| Tuesday, March 21, 2006 |  |
| Imported Organic vs Local Conventional at Whole Foods | 2 comments |
 21 Mar 2006 @ 19:19Imported Organic vs Local Conventional at Whole Foods Slate Magazine points out in a recent article on Whole Foods that "Let's say you live in New York City and want to buy a pound of tomatoes in season. Say you can choose between conventionally grown New Jersey tomatoes or organic ones grown in Chile. Of course, the New Jersey tomatoes will be cheaper. They will also almost certainly be fresher, having traveled a fraction of the distance. But which is the more eco-conscious choice? In terms of energy savings, there's no contest: Just think of the fossil fuels expended getting those organic tomatoes from Chile. Which brings us to the question: [given the variables of] freshness, price, and energy conservation, should a New Yorker just instinctively choose organic, even if the produce comes from Chile?" So pretend you live in the Big Apple. What would your choice be? More > |
| Aura Imports Supports Tibetan Refugee Students | 7 comments |
 21 Mar 2006 @ 18:23My long time musical inspiration and friend William Aura has been offering his heart and hard work to assist Tibetan refugee children and students. I wanted to share his compassionate efforts with you. ---------------------------------------------- Aura Communications – March 21, 2006 Dear Friends of Aura Imports, Hop aboard. It’s that time again and I take strength in you joining me. Today I depart for Thailand, Nepal and India for six weeks. The “Aura Communications” journals and photographs will be published every 5 days or so as I travel (depending on available electricity of course.) This will be my 6th visit to the region. Your prayers and support are particularly appreciated at this time as the suffering continues at an alarming rate in the Himalayan world. I am pleased to say that collectively we are indeed making a difference… one heart at a time. For those who have followed this path for the past five years, your devotion will not be forgotten. For those new to these writings, on behalf of these Tibetan refugee and war-torn Nepali students, we welcome you to our unfolding story: Journals from January 2005: [link] Journals from September 2005: [link] A number of wonderful opportunities have developed since the beginning of this process. Rick Ray is producing an extraordinary film documentary about His Holiness entitled “Ten Questions for the Dalai Lama”. Footage from my first sojourn to Lhasa, Tibet and a provocative interview with a former Tibetan political prisoner will be incorporated into the final cut. The license fee is being donated to our student fund. Thank-you Rick. This is a profound honor and could not have been done without your support. [link] Mark Johnson has garnered high accolades for his groundbreaking film “Playing for Change” with at least 20 airplays so far featured on the Sundance channel. The immediate success of this documentary has led this remarkable spirit to develop a new creation showcasing deeply inspired musicians from around the globe. I am so pleased to announce I have been invited to guide him and his crew throughout India and Nepal to document these profound artists. This is powerful work. [link] Heather Askinosie and Timmi Jandro of Energy Muse are designing some of the most spiritually significant jewelry on the planet right now. It is my great pleasure to produce with them an entire new line of gemstone delights rooted in ancient mysticism. My dear Newari artisan family in Nepal will handcraft these evocative pieces in silver and gold. This collaboration promises to be significant and will benefit many. [link] Salvatore and Nancilee Iozzia of Chain Reaction Web have generously chosen to sponsor and host our website. When I received the surprising call from Salvatore I must admit I was floored at such a random act of kindness. I never thought such a thing could happen from total strangers. This strong reactive support has raised the game and I am better for it. Anyone who requires professional level website hosting with a mindfulness that exceeds your expectations please contact them and mention my name. [link] My brilliant niece and nephew, Genevieve and Ben Keller, created our spectacular website. Positive response continues to pour in. Their dedication to this work continues to inspire uncle William. I highly recommend this team and will never forget their devotion. [link] Trinity Thomas has graciously stepped forward to assist in getting these writings and photographs arranged for publication. She is a brilliant writer, gemstone enthusiast, eminent psychic and a dear heart. I thank you for this selfless act of love. Interest in the photographs for use in upcoming books, calendars and cards are coming in. It’s such a pleasure to witness with my own eyes the growing desire to learn more about this spiritually significant region and how their message may enrich us in these challenging times. So many students’ lives have been affected in such a profound way. Numerous folks write about how this one-to-one relationship with a deserving student has changed their lives forever. Here is a recent letter from our beloved Tashi. We are so proud of his accomplishments: “Today I write to share my feelings and support for the man and his contributions and help for the Tibetan people and Tibet which is unlimited to share on the short way to all. As well, I am Aura’s second friend among all his friends in exile. I was born in Amdo region of Tibet. In 1997 I escaped from Tibet to India. The Tibetan Exile Government provided me school for learning and education for four years. After four years, my opportunities were over. I didn’t have anywhere to go, no good friends and no nice relative also in exile. While I was thirsting to study more, I wish I could do something for Tibet in the future. I do not expect to return to Tibet and do not have any good family in Tibet. I also felt I could build good way for my life by my own hand then that will be nice for all. Due to Gods blessing I saw Aura first at Dharamsala in front of Tibetan New Reception Centre. He looked at me and smiled, and took snaps of me before we met. Besides his looks, his interest in Tibetan issues were such strong feelings in his face and smiles. I could feel it. But all the Tibetans he was meeting at TNRC were not able to communicate in English. So then I decided to help translate and I loved to give some information and made friends with him. After that day, we met again and I already bought some books with latest information on Tibet and her people. He was excited he got those books from me. He told me these look so good and what he was looking for. He also wanted to interview me on video about Tibet and to share my life and experience. I found some peace inside when he accepted my request to find some help for my education. His generous ambition and desire to help more Tibetan younger kids education and encouragement makes me so proud. There are so many feelings I can’t share through words or through actions also. All I have today is because of his blessing and his wide compassion. My entire life changed new, now I have Ama la (Ama in Tibetan which means mother and La means term of love and respect word). So he made this great karma for us, my Ama la and me. I respect his purity and objectives onward to Tibet and Tibetan issues. Such generosity in a person is so few in today’s world. We always appreciate his contribution to Tibet Exile. For my Ama la and I are always giving unlimited thanks to his blessing to us. Also we pray his dreams come true every single day.” Sincerely, Tashi Gyamtso To read more about students who are desperately in need of educational and emotional support: [link] Of course none of this would be possible without this incredible bodhisattva posse. A hearty Tashi Delek and Nameste to our sponsors and contributors for your continued support: Maria Ehrenreich, John Wooler, Craig and Deb Dobbins, Linda Myers, Dorene and Michael Polcyn, Ted Higashi, Jeanette Nelson, Sherry Carballo, Douglas Spotted Eagle, Craig Chaquico and family, Jo Ann and Allen Kepler, Ozzie Ahlers, Gerlando Compilati, Kevin and Lynn Ryerson, Peter Sterling, Nancy Campbell, Sharon Grant & Jillian, Dr. Michael Thompson, Robin Rutherford, Barbara Beale, Darya Tamjidi, Mitch Manker, John and Kent, The Barry Aquilino family, Linda and Luther King, Carol Kiva, Dan Selene, Roger Lifeset, Sepehr Haddad, Tim Timmermans (if I missed you please forgive me!) and numerous angels of mercy who have opened their homes for fund-raising events. I thank you from the depth of my being for joining this dance. As always, 100% of any donation goes directly to a student’s education fund. Write me back with your pledge and I will place see that it is distributed on this current sojourn. The challenge is great and I humbly ask for your prayers and contributions. I close with a warm heart and deep appreciation to all who continue to make a real difference lighting one candle at a time. Stay tuned. Yours in the spirit of peace, William Aura cybertibet@yahoo.com More > |