Politics with my Cappuccino

My barista leaned over the counter today.  “What do you think of the MSNBC host who said she hoped it was a Tea Party member rather than a Muslim who set the car bomb in Times Square?”  His colleague at the cappucino maker edged closer to hear what I had to say.  “Well,” I replied, “I wish it was someone from the Tea Party.  It actually kind of … Continue reading Politics with my Cappuccino

River Jordan Redux

In June 2009 I posted a blog about the dire condition of the River Jordan and how a unique collaboration of Israelis, Palestinians and Jordanians are cooperating to save it and care for the needs of a parched region.  National Geographic Magazine has done the story “Parting the Waters” for its April edition on Water.  It showcases the environmental dilemma, the political issues that have led to it, and … Continue reading River Jordan Redux

Passover in Kampala

Chag Sameach.  It means “joyous festival” and is a popular greeting during Passover.  With the Jewish celebration of freedom here again I recall our very special Passover seder in Kampala, Uganda.  I posted this as the very first story on my blog back in May 2008.  My story also ran in the Denver Post in spring 2007. http://www.denverpost.com/search/ci_5534210 Cinematographer Paul Hillman and I are heading back to Kampala, Uganda again in June to do … Continue reading Passover in Kampala

Acid Attack Survivor Katie Piper on CNN

Many of you came to this blog to see the story of Juliette’s acid attack. Former model Katie Piper recently spoke to CNN in Great Britain about the brutal attack that changed her life. She is incredibly courageous and is now working to help others through her Katie Piper Foundation (http://www.katiepiperfoundation.org.uk/.) http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/europe/01/12/uk.katie.piper.acid.attack/index.html For more information on Vicky Collins visit http://teletrendstv.com. Continue reading Acid Attack Survivor Katie Piper on CNN

Moderate Muslims

Eboo Patel writes a column featured in USA Today reminding people that moderate Muslims are also in the fight against extremists.  They believe terrorism goes against the teachings of Islam and call on all Americans not to let the radicals make us fearful and divide us from good neighbors who also are longing for peace. http://blogs.usatoday.com/oped/2010/01/column-moderate-muslims-were-everywhere-.html For more information on Vicky Collins visit http://teletrendstv.com. Continue reading Moderate Muslims

Acid Attacks: Personal and Political

Many of you have come to this blog to watch the story about Juliette and read about her brutal acid attack in Kampala, Uganda (http://vimeo.com/5703299.)  I had always considered the violence against Juliette and other women like her as personal.  Jealous men destroy the lives of women who threaten them in some way.  Nicholos Kristof of the New York Times writes widely on this subject as … Continue reading Acid Attacks: Personal and Political

Barack Obama’s Nobel Prize

My reaction to the announcement this morning about President Barack Obama winning the Nobel Peace Prize was pleasant surprise.  Before I could even process the magnitude of the announcement KHOW’s conservative talk show host Peter Boyles began blabbering about how he was nominated on February 1 and it was just days after his inauguration and he hasn’t accomplished anything yet and what where they thinking, blah, blah, … Continue reading Barack Obama’s Nobel Prize

Juliette’s Acid Attack

Acid attacks are a brutal form of domestic violence in the developing world. Juliette tells the story of her attack in Kampala, Uganda and how the man who maimed her walked away. Despite devastating injuries she inspires with courage and optimism. HDNet World Report: Acid Attacks/Juliette’s Story from Vicky Collins on Vimeo. For more information on Vicky Collins visit http://teletrendstv.com. Continue reading Juliette’s Acid Attack

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