Today, after several years of trying to postpone it, I finally got started with the scary dental implant procedure that I've been needing to get for awhile. It was quite the experience involving a powerful anaesthetic, the oral surgeon, two assistants, and even a representative of the company that manufactures the special implant I was…
“Abraham’s Children” Chronicles Lives of Muslim Youth in NYC (video)
My friend Nina sends out word that the premiere of her new documentary "Abraham's Children" last week was a big success. "Abraham's Children" tells some of the stories of the thousands of young people in New York City, where every 10th child is Muslim. I'm sad I missed the premiere, but hoping that I can…
My Amsterdam Food Tour
Amsterdam is not known as a foodie destination. Which is a shame, since it has everything a gourmand might want. Most foreigners don't even know what Dutch cuisine is — perhaps something involving raw herring on toast? Which is their loss really. After spending a week in Amsterdam, I am happy to report that there…
“Opus Jazz”: a ballet film with grit, sexiness and fun
My friend Mike sent me the info about a showing of the new dance film "Opus Jazz" last night at BAM. I jumped at the chance to see this loving paean to legendary American ballet choreographer Jerome Robbins, which aired on PBS a couple of months ago. Told in five acts, the film re-creates Robbin's…
KunstVlaai / ArtPie Exhibition in Amsterdam: Giant Mice, Fake Marketing, Robot Girls
I have been asking around to friends what are some of the cultural exhibits and shows that I should be sure and catch while I am in Amsterdam. Catherine told me that I should go to the "Kunstvlaai" experimental art exhibition that is happening at Westerpark in northwestern Amsterdam. Another friend Mark warned me against…
Living the Quaker Values: Wrap-Up
So over the past week, I've re-examined some of the core values of Quakerism, trying to be honest about my own feelings and experiences with each of them. I think I've a long way to go in fully integrating silence, worship, truth, simplicity, service and nonviolence into my daily life. At best I have flashes…
Living the Quaker Values: Nonviolence
One of the most emblematic and powerful values of the Quaker faith is nonviolence. From our earliest days in England, Quakers stance against physical violence as a means of solving disputes has put us in jeopardy and difficulties both with the local government and others in the community. Quakers have at great personal inconvenience and…
Living the Quaker Values: Simplicity
The Quaker value of Simplicity is probably the one that I struggle with the most. Traditionally, Quakers have sought to live simple lives of devotion to God in everything that they do. This manifests in a number of outward forms, from Quakers former distrust of the arts for "exciting the senses" to the "Plain Dress"…
Living the Quaker Values: Service (video)
Here's a video post that's part of my ongoing series ruminating about the different Quaker values and how I've integrated them into my life. This one focuses on Service. I hope you like it.
Tango Series in 2010 World Press Photo Winners
Yesterday I got to see a beautiful exhibit of the winners of the 2010 World Press Photos competition, showing at the old church in central Amsterdam. The annual contest highlights the best news photography from around the world in various categories. I was astounded and moved by so many of the winning photos, which are…