I have been fiddling around on a website that is new to me. Accumen Fund is a new and exciting breed of social entrepreneurship nonprofit, incorporating venture capital ideas into the old model of fundraising and donating abroad.
This is what they say about themselves:
Acumen Fund is a non-profit global venture fund that uses entrepreneurial approaches to solve the problems of global poverty. We seek to prove that small amounts of philanthropic capital, combined with large doses of business acumen, can build thriving enterprises that serve vast numbers of the poor. Our investments focus on delivering affordable, critical goods and services – like health, water, housing and energy – through innovative, market-oriented approaches.
Quite exciting, huh?
The founder, Jacqueline Novogratz, is someone who has struggled with many of the same questions that I have regarding both development and her life. She was jaded by failed development in Africa at a young age and chose to go into the NY finance world. With a new understanding of economic growth and entrepreneurship, she ventured back into the developing world, founding a number of microfinance institutions and eventually starting the Accumen Fund in 2001. She has recently released a book on the topic of development, The Blue Sweater: Bridging the Gap Between the Rich and the Poor in an Interconnected World. I will be picking up a copy shortly to take on my work trip to East Africa, which I leave for on Monday. I will be working with some of the same MFIs Jacqueline has dealt with. Sounds like appropriate reading for the journey!
Expect a review soon.
Wednesday, March 4
MK Made Me Do It!
MK started her own blog, which inspired me to take a look at mine once again. I realize I have not had much to say for awhile. Why not? Nothing seemed as blog-worthy as my adventures in Guinea, which I have successfully mourned for over two years. I say "successfully" because I am now not only an evacuated PCV; I am more. But for awhile there, I was wallowing in in a bit of self-doubt, grief, and disappointment. And those things bred silence within me. Aside from the occasional BBC article link, I have been quiet for nearly two years.
But now, I am back and better than ever.
Thanks, MK, for the inspiration.
But now, I am back and better than ever.
Thanks, MK, for the inspiration.
Wednesday, May 21
Ah, qu'est-ce qu'on peut?
Guinea's Consensus Prime Minister Sacked
By James Butty Washington, D.C.21 May 2008
Butty interview with Toure - Download (MP3) Butty interview with Toure - Listen (MP3)
Guinea's consensus prime minister Lansana Kouyate was removed late Tuesday night by a presidential decree read on state television. Kouyate was appointed early 2007 by President Lansana Conte to ease months of anti-Conte protests that left over 100 people dead and hundreds more injured.
VOA's West Africa correspondent Nico Colombant said Kouyate has been replaced by Ahmed Tidiane Souare, a former minister of mines and of education. Colombant said according to agreements made with unions, President Conte was not supposed to unilaterally dismiss the prime minister.
Sidya Toure is former prime minister of Guinea and leader of the opposition Union of Republican Forces. From Guinea's capital, Conakry, he told VOA that the opposition was shocked by the sudden news of Prime Minister Kouyate's dismissal.
"We just heard on the evening news on the television, and we were really surprised because we didn't know that the problkem between the president and the prime minister was so big," he said.
Kouyate was appointed early 2007 by President Conte as a consensus prime minister to ease months of anti-Conte protests that left over 100 people dead and hundreds more injured.
Toure said the opposition was not surprised that President Conte did not inform the opposition about Kouyate's sudden sacking.
"We were not consulted, but this is not a surprise because when he was nominated we were not consulted too. The difference is that today the president has a new prime minister who was not nominated from the riots of last year. This prime minister is his (Conte's) prime minister," he said.
Toure said some in the opposition have known for some time that things were not going well between the former prime minister Kouyate and President Conte because they not working together.
President Conte has been in power for more than 24 years, and opposition parties have been demanding free and fair elections. In an interview with VOA last year, Kouyate said his government had drafted and passed what he called genuine election laws for the formation of a national electoral commission.
Toure said the political climate in Guinea has not been good because the opposition has been divided.
“During the first six, seven months we had unity among trade unions and political parties, and we tried to do something. But today the situation has changed. It’s not been a very good situation because we are really divided. This is why we will have the meeting tomorrow to have a common position,” Toure said.
By James Butty Washington, D.C.21 May 2008
Butty interview with Toure - Download (MP3) Butty interview with Toure - Listen (MP3)
Guinea's consensus prime minister Lansana Kouyate was removed late Tuesday night by a presidential decree read on state television. Kouyate was appointed early 2007 by President Lansana Conte to ease months of anti-Conte protests that left over 100 people dead and hundreds more injured.
VOA's West Africa correspondent Nico Colombant said Kouyate has been replaced by Ahmed Tidiane Souare, a former minister of mines and of education. Colombant said according to agreements made with unions, President Conte was not supposed to unilaterally dismiss the prime minister.
Sidya Toure is former prime minister of Guinea and leader of the opposition Union of Republican Forces. From Guinea's capital, Conakry, he told VOA that the opposition was shocked by the sudden news of Prime Minister Kouyate's dismissal.
"We just heard on the evening news on the television, and we were really surprised because we didn't know that the problkem between the president and the prime minister was so big," he said.
Kouyate was appointed early 2007 by President Conte as a consensus prime minister to ease months of anti-Conte protests that left over 100 people dead and hundreds more injured.
Toure said the opposition was not surprised that President Conte did not inform the opposition about Kouyate's sudden sacking.
"We were not consulted, but this is not a surprise because when he was nominated we were not consulted too. The difference is that today the president has a new prime minister who was not nominated from the riots of last year. This prime minister is his (Conte's) prime minister," he said.
Toure said some in the opposition have known for some time that things were not going well between the former prime minister Kouyate and President Conte because they not working together.
President Conte has been in power for more than 24 years, and opposition parties have been demanding free and fair elections. In an interview with VOA last year, Kouyate said his government had drafted and passed what he called genuine election laws for the formation of a national electoral commission.
Toure said the political climate in Guinea has not been good because the opposition has been divided.
“During the first six, seven months we had unity among trade unions and political parties, and we tried to do something. But today the situation has changed. It’s not been a very good situation because we are really divided. This is why we will have the meeting tomorrow to have a common position,” Toure said.
Tuesday, April 1
Picture in the GSIS Newsletter
My favorite Guinea picture made it into the GSIS newsletter! Check it out:
http://www.du.edu/gsis/pdf/alumni/newsletter/current.pdf
http://www.du.edu/gsis/pdf/alumni/newsletter/current.pdf
Friday, March 28
Siguiri Market Burns
Fire ravages Guinea city
AFP
Published:Mar 28, 2008
CONAKRY - A major fire has devastated parts of a city in northeastern Guinea, including the central market where it began, though it was unclear whether there were casualties, residents told AFP.
The fire began accidentally last night in Siguiri at a store where dozens of fuel barrels were stored for sale on the black market, witnesses said. The store owner had been working among the barrels while smoking a cigarette, they said.
Nearly all of the central market was destroyed and residents were fleeing the blaze late yesterday.
Siguiri has no fire station, but employees from Ashanti Goldfields mining company, which operates nearby, had gone to the scene.
Siguiri is a mining city located on the Niger River near the Mali border and has some 60,000 residents.
Guinea has been hit by fuel shortages recently.
AFP
Published:Mar 28, 2008
CONAKRY - A major fire has devastated parts of a city in northeastern Guinea, including the central market where it began, though it was unclear whether there were casualties, residents told AFP.
The fire began accidentally last night in Siguiri at a store where dozens of fuel barrels were stored for sale on the black market, witnesses said. The store owner had been working among the barrels while smoking a cigarette, they said.
Nearly all of the central market was destroyed and residents were fleeing the blaze late yesterday.
Siguiri has no fire station, but employees from Ashanti Goldfields mining company, which operates nearby, had gone to the scene.
Siguiri is a mining city located on the Niger River near the Mali border and has some 60,000 residents.
Guinea has been hit by fuel shortages recently.
Friday, February 1
Thursday, January 10
Guinea general strike called off
By Will Ross BBC West Africa correspondent
Last year's strike ended when a new PM was announcedAfter days of negotiations, trade unions in Guinea have called off a nationwide strike planned for Thursday.
There were fears the strike could have led to a renewal of violence which left close to 200 people dead last year.
The unions last week accused Guinean President Lansana Conte of breaking the power-sharing agreement which ended last year's violence.
They have now agreed to work with the government to ensure the deal holds, leading to a sense of relief.
It is a hand-to-mouth existence for many who simply could not have afforded to strike.
"We have decided to suspend the strike, taking into account the situation which currently prevails," union negotiator Boubacar Biro Barry told reporters.
"The government has made a commitment and we have no reason to doubt it, and religious leaders will be in charge of monitoring the implementation of the agreement," he said.
Violent protests
The trade unions said the decision was made in the interests of peace and even mentioned the forthcoming African Cup of Nations football tournament as one of the factors influencing the decision.
President Conte has clung to power despite poor health
In addition to the personal economic impact, the planned strike was also not popular with many Guineans because of the fear of repeat of the chaotic scenes witnessed one year ago.
At the time the government was barely functioning and the trade unions tried to force the ailing Mr Conte from power.
The move was hugely popular, so the unions brought the whole country to a standstill.
But protests soon became violent and when the president turned to the military, close to 200 people were killed.
Despite his poor health, President Conte clung on but agreed to hand over some of his power to a consensus prime minister, Lansana Kouyate.
But in recent months loyalists to Mr Conte, who found themselves sidelined from power and resources, have done their best to derail the peace agreement.
When the president last week sacked Communications Minister Justin Morel Junior, considered by many to be performing well, this prompted the unions to once again raise the red flag.
IMF help
Prior to Mr Kouyate's appointment, to say governance in Guinea was chaotic would be an understatement.
It was not uncommon for a cabinet reshuffle to be announced on state television and then cancelled the following evening.
Guinea was rudderless and corruption grew ever more rampant while the population grew ever more desperate.
What is worrying for Guineans is the return of these signs of trouble at the top.
The country is rich in resources, including bauxite needed to produce aluminium, and institutions like the International Monetary Fund have been trying to help Guinea back on its feet.
However, after years of misrule, that is a huge task.
By Will Ross BBC West Africa correspondent
Last year's strike ended when a new PM was announcedAfter days of negotiations, trade unions in Guinea have called off a nationwide strike planned for Thursday.
There were fears the strike could have led to a renewal of violence which left close to 200 people dead last year.
The unions last week accused Guinean President Lansana Conte of breaking the power-sharing agreement which ended last year's violence.
They have now agreed to work with the government to ensure the deal holds, leading to a sense of relief.
It is a hand-to-mouth existence for many who simply could not have afforded to strike.
"We have decided to suspend the strike, taking into account the situation which currently prevails," union negotiator Boubacar Biro Barry told reporters.
"The government has made a commitment and we have no reason to doubt it, and religious leaders will be in charge of monitoring the implementation of the agreement," he said.
Violent protests
The trade unions said the decision was made in the interests of peace and even mentioned the forthcoming African Cup of Nations football tournament as one of the factors influencing the decision.
President Conte has clung to power despite poor health
In addition to the personal economic impact, the planned strike was also not popular with many Guineans because of the fear of repeat of the chaotic scenes witnessed one year ago.
At the time the government was barely functioning and the trade unions tried to force the ailing Mr Conte from power.
The move was hugely popular, so the unions brought the whole country to a standstill.
But protests soon became violent and when the president turned to the military, close to 200 people were killed.
Despite his poor health, President Conte clung on but agreed to hand over some of his power to a consensus prime minister, Lansana Kouyate.
But in recent months loyalists to Mr Conte, who found themselves sidelined from power and resources, have done their best to derail the peace agreement.
When the president last week sacked Communications Minister Justin Morel Junior, considered by many to be performing well, this prompted the unions to once again raise the red flag.
IMF help
Prior to Mr Kouyate's appointment, to say governance in Guinea was chaotic would be an understatement.
It was not uncommon for a cabinet reshuffle to be announced on state television and then cancelled the following evening.
Guinea was rudderless and corruption grew ever more rampant while the population grew ever more desperate.
What is worrying for Guineans is the return of these signs of trouble at the top.
The country is rich in resources, including bauxite needed to produce aluminium, and institutions like the International Monetary Fund have been trying to help Guinea back on its feet.
However, after years of misrule, that is a huge task.
Sunday, January 6
Sunday, December 23
Is everyone excited for Christmas??!! I feel like a kid this year - counting down the days! I blame it on the fact that last year, I was in Guinea, where it was 90 degrees. Last year, it was hard to listen to White Christmas without dreaming of a normal American holiday season. I was staying with my boyfriend for the holidays in Conakry, and his host family knocked on our door on Christmas Eve and gave us freshly-knocked-off-the-tree coconuts. They said, "we know this is a holiday for you, so, Joyeux Noel (Merry Christmas)" It was so sweet. I just reread my blog entry from last year, and I realize how simple life was, and how happy I was. But still, it wasn't Christmas.
Without our families and traditions, it didn't really feel like Christmas. But this year is different. I am cooking Christmas Eve dinner at my mom's, and I am so excited! Here's the menu:
**Starter salad with arugula, shaved parmesan, pomegranite seeds, and a balsamic-orange vinaigrette**
I can't wait!! Plus the Christmas music, the gifts, the festive mood! And then on Christmas morning, my mom, Reid and I are going skiing! What a treat! I am so excited - more excited for Christmas than the last multiple years combined! I think it may have taken me a year away from my home in order to truly appreciate my family in my life, if that makes any sense.
I still wish I could be with my entire extended family. I have missed them more and more as the holidays have passed. Hopefully soon, I can figure out the $ and the time for a trip to good ol' Wheeling.
I hope everyone else is enjoying the holidays. Merry Christmas!!!
Without our families and traditions, it didn't really feel like Christmas. But this year is different. I am cooking Christmas Eve dinner at my mom's, and I am so excited! Here's the menu:
**Starter salad with arugula, shaved parmesan, pomegranite seeds, and a balsamic-orange vinaigrette**
**Roasted chicken with proscuitto-herbed butter, mashed potatoes, and proscuitto and goat cheese wrapped asparagus**
**Homemade apple tart a la mode for dessert**
I can't wait!! Plus the Christmas music, the gifts, the festive mood! And then on Christmas morning, my mom, Reid and I are going skiing! What a treat! I am so excited - more excited for Christmas than the last multiple years combined! I think it may have taken me a year away from my home in order to truly appreciate my family in my life, if that makes any sense.
I still wish I could be with my entire extended family. I have missed them more and more as the holidays have passed. Hopefully soon, I can figure out the $ and the time for a trip to good ol' Wheeling.
I hope everyone else is enjoying the holidays. Merry Christmas!!!
Monday, December 17
I have found my leaf sauce
Last night, after a long day of skiing, Reid and I went to our newest favoritest Indian place. As I was contemplating what to get, I asked Reid, "do I feel like a saag?"
"Ewww... that's just leaf sauce! But with spinach, not sweet potato leaves." he replied. As many of you know, I LOOOOOVVED leaf sauce in Guinea. I would buy the ingredients for my family weekly so I could be guaranteed my favorite sauce once a week. I have missed it dearly since I have left. I have not tried to make it, as I don't know where to get manioc or sweet potato leaves. Lately, I have had dreams about slicing leaves in my hand with my family and eating leaf sauce over rice with my hand.
So, I ordered the aluu saag, and ate leaf sauce once again. It was a different leaf sauce, and I ate it with a fork, but it satisfied that craving, and I am happy.
"Ewww... that's just leaf sauce! But with spinach, not sweet potato leaves." he replied. As many of you know, I LOOOOOVVED leaf sauce in Guinea. I would buy the ingredients for my family weekly so I could be guaranteed my favorite sauce once a week. I have missed it dearly since I have left. I have not tried to make it, as I don't know where to get manioc or sweet potato leaves. Lately, I have had dreams about slicing leaves in my hand with my family and eating leaf sauce over rice with my hand.
So, I ordered the aluu saag, and ate leaf sauce once again. It was a different leaf sauce, and I ate it with a fork, but it satisfied that craving, and I am happy.
Monday, December 10
Interesting article on irrigating the desert
Timbuktu's Climate Change Fight
Eucalyptus, eh? I am always amazed by man's ability to overcome geography and climate. With appropriate investment and work, impoverished, land-locked nations may be able to overcome thier unlucky locales.
Eucalyptus, eh? I am always amazed by man's ability to overcome geography and climate. With appropriate investment and work, impoverished, land-locked nations may be able to overcome thier unlucky locales.
Wednesday, December 5
Hotel Rwanda
Last night, Reid and I watched Hotel Rwanda, which was probably a bad idea.
After seeing Guinea fall apart for a couple of weeks last January--going to sleep to the sound of gunfire, seeing the black smoke of protestors, and living the chaos that is African political change--watching true war/genocide was a bit much. I think it just hit too close to home.
Interestingly enough, I only cried at one part - when the foreigners abandon the Rwandans. All the white people with their passports rush to get on busses to evacuate, and Paul learns that the rest of the world does not care and will not send any intervention forces. I think deep sentiments of guilt still linger in my heart, as I abandoned my family and friends for safety. And then for the American life. And I have yet to go back.
After seeing Guinea fall apart for a couple of weeks last January--going to sleep to the sound of gunfire, seeing the black smoke of protestors, and living the chaos that is African political change--watching true war/genocide was a bit much. I think it just hit too close to home.
Interestingly enough, I only cried at one part - when the foreigners abandon the Rwandans. All the white people with their passports rush to get on busses to evacuate, and Paul learns that the rest of the world does not care and will not send any intervention forces. I think deep sentiments of guilt still linger in my heart, as I abandoned my family and friends for safety. And then for the American life. And I have yet to go back.
Thursday, November 29
Life is good.
Yesterday, I got an email from my favorite professor, George DeMartino, saying he had graded my "Substantial Research Paper" (SRP), and I had gotten an A! An A!
When I picked up the paper this morning, there was the following comment:
"Nicely done. Beautifully writtten and well argued. You demonstrate the theoretical sophistication of a scholar AND the writing ease of a journalist - a rare combination indeed."
I am so happy! I feel that my efforts in the last 3 years have finally paid off. This paper really brought the whole experience together - Peace Corps and GSIS. I invested a lot in writing it--so much so that I was scared for others to read it. But it has paid off, and I am very proud of my accomplishment.
So, now onto the celebrations!
I have finished my Masters.
Yesterday, I got an email from my favorite professor, George DeMartino, saying he had graded my "Substantial Research Paper" (SRP), and I had gotten an A! An A!
When I picked up the paper this morning, there was the following comment:
"Nicely done. Beautifully writtten and well argued. You demonstrate the theoretical sophistication of a scholar AND the writing ease of a journalist - a rare combination indeed."
I am so happy! I feel that my efforts in the last 3 years have finally paid off. This paper really brought the whole experience together - Peace Corps and GSIS. I invested a lot in writing it--so much so that I was scared for others to read it. But it has paid off, and I am very proud of my accomplishment.
So, now onto the celebrations!
Thursday, August 30
Korbel Dinner
Absurdity. Closed-minded. This was just in the "Buff News", a little thing that goes out via email to students of CU Boulder regarding events, student groups, etc.
UNIVERSTIY OT AWARD CEO OF INTERNATIONAL LAW-BREAKING CORPORATION
The CEO of Newmont Mining, the world's second largest gold-miner, will be receiving the "International Bridge-Building Award" from Denver University. Newmont is alleged to be involved in police and military repression of Indigenous communities in the United States and Latin America where its cyanide, arsenic, and mercury-polluting mines are unwanted. Thursday August 30th on the South UMC terrace at 4:45. We bus to Denver and join the broad coalition event to stop the award.
These people know nothing of the work Newmont is doing. Please, everyone, shut up and listen to the facts. Please read Newmont's 2006 Social Responsibilty Report, which has been accredited by World Monitors, Inc.
UNIVERSTIY OT AWARD CEO OF INTERNATIONAL LAW-BREAKING CORPORATION
The CEO of Newmont Mining, the world's second largest gold-miner, will be receiving the "International Bridge-Building Award" from Denver University. Newmont is alleged to be involved in police and military repression of Indigenous communities in the United States and Latin America where its cyanide, arsenic, and mercury-polluting mines are unwanted. Thursday August 30th on the South UMC terrace at 4:45. We bus to Denver and join the broad coalition event to stop the award.
These people know nothing of the work Newmont is doing. Please, everyone, shut up and listen to the facts. Please read Newmont's 2006 Social Responsibilty Report, which has been accredited by World Monitors, Inc.
Thursday, August 23
I received the following email this morning protesting the recognition GSIS is giving to Wayne Murdy of Newmont Mining. I am deeply embarassed by the GSIS community of students and faculty right now, as they refuse to open their minds and look deeper into the issue before opening their mouths and putting their signature on such a letter.
I am not shocked by the email I received, just disappointed. In the past, I would have also been appalled by GSIS honoring a man from the world of mining, but with further research, I see that Wayne Murdy is one of the few good men in a horribly corrupt business. He has a vision that I share - a world in which big business is no longer at odds with the advancement of civil society, development and the preservation of the environment.
I have been a part of the corporate programs that train Newmont in 21st century business skills that focus highly on ethics. I have watched the idea of sustainable development infiltrate the minds of the leadership of Newmont. It has been marvelous!
I have also lived in a gold mining town in Guinea, West Africa, and I know what kind of development occurs with such an extractive process. Lots of money pours in, helping greatly in the short run, but little long term development takes place. Wayne Murdy has a bigger vision, and I support GSIS' decision to honor that.
I suggest we GSIS students open our minds a bit and not condemn a man for his company's past, but rather thank him for his struggle to change its future.
If you would like to talk more about this and the good Newmont is doing, please let me know.
***************************************
Here is the aforementioned closed-minded letter:
Dear Member of the University of Denver Community,
If you share our concern, please sign the attached letter and send it back to sandras112@yahoo.com by August 24th.
On August 30th, Wayne Murdy the Chairman and CEO of Newmont Mining Corporation will be given a top honor at the Graduate School of International Studies' prestigious Korbel Dinner. This blatant conflict of interest with GSIS' values is inexcusable. Newmont mining is honoring someone whose company is accused of perpetrating the abuses many of us work everyday to prevent!
For more information about GSIS's honoring of Newmont, the Denver Post has published this article: http://www.denverpost.com/allewis/ci_6541381
In fact, Oxfam America is currently circulating the following letter about Newmont:
"Late last year, Father Marco Arana and Dr. Mirtha Vasquez Chuquilin were working on behalf of poor communities near the Yanacocha Mine in Peru, when they became the targets of death threats, harassment and surveillance at work and in their homes.
An investigation by the Peruvian publication La Republica revealed that a firm hired by Newmont Mining to provide security at the mine was involved in the surveillance."
If you are as appalled as we are, please join us in sending a letter of protest to the University of Denver administration with a copy sent to the Denver Post editor. You can add your voice of protest by sending your name, degree, graduation year, and current position (optional) to Sandra Sirota at sandras112@yahoo.com by August 24th. The dinner is at the end of the month, so we have a short time to make our complaints known.
Sincerely,
Sandra Sirota, Anne Coughlin, and concerned GSIS Alumni
**************************
I am not shocked by the email I received, just disappointed. In the past, I would have also been appalled by GSIS honoring a man from the world of mining, but with further research, I see that Wayne Murdy is one of the few good men in a horribly corrupt business. He has a vision that I share - a world in which big business is no longer at odds with the advancement of civil society, development and the preservation of the environment.
I have been a part of the corporate programs that train Newmont in 21st century business skills that focus highly on ethics. I have watched the idea of sustainable development infiltrate the minds of the leadership of Newmont. It has been marvelous!
I have also lived in a gold mining town in Guinea, West Africa, and I know what kind of development occurs with such an extractive process. Lots of money pours in, helping greatly in the short run, but little long term development takes place. Wayne Murdy has a bigger vision, and I support GSIS' decision to honor that.
I suggest we GSIS students open our minds a bit and not condemn a man for his company's past, but rather thank him for his struggle to change its future.
If you would like to talk more about this and the good Newmont is doing, please let me know.
***************************************
Here is the aforementioned closed-minded letter:
Dear Member of the University of Denver Community,
If you share our concern, please sign the attached letter and send it back to sandras112@yahoo.com by August 24th.
On August 30th, Wayne Murdy the Chairman and CEO of Newmont Mining Corporation will be given a top honor at the Graduate School of International Studies' prestigious Korbel Dinner. This blatant conflict of interest with GSIS' values is inexcusable. Newmont mining is honoring someone whose company is accused of perpetrating the abuses many of us work everyday to prevent!
For more information about GSIS's honoring of Newmont, the Denver Post has published this article: http://www.denverpost.com/allewis/ci_6541381
In fact, Oxfam America is currently circulating the following letter about Newmont:
"Late last year, Father Marco Arana and Dr. Mirtha Vasquez Chuquilin were working on behalf of poor communities near the Yanacocha Mine in Peru, when they became the targets of death threats, harassment and surveillance at work and in their homes.
An investigation by the Peruvian publication La Republica revealed that a firm hired by Newmont Mining to provide security at the mine was involved in the surveillance."
If you are as appalled as we are, please join us in sending a letter of protest to the University of Denver administration with a copy sent to the Denver Post editor. You can add your voice of protest by sending your name, degree, graduation year, and current position (optional) to Sandra Sirota at sandras112@yahoo.com by August 24th. The dinner is at the end of the month, so we have a short time to make our complaints known.
Sincerely,
Sandra Sirota, Anne Coughlin, and concerned GSIS Alumni
**************************
Tuesday, July 31
Tuesday, July 17
New Post Needed
Ok, so I haven't posted in a long time. I wish I could say I have been away from computers or been too busy or been doing at least something! But I can't. Truth be told, I have been too boring to write anything. I work, I eat, I workout, I sleep. Occasionally, there is a movie, a new restaurant, a new friend, but it never seems worth a posting.
America is just not as exciting as Guinea, although it is nice not to have to worry about survival every day. No bush taxi adventures here - I drive an Altima. No sheeps head-butting me - only dogs passing by when I walk in Wash Park. No hazardous bikerides through downtown Siguiri - I ride stationary bikes at the gym now.
So, pardon the boringness and lack of posting. I need to find the small inspirations in my life again.
America is just not as exciting as Guinea, although it is nice not to have to worry about survival every day. No bush taxi adventures here - I drive an Altima. No sheeps head-butting me - only dogs passing by when I walk in Wash Park. No hazardous bikerides through downtown Siguiri - I ride stationary bikes at the gym now.
So, pardon the boringness and lack of posting. I need to find the small inspirations in my life again.
Monday, June 25
Day in Summit County
Reid and I just spent another Colorado-filled weekend. Saturday, we drove up to Loveland Pass and spent the afternoon in Keystone by the creek. Here are some pictures:
Reid along the trail:
Me in the June Snow:
Where are we going to go next weekend?
Monday, June 18
Failed State Index
Foreign Policy's Instability Index of 2007
Please note Guinea is number 9, the highest Peace Corps nation on the list. Well, I guess Peace Corps isn't actually active there anymore. Crazy. I remember before I left seeing Guinea on this list and being a bit scared. I had heard stories of evacuation and all, and I was oddly fascinated, but I never thought it would be me. And now look at where I am...
Let's all hope for a brighter future for Guinea.
Please note Guinea is number 9, the highest Peace Corps nation on the list. Well, I guess Peace Corps isn't actually active there anymore. Crazy. I remember before I left seeing Guinea on this list and being a bit scared. I had heard stories of evacuation and all, and I was oddly fascinated, but I never thought it would be me. And now look at where I am...
Let's all hope for a brighter future for Guinea.
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