After doing a lot of soul searching I have decided not to honor the pledge.  During the recent Israeli/Palestinian crisis I felt Allied Jewish Federation was very strident.  What Hamas is doing is deplorable and as a Jew I grieve for Israel’s pain.  I know the country has endured a … Continue reading Note to Allied Jewish Federation

Slumdogs

I can’t get the movie “Slumdog Millionaire” out of my mind.  Just like India, it was surprising and unexpected.  The beauty and brutality are staying with me.  It made me think back to a little street urchin who came up to our car window in Old Delhi.  I can’t get her out of my thoughts either.  She approached our vehicle when we were stopped at an … Continue reading Slumdogs

Juliette’s Acid Attack

Juliette dreams of someday marrying a nice man.  One unlike the monster who poured acid on her in a jealous rage in July 2007.  We are sitting with this young woman, just 19 years old, on a porch near a church in Kampala, Uganda.  Juliette is beautiful on the side of her face that she shows to the world.  Her eyes are bright and she has a radiant … Continue reading Juliette’s Acid Attack