"Keep Your Dream Alive and Be the Change" is what I brought home (Japan) from my 2 weeks trip to USA, learning NVC and participating/covering Bioneers Conference. These words wake me up this morning so laud that I decided to write here.
Every step about my trip to the USA was miracle for me. I was able to take time off from my work in Japan (including leaving two young kids), to enter the USA (even though I was stopped and questioned for 2 hours at the immigration), to understand and enjoy learning NVC in another language in spite of my lack of English ability, to be happy and relaxed about sharing NVC in Japan, to be able to attend the Bioneers Conference thanks to Miki Kashtan who was giving a NVC workshop there, to be at peace about how the film ZERO was doing whole I was absent (actually it did very well), to be able to spend a night at a hotel with a new friend Jane I met at Women's leadership training within Bioneers, and Jane has a dream house and a half acre of land that can be turned into permaculture garden and it even has a mature avocado tree, etc......all of these were miracle after miracle for me.
And most of all, I was able to interview and record Nina Simons words, co-founder of Bioneers, in spite of her super busy and tight schedule (she gave me a few minutes) while everyone there wanted to talk to her. It was amazing she took a few minutes to answer my question.
And what she told me is amazing and inspiring, exactly what I wanted to hear: isn't this a miracle?
So listen to the Podcast of Nina which will be posted soon (11:30second will be an interview with Nina. My question was "What inspired you to start Bioneers?").
It is important for me to focus on what I am for rather than what I am against. I am for PEACE rather than I am against war. YES PEACE, rather than NO WAR, yes for sustainablitiy rather than against unsustainability (such as clear cutting of forest, polluting air, ocean, soil, etc).
Bioneers is something I really would like to get involved more and I also would like to see if I can organize something like that in Japan.
I continue to be the change, be the media and be peace as I have been saying last couple of years like a mantra.
In a way, Bioneers gives me the similar inspiration as The Best Game, which was founded by Norie Huddle, and I really share the value of The Best Game even today (I got to know Norie in 1988).
The Goal of the Best Game is to create peace, health, prosperity and justice universally on earth by year 2012. And the Game has 10 rules on how to go about it. In a way, it is vague, but it really gives me the rules how I want to live daily life. I am a member of the Game since the time I know Norie Huddle.
TO learn more about the Best Game:http://www.bestgame.org/
Showing posts with label Peace. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Peace. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
NVC: A Communication Enhancing Your Life and Human Relationship
I am delighted to announce the wonderful opportunity for those who live in Bay Area in the USA to get to know NVC.
Some of you know I have been learning NVC and attending Leadership Program offered by Bay NVC to enhance my work further: to create more peaceful, sustainable, just and healthy society that works for all. To make myself more effective in my work, I need to communicate with others in a way that is more connecting, compassionate and transformational than what I am used to.
Here is a fun and meaningful event you can attend to learn a bit more about NVC and get involved: http://www.baynvc.org/calendar/view_entry.php?id=CD3249&date=20101024
One year learning with other NVC practitioners at LP10 (leadership program 2010) has been so helpful to increase my understanding of NVC and I am more comfortable with people who have different ideas and values from mine. I am less defensive when I hear messages of criticism (which is my perception: everyone is only saying either "thank you" or "please" to meet their own needs, according to NVC teaching) that would improve quality of my work dramatically.
Upon going back to Japan, I have a retreat at my 200-year-old farm house called Harmonics Life Center, which is my home, lead by Francois Beausoleil who will be leading the next LP11. I would like to attend the next one if I can afford it (money and time that I can take from my work in Japan).
All the information about the workshops, retreats, talk, events, classes are in the official site of BayNVC:
http://www.baynvc.org/index.php
If you happen to live in BayArea, you are so privileged in my view because you can take NVC courses regularly which I am sure to improve quality of your human relationship to say the least. If you do not know what I am talking about and want to know more about it, here is an introductory course offered by BayNVC:
http://www.baynvc.org/introductory_events.php
Just by reading this page, I feel like moving to Bay AREA!
Some of you know I have been learning NVC and attending Leadership Program offered by Bay NVC to enhance my work further: to create more peaceful, sustainable, just and healthy society that works for all. To make myself more effective in my work, I need to communicate with others in a way that is more connecting, compassionate and transformational than what I am used to.
Here is a fun and meaningful event you can attend to learn a bit more about NVC and get involved: http://www.baynvc.org/calendar/view_entry.php?id=CD3249&date=20101024
One year learning with other NVC practitioners at LP10 (leadership program 2010) has been so helpful to increase my understanding of NVC and I am more comfortable with people who have different ideas and values from mine. I am less defensive when I hear messages of criticism (which is my perception: everyone is only saying either "thank you" or "please" to meet their own needs, according to NVC teaching) that would improve quality of my work dramatically.
Upon going back to Japan, I have a retreat at my 200-year-old farm house called Harmonics Life Center, which is my home, lead by Francois Beausoleil who will be leading the next LP11. I would like to attend the next one if I can afford it (money and time that I can take from my work in Japan).
All the information about the workshops, retreats, talk, events, classes are in the official site of BayNVC:
http://www.baynvc.org/index.php
If you happen to live in BayArea, you are so privileged in my view because you can take NVC courses regularly which I am sure to improve quality of your human relationship to say the least. If you do not know what I am talking about and want to know more about it, here is an introductory course offered by BayNVC:
http://www.baynvc.org/introductory_events.php
Just by reading this page, I feel like moving to Bay AREA!
Monday, October 11, 2010
10-10-10
My friend Rita Marie Jonson sent me the message below about this special day: 2010-10-10. I am posting it here so that you all know about Be Peace. I am currently in the USA (Ben Lomond) learning NVC (Non Violent Communication), which is a component of Be Peace (another part is Heart Math).
I mean to bring Be Peace training to Japan once enough people learn the NVC.
-----------
Dear BePeace friends,
For us, today's date, 10/10/10, is symbolic of a new wave of BePeace expansion. Just think, the number 10 is identified with the concept of multiplication. The fact that there are three "10s" implies that this date is power-packed with evolutionary potential. Since BePeace implementation trainings in Kansas City and Charlotte resulted in contracts with 30 new BePeace trainers, it seems we are in sync with this date and all that it implies for exponential growth. Let's contemplate further what this special date means for us....
Back in 1997, my husband had a dream about us making 10 copies of the English translation of the poem, Rasur. This dream moved me to take a serious look at this inspired poem and I discovered it held the answers to "teaching peace". Suddenly I realized that the number "10" in the dream was telling me to "make copies" of this educational approach to peace; to multiply it exponentially.
A year later, I learned that Roberto Brenes Mesén, the Costa Rican author of the poem Rasur, had the same guidance I did about multiplying the awareness that his poem contained. In his last letter to his daughter, Fresia, who was living in the US, he wrote "Let the poem be known. We will send copies for you to distribute." Over time, I assimilated the principles in his poem Rasur into the practice of BePeace and Rasur Foundation International became the vehicle for multiplying this way of "teaching peace". Now each of you reading this today on 10/10/10 has become a powerful part of making copies. I am so deeply grateful for the many unique ways that you have contributed to BePeace spreading, one heart at a time.
What is the next step forward for our mystical, collective "copy machine"? It is time for me to finish the book that will take this peace teaching more directly to the children; BePeace: Weaving Wisdom and Compassion. My greatest challenge is to withdraw from the expansion that is happening, create a cocoon of peace and write so that the "butterfly" will take flight. In order to do this in a conscious way, two things are needed:
Financial support (almost all our funding has been through trainings I offer and more funding is needed in order to temporarily step out of this role)
All correspondence directed to our Director of Programs, Kelsey Visser: [email protected]
Friends, I have shared how the principles in Rasur evolved into the "know how" of BePeace. We all realize there is more to creating peace in the world than just this practice, yet BePeace can make an awesome difference right now. Would you be willing to make a donation so that BePeace can multiply and empower children in our time? If you feel moved to do that, please click here to donate or mail a check to:
Rasur Foundation International
P.O. Box 150134
Arlington, TX 76015
Will we all look back at 10/10/10 and say "That was the day we aligned with the energy of expansion and we took BePeace to the world"?
I mean to bring Be Peace training to Japan once enough people learn the NVC.
-----------
Dear BePeace friends,
For us, today's date, 10/10/10, is symbolic of a new wave of BePeace expansion. Just think, the number 10 is identified with the concept of multiplication. The fact that there are three "10s" implies that this date is power-packed with evolutionary potential. Since BePeace implementation trainings in Kansas City and Charlotte resulted in contracts with 30 new BePeace trainers, it seems we are in sync with this date and all that it implies for exponential growth. Let's contemplate further what this special date means for us....
Back in 1997, my husband had a dream about us making 10 copies of the English translation of the poem, Rasur. This dream moved me to take a serious look at this inspired poem and I discovered it held the answers to "teaching peace". Suddenly I realized that the number "10" in the dream was telling me to "make copies" of this educational approach to peace; to multiply it exponentially.
A year later, I learned that Roberto Brenes Mesén, the Costa Rican author of the poem Rasur, had the same guidance I did about multiplying the awareness that his poem contained. In his last letter to his daughter, Fresia, who was living in the US, he wrote "Let the poem be known. We will send copies for you to distribute." Over time, I assimilated the principles in his poem Rasur into the practice of BePeace and Rasur Foundation International became the vehicle for multiplying this way of "teaching peace". Now each of you reading this today on 10/10/10 has become a powerful part of making copies. I am so deeply grateful for the many unique ways that you have contributed to BePeace spreading, one heart at a time.
What is the next step forward for our mystical, collective "copy machine"? It is time for me to finish the book that will take this peace teaching more directly to the children; BePeace: Weaving Wisdom and Compassion. My greatest challenge is to withdraw from the expansion that is happening, create a cocoon of peace and write so that the "butterfly" will take flight. In order to do this in a conscious way, two things are needed:
Financial support (almost all our funding has been through trainings I offer and more funding is needed in order to temporarily step out of this role)
All correspondence directed to our Director of Programs, Kelsey Visser: [email protected]
Friends, I have shared how the principles in Rasur evolved into the "know how" of BePeace. We all realize there is more to creating peace in the world than just this practice, yet BePeace can make an awesome difference right now. Would you be willing to make a donation so that BePeace can multiply and empower children in our time? If you feel moved to do that, please click here to donate or mail a check to:
Rasur Foundation International
P.O. Box 150134
Arlington, TX 76015
Will we all look back at 10/10/10 and say "That was the day we aligned with the energy of expansion and we took BePeace to the world"?
Monday, May 31, 2010
Thank you/What's the Need Israel Trying to Meet?
Susan Livingstone, co-participant from Leadership program of NVC, really worked wholeheartedly to organize two events that I wanted to do for BayNVC. Thank you Susan and her friends who made these events possible. I think it has had some positive effect.
Below are some photos from Red Victorian where I talked and then played some music with Gen and Shigeko.
In my talk, I touched upon our organic farm, our sustainable simple life, The Department of Peace, Depleted Uranium, Article 9, The War on Terror and 911, Dennis Kucinich and on the need for each of us to be the MEDIA.
BUT......
My happy day suddenly ended with sad news that I need to find out more about. I am asking myself and co-participants of Leadership Program What's the core need of Israel trying to meet by those actions? Security?
Here are some tweets from Twitter:
I can't believe this is happening. Israel opens fire on Gaza flotilla, killing 10. I can't believe this is happening. Israel opens fire on Gaza flotilla, killing 10. http://bit.ly/cBYxEP
＋＋＋ Turkish TV: 10 dead, 60 injured in Israeli attack on Gaza aid boat from Turkey #flotilla ＋＋＋ Al Jazeera English reporting on Gaza Freedom Flotilla http://www.livestation.com/products/32-al_jazeera_en!
Below are some photos from Red Victorian where I talked and then played some music with Gen and Shigeko.
In my talk, I touched upon our organic farm, our sustainable simple life, The Department of Peace, Depleted Uranium, Article 9, The War on Terror and 911, Dennis Kucinich and on the need for each of us to be the MEDIA.
BUT......
My happy day suddenly ended with sad news that I need to find out more about. I am asking myself and co-participants of Leadership Program What's the core need of Israel trying to meet by those actions? Security?
Here are some tweets from Twitter:
I can't believe this is happening. Israel opens fire on Gaza flotilla, killing 10. I can't believe this is happening. Israel opens fire on Gaza flotilla, killing 10. http://bit.ly/cBYxEP
＋＋＋ Turkish TV: 10 dead, 60 injured in Israeli attack on Gaza aid boat from Turkey #flotilla ＋＋＋ Al Jazeera English reporting on Gaza Freedom Flotilla http://www.livestation.com/products/32-al_jazeera_en!
Monday, March 29, 2010
I Will be Speaking at Yoyogi Park for Spring Love Event
I will be appearing and speaking at the following event of music and talk live (free) in Tokyo, Yoyogi Park on April 4th. Hope to see you there!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Spring Love: The hottest urban party of the season!!
It’s back!! Spring Love (Harukaze) is making its second run in Yoyogi Park on April 3rd and 4th, promising a weekend extravaganza of top-rated musical and dance performances, film screenings, organic food and goods stalls, and talk sessions featuring peace-related social action. Come out and enjoy the cherry blossoms while feeding your mind and soul with some Spring Love!!
Date/Time: Saturday, April 3rd (1-8 PM) and Sunday,
April 4th (12-7:30 PM)
Venue: Yoyogi Park Outdoor Stage
Admission: Free!!
Event will feature:
■ Performances from numerous musicians and dancers
representing a variety of artistic genres
■ Peace-related talk sessions, films, and exhibitions
■ Events on two separate stages (Spring Stage and Love Stage)
■ Booths with literature from peace-related NPOs/NGOs
■ Spring Love Market with sales of various eco-friendly goods
■ Spring Love Kitchen featuring stalls with organic/ethnic foods
■ Live painting
■ Kids’ activities
Peace program:
Saturday, April 3rd
2:30-3:25 PM: Military bases and the role of the media
Panelists: Kobayashi Atsushi (director/producer of several military base related documentary films), Shiva Rei (freelance journalist who has reported from places including Iraq and Gaza), Navigator: Inada Hideaki (Solar Inc.)
4:35-4:50 PM: Hints for carving out natural, sustainable lifestyles in today's unnatural, unsustainable modern societies
Speaker: Ikue Masudo, formerly known as Takagi Saya(TV/film actor, free diver, owner of Furyu organic cafe/gallery) Navigator: Fukui Hiroshi (Peace Not War Japan music director, DJ)
4:50-5:50 PM: Why should Japan's Constitutional Article 9 (the peace clause) be protected?
Panelists: Matsumari Masumi (Peace Boat), Shiva Rei (freelance journalist), Kamebuchi Yuka (gospel singer, peace advocate)
8:30 PM〜: Documentary film screenings
“We don’t need bases anywhere!”, "ANPO" promotional clip, "Message from Yanbaru: A Documentary of Takae, Higashi Village in Okinawa", "Alternative Lifestyles: Learning from the European Squatting Movement", "Kukuru" (featuring a live performance from singer UA in Takae village, Okinawa)
Sunday, April 4th
2:00-2:45 PM: Listen to citizens' voices: No more wasteful, destructive construction!! Hear from activists working to stop the following projects in environmentally rich areas: a tunnel through Mt. Takao; a nuclear power plant in Kaminoseki; and a U.S. military base in Takae Village, Okinawa.
Panelists: Sakata Masako (Kenju no kai), Higa "Marty" Masato (documentary filmmaker), Yamato Taka (organic loquat farmer), Yamada Sei (peace/environmental activist and author)
3:30-4:25 PM: Building sustainable, non-militarized economies: examples of organic, small-scale, community-based alternatives to a military-dependent economy
Panelists: Kikuchi Yumi (Harmonics Life Center director, Tokyo Peace Film Festival producer, Japan United for a Ministry of Peace (JUMP) committee member), Tanaka Yu (Mirai Bank Director, Japan International Volunteer Center board member, ap bank member), Kosaka Masaru (organic restaurant/bar owner, writer, rice/soybean farmer)
5:10-5:25 PM: Kikuchi Yumi, a well-known peace/environmental activist, writer, translator, and international speaker, shares the latest information on 9/11-related issues, the Tokyo Peace Film Festival, and more! Navigator: Kimberly Hughes, Peace Not War Japan co-coordinator.
Musical performers:
Ikue Asazaki (traditional Amami Shimauta folk songs)
http://www.asazakiikue.com/profile.html
Sayoko meets YA MAN RIDDIM (funky reggae + djembe)
http://www.watonari.net
http://www.naradaisuke.com
Blues the Butcher-590213 + Leyona (rock/soul/reggae/blues)
http://bls-act.co.jp/artists/bluesthe-butcher-590213
http://www.leyona.net/bio.html
Rakita (acoustic groove)
http://www.myspace.com/uheheheoregarakitada
Yuppi & Tane (elementary school aged singer/songwriter!)
http://www.conisis.com/yuppi/
Rabirabi (percussion/voice duo)
http://www.rabirabi.com/about%20R/about_R.html
Ailie (roots reggae)
http://www.roots1music.com/ailie/index_main.html
nam
GOCOO ＋ GoRo
11-piece wadaiko (Japanese drum) ensemble
Kamebuchi Yuka and Voices of Japan (VOJA) (gospel)
http://www.tmp-voja.co.jp/index.html
Mika Arisaka (jazz)
http://www.jvcmusic.co.jp/-/Profile/A014076.html
SandiiBunbun with Earth Conscious and Hula All Stars (Hawaiian)
http://www.sandii.info
The Tchiky's (Acoustic/Afrobeat/Dub)
http://nbsa.info/site/?p=1012
Takeru (reggae)
Fukugawa Baron Club (Indonesian gamelan)
YOSHIE (belly dancing)
http://ameblo.jp/bellydancer-yoshie/
Uranagel (folk)
Jintaramuta (fusion unit blending Japanese traveling street
protest music together with elements of modern jazz)
http://www.cicala-mvta.com/profileenglish.shtml
Abdallah
http://yaplog.jp/abdallah/archive/15
Mon Kumagai (shamisen)
And more!
Additional Information:
※ Please note that there may be changes in the list of performers and guests.
※ Please refrain from smoking within the venue area, as well as from taking photographs of the performers.
※ A portion of the sales of food and goods, as well as all donations placed in our donation boxes, will be given to several grassroots organizations in order to support their ongoing work for nonviolent peace action.
※ Spring Love has a “gomi-zero” ("no garbage") policy. Please leave the venue as clean as you found it by separating your trash at one of the provided garbage stations. Garbage cleanup is an extremely expensive undertaking, and if this policy is not respected, we may not be able to offer this free festival in the future. Show some spring love by following the "gomi-zero" rule!!
※ Volunteers needed before and during the event!! (setup, translation/interpretation, cleanup, various administrative tasks, etc.) If you are able to help, please contact us at [email protected]!
Event support: A SEED JAPAN, Solar, Peace Not War Japan, TEAM
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Spring Love: The hottest urban party of the season!!
Date/Time: Saturday, April 3rd (1-8 PM) and Sunday,
April 4th (12-7:30 PM)
Venue: Yoyogi Park Outdoor Stage
Admission: Free!!
Event will feature:
■ Performances from numerous musicians and dancers
representing a variety of artistic genres
■ Peace-related talk sessions, films, and exhibitions
■ Events on two separate stages (Spring Stage and Love Stage)
■ Booths with literature from peace-related NPOs/NGOs
■ Spring Love Market with sales of various eco-friendly goods
■ Spring Love Kitchen featuring stalls with organic/ethnic foods
■ Live painting
■ Kids’ activities
Peace program:
Saturday, April 3rd
2:30-3:25 PM: Military bases and the role of the media
Panelists: Kobayashi Atsushi (director/producer of several military base related documentary films), Shiva Rei (freelance journalist who has reported from places including Iraq and Gaza), Navigator: Inada Hideaki (Solar Inc.)
4:35-4:50 PM: Hints for carving out natural, sustainable lifestyles in today's unnatural, unsustainable modern societies
Speaker: Ikue Masudo, formerly known as Takagi Saya(TV/film actor, free diver, owner of Furyu organic cafe/gallery) Navigator: Fukui Hiroshi (Peace Not War Japan music director, DJ)
4:50-5:50 PM: Why should Japan's Constitutional Article 9 (the peace clause) be protected?
Panelists: Matsumari Masumi (Peace Boat), Shiva Rei (freelance journalist), Kamebuchi Yuka (gospel singer, peace advocate)
8:30 PM〜: Documentary film screenings
“We don’t need bases anywhere!”, "ANPO" promotional clip, "Message from Yanbaru: A Documentary of Takae, Higashi Village in Okinawa", "Alternative Lifestyles: Learning from the European Squatting Movement", "Kukuru" (featuring a live performance from singer UA in Takae village, Okinawa)
Sunday, April 4th
2:00-2:45 PM: Listen to citizens' voices: No more wasteful, destructive construction!! Hear from activists working to stop the following projects in environmentally rich areas: a tunnel through Mt. Takao; a nuclear power plant in Kaminoseki; and a U.S. military base in Takae Village, Okinawa.
Panelists: Sakata Masako (Kenju no kai), Higa "Marty" Masato (documentary filmmaker), Yamato Taka (organic loquat farmer), Yamada Sei (peace/environmental activist and author)
3:30-4:25 PM: Building sustainable, non-militarized economies: examples of organic, small-scale, community-based alternatives to a military-dependent economy
Panelists: Kikuchi Yumi (Harmonics Life Center director, Tokyo Peace Film Festival producer, Japan United for a Ministry of Peace (JUMP) committee member), Tanaka Yu (Mirai Bank Director, Japan International Volunteer Center board member, ap bank member), Kosaka Masaru (organic restaurant/bar owner, writer, rice/soybean farmer)
5:10-5:25 PM: Kikuchi Yumi, a well-known peace/environmental activist, writer, translator, and international speaker, shares the latest information on 9/11-related issues, the Tokyo Peace Film Festival, and more! Navigator: Kimberly Hughes, Peace Not War Japan co-coordinator.
Musical performers:
Ikue Asazaki (traditional Amami Shimauta folk songs)
http://www.asazakiikue.com/profile.html
Sayoko meets YA MAN RIDDIM (funky reggae + djembe)
http://www.watonari.net
http://www.naradaisuke.com
Blues the Butcher-590213 + Leyona (rock/soul/reggae/blues)
http://bls-act.co.jp/artists/bluesthe-butcher-590213
http://www.leyona.net/bio.html
Rakita (acoustic groove)
http://www.myspace.com/uheheheoregarakitada
Yuppi & Tane (elementary school aged singer/songwriter!)
http://www.conisis.com/yuppi/
Rabirabi (percussion/voice duo)
http://www.rabirabi.com/about%20R/about_R.html
Ailie (roots reggae)
http://www.roots1music.com/ailie/index_main.html
nam
GOCOO ＋ GoRo
11-piece wadaiko (Japanese drum) ensemble
Kamebuchi Yuka and Voices of Japan (VOJA) (gospel)
http://www.tmp-voja.co.jp/index.html
Mika Arisaka (jazz)
http://www.jvcmusic.co.jp/-/Profile/A014076.html
SandiiBunbun with Earth Conscious and Hula All Stars (Hawaiian)
http://www.sandii.info
The Tchiky's (Acoustic/Afrobeat/Dub)
http://nbsa.info/site/?p=1012
Takeru (reggae)
Fukugawa Baron Club (Indonesian gamelan)
YOSHIE (belly dancing)
http://ameblo.jp/bellydancer-yoshie/
Uranagel (folk)
Jintaramuta (fusion unit blending Japanese traveling street
protest music together with elements of modern jazz)
http://www.cicala-mvta.com/profileenglish.shtml
Abdallah
http://yaplog.jp/abdallah/archive/15
Mon Kumagai (shamisen)
And more!
Additional Information:
※ Please note that there may be changes in the list of performers and guests.
※ Please refrain from smoking within the venue area, as well as from taking photographs of the performers.
※ A portion of the sales of food and goods, as well as all donations placed in our donation boxes, will be given to several grassroots organizations in order to support their ongoing work for nonviolent peace action.
※ Spring Love has a “gomi-zero” ("no garbage") policy. Please leave the venue as clean as you found it by separating your trash at one of the provided garbage stations. Garbage cleanup is an extremely expensive undertaking, and if this policy is not respected, we may not be able to offer this free festival in the future. Show some spring love by following the "gomi-zero" rule!!
※ Volunteers needed before and during the event!! (setup, translation/interpretation, cleanup, various administrative tasks, etc.) If you are able to help, please contact us at [email protected]!
Event support: A SEED JAPAN, Solar, Peace Not War Japan, TEAM
Friday, March 05, 2010
What You Say Next Will Change Your World (Miki), and What You Buy Next Will Change the World (Yumi)!
The first half of the title today come from the Conflict Hotline by Bay NVC with Miki Kashutan as the host. She is currently my trainer of NVC (Non Violent Communication) which I am learning this year. I have become passionate about NVC, a new way of relating people since I attended the Bay NVC Leadership Training.
If you want to learn more about NVC, Miki's blog is a great source - The Fearless Heart: baynvc.blogspot.com
For her TV show - The Conflict Hotline: youtube.com/baynvc
The latter part of the title came strongly to me at 5am this morning. It was SO strong that I had to wake up and write them down: What You Buy Next Will Change the World!
Well, this may be the title of my talk in the US.
Yes, this is essence of what I want to convey to American, Japanese, European or any affluent people in the world today. Our world is made of what we buy. Everything you see in your house exists because you or someone bought it. Without buying, things do not exist, and corporations who make products will not survive if we all stop buying their products.
Think about it. I love this STUFF as I share their humor and message.
http://www.storyofstuff.com/international/
As I live on an organic farm, trying not to pollute water around my home, I now live without using any detergent nor soap. I clean myself, clothes and house using salt, vinegar, baking soda, etc. I use no cosmetics either and I now have better skin than when I was in my 20s.
Anyway, I have to thank Bob (my empathy buddy) who inspired me to this. Bob is helping me to create a fundraising event for Bay NVC in the Bay Area when I return in May. I am asking Bob to find a venue for May 29th and 30th. I will keep you informed once we know what/where/when.
Below is a letter from Miki Kashtan. I am sharing this because I am pretty sure many of you who read my blog are working for PEACE. If so, here is your chance to be more effective in your peace building.
------
IN BRIEF:
I am pleased to tell you that this year we are offering training for trainers in 3 different location: Northern California (July 23-29), Denmark (Aug 20-26), and Upstate New York (Nov 5-10). This training is designed for experienced NVC trainers (certified and others) who have a strong commitment to living and sharing NVC. please pass the word out.
IN DETAIL:
INTERNATIONAL NVC ADVANCED TRAINING FOR TRAINERS
The primary purpose of this intensive training is to provide support in increasing and deepening capacity for living and sharing NVC, especially to offer an opportunity to become proficient with the approach and materials that Inbal and I developed.
This training is likely to focus on the following areas:
- Teaching skills for interdependence
- Teaching about power and power relations
- Advanced empathy skills and teaching empathy skills
- Body-based NVC practices, especially for inner work and self-connection
- Feedback giving and receiving about materials, activities, presentations, etc. we anticipate that everyone will have opportunity to share at least once
- Living in full authenticity and interdependence
We invite you to attend or consider if there is anyone you know who meets these qualifications:
- At least a year of teaching NVC
- Intensive advanced training such as the BayNVC Leadership Program, other advanced yearlong programs, and/or completion of the certification process
- Strong commitment to making the sharing of NVC with others central to one's life
NOTE: All 3 offerings are open to people who are sharing NVC in any capacity, not necessarily through training. If you don't have the level of experience requested but would like to be at this retreat, contact us about options.
Here's what others have said about the first training we offered last September:
"The Training of Trainers with Inbal and Miki had a higher degree of benefit for me and I have shared more usable learning with others than any other training in which I have participated. (At least 45 days in residential trainings alone.) I have been profoundly changed by the learning and experiencing at this training, and I have been empowered by the growth I experience in that few days. More often now I ask for what I want, speak up about what isn't working, ask more clarifying questions about what is happening for others." Jeanne Northsinger
"Training the Trainers from BayNVC created an environment and opportunity for a deepening of my personal and leadership connection with some cutting edge NVC processes that have catapulted the depth and dynamic of the practice groups and workshops I facilitate and co-lead as well as my personal and intimate relationships" Craig Sones-Cornell
"The ToT retreat was one of the most profound personal growth experiences of my life. The deep coaching I received from Miki, Inbal, and the other participants was hugely supportive of my ability to see myself more wholly (my strengths and my edges). I came away with a richer understanding of key aspects of NVC consciousness as well as powerful tools for deeper self-connection, self-integration, and connection with others, which in turn are supporting me in sharing NVC more confidently and effectively. I wouldn't have missed it for the world" Linda Hutchins-Knowles
Costs: tuition is separate from basic expenses and paid separately. we have a policy of not turning anyone away for lack of funds for tuition.
California (July 23-29): camping: $400, shared room: $700. Tuition in addition: $900-$1800. contact [email protected] for more information and to register.
Denmark (Aug 20-26): please visit www.FIVK.dk for full details including costs.
New York (Nov 5-10): shared room: $525, single: $625. Tuition in addition: $800-$1600. Contact [email protected] for more information and to register.
Note about training team: with the uncertainty about Inbal's health, it is unlikely that Inbal will join me at these events. If she is not available, other trainers who have worked closely with us may come instead.
Miki Kashtan
www.baynvc.org
If you want to learn more about NVC, Miki's blog is a great source - The Fearless Heart: baynvc.blogspot.com
For her TV show - The Conflict Hotline: youtube.com/baynvc
The latter part of the title came strongly to me at 5am this morning. It was SO strong that I had to wake up and write them down: What You Buy Next Will Change the World!
Well, this may be the title of my talk in the US.
Yes, this is essence of what I want to convey to American, Japanese, European or any affluent people in the world today. Our world is made of what we buy. Everything you see in your house exists because you or someone bought it. Without buying, things do not exist, and corporations who make products will not survive if we all stop buying their products.
Think about it. I love this STUFF as I share their humor and message.
http://www.storyofstuff.com/international/
As I live on an organic farm, trying not to pollute water around my home, I now live without using any detergent nor soap. I clean myself, clothes and house using salt, vinegar, baking soda, etc. I use no cosmetics either and I now have better skin than when I was in my 20s.
Anyway, I have to thank Bob (my empathy buddy) who inspired me to this. Bob is helping me to create a fundraising event for Bay NVC in the Bay Area when I return in May. I am asking Bob to find a venue for May 29th and 30th. I will keep you informed once we know what/where/when.
Below is a letter from Miki Kashtan. I am sharing this because I am pretty sure many of you who read my blog are working for PEACE. If so, here is your chance to be more effective in your peace building.
------
IN BRIEF:
I am pleased to tell you that this year we are offering training for trainers in 3 different location: Northern California (July 23-29), Denmark (Aug 20-26), and Upstate New York (Nov 5-10). This training is designed for experienced NVC trainers (certified and others) who have a strong commitment to living and sharing NVC. please pass the word out.
IN DETAIL:
INTERNATIONAL NVC ADVANCED TRAINING FOR TRAINERS
The primary purpose of this intensive training is to provide support in increasing and deepening capacity for living and sharing NVC, especially to offer an opportunity to become proficient with the approach and materials that Inbal and I developed.
This training is likely to focus on the following areas:
- Teaching skills for interdependence
- Teaching about power and power relations
- Advanced empathy skills and teaching empathy skills
- Body-based NVC practices, especially for inner work and self-connection
- Feedback giving and receiving about materials, activities, presentations, etc. we anticipate that everyone will have opportunity to share at least once
- Living in full authenticity and interdependence
We invite you to attend or consider if there is anyone you know who meets these qualifications:
- At least a year of teaching NVC
- Intensive advanced training such as the BayNVC Leadership Program, other advanced yearlong programs, and/or completion of the certification process
- Strong commitment to making the sharing of NVC with others central to one's life
NOTE: All 3 offerings are open to people who are sharing NVC in any capacity, not necessarily through training. If you don't have the level of experience requested but would like to be at this retreat, contact us about options.
Here's what others have said about the first training we offered last September:
"The Training of Trainers with Inbal and Miki had a higher degree of benefit for me and I have shared more usable learning with others than any other training in which I have participated. (At least 45 days in residential trainings alone.) I have been profoundly changed by the learning and experiencing at this training, and I have been empowered by the growth I experience in that few days. More often now I ask for what I want, speak up about what isn't working, ask more clarifying questions about what is happening for others." Jeanne Northsinger
"Training the Trainers from BayNVC created an environment and opportunity for a deepening of my personal and leadership connection with some cutting edge NVC processes that have catapulted the depth and dynamic of the practice groups and workshops I facilitate and co-lead as well as my personal and intimate relationships" Craig Sones-Cornell
"The ToT retreat was one of the most profound personal growth experiences of my life. The deep coaching I received from Miki, Inbal, and the other participants was hugely supportive of my ability to see myself more wholly (my strengths and my edges). I came away with a richer understanding of key aspects of NVC consciousness as well as powerful tools for deeper self-connection, self-integration, and connection with others, which in turn are supporting me in sharing NVC more confidently and effectively. I wouldn't have missed it for the world" Linda Hutchins-Knowles
Costs: tuition is separate from basic expenses and paid separately. we have a policy of not turning anyone away for lack of funds for tuition.
California (July 23-29): camping: $400, shared room: $700. Tuition in addition: $900-$1800. contact [email protected] for more information and to register.
Denmark (Aug 20-26): please visit www.FIVK.dk for full details including costs.
New York (Nov 5-10): shared room: $525, single: $625. Tuition in addition: $800-$1600. Contact [email protected] for more information and to register.
Note about training team: with the uncertainty about Inbal's health, it is unlikely that Inbal will join me at these events. If she is not available, other trainers who have worked closely with us may come instead.
Miki Kashtan
www.baynvc.org
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Be Peace Foundation Course in Costa Rica
I have just finished taking part in the Be Peace Foundation Course which took place from Sep 13 to the 17th in Costa Rica at the Rasur Foundation. The Be Peace Course is a combination of Heart Math principles and NVC (Non Violent Communication)
Check out photos from the event by clicking here. You can see how relaxed and happy everyone looks. It was an amazing course and I hope every child and adult will be able to take this course.
From tomorrow, the 4th Global Alliance Summit for Ministries and Departments of Peace will start. Currently delegations are arriving from all over the world....
On Sept 20, Sun, at 2:00-3:30 pm Costa Rica time, I am speaking about the role of the media in the peace movement. My talk is titled Be The MEDIA.
My talk will be streamed live so please spread the word and watch me online at http://www.gasummit.org. Please send your comments by e-mail, twitter, etc. For anyone living or visiting Japan, I would be so happy to connect with you!
Check out photos from the event by clicking here. You can see how relaxed and happy everyone looks. It was an amazing course and I hope every child and adult will be able to take this course.
From tomorrow, the 4th Global Alliance Summit for Ministries and Departments of Peace will start. Currently delegations are arriving from all over the world....
On Sept 20, Sun, at 2:00-3:30 pm Costa Rica time, I am speaking about the role of the media in the peace movement. My talk is titled Be The MEDIA.
My talk will be streamed live so please spread the word and watch me online at http://www.gasummit.org. Please send your comments by e-mail, twitter, etc. For anyone living or visiting Japan, I would be so happy to connect with you!
Saturday, April 18, 2009
♪ International Conference against the Asia Pacific Missile Defense and for the End of the Arms Race ♪ - 21 min 30 sec - 5 MB
The Asia Pacific Missile Defense budget is now eating up most of the money of the local defense programs. North Korea's satellite launch was used as a way to stifle our voices of concern but we have not been stopped.
I am learning many new things from Bruce Gagnnon who is the head of the Global Network Against Weapons and Nuclear Power in Space. He once was a US soldier in the Air Force during the Vietnam war. The anti-war peace movement during that time had a big effect on him while he was inside the base. He heard the voices of the demonstrators outside of the base and began to change. His story of transformation is both beautiful and inspirational.
Listen to what he has to say in today's podcast.
Bruce Gagnnon and Lotus, delegates from the USA
Korean Delegates
In the Bus visiting the Demarcation line between South and North Korea
North Korea from the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)
Young Korean couple at the DMZ
With Nepali delegate on the Freedom Bridge
Bruce and the Korean organizer
Messages for peace at the DMZ
Imjingak, 7km from the Demarcation Line
Taking photos from only within the yellow line were permitted. How strange!
Bruce and myself
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Who Wants Peace In The Middle East?
If you missed seeing this story that was recently broadcast on 60 Minutes in the US, I highly recommend you take the time to watch the YouTube movie below.
I believe that CBS broadcasting of this kind of program that openly discloses the Jew's settlements would have been impossible under Bush's regime. I wonder how many Americans have actually seen this?
It is important for us all to understand the root cause of Israel-Palestinian conflict!
Here are some excerpts from the program:
(CBS) Getting a peace deal in the Middle East is such a priority to President Obama that his first foreign calls on his first day in office were to Arab and Israeli leaders. And on day two, the president made former Senator George Mitchell his special envoy for Middle East peace. Mr. Obama wants to shore up the ceasefire in Gaza, but a lasting peace really depends on the West Bank where Palestinians had hoped to create their state. The problem is, even before Israel invaded Gaza, a growing number of Israelis and Palestinians had concluded that peace between them was no longer possible, that history had passed it by. For peace to have a chance, Israel would have to withdraw from the West Bank, which would then become the Palestinian state.
It's known as the "two-state" solution. But, while negotiations have been going on for 15 years, hundreds of thousands of Jewish settlers have moved in to occupy the West Bank. Palestinians say they can't have a state with Israeli settlers all over it, which the settlers say is precisely the idea...
"While my heart still wants to believe that the two-state solution is possible, my brain keeps telling me the opposite because of what I see in terms of the building of settlements. So, these settlers are destroying the potential peace for both people that would have been created if we had a two-state solution," Dr. Mustafa Barghouti, once a former candidate for Palestinian president, told Simon...
Daniella Weiss moved from Israel to the West Bank 33 years ago. She has been the mayor of a large settlement.
"I think that settlements prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state in the land of Israel. This is the goal. And this is the reality," Weiss told 60 Minutes correspondent Bob Simon...
I believe that CBS broadcasting of this kind of program that openly discloses the Jew's settlements would have been impossible under Bush's regime. I wonder how many Americans have actually seen this?
It is important for us all to understand the root cause of Israel-Palestinian conflict!
Here are some excerpts from the program:
(CBS) Getting a peace deal in the Middle East is such a priority to President Obama that his first foreign calls on his first day in office were to Arab and Israeli leaders. And on day two, the president made former Senator George Mitchell his special envoy for Middle East peace. Mr. Obama wants to shore up the ceasefire in Gaza, but a lasting peace really depends on the West Bank where Palestinians had hoped to create their state. The problem is, even before Israel invaded Gaza, a growing number of Israelis and Palestinians had concluded that peace between them was no longer possible, that history had passed it by. For peace to have a chance, Israel would have to withdraw from the West Bank, which would then become the Palestinian state.
It's known as the "two-state" solution. But, while negotiations have been going on for 15 years, hundreds of thousands of Jewish settlers have moved in to occupy the West Bank. Palestinians say they can't have a state with Israeli settlers all over it, which the settlers say is precisely the idea...
"While my heart still wants to believe that the two-state solution is possible, my brain keeps telling me the opposite because of what I see in terms of the building of settlements. So, these settlers are destroying the potential peace for both people that would have been created if we had a two-state solution," Dr. Mustafa Barghouti, once a former candidate for Palestinian president, told Simon...
Daniella Weiss moved from Israel to the West Bank 33 years ago. She has been the mayor of a large settlement.
"I think that settlements prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state in the land of Israel. This is the goal. And this is the reality," Weiss told 60 Minutes correspondent Bob Simon...
Friday, January 09, 2009
"Israel DEFENDING itself" Really?
Click here to view a live web camera from Gaza.
The media says "Israel is DEFENDING itself"
Let's see if that is so... Have a look a the images on this page (the images of the missiles that have landed in Israel can be seen below the images of Gaza so scroll down!):
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/shamireaders/message/1233
Israel is even making an effort to control the Arabic media:
http://sabbah.biz/mt/archives/2008/12/31/hussam-ayloush-dead-palestinian-children-have-names-too/
Fortunately we can see what is really happening if we look carefully:
I will post more footage in my Japanese blog. Please visit and spread to your western friends. Let's become the media ourselves when the mainstream media is not telling what is happening accurately. You MUST have a look at the page and watch the live news report from the excellent Iranian news service PressTV:
http://sabbah.biz/mt/archives/2008/12/31/hussam-ayloush-dead-palestinian-children-have-names-too/
"Hamas must stop attacking Israel to attain peace." Most political leaders and the US media voice this message. On the surface this seems to be right. However check out this movie and you will see why Hamas is doing what it is doing: Violence and terrorism must stop, I agree, but the occupation by Israel also must stop. They have been making the life of the Palestinians impossible for a long, long time (60 years to be exact) and now they are killing them indiscriminately. Not long ago they built a wall to keep them apart from Israel and to make it impossible for them to escape anywhere. The weapons used to kill the Palestinians are from the military aid provided by the USA (Read this story to learn more!). Part of the money comes from ordinary Japanese people's personal savings by way of Japanese Banks. Japanese people buy Japanese short-term government bonds. The Bank of Japan uses their money to sell yen and buy US dollars. The Bank of Japan than buys US Treasury Bonds, and part of that money goes to military spending and overseas aid.One third of US overseas aid goes to Israel, which is one of the richest countries in the world. And more than half of US aid to Israel is military aid (3.5 billion USD in 2002, plus Israel receives free weapons from the US).
Americans and Japanese, do you see there is a direct relationship to you with what is happening in Gaza?
What would you do if you were a mother or a father living in Gaza right now?
The media says "Israel is DEFENDING itself"
Let's see if that is so... Have a look a the images on this page (the images of the missiles that have landed in Israel can be seen below the images of Gaza so scroll down!):
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/shamireaders/message/1233
Israel is even making an effort to control the Arabic media:
http://sabbah.biz/mt/archives/2008/12/31/hussam-ayloush-dead-palestinian-children-have-names-too/
Fortunately we can see what is really happening if we look carefully:
I will post more footage in my Japanese blog. Please visit and spread to your western friends. Let's become the media ourselves when the mainstream media is not telling what is happening accurately. You MUST have a look at the page and watch the live news report from the excellent Iranian news service PressTV:
http://sabbah.biz/mt/archives/2008/12/31/hussam-ayloush-dead-palestinian-children-have-names-too/
"Hamas must stop attacking Israel to attain peace." Most political leaders and the US media voice this message. On the surface this seems to be right. However check out this movie and you will see why Hamas is doing what it is doing:
Peace, Propaganda and the Promised Land: Media & the Israel-Palestine Conflict
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6604775898578139565
Americans and Japanese, do you see there is a direct relationship to you with what is happening in Gaza?
What would you do if you were a mother or a father living in Gaza right now?
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Peace Week in Kunitachi: Peace Not War Japan
More music, more peace! More singing, less shooting!
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
4-Day Peace Concert Series@Chikyuya Live House - Kunitachi, Tokyo
Come out and enjoy some fantastic music while also supporting artists and organizations who are working for peace!
Dates: September 25th-28th
Times: 8PM nightly (Doors open at 7:30 PM)
※ Please be aware that time schedule may vary slightly.
☆ Fee: 2000 yen/night (includes donation to grassroots peace groups)
☆Concert schedule:
September 25th (Thursday)
☆ Remarks from Peace Not War Japan (8 PM)
☆ Arakajime Kimerareta Koibitotachi e (8:15 PM ~ )
※ An electronica/dub solo unit comprising Ikenaga Shouji, AKK (in Japanese, "Pre-determined lovers") can be found around town featuring lyrical-style pieces, remixing, cinematography, and other unique onstage techniques.
www.arakajime.com (Japanese only)
http://www.myspace.com/arakajime (J/E)
☆ LIKKLE MAI ("INNA BAND" STYLE) (9:15 PM ~ )
※ A reggae singer who hails straight from Kunitachi, Likkle Mai appeared on PNWJ's charity CD as the lead singer of the group Dry and Heavy. Don't miss this chance to catch her live and backed by her current full band!
www.likklemai.com (Japanese only)
http://jp.myspace.com/likklemai (J/E)
September 26th (Friday)
☆ Remarks from Peace Not War Japan (8 PM)
☆ Ben Kemp & Uminari (8:30 PM ~ )
※ An organic fusion band featuring vocals, guitar, electric flute, cajón and fretless bass, the group features Ben's Polynesian inspired ethereal voice and poetic lyrics combined with Uminari's Japanese-inspired arrangements. The overall effect is a soulful, acoustic sound that is both soothing and haunting.
http://www.benkemp.co.nz/index_nihongo.shtml (J)
http://www.benkemp.co.nz/index_english.shtml (E)
☆ Ishikawa Michihisa Session (9:30 PM ~ )
※ A jazzy unit featuring Ishikawa Michihisa from the well-respectedgroup Ska Flames, this collection of artists will intrigue fans of early reggae, ska, and rocksteady.
☆ Jintaramuta (10:30 PM ~ )
※ A fusion unit blending chindon and jinta (Japanese traveling street protest music from the Meiji era) together with elements of modern jazz, Jintaramuta is a spinoff unit from the internationally acclaimed group Cicala-Mvta fronted by multi-instrumental artist Ohkuma Wataru, together with other talented musicians. A must-see!
www.cicala-mvta.com (J)
http://www.cicala-mvta.com/profileenglish.shtml (E)
☆ Takada Akiko (10:30 PM ~ )
※ One of Japan's most foremost belly dancers, Takada Akiko will appear together onstage with Jintaramuta.
www5.ocn.ne.jp/~yosuke/akiko/ (Japanese only)
September 27th (Saturday)
☆ Remarks from Peace Not War Japan (8 PM)
☆ Choukarou Baraku 7 (8:15 PM ~ )
※ A popular rakugo (traditional storytelling) artist whose roots in the trade may be traced back seven generations to the Edo era. Will appear together with his disciple, female rakugo artist Choukarou Miraku.
http://www.rakugo-kyokai.or.jp/Profiles.aspx?code=71 (Japanese only)
☆ Kotobuki (9:45 PM ~ )
※ An energetic duo whose gorgeous piece "Shalom, Sala'am" appeared on the PNWJ CD, Kotobuki has been performing Ryukyu-inspired music and other acoustic pieces at live houses and peace events around the country for more than 20 years.
http://www.kotobuki-nn.com (Japanese only)
September 28th (Sunday)
☆ Remarks from Peace Not War Japan (8 PM)
☆ YOSHIE (8:20 PM ~ )
※ Dynamic belly dancer who regularly shares the stage with numerous artists in a variety of genres.
☆ Ailie (8:40 PM ~ )
※ Accomplished reggae/Japanese roots with an inspiring message of love and natural living.
http://ailie.jp (Japanese only)
http://www.myspace.com/ailieofficial (J/E)
☆ Philip Woo Band (9:40 PM ~ )
※ Multi-genre unit with hints of funk, soul, jazz and rock fronted by Philip Woo, a pianist, multi-keyboardist, bandleader, producer and composer who hails from New York City and is now based in Tokyo.
http://blog.goo.ne.jp/philipwoo/ (Japanese only)
☆ Nigayomogi (10:30 PM ~ )
※ Reggae band led by Kunitachi-based soulful vocalist Nakahara Chuu.
http://www.myspace.com/chuunakahara
☆A portion of funds raised during the performances will be donated to the following grassroots peace organizations:
※Collateral Repair Project
International group working to help Iraqi refugees
www.collateralrepairproject.org
※Kunitachi Peace Week
Yearly event bringing all sorts of peace events to the streets of Kunitachi!
http://blog.goo.ne.jp/kunitachipw/d/20060424 (Japanese only)
※Stop Rokkasho
Citizens working to oppose the Aomori nuclear fuel reprocessing plant
http://stop-rokkasho.org
※Yanbaru Takae: Association to Protect the Broccoli Forest
Local movement to stop U.S. military construction in Okinawa's Yanbaru region
http://takae.ti-da.net (J)
http://nohelipadtakae.org/files/VOT-en.pdf (E)
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
☆ Map to venue: http://chikyuya.web.infoseek.co.jp/map.html (Japanese only)
☆ Artist CDs and other goods will be for sale each night.
☆ Please refrain from smoking inside.
Event organizer: Peace Not War Japan
Thank you in advance for your support! Please tell your friends!
The Truth Can Move Us Forward - 911 War Crimes Tribunal Proposed
Wow, Kucinich is truly my hero. This really needed to happen in the US and I am so happy he keeps speaking and pointing out the most pressing issues for US and the world. What an inspiration to us all he is!
Thanks, Dennis. Thanks, Alfred, founder of Exopolitics, for sending this post to me. Alfred also published this article in his Peace In Space blog which can be seen by clicking here.
This article first appeared in The Nation.
The Truth Can Move Us Forward
by REP. DENNIS J. KUCINICH
America must move from the errant, retributive justice of 9/11 to a healing, restorative process of truth and reconciliation.
Before the Congress adjourns, I will bring forth a new proposal for the establishment of a National Commission on Truth and Reconciliation, which will have the power to compel testimony and gather official documents to reveal to the American people not only the underlying deception which has divided us, but in that process of truth seeking set our nation on a path of reconciliation.
We suffer in our remembrance of 9/11, because of the terrible loss of innocent lives on that grim day. We also suffer because 9/11 was seized as an opportunity to run a political agenda, which has set America on a course of the destruction of another nation and the destruction of our own Constitution. And we have become less secure as a result of the warped practice of pursing peace through the exercise of pre-emptive military strength.
It is not simply 9/11 that needs to be remembered. We also need to remember the politicization of 9/11 and the polarizing narrative which followed, locking us into endless conflict, a war on terror which has wrought further terror worldwide and which has severely damaged our standing worldwide as an honorable, compassionate nation. As we were all victims of 9/11, so we have become victims of the interpretation of 9/11.
Our government's external response to 9/11 was to attack a nation which did not attack us. Indeed on the first anniversary of 9/11, the Bush Administration issued a well-publicized stern warning to Iraq, which was part of a campaign to induce people to believe Iraq had something to do with 9/11.
The deliberate, systematic connection of Iraq with 9/11 has led America into a philosophical and moral cul-de-sac as over one million Iraqis and over 4,155 US soldiers have died in a war that will cost over $3 trillion. Additionally, soldiers from twenty-three other countries have died in the Iraq war.
We attempt to unite Iraq by further dividing it. We talk about restoring Iraq while taking steps to place control of its vast oil wealth in the hands of US oil giants. And we intend to impose upon the Iraqi people the cost of rebuilding a country our government ruined, keeping a once-prosperous nation lashed to debt and poverty for a long, long time. Iraq has paid for 9/11. We all continue to pay for 9/11.
The heartbreaking loss of the lives and injuries to America troops further binds us to the Administration's illogic of the Iraq War: We remember our troops' sacrifice by demanding more sacrifice; we support our troops by continuing the war.
The dominant color of our new national security since 911 is neither red, white nor blue. Every day is orange. Every day, reminders of fear of 9/11 become banal. Yet we no longer hear the airport announcements nor see the orange-colored warnings because they have commonplace standards in our new national security state, as is the Patriot Act, wiretapping, and a host of invasions of privacy and diminution of civil liberties. The Constitution has been roundly attacked by the very people who took an oath to defend it.
There is a powerful desire across America for change, not necessarily from control by one political party to another, but a change from living with lies to living with truth.
Over two dozen nations, facing peril within and without, deeply divided by politics and war have travelled down a path of restoring civil society through a formal process of reconciliation. At some point within each of those countries it was understood that the way forward is shown through the light of truth. This process is not without pain because it requires a willingness to study evidence from which eyes had been averted and ears had been closed. But in the process of truth and reconciliation, nations found new strength, new resolve, and new commitment.
The South African Truth and Reconciliation enabled that nation to come to grips with its past through a public confessional, bringing forward those who committed crimes and having the power to grant amnesty for full disclosure of crimes against the people. Of course, our path may necessarily be different: High US government officials stand accused in impeachment petitions of violating national and international law. Our continued existence as a democracy may depend upon how thoroughly we seek the truth. I will call upon the America people to join me in supporting this effort.
The truth can move us forward, as a unified whole, so that we can one day become a re-United States. 9/11 is the day the world changed. It is the day America embraced a metaphor of war. If we are open to truth and reconciliation, we may one day be able, once again, to embrace peace.
About Rep. Dennis J. Kucinich
At age 31, Dennis Kucinch was elected mayor of Cleveland, Ohio, making him the youngest-ever elected leader of a major American city. Since 1997, he has represented Ohio's 10th District in Congress, and he is currently the co-chair of the House Progressive Caucus. He ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2004.
Thanks, Dennis. Thanks, Alfred, founder of Exopolitics, for sending this post to me. Alfred also published this article in his Peace In Space blog which can be seen by clicking here.
The Truth Can Move Us Forward
by REP. DENNIS J. KUCINICH
America must move from the errant, retributive justice of 9/11 to a healing, restorative process of truth and reconciliation.
Before the Congress adjourns, I will bring forth a new proposal for the establishment of a National Commission on Truth and Reconciliation, which will have the power to compel testimony and gather official documents to reveal to the American people not only the underlying deception which has divided us, but in that process of truth seeking set our nation on a path of reconciliation.
We suffer in our remembrance of 9/11, because of the terrible loss of innocent lives on that grim day. We also suffer because 9/11 was seized as an opportunity to run a political agenda, which has set America on a course of the destruction of another nation and the destruction of our own Constitution. And we have become less secure as a result of the warped practice of pursing peace through the exercise of pre-emptive military strength.
It is not simply 9/11 that needs to be remembered. We also need to remember the politicization of 9/11 and the polarizing narrative which followed, locking us into endless conflict, a war on terror which has wrought further terror worldwide and which has severely damaged our standing worldwide as an honorable, compassionate nation. As we were all victims of 9/11, so we have become victims of the interpretation of 9/11.
Our government's external response to 9/11 was to attack a nation which did not attack us. Indeed on the first anniversary of 9/11, the Bush Administration issued a well-publicized stern warning to Iraq, which was part of a campaign to induce people to believe Iraq had something to do with 9/11.
The deliberate, systematic connection of Iraq with 9/11 has led America into a philosophical and moral cul-de-sac as over one million Iraqis and over 4,155 US soldiers have died in a war that will cost over $3 trillion. Additionally, soldiers from twenty-three other countries have died in the Iraq war.
We attempt to unite Iraq by further dividing it. We talk about restoring Iraq while taking steps to place control of its vast oil wealth in the hands of US oil giants. And we intend to impose upon the Iraqi people the cost of rebuilding a country our government ruined, keeping a once-prosperous nation lashed to debt and poverty for a long, long time. Iraq has paid for 9/11. We all continue to pay for 9/11.
The heartbreaking loss of the lives and injuries to America troops further binds us to the Administration's illogic of the Iraq War: We remember our troops' sacrifice by demanding more sacrifice; we support our troops by continuing the war.
The dominant color of our new national security since 911 is neither red, white nor blue. Every day is orange. Every day, reminders of fear of 9/11 become banal. Yet we no longer hear the airport announcements nor see the orange-colored warnings because they have commonplace standards in our new national security state, as is the Patriot Act, wiretapping, and a host of invasions of privacy and diminution of civil liberties. The Constitution has been roundly attacked by the very people who took an oath to defend it.
There is a powerful desire across America for change, not necessarily from control by one political party to another, but a change from living with lies to living with truth.
Over two dozen nations, facing peril within and without, deeply divided by politics and war have travelled down a path of restoring civil society through a formal process of reconciliation. At some point within each of those countries it was understood that the way forward is shown through the light of truth. This process is not without pain because it requires a willingness to study evidence from which eyes had been averted and ears had been closed. But in the process of truth and reconciliation, nations found new strength, new resolve, and new commitment.
The South African Truth and Reconciliation enabled that nation to come to grips with its past through a public confessional, bringing forward those who committed crimes and having the power to grant amnesty for full disclosure of crimes against the people. Of course, our path may necessarily be different: High US government officials stand accused in impeachment petitions of violating national and international law. Our continued existence as a democracy may depend upon how thoroughly we seek the truth. I will call upon the America people to join me in supporting this effort.
The truth can move us forward, as a unified whole, so that we can one day become a re-United States. 9/11 is the day the world changed. It is the day America embraced a metaphor of war. If we are open to truth and reconciliation, we may one day be able, once again, to embrace peace.
About Rep. Dennis J. Kucinich
At age 31, Dennis Kucinch was elected mayor of Cleveland, Ohio, making him the youngest-ever elected leader of a major American city. Since 1997, he has represented Ohio's 10th District in Congress, and he is currently the co-chair of the House Progressive Caucus. He ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2004.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
2nd 911 Truth International Conference in Tokyo
I am happy to announce two 911 Truth events in Japan and want to inform you of the 2008 Now or Never event in New York for the benefit of 911 First Responders and to get the word out that 911 was and inside job! Check out the website here http://www.2008nowornever.com and also watch this movie!
The first event happening here in Japan is being organized by Benjamin Fulford and will be held on Sep 11, 2008 in Ebisu. The admission fee is 3000 yen and you need to make a reservation. The details (in Japanese) can be seen here:
http://benjaminfulford.typepad.com/benjaminfulford/2008/08/9月11日木911真相究明会-きくちゆみ藤田幸久議員ｂフルフォード.html
The speakers will be Yukihisa Fujita (A member of the Japanese House of Councilors. His website is only in Japanese), Benjamin Fulford and myself.
If you have any Japanese friends who are interested in knowing what really happened on Sept. 11th, 2001, please contact them and let them know about this event.
Date and Time: Sep 11, 2008, 6-9pm
Place: Ebisu Kumin Kaikan
Map: http://www.city.shibuya.tokyo.jp/est/kmkaikan/km_ebisu.html
Fee: 3000 yen
Application by e-mail: [email protected]
or by phone: 080-3282-3790
The Global Peace Campaign is also organizing its 2nd 911 Truth International Conference in Tokyo!
The hall we hired for the first 911 Truth Conference was filled to capacity so we are increasing the size of the hall for this event so we can seat 700! Please join us and bring your friends. Lets get the truth out to as many people as we can. Most of the content will be in Japanese but David Ray Griffin's lecture will be in English with Japanese translation.
Date and time: Nov 3, 2008. 10am-8pm (It is an all day event)
Place: Miyake-Zaka Hall (Syakai Bunka Kaikan)
Address: Nagatacho 1-8-1 Tel:03-5920-7531
Map: http://www.syabunkaikan.org/Traffic.html
Fee: 5000 yen
Click here to download conference flyer (PDF 1.1 MB)
(Windows users should right click, Mac users should control click)(All links in the PDF are clickable!)
There will be a party with David Ray Griffin and all the panelists after the conference. If you would like to join it, the cost will be 5000 yen. There are a limited number of seats available for those who wish to participate in both the conference and the party. If you would like to join both events, send 10,000 yen (per person attending) by Post Office "Yubin Furikae" to:
Harmonics Life Center 00110-1-144224
The Yubin Furikae money transfer system is available from every post office in Japan from 9am to 4pm. On the form write "911 Conference and Party with DRG" and your name, address and phone on the application form (furikae yoshi).
The keynote speech will be by well know author and theologian David Ray Griffin. David Ray Griffin is the author of many books about 911. Here is list of some his 911 publications:
The New Pearl Harbor: Disturbing Questions About the Bush Administration and 9/11 (2004).
The 9/11 Commission Report: Omissions And Distortions (2005)
Christian Faith and the Truth Behind 9/11: A Call to Reflection and Action (2006)
Debunking 9/11 Debunking: An Answer to Popular Mechanics and Other Defenders of the Official Conspiracy Theory, Arris Books, 2007
9/11 Contradictions: An Open Letter to Congress and the Press, Interlink Publ. 2008
New Pearl Harbor Revisited: 9/11, the Cover-up and the Exposé, Arris 10/2008
The panelists who will take part in the event will be:
Yukihisa Fujita (A member of the Japanese House of Councilors)
Akira Dojimaru (Author/translator)
Benjamin Fulford (Journalist)
Muneo Narusawa (Weekly Friday Journalist)
Coordinator: Yumi Kikuchi
Interpreter: Gen Morita
Excerpts from the first 911 Truth Conference in Japan can be seen here:
Finally I would urge all eligible US voters to go to the website of Dennis Kucinich and sign his petition to impeach George Bush before September 11th!
The first event happening here in Japan is being organized by Benjamin Fulford and will be held on Sep 11, 2008 in Ebisu. The admission fee is 3000 yen and you need to make a reservation. The details (in Japanese) can be seen here:
http://benjaminfulford.typepad.com/benjaminfulford/2008/08/9月11日木911真相究明会-きくちゆみ藤田幸久議員ｂフルフォード.html
The speakers will be Yukihisa Fujita (A member of the Japanese House of Councilors. His website is only in Japanese), Benjamin Fulford and myself.
If you have any Japanese friends who are interested in knowing what really happened on Sept. 11th, 2001, please contact them and let them know about this event.
Date and Time: Sep 11, 2008, 6-9pm
Place: Ebisu Kumin Kaikan
Map: http://www.city.shibuya.tokyo.jp/est/kmkaikan/km_ebisu.html
Fee: 3000 yen
Application by e-mail: [email protected]
or by phone: 080-3282-3790
The Global Peace Campaign is also organizing its 2nd 911 Truth International Conference in Tokyo!
The hall we hired for the first 911 Truth Conference was filled to capacity so we are increasing the size of the hall for this event so we can seat 700! Please join us and bring your friends. Lets get the truth out to as many people as we can. Most of the content will be in Japanese but David Ray Griffin's lecture will be in English with Japanese translation.
Date and time: Nov 3, 2008. 10am-8pm (It is an all day event)
Place: Miyake-Zaka Hall (Syakai Bunka Kaikan)
Address: Nagatacho 1-8-1 Tel:03-5920-7531
Map: http://www.syabunkaikan.org/Traffic.html
Fee: 5000 yen
Click here to download conference flyer (PDF 1.1 MB)
(Windows users should right click, Mac users should control click)(All links in the PDF are clickable!)
There will be a party with David Ray Griffin and all the panelists after the conference. If you would like to join it, the cost will be 5000 yen. There are a limited number of seats available for those who wish to participate in both the conference and the party. If you would like to join both events, send 10,000 yen (per person attending) by Post Office "Yubin Furikae" to:
Harmonics Life Center 00110-1-144224
The Yubin Furikae money transfer system is available from every post office in Japan from 9am to 4pm. On the form write "911 Conference and Party with DRG" and your name, address and phone on the application form (furikae yoshi).
The keynote speech will be by well know author and theologian David Ray Griffin. David Ray Griffin is the author of many books about 911. Here is list of some his 911 publications:
The 9/11 Commission Report: Omissions And Distortions (2005)
Christian Faith and the Truth Behind 9/11: A Call to Reflection and Action (2006)
Debunking 9/11 Debunking: An Answer to Popular Mechanics and Other Defenders of the Official Conspiracy Theory, Arris Books, 2007
9/11 Contradictions: An Open Letter to Congress and the Press, Interlink Publ. 2008
New Pearl Harbor Revisited: 9/11, the Cover-up and the Exposé, Arris 10/2008
*******************
The panelists who will take part in the event will be:
Akira Dojimaru (Author/translator)
Benjamin Fulford (Journalist)
Muneo Narusawa (Weekly Friday Journalist)
Coordinator: Yumi Kikuchi
Interpreter: Gen Morita
Excerpts from the first 911 Truth Conference in Japan can be seen here:
Finally I would urge all eligible US voters to go to the website of Dennis Kucinich and sign his petition to impeach George Bush before September 11th!
Monday, July 14, 2008
Tokyo Peace Film Festival This Week!
The doors open at 6:45pm at the National Olympic Youth Center which is near Sangu-bashi Station on the Odakyu Line, two stops from Shinjuku. If your Japanese is up to speed, after the film you will be able to listen to a lecture by the well known researcher Yu Tanaka.
The next day, Saturday July 19th, the doors open 9:30am. The first movie will start at 10. There will be six films and in the afternoon I will give a talk on Sept. 11th 2001 and the events surrounding that terrible day. During my presentation I will show excerpts from some well known 911 films. My talk will be in Japanese.
Here are the films that will be shown on Saturday.
1: 10:05 Our Daily Bread (Narration in English with Japanese Subtitles)
This is a must see if you would like to know how modern food is actually produced.
2: 11:55 From Carrot to the Universe (In Japanese only)
A wonderful organic farmer Katsuto Akamine talks about the secrets of the universe.
Are you aware that Japan is also planning to join the US initiated Star Wars program? This is the result of the passing a new Universe Basic Law (Uchu Kihon Ho) in the Japanese parliament. Watch this film and find out what they are trying to do without our consent!
4: 14:40 Development with Destruction (In English with Japanese subtitles)
In this expose, a BBC camera crew captures how the natural environment has been destroyed in Okinawa by the presence of the many US bases as well as the ongoing public construction and development work. See this link also.
5: 15:25 Compassion in Exile (In English with Japanese subtitles)
The Story of the 14th Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lama's and his relatives talk on his life. Music by Philip Glass.
6: 16:40 9.11 and How War is Made (Talk in Japanese, some film excerpts contain English)
The 'War on Terrorism' which was started in response to the Sept. 11th 2001 incident is still ongoing with no end in sight. In my presentation I will be showing short excerpts from a number of films and recorded interviews with well known 911 Truth researchers. Find out what 9.11 was really about.
7: 18:40 Peace Bed: The US VS John Lennon 2006 (In English with Japanese subtitles)
John and Yoko's amazing story! Their actions for peace still empower us today. See this link as well.
-----
The last Day: Sunday, July 20 starting at 10am, door opens at 9:30am
After the film the director, Hitomi Kamanaka will give a talk in Japanese
2: 13:10 SPALTPROZESSE (The Nuclear Split) (In German with Japanese subtitles)
Ever since the location of the nuclear fuel reprocessing plant was finally determined on 4 February 1985, many people have changed their accustomed patterns of life. In its continuing line of development and its thematic diversity this film provides a profound insight into the process of landscape and ecologic destruction; and it describes the intentions behind the construction of a nuclear fuel reprocessing plant in terms of atomic policies. Once loyal citizens have been turned into hesitant radicals. Women civil servants, housewives and mothers all reveal their awareness of a political and social responsibility that extends far beyond any initial expression of indignation. This is of great relevance to Japan's own Rokkasho Mura Nuclear Processing plant in Aomori Prefecture. Check out Ryuichi Sakamoto's website.
3: 15:15 Iraq (In Japanese)
A behind the scenes look at the war in Iraq. See things the mainstream media will not cover, including the killing of innocent children and the high cancer rates that have been blamed on the military's use of depleted uranium weapons.
4: 16:15 Hiroshima Nagasaki (White Light, Black Rain) (In Japanese)
On August 6th and 9th, 1945, two atomic bombs vaporized 210,000 people in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Those who survived are called "hibakusha" -- people exposed to the bomb-- and there are an estimated 200,000 living today. Today, with the threat of nuclear weapons of mass destruction frighteningly real - the world's arsenal capable of repeating the destruction at Hiroshima 400,000 times over, Oscar® award-winning filmmaker Steven Okazaki revisits the bombings and shares the stories of the only people to have survived a nuclear attack. Steven spent 25 years making this film.
■ Download the Tokyo Peace Film Festival Flyer（B5/4 pages、PDF2.2MB） ■
Ticket Information
--------＜Tokyo Peace Film Members＞--------
To become a member you can register (in Japanese only) at the Peace Film Festival Homepage.Adults (Students)
7/18 (Friday) One day ticket 1,500yen (500yen)
7/18 (Friday) 〜19 (and Saturday) 2 day ticket 3,000yen (2,000yen)
7/18 (Friday) 〜20 (Sat, Sunday) 3 day ticket 5,000yen (3,000yen)
(The number of three day tickets available for members is limited to 200)
7/20 (Sunday) Single day ticket (No pre-sales) 2,000yen (1,000yen)
--------＜General Public＞--------
No pre-sale tickets available.
Adults (Students)7/18 (Friday) One day ticket 2,500yen (1,500yen)
7/19 (Saturday) One day ticket 4,000yen (3,000yen)
7/20 (Sunday) One day ticket 3,000yen (2,000yen)
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Article 9 Conference a HUGE success!
On the first day, I was one of 3000 people who were turned away from the main hall, but I had two booths at the event, one for the Tokyo Peace Film Festival, the other for JUMP (Japan United for Ministry of Peace) so I spent all day at the many different booths where all the other peace NGOs were hanging out. I had a great time there and I was so happy there were so many people at the conference. This may have been a record breaker in Japan's NGO history. To have so many attendees with almost no coverage (assistance!) from the mainstream media in my mind is truly an amazing (record breaking) grass roots achievement...
To me this means that we have now become the MEDIA ourselves!
We gathered this enormous number of people by word of mouth, the internet and handing out flyers and so on.
Isn't that something?!
I met so many of my friends but there were new faces, especially those of people in their 20s and 30s. I was very moved to see so many young people there.
On the 2nd day (May 5th) I spoke at the Article 9 Cinema. I showed excerpts from the film 'What I've Learned About US Foreign Policy' in a room that too was overcapacity. I knew I would have some people in my audience but had not expected that many people as there were other interesting symposiums and workshops happening at the same time. It was amazing! People were queuing up to get in long before my session was to start.
I had only one hour, so I couldn't show the whole film nor did I have enough time to talk about it in detail. The excerpts I chose were The School of the Americas, Panama Deception and Ramsey Clark's talk. After my show all the DVDs that I had brought were sold out in a flash!!
That evening I invited Yuri Morita, who is active in the children's abuse and domestic violence issue, to stay at my home. We had a great time together. We peace workers need to have quality time with like minded people from time to time, otherwise we can get burned out...
I was so happy about the success of Global Article 9 Conference but at the same time, right now wars are going on in many areas of the world. I should mention that the Japan Air Self-Defense Force still remains in Iraq and continues to support the US forces. We are helping with the transportation of the servicemen and women as well as weapons. On each day of the conference we Japanese were actually involved in the fighting of a war. I hope you now realize that Article 9 is in great danger!
The success of the Global Article 9 Conference was just the first of many steps we need to take to regain the power that Article 9 has lost in recent years. Each one of us must keep working to strengthen Article 9 so that it becomes a powerful beacon of hope for all of humanity, so that one day Peace May Prevail On Earth!
It is up to each one of us to make Article 9 the shining light it should be.
Check out this performance of Imagine from the conference. A higher quality version of the movie can be seen here.
Saturday, May 03, 2008
Exploring the Connections Between Music and Peace
My dear friend Aska will be playing on Monday May 5th at the Global Article 9 Conference Workshop (details below). I will be there as one of audience.
After the concert, I will be speaking at Article 9 Cinema, which will be at Conference Room 302 on the 3rd floor of Makuhari Messe between the screening of What I've Learned about US Foreign Policy: War Against the 3rd World (screening will be starting at 2:40). Out of 10 documentaries from that movie, 3 will be shown on May 5.
Hope to see you all there!
*****************
Date/Time: Monday, May 5th (National Holiday) 12:20 – 13:50
Place: Makuhari Messe, Chiba (International Conference Hall 3F, Room 304)
Organizer: Peace Not War Japan (www.pnwj.org)
Event URL (includes flyer): http://www.soundsphenomenal.org/pnwj/en/newsblog/news.htm
Please join us for a live show featuring a lineup of several internationally acclaimed musicians. The artists will then be asked to share their views and personal experiences regarding the contribution of music as both a political and a spiritual tool toward the goal of encouraging peace, and to consider the role that music can play to help protect Japan's Constitutional Article 9. The discussion will be emceed by radio personality Peter Barakan, who has a deeply nuanced understanding of music and peace-related issues, as well as the convergence thereof.
Performers
Aska Kaneko (Multi-genre violinist and vocalist)
Ben Kemp & Uminari (Polynesian and Japanese acoustic fusion ensemble)
Likkle Mai & The K (Reggae vocalist/ guitarist)
Emcee
Peter Barakan (broadcaster)
Fees for the Global Article 9 Conference to Abolish War:
May 4th (Plenary & Live Concert): ￥1500 （\1000 with advance purchase）
May 5th (Symposium & Workshops): same as above (Conference is free for junior high school students and younger.)
Advance tickets may be purchased at Lawson's convenience stores,
or by postal transfer (see http://www.whynot9.jp/action/ticket.html for details in Japanese).
For more info and full conference schedule, see the official website:
www.whynot9.jp
Route to venue: http://www.m-messe.co.jp/access/train_access_e.html
Map of venue: http://www.m-messe.co.jp/makuhari_e.html
Artist Profiles
Aska Kaneko
Born in Tokyo, Aska Kaneko began playing the violin at age four, and started to perform professionally while attending the Tokyo University of the Arts. She has played in countless numbers of music sessions spanning numerous genres, and has released a total of 17 albums. She continues to receive accolades for her outstanding technique, rich musical expression, and playfully elegant style. Aska's most recent album is Ave (2007), a multi-lingual collaboration where she explores themes of peace along with several international guest artists. She also regularly facilitates children's workshops, and produces music for use in energy work. Her personal pursuits include researching the Mayan calendar, bodywork such as yoga and Tai Chi, and organic cooking. She lives with her husband, who is from the U.S., and their fifth-grade, Hawaiian-born son. Website: http://www.aska-aloha.com
Ben Kemp & Uminari
Signed to independent Japanese label Suzuki Records, Ben Kemp & Uminari are creating a unique musical fusion as they forge new territory both musically and culturally. With their adventurous instrumentation that includes vocals, guitar, electric flute, cajón and fretless bass, the group features Ben's Polynesian-inspired ethereal voice and poetic lyrics, combined with Uminari's Japanese-inspired arrangements. The overall effect is a soulful, acoustic sound that is both soothing and haunting. The group has released three albums, and has toured twice in New Zealand, Australia and Japan. Website: http://www.benkemp.co.nz
Likkle Mai & The K
Accomplished reggae vocalist Likkle Mai, who runs her own record label "MK MuziK", continues to bring audiences her strong message of peace and love. Her second album "MW" received praise from various music magazines following its release in 2007, and a 7-inch single track "My Woman/Home, Sweet Home was released in January 2008 from the same album. Likkle Mai is presently working on a collaboration project with several other artists, as well as her own third album. Website: http://likklemai.com
Peter Barakan (broadcaster)
Born in London, Peter Barakan has lived in Tokyo since 1974 and has worked in broadcasting since 1980. His work has placed particular emphasis on introducing a wide variety of music from different parts of the world to a public that is often force-fed only what is commercially convenient for large corporations. His present radio programs are the "Barakan Beat" show at www.otonamazu.com online, which features a variety of world music; and "Weekend Sunshine," a weekly free form radio programme on NHK-FM. He also hosts the Japanese broadcast of the US news magazine show "60 Minutes" and the weekly talk show "Begin Japanology "for NHK World.
Monday, April 07, 2008
My Interview at Ron Paul Revolution Radio!
I talked about my life here in Kamogawa, how I got involved with the 9/11 Truth movement and what we can do to stop the war and create a more sustainable and peaceful future.
They plan to interview me again soon and I will be very happy to do so. The mainstream media is not covering our efforts to expose the truth on what really happened on 911, so I feel that we must now use the internet and other alternative media to spread the truth.
Here are links to listen to the radio show:
http://mp3.rprradio.com/16k/200804/20080405_Sat_Indy2.mp3
http://mp3.rprradio.com/16k/200804/20080405_Sat_Indy3.mp3
And edited version of program (material not related to me has been removed) can also be listened to on the Harmonics Life Gallery.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Vancoucer Talk: Great Success!
I just finished my 1st talk in Vancouver entitled Creating Peace: What a Person Can Do To Make a Difference. There were about 80 people from all kinds of walks of life, age and race. They were very engaged in listening to me and were so passionate in their want to make a difference in the world by creating peace (actually, they were already doing a lot and I was preaching to the choir).
I had no idea what to expect as I am totally unknown here in Canada and I was wondering who would come (I was not sure if anyone was coming), but the hall of the Unitarian Church was full, with maybe 80 or so people, thanks to the efforts of the great organizers.
People kept asking good questions and giving good suggestions during and after my talk on 911, the financial system and sustainability. They seemed to like my presentation and I was so happy they understood me!! (You know my speaking ability in English is limited)
I am happy to go anywhere in the world if you can gather 50 or more people, as long as my expenses are covered. My presentation is usually 90 to 120 minutes and includes a short DVD screening.
When I get the audio of my talk, I will post it here as a podcast.
My thanks go to Satoko, David, Alfred, Sayuri and their friends for organizing such a wonderful event. Some people even told me I was as inspiring as Helne Caldicot, other said my philosphy is similar to that of Dalai Lama! It was too good to be true, but I am happy they thought so.
Today, I talked about my transformation from a bond trader to an environmentalist, about our organic life at Harmonic Life Center in Japan, the birth of my 4th baby, September 11th 2001, the launch of the Global Peace Campaign, the shock of finding out what really happened on Sept. 11th, and the importance of each of us becoming the voice of the media!
Speak the truth! Be the truth!
I had no idea what to expect as I am totally unknown here in Canada and I was wondering who would come (I was not sure if anyone was coming), but the hall of the Unitarian Church was full, with maybe 80 or so people, thanks to the efforts of the great organizers.
People kept asking good questions and giving good suggestions during and after my talk on 911, the financial system and sustainability. They seemed to like my presentation and I was so happy they understood me!! (You know my speaking ability in English is limited)
I am happy to go anywhere in the world if you can gather 50 or more people, as long as my expenses are covered. My presentation is usually 90 to 120 minutes and includes a short DVD screening.
When I get the audio of my talk, I will post it here as a podcast.
My thanks go to Satoko, David, Alfred, Sayuri and their friends for organizing such a wonderful event. Some people even told me I was as inspiring as Helne Caldicot, other said my philosphy is similar to that of Dalai Lama! It was too good to be true, but I am happy they thought so.
Today, I talked about my transformation from a bond trader to an environmentalist, about our organic life at Harmonic Life Center in Japan, the birth of my 4th baby, September 11th 2001, the launch of the Global Peace Campaign, the shock of finding out what really happened on Sept. 11th, and the importance of each of us becoming the voice of the media!
Speak the truth! Be the truth!
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