Get Hype-

do you send holiday cards? Support nomads

carleigh — Sun, 21 Oct 2007 06:00:24 GMT

Leslie Clark has beautiful holiday cards with a nomadic dessert scene. Proceeds go to support the projects of the Nomad Foundation to help the nomads in Niger sustain themselves and their traditions. This holiday card is a scene of ancient nomadic lifestyle now in peril. Alher fel Amadal means Peace on Earth in Tamasheq, the language of the Tuareg nomads of Niger. It is written in Tifinagh, their writing system. Packet of 20 4.5 x 6" notecards and envelopes $25 Please support this wonderful cause with these beautiful holiday cards. http://nomadfoundation.org/peace.html

my hero died today.

carleigh — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 03:20:26 GMT

I am so deeply saddened by the death of Dame Anita Roddick that I am not even sure I can convey my message at this time. I don't think any one person has ever inspired me as greatly as she has. When I went to her book signing of Troubled Waters in 2004 I was so moved/touched. The information she presented about the global water crisis not only stuck with me because of the gravity of the situation but because of the passion she presented it with. My passion for the water crisis and the projects I have involved myself with since are directly due to Antia's motivation and inspiration. She brought out the activist in me. I met her that night and also bought her book Take it Personally, which changed the direction of my life and I believe should be required reading in all schools. Please visit http://www.anitaroddick.com to learn more about this amazing woman and her efforts to change the world. Please also read her books. They are profound. ``If you think you are too small to have an impact, try going to bed with a mosquito" (Anita's favorite quote)

Please sign for peace in Niger

carleigh — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 17:10:48 GMT

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/peace-in-niger Tensions between Niger's government and the nomadic Tuareg peoples have been recurring for many years. In a violent turn, soldiers have been deployed to Niger's uranium-rich Tuareg lands-- we urge the President of Niger to reconsider the military solution and open dialogue with the Tuareg Niger Movement for Justice, NMJ.

School's out for summer

carleigh — Wed, 30 May 2007 04:21:01 GMT

What a whirlwind these semesters have been. I adore being in school but I seriously feel like I have no life sometimes, it's so consuming! I am still in shock that I missed Rakkasah (and Tribal Throwdown) AND TF this year. I have never missed them. I guess I don't really have to add that I feel out of touch. I have had a series of nasty things interrupt my dance training (which to me means getting my ass over to suhaila's), boy can i feel that. I look forward to seeing the studio again (assuming it's still there and all). I had the joy of dancing in the carnaval parade with Hot Pink Feathers this weekend. What a great group of girls. We had a blast. Now I look forward to relaxing, cleaning house, catching up, gardening, seeing friends, planning the wedding (oh yeah, Show and I are getting married this summer), dancing, hooping, rafting, camping......all that stuff I love. See you at kosmos? Drop me a line - I miss you. xoxo, Carleigh

back to school

carleigh — Mon, 22 Jan 2007 15:40:41 GMT

well, this is it...school's back in this week so I will be back in the books. I'm really excited for the Flame and the Shadow show Feb 3rd. http://www.timrayborn.com/flameandshadow.html And will be there fundraising (still for Save the Children's efforts in Darfur). I hope to see you there!

Tis the season, so let's GIVE.

carleigh — Thu, 14 Dec 2006 18:30:03 GMT

It's the season of giving, so let's give! I know with 100% certainty that if you are reading this, you are better off than 2/3rds of the world's population. More than 850 million people around the world are living in hunger. Hunger and related illnesses continue to kill more people worldwide than AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis combined. Let's not get into how many lack potable water...I won't ruin your holiday cheer. So, before you head off to your next holiday party, let's work out a deal...You give to the charity of YOUR CHOICE and I will give you one of these beautiful items to show appreciation for your giving spirit. Go here to see the reward choices for your giving: http://www.dontletmypeopledie.org "If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one" ~Mother Theresa "For it is in the giving that we receive" ~ Saint Francis of Assisi If you don't have a favorite charity, please choose one from my list of organizations who support nomadic life in Africa. http://www.dontletmypeopledie.org/help.html Just forward the receipt for your donation to me along with your mailing address and which item/size you want and we all will have happier holidays! giving@dontletmypeopledie.org (if you need to fax it to me, email me and I will give you my fax#) Please feel free to share this posting. It would be great if everyone would give. (mind you, my supply of rewards is limited) I don't mind if your favorite organization is to support breast cancer research or the humane society. As long as it's doing some good for the world, I support it. thank you and hope your holidays are full of love and joy, Carleigh

Ten Reasons Why You Should Never Accept a Diamond Ring from Anyone, Under Any Circumstances, Even If They Really Want to Give You One

carleigh — Sat, 09 Dec 2006 15:56:51 GMT

http://www.fguide.org/Bulletin/conflictdiamonds.htm?cont=1 Ten Reasons Why You Should Never Accept a Diamond Ring from Anyone, Under Any Circumstances, Even If They Really Want to Give You One (2/14/02) By Liz Stanton, CPE Staff Economist 1. You've Been Psychologically Conditioned To Want a Diamond The diamond engagement ring is a 63-year-old invention of N.W.Ayer advertising agency. The De Beers diamond cartel contracted N.W.Ayer to create a demand for what are, essentially, useless hunks of rock. 2. Diamonds are Priced Well Above Their Value The De Beers cartel has systematically held diamond prices at levels far greater than their abundance would generate under anything even remotely resembling perfect competition. All diamonds not already under its control are bought by the cartel, and then the De Beers cartel carefully managed world diamond supply in order to keep prices steadily high. 3. Diamonds Have No Resale or Investment Value Any diamond that you buy or receive will indeed be yours forever: De Beers’ advertising deliberately brain-washed women not to sell; the steady price is a tool to prevent speculation in diamonds; and no dealer will buy a diamond from you. You can only sell it at a diamond purchasing center or a pawn shop where you will receive a tiny fraction of its original "value." 4. Diamond Miners are Disproportionately Exposed to HIV/AIDS Many diamond mining camps enforce all-male, no-family rules. Men contract HIV/AIDS from camp sex-workers, while women married to miners have no access to employment, no income outside of their husbands and no bargaining power for negotiating safe sex, and thus are at extremely high risk of contracting HIV. 5. Open-Pit Diamond Mines Pose Environmental Threats Diamond mines are open pits where salts, heavy minerals, organisms, oil, and chemicals from mining equipment freely leach into ground-water, endangering people in nearby mining camps and villages, as well as downstream plants and animals. 6. Diamond Mine-Owners Violate Indigenous People's Rights Diamond mines in Australia, Canada, India and many countries in Africa are situated on lands traditionally associated with indigenous peoples. Many of these communities have been displaced, while others remain, often at great cost to their health, livelihoods and traditional cultures. 7. Slave Laborers Cut and Polish Diamonds More than one-half of the world's diamonds are processed in India where many of the cutters and polishers are bonded child laborers. Bonded children work to pay off the debts of their relatives, often unsuccessfully. When they reach adulthood their debt is passed on to their younger siblings or to their own children. 8. Conflict Diamonds Fund Civil Wars in Africa There is no reliable way to insure that your diamond was not mined or stolen by government or rebel military forces in order to finance civil conflict. Conflict diamonds are traded either for guns or for cash to pay and feed soldiers. 9. Diamond Wars are Fought Using Child Warriors Many diamond producing governments and rebel forces use children as soldiers, laborers in military camps, and sex slaves. Child soldiers are given drugs to overcome their fear and reluctance to participate in atrocities. 10. Small Arms Trade is Intimately Related to Diamond Smuggling Illicit diamonds inflame the clandestine trade of small arms. There are 500 million small arms in the world today which are used to kill 500,000 people annually, the vast majority of whom are non-combatants. References: Collier, Paul, "Economic Causes of Civil Conflict and Their Implications for Policy," World Bank, June 15, 2000. Epstein, Edward Jay, "Have You Ever Tried to Sell a Diamond?", The Atlantic Monthly, February 1982. www.theatlantic.com/issues/82feb/8202diamond1.htm Global Witness, "Conflict Diamonds: Possibilities for the Identification, Certification and Control of Diamonds," A Briefing Document, June 2000, www.globalwitness.org/text/campaigns/diamonds/reports.html Human Rights Watch/Asia, "The Small Hands of Slavery: Bonded Child Labor In India," Human Rights Watch Children's Rights Project, www.hrw.org/reports/1996/India3.htm . Human Rights Watch, "Children’s Rights: Stop the Use of Child Soldiers;" www.hrw.org/campaigns/crp/index.htm . Kerlin, Katherine "Diamonds Aren’t Forever: Environmental Degradation and Civil War in the Gem Trade," The Environment Magazine, www.emagazine.com/september-october_2001/0901gl_consumer.html . Le Billon, Philippe, "Angola’s Political Economy of War: The Role of Oil and Diamonds, 1975-2000," African Affairs, (2001), 100, p.55-80. Mines and Communities, "The Mining Curse: The roles of mining in ‘underdeveloped’ economies," Minewatch Asia Pacific/Nostromo Briefing Paper, February 1999, www.minesandcommunities.org/Country/curse.htm . Other Facets, Number 1, April 2001; Number 2, June 2001; Number 3, October 2001, www.partnershipafricacanada.org/hsdp/of.html . © 2002 Center for Popular Economics

Minis and hoodies back in stock

carleigh — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 17:59:51 GMT

Hi all, I will have fundraising merchandise at THE ANSUYA SHOW this Sunday Nov, 12th. Mini skirts, hoodies, tanks, baby tees and men's ringers. PLUS the gorgeous leather Tuareg bags, hand made in Niger, supporting The Nomad Foundation. www.dontletmypeopledie.org Please come to the show (and see me to help support the Nomads.) 2150 Folsom St. San Francisco, CA 94110. Street Parking Available. www.workspacelimited.org November 12th 8:30PM Ansuya Elizabeth Strong Frederique Mira Betz Tanja Odzak & Kristin McClanahan of L'Anonyme Collective with DJ Amar Doors open at 7pm, show at 8:30 sharp. Presales at: groovetickets.com $15 Presale or $20 at the door. Space is limited so don't wait! This is a show you won't want to miss!

Oh My God - Spearhead - Stay Human

carleigh — Sun, 28 May 2006 05:18:20 GMT

We livin' in a mean time and an aggressive time a painful time, a time where cynicism rots to the vine in a time where violence blocks the summer shine lifetimes, go by in a flash in search for love, in search for cash everybody wanna be some fat tycoon everybode wanna be on a tropic honeymoon nobody wanna sing a little bit out of tune or be the backbone of a rebel platoon it's too soon to step out of line you might get laughed at you might get fined but do you feel me when I say I feel pain everyday when I see the way my friends gotta slave and never get ahead of bills they gotta pay no way no way! some make a living doing killilng Colombian penicillin some are willing to play the villain they just chillin' to pass the time, pass the information or pass the wine pass the buck or pass the baton but you can't pass the police or the pentagon the I.R.S. or the upper echelon I think it's time to make a move on the contradiction (chorus) Bom-Bom, rock the nation take over television and radio station Bom-Bom the truth shall come give the corporation some complication! This is the dawning of our time I say it one more time to emphasize the meaning of my rhyme to rise above all the dirt and grime add the right spice at the right time fuck the constitution are we part of the solution or are we part of the pollution sittin' by and wonderin' why, things ain't the way we like to find them to be, to be for you and for me the people over there and the ones in between check our habitation are we a peace lovin' nation peace lovin' nation I have a reasonable doubt I think I'll just spell it out there's no need to scream or to shout the N.R.A. just bought a man's soul then he jumps up and shouts gun control the government says that killin's a sin unless you kill a murderer with a lethal syringe so I ask again "are we peace lover's then" some of them slang guns when they six years old some of them end up in some six foot hole this whole damn place seems to, lost control so I raise my voice before I lose my soul (chorus) This is the way I'll express my feelings vibe revealed and revolved spinnin on a record y'all try to confiscate take what I communicate with it's aincient gift of the lip steady creating activating passin vocal vibrations to the blind plus the seeing human doesn't mean just being be coming don't believe it just belife it belongings or beloved rehearse it or recite it while shining drop your guns and move your tongues battle motivation in no time lyrics come sometimes fun others run their mouth or away my mind co beaming like an early sunray one day we'll get the picture and all combine less the talking bout mines is mine and become one mind every piece of the puzzle has its place to build the piece of the puzzle called the human race taking it long enough we crush the formal journalistic dyslexic critters talk backwards to rap words I'm sure raising my hands with questions and demands statements and a plan with a map of the land (chorus)

Tuareg camel bags from Niger

carleigh — Wed, 17 May 2006 20:15:25 GMT

Just in from Niger.... Hand made Tuareg Camel Bags. All leather. All proceeds go to the Nomad Foundation to support the Tuareg and Wodaabe people. I will have these bags at Tribal Fest this weekend. Come see me at the Judith's Head table on the front lawn.

Show your love

carleigh — Thu, 04 May 2006 16:45:49 GMT

With the benefit show over, the dvd sold out, and still a great need for help and awareness to the nomadic people of Niger and West Africa - we have a new tee for fundraising. 100% of the proceeds are currently going to the Nomad Foundation (Leslie Clark from the benefit show) to dig a well for a Tuareg community in Niger that is without water. The new merch has a Tuareg cross from Agadez, Niger printed on the chest. (hoodies on the back, minis on the thigh). You can see some photos at www.dontletmypeopledie.org/tickets.html or you can donate directly to the Nomad Foundation (please indicate Dont let My People Die Well) at www.nomadgal.com/foundation/index.html. I will have this merch at Tribal Fest on the lawn. Look for JUDITH'S HEAD (those great leather fringe belts). as always, thanks for your continued support

Demand Fair Trade for cocoa farmers

carleigh — Sun, 02 Apr 2006 18:13:32 GMT

M&M/Mars is the largest chocolate and candy company in the world, with annual sales of more than $20 billion. M&M/Mars is the third largest private company in the USA and its three owners are each worth $10.4 billion. M&M's are the world's top-selling candy. Given these facts, M&M/Mars has the highest responsibility and the most resources to offer Fair Trade Certified chocolate. In June 2002, more than 200 faith-based, labor, environmental, child labor, and student groups signed a letter supporting Global Exchange's campaign demands - asking M&M/Mars to offer Fair Trade Certified chocolate. Through Global Exchange's subsequent national consumer advocacy campaign, M&M/Mars has received an outpouring of requests for Fair Trade-- including more than 1,000 letters from schoolchildren, and over than 5,000 faxes and countless e-mails and phone calls from adults. In February of 2004, two coalitions of highly respected national organizations requested meetings with M&M/Mars to discuss Fair Trade purchasing, meetings which M&M/Mars unfortunately refused to hold. Despite such overwhelming appeals for Fair Trade, M&M/Mars continues to refuse to offer Fair Trade Certified chocolate, and reiterates total faith in the industry Protocol and other development projects. Despite the good intentions behind these efforts, none ensures the minimum price producers need, and the independent certification that consumers want. Fair Trade incorporates all these components, offering the best solution for M&M/Mars, producers, and chocolate lovers. Given M&M/Mars' continued lack of interest in selling Fair Trade chocolate and ensuring a decent life for farmers and their families, it is clear that we need to keep pushing for Fair Trade chocolate in growing numbers! Join us to request Fair Trade Certified chocolate from M&M/Mars today! go here for lots of options to help this campain...it only takes a second: http://www.globalexchange.org/campaigns/fairtrade/cocoa/mmmars.html

new treasures from Africa

carleigh — Fri, 31 Mar 2006 23:09:36 GMT

so....I couldn't resist the temptation. And knowing that Angela and Carol give the money back to the tribes and also it supports their documentation of these cultures on the brink of extinction, I have no regret in my indulgence. New Tuareg Ring. New Tuareg necklace. Talisman charm necklace with talismans left to right: Tuareg, Ethiopian, Wodaabe, Southern Ethiopian, Wodaabe, and Kenyan <its a real Kenyan penny>. If you only knew how hard it was to choose from all the beautiful pieces, but these ones spoke to me.... I hope to be able to share these goodies with you all someday - Angela Fisher spends her life finding these amazing pieces in Africa. I know you guys would appreciate it.

The Power of Love to Transform and to Heal

carleigh — Thu, 09 Mar 2006 02:10:16 GMT

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4769850 read this if you have time.

Bush = Fascism?

carleigh — Fri, 03 Mar 2006 23:45:32 GMT

What do you think about this? http://www.bushflash.com/14.html

Niger Benefit DVD has shipped

carleigh — Tue, 24 Jan 2006 23:42:14 GMT

anywho who pre-ordered the Niger Benefit DVD, they are on the way! Anyone waiting to get one from me - I have them now! Anyone still wanting one - Mailorder thru the website - www.dontletmypeopledie.org or contact me if you are local and want to get one in person. info@dontletmypeopledie.org Thanks again to everyone for your continued support for this cause!

The Niger Benefit DVD is finished (finally)

carleigh — Thu, 05 Jan 2006 17:39:09 GMT

what a project! I am so happy that the final edit is at reproduction and the dvd will be ready to ship (or sell to you locals) very soon. I thank everyone for thier patience - this has been quite an effort. For mailorder please go to www.dontletmypeopledie.org. All proceeds are donated to organizationos supporting nomadic life in West Africa.

what a night

carleigh — Mon, 14 Nov 2005 01:25:24 GMT

the show is over. what a blurr. I can't wait to see the video footage this week so I can feel like I saw the show too. The energy of the night was just amazing, my head is still kinda spinning and the whole experience was a little surreal - even looking at the pictures, I have a hard time believing that is the night - that's the event I have been working towards and telling everyone they had to come to for all these weeks. I can think of a few cherished moments of peace during the night: 1. a lovely toast with Gina and Rachel, what beautiful angels they are. 2. to be on stage with my Bal Anat sisters, rocking out thinking how lucky I am to have such a great sisterhood 3. chanting, clapping, trancing with Katarina and my Guedra sisters, all new to me, feeling honored to have met them and studied with them and take part in such a magical thing 4. frantically running into the lobby at one point realizing that with all the other going ons I had kinda neglected it - and seeing that everything was JUST FINE! The crew was absolutely amazing just taking care of everything that needed to be done. I was so happy. 5. Vashti and Keith - they set up everything - they ran thru all the tech and the sound and lights and I stood there going - OMG, I would have no idea what to do if these wonderful people weren't here right now. 6. you know how when you are around a lot of nervous people, you can feel nervous even if you weren't? well, I it works both ways - I was a little frantic after we were running so late and the raffle/auction went to pieces and my brain started flipping out - but somewhere along the way, backstage while Fred was dancing, there was Tempest, Katie Kay, Suhaila, Rachel, Tim, Ziad, Isabella, Vashti and I all crammed in this little tiny space and it must have been the collective energy of these artists who were just totally cool and chill soaking it all up and I just kinda let it go and really enjoyed their energy. that was nice. My gratitude to everyone who participated in this event is enormous. I am just blown away and the energy and time given by the crew and the beautiful performances given by the artists that made the whole night happen. I am so thankful to everyone who came and donated and helped reach the goal. We will be able to support some of these amazing organizations who do work in Niger and West Africa with all the funds we've raised, and hopefully continue to raise more after I get the releasable video footage edited onto dvd. *sigh* now what?

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!

carleigh — Mon, 07 Nov 2005 22:49:59 GMT

I've told people since 9/2/05 about this show. If they waited until NOW to get tickets I refuse to feel sorry for them... that's all. back to work.

carleigh — Wed, 12 Oct 2005 15:04:37 GMT

so I'm back home. it's amazing after being gone for so long - seeing so much - explored 5 countries since I've sat here at this keyboard, I can sit down in my office and get back into my groove and it seems like a heartbeat of time passed. One month from today is the Niger Benefit. I can't wait. TIme to get Hype. I dread unpacking - I loath Europe's cigarette tolorance that has penetrated everything that came back with me. Finland - Estonia - Morocco - Spain - England. I feel pressure to pick a favorite, but I think I will just appreciate them all for what they are, so don't ask me to choose. I hope you guys are all well. love, Carleigh

Many faces of the Gerewol

carleigh — Fri, 02 Sep 2005 00:25:41 GMT

Many faces of the Gerewol. For the young Wodaabe eye-rolling means sex appeal. The lips and eyes are accentuated with kohl, a powder from ground stibnite; the yellow base is from another local stone. Cowrie shells and ostrich feathers are essential ingredients in the art of seduction. Photographer: Basil Pao From Michael Palin's book Sahara

Please do something

carleigh — Fri, 19 Aug 2005 01:01:00 GMT

this site is great - it lets you give specifically to the Niger food crisis. Please help out! www.africare.org/news/news_release/nigercrisis.html

Tribal Families are dying, Please help

carleigh — Thu, 18 Aug 2005 18:32:07 GMT

Across Niger, the world’s second-poorest country, drought has shriveled pastureland and swarms of the migratory grasshoppers have stripped it clean, leaving livestock—and the herders who depend on those animals—desperately hungry, some to the point of starvation. The shortage of fodder, the worst in Niger’s history, has wiped out whole herds. Please help - any little thing - do you have even $15? Tell your friends and family - this needs global awarness! We need to help get them thru until next harvest. www.oxfam.org/eng/pr050816_niger.htm www.dontletmypeopledie.org