The Faith Club Part 3

Three years ago I was on the road in Buenos Aires, Argentina during Rosh Hashanah.  As is my custom when I am traveling I find myself a service wherever I am.  One year I celebrated Rosh Hashanah in Wilmington, North Carolina while covering a hurricane.  Another time I spent Passover in Kampala, Uganda where we substituted Indian naan for matzah.  There was Yom Kippur in Savannah, Georgia and a seder at a … Continue reading The Faith Club Part 3

The Faith Club Part 2

My son, Kyle, was born with a bump on his head and it terrified me.  As a first time mom I was certain he would become gravely ill and I would not be able to hang on to him.  Perhaps it was the postpartum imbalance of hormones but I found myself crying in the shower.  Then and there I surrendered.  I conceded I could not do … Continue reading The Faith Club Part 2

The Faith Club

I’ve spent the last two days in temple celebrating Rosh Hashanah but for some reason this year I’m not feeling it.  Perhaps it’s because I only show up for the high holidays and each year it’s the same story of Isaac and Abraham and Hannah and Peninah.  My Jewish experience is so limited.  Rabbi Mo is at the top of his game with sermons about living … Continue reading The Faith Club

Remembering 9/11

There are some things I never forget.  The day President Kennedy was assassinated.  The day the Challenger exploded.  Columbine.  What I was doing on 9/11/2001.  My husband called me and said turn on the TV.  I got there in time to see the second plane hit the tower.  I watched with my hand over my mouth then turned to my little son and said “Kyle, … Continue reading Remembering 9/11

Vacation in Afghanistan

One year ago I was in Beijing, China for a three month gig working at the Olympics.  In November 2008 I headed to Kampala, Uganda again to do more television production work for BeadforLife (http://beadforlife.org) then immediately after a quick trip to Delhi, India for a wedding.  No exotic destinations this summer but I’m hungry for an overseas trip.  I’m already thinking about what to do … Continue reading Vacation in Afghanistan

Fighting for Neda

Blessings to Iranian human rights lawyer and Nobel Prize winner, Shirin Ebadi, who has courageously offered to represent the family of Neda, the young woman shot by snipers during a protest on the streets of Tehran.  Perhaps she will also represent the parents of Kaveh Alipour who were told they must pay the Iranian government a $3000 bullet fee to retrieve their slain son’s body.  I am gratified … Continue reading Fighting for Neda

River Jordan: Conflict and Cooperation

In the Middle East, water is a source of conflict and an opportunity for peace. From the Sea of Galilee to the Dead Sea and all along the River Jordan there is a need for cooperation over water. In the mountain aquifer under West Bank settlements there is conflict over its allocation. In fact, the World Bank just issued a report finding huge disparities in … Continue reading River Jordan: Conflict and Cooperation

Guests from Gitmo

Colorado doesn’t want Guantanamo Bay’s detainees to move to Supermax but the folks in Hardin, Montana are ready for guests from Gitmo.  CNN’s Jeanne Meserve reports. http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2009/05/25/meserve.mt.gitmo.cnn?iref=videosearch For more information on Vicky Collins visit http://teletrendstv.com. Continue reading Guests from Gitmo

How David Beats Goliath

Malcolm Gladwell, author of “The Tipping Point,” “Outliers” and “Blink” has an article out this month in The New Yorker.  It’s called “How David Beats Goliath” and with his deft storytelling and character development Gladwell makes the case for effort over ability.  He tells about Vivek Ranadive and his basketball team of 12 year old girls in Redwood City, California.  To overcome a lack of talent they … Continue reading How David Beats Goliath

30 Minute Seder

I love Passover.  The Jewish holiday is meaningful, joyous and delicious.  I look forward all year long to the celebration around the table with friends and family.  What’s not to love about a dinner that lasts all evening and ends with the poignant words “next year in Jerusalem.”  It is always a memorable night.  So imagine my surprise when I saw the advertisement in the … Continue reading 30 Minute Seder