Par Excellence

Day 65: Just Keep Livin

by Deone Benninghoven, M.S.M. (about the author)

Rights!
(Extracted on 7 March 2010 from http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8178776.stm.)

Imagine your migrant parents were forced to abandon you.  Basic things like shoes, clothes, food are beyond your 10yo reach.  Forget the antiretroviral medicine that you need or a roof over your head and a clean and safe place to sleep. Now add the fact that you are an Afro-Ukrainian in Kharkov where hate crimes are on the rise.

Now imagine that someone told you about a safe place that you could go.  This place helped you get basic needs met, including medicine, and this place helped you access education and community support.  All of this costs $365 per year.

Possible?  Yes.  Through the Afro-Ukrainian Orphans and Vulnerable Children Project, such a place and services exist. "The project’s founder, Mr. Bawakana Michael Kityo, grew up in Uganda. He has lived in the Ukraine since 1999, returning to Uganda to visit his family. In September 2005, Mr. Bawakana Michael Kityo visited the Northern Uganda Districts and when he met 10 destitute orphans and vulnerable children, he realized he had come face to face with the AIDS epidemic. He offered to find sponsors to pay the school fees for the 20 children.


Ukrainian orphans

THE AFRO-UKRAINIAN ORPHANS | MySpace Video

The project grew from there. THE AFRO-UKRAINIAN ORPHANS AND VULNERABLE CHILDREN Project was incorporated in December 2008. A board of four directors in Ukraine and a board of two trustees in Uganda support and monitor the program. In 2008 Miss. Becky Adong was employed as the Project Director in Ukraine. She spearheaded a preschool program that has been added to the original sponsorship program.

THE AFRO-UKRAINIAN ORPHANS AND VULNERABLE CHILDREN Project is about communities coming together, in Ukraine and in Africa. It is about providing children with the resources they need to live happy, healthy and fulfilled lives. 'I want everyone to see Africa as a vibrant continent, full of possibility,' said Bawakana. . ..

Some of the Afro-Ukrainian children are neglected by there fathers/mothers who run back to Africa leaving these children fatherless/motherless and at the end raced because of there colour and because they have no fathers/mothers our work is to make these children feel at home and stay out of the street" (extracted on 7 March 2010 from http://www.myspace.com/afroukrainianproject).
 
The need will only increase since 100,000 to 6,000,000 migrant workers, refugees, and asylum seekers from China, Central and Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and the African continent traverse the Ukrainian border each year. People have basic needs.  If there are jobs that no one else will do, there are many migrant workers willing to risk their lives and families to do them.

Like it or not, the face of the Ukraine and many European cities is changing quickly and more services are needed to meet the growing migrant-worker's need.  Thank you Afro-Ukrainian

Orphans and Vulnerable Children Project for stepping in where the need is so crucial. For more information, please contact  President and Founder Bawakana M.K at afroukrainianproject@gmail.com. May we see and do something about the need in our communities.  May we learn from and collaborate with others doing the same. Tomorrow will be Day 66 of the 365-day Appreciative Inquiry into what we what more of and the story will be about the Forbes' 2010 Altruist List, who is on it, what a few of them do, and why. Day 67 will be a quick outline of Appreciative Inquiry and a few new projects that are focusing on what works.  Then, Day 68 will continue the weekly Rock On series.  The hint for who it is this week is rugby. Weekly Recap: Download Recap_v1`2_20100307-wk9 Weekly Program: Download Program_v1`1_20100307_Wk10 Deone Benninghoven, M.S.M. ..

Day 62: Energy Solutions

by Deone Benninghoven, M.S.M. (about the author)

Biomethane to Power Semitrucks
(Extracted on 4 March 2010 from http://green.autoblog.com/2009/02/20/semi-trucks-converted-to-run-on-biomethane-from-cow-manure/.)

In 2009, "Waste Management partnered with a German company named Linde to build the fuel plant at the Altamont Landfill, which opened back in 1988. Since opening in September, the LNG plant has produced about 200,000 gallons of LNG." (extracted on 4 march 2010 from http://gas2.org/2009/11/06/waste-management-turns-landfill-into-fuel-pump/).

Then, on 3 March 2010, S4 Energy Solutions LLC ". . .said it will start work this summer on a renewable energy project in the Columbia River Gorge that uses landfill waste to produce multiple fuel types.  Houston-based S4 is a joint venture formed in May between Bend-based InEnTec LLC and Waste Management, Inc., the world’s largest solid waste company with about $12 billion in annual revenue.  The project, located at Waste Management’s Columbia Ridge Landfill in Arlington, will be the first developed by S4, which is working to commercialize InEnTec’s plasma gasification technology" (extracted on 4 March 2010 from http://portland.bizjournals.com/portland/stories/2010/03/01/daily39.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter).

Why are Waste Management and InEnTec aggressively investing in collection of carbon-negative alternative fuel? "Natural gas is the cleanest burning fossil fuel. It produces less emissions and pollutants than either coal or oil. The North American supply basins are maturing and as demand for natural gas increases in California and throughout the United States, alternative sources of natural gas are being investigated. Natural gas is available outside of North America, but this gas is not accessible by pipelines. Natural gas can be imported to the United States from distant sources in the form of LNG. Since LNG occupies only a fraction (1/600) of the volume of natural gas, and takes up less space, it is more economical to transport across large distances and can be stored in larger quantities. LNG is a price-competitive source of energy that could help meet future economic needs in the United States" (extracted on 4 March 2010 from http://www.energy.ca.gov/lng/faq.html). Simply put, LNG can power trucks and buses to displace 3, 5, 7 or over 10 billion gallons of fossil fuel per year by 2017.

Powering Our Future
(Extracted on 4 March 2010 from http://www.martinfrost.ws/htmlfiles/landfill2.jpg.)

There's more.  Jason Bradford of Oil Drum writes that high oil prices choke economic growth. Without "economic growth", Bradford writes, "loans are not paid back sufficiently and a financial crisis ensues."  Bradford indicates that the credit bubble caused by lax lending policies in addition to the flattening of oil production at the same time is causing the sharp rise in food prices.

So what can we do to help with this transition?  WNC Observer writes that a place to start is in the kitchen.  First WNC Observer writes that we should learn to cook, store, and produce simple foods. This will help us manage any intermittent shortages and outages due to spikes in oil prices.  Food stores should be practical, so we should eat what we store and store what we eat.  Buying grains and legumes in bulk and storing them in an ultra-low-moisture, low O2 or vacuum, and pest-proof containers are a place to start. 

Canning, dehydrating, and storing garden produce is another step.  Even those who live in cities, suburbs, and small towns, WNC Observer writes, often can find a space or containers to get started.  Community gardens for apartment dwellers and others who lack suitable garden space are another option. "Most people" writes WNC Observer, "progress up the learning curve" and "can eventually grow a substantial percentage of their annual vegetable intake. . ..  Those with even a little land can also grow some fruits. . .."

Finally, how many times have we heard to buy locally and in bulk?  If this is about reducing the amount of oil that is used to transport food to us, less oil used overall may mean an easier transition.  Most areas have addressed both options: markets and cooperatives to buy locally and in bulk. 

May we find at least one way this month to do our bit in creating a healthier tomorrow for our global community.  May we also find a way to take one step to reduce our waste and develop our capacity to use and produce locally grown food.

Until then, may we take a stand for human rights in some way large or small.  May we ask is it right.  May each of us remember that human rights begins with how we care for and nurture ourselves.  Mother Teresa once said that we must first refill the oil in our lamps to light the way for others.

Deone Benninghoven, M.S.M.
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Day 61: In the Wind

by Deone Benninghoven, M.S.M. (about the author)

Horizontal Axis
(An example of a wind turbine showing a 3-bladed turbine is the classic design of modern wind turbines: extracted on 4 March 2010 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind_turbine_design.)

I admit it.  I am a fan of sustainable solutions.  Renewable energy is something that I would like to see more of in this world. 

I have been as far back as I can remember.  Handing this and that tool to my Grandfather, I listened to him talk about deserts filled with solar panels and wind turbines.  I didn't know that a few obstacles existed. I didn't know unsustainable energy solutions choked our world. I simply believed that what Grandpa said would be.



Building-Mounted-Grid-Tied Swift Turbines

Today it is!  Ready to play?  Tax credits, to-grid paybacks, and reduced energy bills and consumption await you.  Here are a few windy ways to get started at home and at your business.  No wars are needed to protect and develop these solutions.  All we need is cooperation and ingenuity, and the more so, the better.  Here we go.

Small Horizontal-Axis-Grid-Tied Wind Farm
(extracted on 4 March 2010 from http://www.flickr.com/photos/41673477@N08/3850911600.)

So what is wind energy?  "Wind power is the generation of electricity from wind energy as a natural resource. Wind energy is a converted form of solar energy. This is how: The sun's radiation heats different parts of the earth at various rates, with the greatest variations occurring between day and night. Since different earth surfaces such as water and land absorb and reflect heat at different rates, portions of the atmosphere vary in temperature. When hot air rises, it reduces the atmospheric pressure at the earth's surface, and cooler air is drawn in to replace it. This drawing in of cooler air is what we experience as wind" (extracted on 4 March 2010 from http://tswind.com/index.php?/A-guide-to-wind-energy.html).

Whose getting windy?

Source: Global Wind Energy Council

What are more windy options to get started at home?

Helix-Grid-Tied Wind Turbine

More Vertical-Axis-Grid-Tied Turbines

Where do we get more information?   Almost any keyword search will give you resources about where to get started.  Here are a few ideas.

WIND: Computer program 

Wind Turbine Technology

Wind Turbines: Fundamental

21st Century Complete Guide

Aerodynamics of Wind Turbine

Ready to have a go?  Here's one entry point.

Windmax HY400-3 450 Watt Max 12-Volt 3-Blade Residential Wind Generator Kit

You can try on your own, and then go bigger. Certainly, you will go bigger. 12 volts is not a lot, check the voltage on many wall adapters. The 600 kWhs on this baby will do some good, even if the application is rather small like yard lighting. You can play with this, use it for small jobs, like lighting, and gain a greater understanding of how a building installation can change life.  Amazon Price: $649.00 (as of 03/03/2010)

Want to rock ready-to-go renewable tech instead?

solar gadget charger

Never be caught with out a charge for your cell phone and small electronics again. This powerful little guy folds to fit in the palm of your hand. Great for on the go, campus to camping.

Amazon Price: $99.95 (as of 03/04/2010)

S-1113: 12V Solar Panel Battery Charger

Jump start your car without digging out to get another car in place to hook up cables. Truly amazing, a must for driving in bad climates.

Amazon Price: (as of 03/04/2010)

Solar Powered LED Keychain

The bright LEDs make this solar key chain flashlight for safety and convenience.

Amazon Price: $4.99 (as of 03/04/2010)

Every little bit counts!  Tonight I will publish Day 62 of the 365-day Appreciative Inquiry into what works.  You guessed it, more renewable energy.  This time it will be about the turning of yucky landfill waste into, not wine, rather multiple fuel types at the Columbia River Gorge in Washington state, USA.  This should put us back on schedule for Day 63 and the second week of the Rock On series to be published tomorrow early evening.  A few of you already gave a shout out for this the  Rock-On topic this week.  I'm excited about this week too.  Hint, for those of you who didn't download the weekly program.  MLK you stepped into our fray in more than one way.

Until tonight, may we look for and begin to take action on our inner cooperation, ingenuity, and sustainability.  May we all find one way today to make one difference in how we use and renew energy!

Deone Benninghoven, M.S.M.
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Day 60: Global Citizens

by Deone Benninghoven, M.S.M. (about the author)

My Baby Needs Diapers
Conjuring strong echoes of the dark days of the 1970s military coup, civilians were told that anyone found on the streets overnight would be arrested (Marquez/AP).  (Extracted 3 March 2010 from http://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/2010/03/01/2010-03-01_chile_earthquake_news_soldiers_struggle_to_quell_looting_president_imposes_curfe.html?ref=rss). 

On Day 5 after the 8.8 Chilean earthquake, national governments, and charitable and for-profit organizations from around the world are coordinating humanitarian aid designed to help the Chilean people.  This list is long and heartening.  From the Ukraine to the UK and many others in between, help is arriving (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humanitarian_response_to_the_2010_Chile_earthquake for the updated list of aid).

Yet, looting is a challenge, so a curfew has been imposed.  This poses another challenge.  With ongoing aftershocks people are afraid to be inside of buildings and they still need basic supplies.  Tsunami's warnings are ongoing.



Chile took a few days to accept mutual aid.  This delay slowed down the response clock.  However, aid is getting in now.  Also, due to Chile's $28,000 billion fiscal surplus, more services are in place for aid distribution.  This includes building codes that were in place before the earthquake so less aid will be diverted in recovery efforts of victims buried in rubble. 



Then there was a 12-yoa girl who saved her village. "Martina Maturana, the daughter of the community's policeman, was at home when she felt a tremor, according to Chile's La Tercera newspaper. Her father was on the telephone to the mainland when Martina peered out of the window at the pitching boats and acted decisively. She ran 400 metres from her home to the town square to ring the emergency bell and rouse the fishing community from their sleep.

Martina did not know the emergency codes for ringing the bell – two rings for fire, three for landslides – but her prompt actions nevertheless prompted other islanders to flee to the safety of high ground, according to the newspaper.

Robinson Crusoe Island in the Pacific was hit by a huge wave on Saturday following the earthquake in Chile: AFP/Getty Image (extracted on 4 March 2010 from http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/how-12yearold-girl-saved-her-chilean-island-from-catastrophe-1915821.html?action=Popup.)

The warning gave them the opportunity to follow the evacuation signs set up for such an emergency and escape the massive incoming wave triggered by the earthquake off Chile. A few minutes later, waves crashed on to the land and swept 300 metres into the village, destroying homes, schools and killing up to eight people" (extracted on 4 March 2010 from http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/how-12yearold-girl-saved-her-chilean-island-from-catastrophe-1915821.html).

Not perfect, yet the world and individuals are responding.  This seems to be something that we want more of.  Yes, the 8.8 earthquake on 27 February 2010 shifted the axis of our earth 3 inches and permanently shortened time by .125 milliseconds.  Overall, the 820+ causalities and property damage further brings the need for sustainable approaches to our global citizenship to the forefront.

Tomorrow morning I will be posting Day 61 of the 365-day Appreciative Inquiry by telling a few things that are working with alternative energy sources (examples of vertical axis, turbine, grid tied, small, simple, and powerful wind turbine technology).  Then on Day 62 the topic will be a Random-Pick about using landfill waste to produce multiple fuel types at the Columbia River Gorge in Washington state, USA. 

Until then, may we find a way to respond to the local and global needs in our life.   May we also find ways to effectively contribute to sustainable approaches in our global citizenship.

Deone Benninghoven, M.S.M.
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Day 59: Picture This

by Deone Benninghoven, M.S.M. (about the author)

Giving a Voice
(extracted on 1 March 2010 from http://www.hillsidedigital.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=frontpage&Itemid=1)

"In 2002 the World Bank asked 60 000 people living on less than a dollar a day from around the world to identify the single greatest hurdle to their advancement. Above even food, shelter or education, the number one need identified, was access to a voice" (extracted on 1 March 2010 from http://www.hillsidedigital.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6&Itemid=14).

About one month ago, I came across Hillside Digital on Twitter.  I immediately started following them.  Hillside Digital is tackling the challenge of giving a voice to those who most need it.  "Training members of the community to become proficient media activists with a media outlet, will deter human rights abuses, create dialogue, unify the community, empower gender equality and ultimately break the cycle of poverty" (extracted on 1 March 2010 from http://www.hillsidedigital.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6&;).




I was drawn into what Hillside Digital is doing via a tweet about the story of Phakama Pyoos.  Her voice tells a story of hope and courage that was difficult for me to comprehend.  Through her violent experience this woman stands in truth and firmness.  She refuses to be a victim.  She ups the ante by saying that she wants to help others who experienced the same violence.

We are hearing her voice because of Hillside Digital.  I'm thinking that what they are doing works. 

During the research of this story, I found a few more groups that are giving a sustainable voice to people across this globe.  Not the best-practice-power-over voice, rather the power-with-and-within voice of individuals in areas that need to be heard.  So, please stay tuned for the programs of the next two weeks for more on their organizations (Barefoot Guide and VSO). 

Since I'm lagging one day again, I will be posting Day 60 of the 365-day Appreciative Inquiry by telling a few things that are working in Chile on Day 5 of their after-earthquakes recovery in the late afternoon tomorrow.  (Yes, the aftershocks continue: moderate 5.1 earthquake at a depth of 30 km offshore Bio-Bio and a small 4.9 earthquake at a depth of 36 km in Valparaiso today alone.)  Followed by publishing Day 61 late tomorrow night, which is about windy ideas, in a good way, to power our days: great examples of vertical axis turbine grid tied, small, simple, and powerful.

Until then, may we find our voice as we give others the opportunity to have their own be heard.  One place to start is donating to what Hillside Digital is doing. 

Deone Benninghoven, M.S.M.
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Day 56: Golden Opportunity

by Deone Benninghoven, M.S.M. (about the author)

Aay Aay Oh: Apolo Anton Ohno
 at the 2006 Winter Olympics' Men's 500 meter medal ceremony (extracted on 26 February 2010 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apolo_Ohno).

For several years I walked by Yuki Ohno's shop not paying attention.  Then a friend of mine began to talk about the son of her hairdresser.  I dialed into the story enough to note that Mr. Ohno had some grit raising such a head-strong child on his own.  Then I moved on with my life.

The next time that I encountered the father and son was before the 2006 Winter Olympics.  Seattle was going a bit mental over Apolo.  We were so proud of him.  We watched every race.  I think Seattle collectively held their breath during that 500 meter when the Canadians shut out the angry Koreans behind Ohno. What a sigh of relief was exhaled in Seattle when Ohno crossed that finish line to win the gold.

Then there was last night.  On the last Friday of the Olympics and the month, quite the yeehaw was going on in Vancouver.  First, the media was having a field day with Critical Mass supposedly planning to not make way for the Olympics.  After the respectful cyclists passed, a whole other drama was heating up.

There are a few opinions about exactly what happened last night in men's short-track events.  Yet one thing that was obvious is that pile ups kept occurring directly in front of Ohno.  To Apolo's credit, he deftly made his way through each one in the quarter and semifinals to qualify for the final heat.

Yet, pile ups in the 500m qualifying rounds were not Ohno's only obstacle during 2010 Olympic games.  In fact,  Francois-Louis Tremblay put his hand on Ohno during the final heat for the 1000m causing Ohno to slip and lose significant speed.  Ohno fought like a tiger to win the bronze in that race saying, "'It was a great race. I skated very hard. I moved up into prime position with two or three laps to go and I felt great. In my head, I thought the race was mine but I made one bad slip and that's where I lost all my speed.'  Ohno talked about coming back from being in fifth place: 'I think just experience. I knew the Koreans would be coming around any minute. But again, because I had that big slip I lost so much speed'" (extracted on 26 February 2010 from http://www.examiner.com/x-4819-Cable-TV-Examiner~y2010m2d23-Apolo-Ohno-sets-US-Olympic-record-with-7-metals?cid=edition-rss-National).

The last obstacle eclipsed all others that Ohno faced in his Olympic career.  In his second to last race yesterday night, the 500m final, Ohno faced obstacles from starting in the third lane to being last in the pack of Charles Hamelin and Tremblay of Canada and South Korean skater Sung Si-Bak. In the final lap, Ohno made his move and passed Si-Bak.  The Candians weren't going to make it easy for Apolo.  They closed in and Tremblay moved to shut out Ohno who put up his hand to protect himself.  What happened after that will probably be discussed for quite some time.

WHAT!?!  Are you kidding me!
(extracted on 26 February 2010 from http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2010/02/27/sports/27skating01/27skating01-articleLarge.jpg).

Now I realize that my opinion may be a little biased on this, but did Ohno really push Tremblay causing him and Sung Si-Bak to fall?  What the bleep happened to Hamelin then? 

Whatever was going on, Ohno was only momentarily put off saying, "I thought I was going to be able to snag another silver," he said. "The referees didn't see it that way" (extracted on 27 February 2010 from http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2010/02/27/ohno/?refid=0&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:%20MPR_NewsFeatures%20%28News%20&%20Features%20from%20Minnesota%20Public%20Radio%29).  Bringing the discussion right back to point, Ohno had another race to do and that was where he put his attention: full stop.

Whether it was the Canadians calling in the 2006 favor, high speeds, or God knows what, Ohno rose to the occasion and was the consummate good sport that we all know him to be.  He kept his eye on what he wanted more of instead of what didn't work out so well.

I held off publishing Day 56 to see if any photos would surface about this race showing what happened.  Sure enough, there were a few.

This means that we're one day off.  So tomorrow, mid-day, I will publish Day 57 to kick off the new weekly Rock On series.  Who better to start with than Mahatma Gandhi?  Then on Sunday late evening, I will publish the first featured Livable story about a city that is focusing on what works and making it happen for Day 58 of the 365-day Appreciative Inquiry into what works in our world.

Until then, may we keep our eyes on Chile and find at least one thing that we can do to support them, their families, and friends.  May we also keep our eye on what we want more of instead of getting lost in the pile ups of our life. May we graciously move on when life doesn't turn out as we hoped.  

Deone Benninghoven, M.S.M.
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Day 55: Peace In The Valley

by Deone Benninghoven, M.S.M. (about the author)

Mamma Sings Tenor

While others from Sam Phillips' Class of 55 were still struggling with various forms of addiction, Johnny Cash found peace.  His journey to peace was wrought with his own addictions, heartbreak, and loss.  Yet when Johnny finally saw his way clear of that, he seized his freedom and didn't look back. 

On the eve of what would be Johnny's 78th birthday, from San Quentin to Ireland the Man in Black left us a road map to his redemption.

After nearly dying from a drug overdose in 1967, Cash got clean with the moral support of June Carter.  Together they produced the hit Jackson in 1967 and were married in March 1968.  This was followed by another smash hit in 1970: If I Were a Carpenter.

Johnny went on to give back.  He went into the meanest and toughest prisons and sang with his beloved June and the highly-talented Carl Perkins.  Johnny didn't pull any punches with these guys.  He chided the guards.  He drank the orange water.  Yet most of all, he inspired the inmates to see beyond their current consequences by showing them their redemption through his own.

Cash also ". . .supported mental health associations, homes for autistic children, refuges for battered women, the American Cancer Society, YWCA, Youth for Christ and Campus Life (support groups for teenagers), humane societies . . ." And, "Johnny received many awards including B'nai B'rith's Americanism Award, Youth for Christ, Man of the Year, an almost complete sweep of the 1969 CMA awards, ASCAP Horatio Alger Award, Audie Murphy Patriotism Award, Shalom Peace Award, Music City News Living Legend Award, and the Academy of Country Music Pioneer Award. He was the youngest man ever selected for the Country Music Hall of Fame and in 1992 was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in recognition of his rockabilly music. In 1991, he was selected winner of the Angel Award for The Spoken Word - Johnny's reading of the New Testament on audio tapes" (extracted on 25 February 2010 from http://www.rockabillyhall.com/JohnnyCash.html).

Johnny didn't stop there.  He then inspired a new generation.  His songs always spoke of the human experience and the Irish rock band U2 heard him.  The Wanderer with Johnny as the lead vocal and The Edge as backup vocals became the final track on the 1993 Zooropa album. 

The song shines more light on Johnny's path to redemption and his search to find himself.  Bono of U2 summed up Johnny's journey.  He said that Johnny was kind enough to allow Bono to call him a friend.

The next to last stop on his journey was this 2002 concert with the Carter family.  Johnny writes in this autobiography, "What June did for me was post signs along the way, lift me up when I was weak, encourage me when I was discouraged, and love me when I felt alone and unlovable.  She's the greatest woman I have ever known.  Nobody else, except my mother, comes close."  His love and appreciation for June shown brightly in their last concert together as they shared their lives with us for one last time.

For me this story was a joy to tell.  I grew up with Johnny as my constant. I related to his Scottish blood. (Cash was derived from Caesche.)  He lived what doesn't and does work. 

When I was little, I listened to every song.  If he was singing If I Were a Carpenter or if he was singing Jackson with his beloved June, it didn't matter.  I stopped what I was doing and listened. As an adult, I kept listening.  Johnny kept with the times and matched my pace with Get Rhythm and The Wanderer and One.  

Today I still listen.  I turn to him whenever I need to see that unconditional love overcomes all odds, when I'm shook and need comfort, and/or when I just want to kick up my heels a bit.  Where ever you are Johnny, I'm fairly certain Ain't No Grave has kept you down.

Tomorrow is the Hot Topic day for the week and it will be golden.  Day 57 of the 365-day Appreciative Inquiry into what works in our world will highlight another personal hero of mine, Mahatma Gandhi, to kick off a weekly series called Rock On. 

Until then, may we be lifted up when we are weak and discouraged.  May we feel loved when we are alone.  May we find peace.

Man in Black
by Johnny Cash

Well, you wonder why I always dress in black,
Why you never see bright colors on my back,
And why does my appearance seem to have a somber tone.
Well, there's a reason for the things that I have on.

I wear the black for the poor and the beaten down,
Livin' in the hopeless, hungry side of town,
I wear it for the prisoner who has long paid for his crime,
But is there because he's a victim of the times.

I wear the black for those who never read,
Or listened to the words that Jesus said,
About the road to happiness through love and charity,
Why, you'd think He's talking straight to you and me.

Well, we're doin' mighty fine, I do suppose,
In our streak of lightnin' cars and fancy clothes,
But just so we're reminded of the ones who are held back,
Up front there ought 'a be a Man In Black.

I wear it for the sick and lonely old,
For the reckless ones whose bad trip left them cold,
I wear the black in mournin' for the lives that could have been,
Each week we lose a hundred fine young men.

And, I wear it for the thousands who have died,
Believen' that the Lord was on their side,
I wear it for another hundred thousand who have died,
Believen' that we all were on their side.

Well, there's things that never will be right I know,
And things need changin' everywhere you go,
But 'til we start to make a move to make a few things right,
You'll never see me wear a suit of white.

Ah, I'd love to wear a rainbow every day,
And tell the world that everything's OK,
But I'll try to carry off a little darkness on my back,
'Till things are brighter, I'm the Man In Black.

Deone Benninghoven, M.S.M.
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Day 54: Response

by Deone Benninghoven, M.S.M. (about the author)

Called to Duty
(extracted on 24 February 2010 from http://jatcfiream.blogspot.com/2009/09/wild-land-firefighting-oppurtunity.html).

A firefighter told me a few years ago that when an emergency dispatcher doesn't know where to route a call, s/he will send it through to the appropriate fire station.  Laughingly, he went on to tell me about cats in trees, lock outs, welfare checks, baby deliveries, etc. 

The part that he didn't tell me was that firefighters never know when that buzzer goes off what they may encounter.  When that buzzer goes off they are called to protect from the loss of life and property, and each time that buzzer goes off, it could be the last time that they leave their station. 

Firefighter Tribute

~♥~Shannon~♥~ | MySpace Video

Yet, leave their station they do each and every time that buzzer goes off because it is their sworn duty. 

The most vivid example that I carry of these brave people is during Hurricane Katrina when the buzzers went off.  While many sworn police officers fled, the first-response firefighters stayed.  What's more, the NYC firefighters loaded up and made their way to New Orleans in a firetruck given to them by Louisiana firefighters named the Spirit of Louisiana. In fact, when that buzzer went off, firetrucks from across the US began to roll toward Louisiana. 

This type of response is not unusual. Mutual aid responds as needed no matter the distance. Each summer I see trucks roll through my neighborhood bound for California wildfires.  This is what they do.

Why do they do it?  That was my question to the firefighter.  He told me it was their job.  I looked up what their job was at the International Association of Firefighters.

This is what I found.  A firefighter pledges to have a concern for others and a willingness to help those in need.  The courage to face and conquer their fears and courage to share and endure the ordeal of those in need.  Strength of heart to bear whatever burdens that are placed on them and strength of body to safely deliver all who are placed in their care.  The wisdom to lead, the compassion to comfort, and the love to serve unselfishly where ever they are called.

Firefighter Tribute

Fire | MySpace Video
This commitment to serve can place their lives in jeopardy every day.  May each of us find a way to give back to these guardians of our safety.   Large or small, each gesture means a lot to them. May each of us step out of our comfort zone just a little bit and see what we can do to support the heroes in our lives.

So up for tomorrow is the random pick for the week.  As mentioned yesterday, the topic will be Johnny Cash and I'm thrilled about this.  Then Friday, day 56 of our 365-day Appreciative Inquiry into what we want more of in this world will be a surprise hot topic for the week.  Hint, it's golden.

Deone Benninghoven, M.S.M.
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Day 53: No Fault

by Deone Benninghoven, M.S.M. (about the author)

The Dalai Lama speaks

to reporters outside the White House in Washington, Thursday, Feb. 18, 2010, following a meeting with President Barack Obama (extracted on 23 February 2010 from http://www.sfgate.info/cgi-bin/object/article?f=/n/a/2010/02/18/national/w001128S30.DTL&object=%2Fn%2Fp%2F2010%2F02%2F18%2F75b2591f-9ff5-41f9-a8ba-c444d8f4befb.jpg).

Photo: J. Scott Applewhite / AP

His Highness the Dalai Lama speaks and the world listens. Why is that?  What is it that draws so many of us to this bare-armed-sandal-wearing man? For me it is his demonstration of compassionate and loving wisdom in difficulty.

Two days ago in Beverly Hills was no different.  When asked if he felt disappointment about the low key meeting with US President  Obama, he responded,  "'No disappointment. The last six decades my heart hardened. I do not consider important political gestures. I don't care. The important is meet face-to-face,' said the Dalai Lama, who was sometimes assisted by a translator.  'With President Clinton, the first meeting was a 'drop-in', he said. 'People asked me the same question (then). I don't care'" (extracted on 23 February 2010 fromhttp://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2010/02/21/general-us-dalai-lama-los-angeles_7373520.html).

Is China still miffed about this meeting?  In a word, yes.  However, the good news is that according to Gordon Chang, the writer of The Coming Collapse of China, in the video below, well, they'll have to get over it.  He states that the precedent is clear.  The aggressiveness of China cannot overpower and make demands on the US economy.  Past threats have been made, but not followed through because their export-dependent economy is, in fact, dependent on the US.

Chang further relates the importance of symbols to autocratic societies and how the Dalai Lama is such a symbol of separatist insurrection to China and the Chinese. The key word here is Chinese.  How the symbol of the Dalai Lama and Tibet are subjugated by China sends a clear message to the Chinese.

Being miffed is an important stance for China to keep a status quo.  However, Chang indicates that the status quo is quickly changing with the influx of global communication technology.  China may block Google and aspects of Facebook, etc., yet, information still flows in and out of China directly in the hands of their mad-about-technology youth.  Anyone remember Tiananmen Square?

So what else did the Dalai Lama have to say about the position China is taking on a simple meeting between him and the leader of another world super power?

In this video that I found, his reply was light and even playful at times.  He further shared his personal admiration for the US as "a champion of democracy, freedom, and human value", including human rights and increasing the involvement in leadership by women.  Glowing in the winter sun, he also spoke of individual, family, and national peace.  Almost as an afterthought, he laughingly concluded that the reaction by China regarding the meeting was a bit childish.

Rock on Dalai Lama!  This is why you are His Highness.

Thursday, Feb. 18, 2010, following a meeting with President Barack Obama (extracted on 23 February 2010 from http://www.sfgate.info/cgi-bin/object/article?f=/n/a/2010/02/18/national/w001128S30.DTL&object=%2Fn%2Fp%2F2010%2F02%2F18%2F75b2591f-9ff5-41f9-a8ba-c444d8f4befb.jpg).

Photo: J. Scott Applewhite / AP

 

If I had the powers to pick one human to stand between two super powers and Iranian and North Korean nuclear arms, well it would be His Highness the Dalai Lama.  As we evolve as a human species without blowing ourselves to kingdom come, the Dalai Lama is doing an inspirational job of keeping human rights topical thus far.  He keeps the focus on what works instead of trying to fix a problem.  Where's the snow when you want throw a bit to celebrate?

For all of you who spent 17-18 February focusing on what works in your life, how did it go?  Did you notice anything different?  I look forward to hearing your experience.

So tomorrow will be a tribute to firemen and women followed by a random pick on day 55 of the 365 Appreciative Inquiry into what works in our world.  I received several requests for a story about Johnny Cash since his birthday is 26 February, and I'm only too happy to have Johnny fill the random pick for this week. Move over week, the man in black is coming through.

Until tomorrow, may we connect with our wisdom to playfully,  lightheartedly, and powerfully speak our truth without offense.

Deone Benninghoven, M.S.M.
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Day 52: One Day

by Deone Benninghoven, M.S.M. (about the author)

Matisyahu
performing, September 17, 2008 by Kris Klug

So how many of you know who Matthew Paul Miller is?  I'm guessing that a few of you know who Matisyahu is though.   Yep, that's right.  His new album, Light from Epic Records debuted in the top 20 on the Billboard charts and the single on that album, One Day, is the official anthem for 2010 Winter Olympic Games now in progress.

Light by Matisyahu
http://www.matisyahuworld.com/home

Who is this guy?  Other than authentically awesome that is? Well, you can find him cited all over these days and you can definitely catch up with him at his official site.  So I won't get repetitive.  Instead, I want to tell you about who inspired this guy to become an American Hasidic-Jewish reggae musician.

Earlier this month, or sometime in the recent past, Matisyahu told Wanted Mag in an interview, "I started listening to Bob Marley when I was 14 years old. I heard him constantly, referencing The Bible in his works. The only place I had heard the words Zion, Judah or Exodus before that was from my Israeli Hebrew teachers and I wasusually trying to faze them out. When Bob spoke the words, 'We know where we're going/ We know where we're from/ We live in Babylon/ We're going to the promise land/ Exodus!' it resonated in me as truth. I became very intrigued to find out more about The Torah. Then I went to Israel. I continued to listen to Bob's lyrics, 'Grow your dreadlocks/ Don't be afraid of the wolf pack/ Keep your culture don't be afraid of the vulture.' So, I did just that."

Okay, he told Wanted a few more things I'll admit.  Another bit that caught my eye was this.  ". . . .About a week into the trip they took us to Mount Scopus, which looks over Jerusalem. The sun was setting and the Islamic chanting was blaring from East Jerusalem over the loud speakers. The city was golden and I felt something ancient inside me. For the first time I felt that being Jewish mattered. It wasn't about showing off dance moves to the song, 'O.P.P.' at some rich girl's bat mitzvah back in New York or smoking hashish and eating falafel --it was real" (extracted on 22 February 2010 from http://www.awantedmag.com/ISSUE-3-MUSIC/matisyahu.html).

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What makes us all so mad for Matisyahu?  I don't know about the rest of you, yet I can tell you what I see in him.  This guy is what I want to see more of in this world.  That is, I want to see more people reaching deep into their souls: grappling and wrestling to find their authenticity so that they can sing their reality to the world.  I want to see more people being blessed with having the world reply back, Hey we hear you. Right on. We're right there with you.  Rock ON! 

Thanks Roman for getting this on our program.  You rock meinen sohn.  Ich liebe dich!

Der Roman

So up for tomorrow is the debrief of the meeting between His Highness the Dalai Lama and US President Obama.  Get ready, he's teaching us even more on this one if we have the ears to listen.  Then on day 54 of the 365 Appreciative Inquiry into what works in our world, there will be a tribute to the extraordinary people across our world who are there when we need them the most: core first responders known as firemen and women.

Until then, may we find our authenticity, sing it to the world, and fight the good fight.  May  the world reply back, Right on!

Deone Benninghoven, M.S.M.
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