Pamela's stories from Africa
This month I'll continue teaching English at the school, organize a second beekeeping seminar, begin making fuel-efficient stoves, and track down another place to buy modern breed roosters.
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  • Leftover Salmon is breaking up or taking a break?
    Leftover Salmon after 15 yrs says no more.. a hiatus or good-bye for good? read more..

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  • Leftover Salmon is breaking up or taking a break?
    Leftover Salmon after 15 yrs says no more.. a hiatus or good-bye for good? read more..

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  • Mark Karan interview - 4/21/01
    Mark Karan interview

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  • Railroad Earth
    With nearly 400 shows and tens of thousands of road miles now behind them, Railroad Earth has become a staple on the national touring and festival scene, and built a huge following of loyal fans that document and trade every note they play, and often join them on the road for multiple nights. These fans call themselves “Hobos,” and the band considers them to be the fuel that keeps this engine chugging along. Railroad Earth’s next album is planned for release in Spring 2004. Till then the band will continue to bring their music to the stage from East to West. So keep an ear to the ground and listen for Railroad Earth, because they'll be rolling through your town very soon.

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  • ten2nine
    "I hate to break the news to you, but you guy's may have finally put all the pieces together. This new ep is the best work I've heard from you ever! The writing, lyrics and music is superb, the performance is top notch and [Jim Leguilloux's] production gives it a true professional gloss." - Ron Gilmour, Power 104 Kelowna, BC

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  • Metharia
    The debut on the band was on 18th January 2000, when Metharia won the festival "Le Quattro Notti Rock." In June 2003 they are one of the three winners of the "NMC festival,' in Marcerta winning the award for the best live performance.

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  • Signal Path
    Armed with new jungle juice, they are warming up and ready to play. They opened up with a latenight show in Atlanta and continued on to Mountain View Jam Festival in North Carolina. Coast to coast, they'll be working their way to SummerCamp, Wakarusa, and High Sierra Music Festival.

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  • T-Band
    Jim Dooney plays guitar and does most of the lead vocals. He is great at getting everyone involved in the fun by taking requests or choosing the perfect song for any situation. Amy Anderson plays the stand up bass and sings harmony. Amy is the musical backbone of the band. Her playing punch and solid timing keeps us all together in our all acoustic environment. Robert Griffith plays banjo and sings harmony. Rob drives the band with lightning fast fingers and great improvising skills. Rich Egan plays mandolin and does some vocals. Rich keeps your feet tapping and your fingers snapping with his rhythm chops and is great at playing tasteful solos."

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  • Shanti Groove (September 2003)
    Shanti's groove moves along acoustical and electrical lines, combining the voice of jazz and rock with back porch bluegrass and funktified percussion. Bringing their unique sound to venues nationwide, the band provides a musical celebration of the 'groove' kind.

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  • Kelly's running column
    In this column I want to talk to you about Ghent. Ghent is the capital of the province East-Flanders in Belgium, a small country in Europe, and has about 225, 000 inhabitants.

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  • Kelly's running column
    In this column I want to talk to you about Ghent. Ghent is the capital of the province East-Flanders in Belgium, a small country in Europe, and has about 225, 000 inhabitants.

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  • Curious Yellow (August 2003)
    After fronting a couple bands in the mid 90s in California and spending the next several years developing his musical and songwriting talents in Japan and Minneapolis, Adam Lancaster landed in Denver in 2000 and founded the band. The band took on many formations and seemingly endless lineup changes for about a year until the perfect complimentary additions of Gregg Rosenthal (drums), Josh Eckhoff (guitar), and Matt Novack (bass, vocals) created a sound and style beyond what Adam could have hoped for. This new talented group immediately began writing songs and reworking old songs to create music and a performance that attracts and engages every listening audience. The personal and musical bond between each member deepened quickly and the dedication from everyone to develop the band to its fullest possibilities is evident.

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  • New Monsoon (June 2003)
    Utilizing congas, timbales, tabla, banjo, bongos, Dobro, ghatham, Didgeridoo, electric and acoustic guitars, bass, drum kit and keys, the band offers a plethora of textures, rhythms, ideas and moods. New Monsoon absorbs elements of sound indigenous to world culture and incorporates them into a variety of colorful and original rhythmic compositions.

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  • One Way Rider (May 2003)
    "One Way Rider has taken Nashville by storm! It was an honor to have them perform on the Interstate Radio Network a network of over twenty stations that broadcast from Music City and airs nationwide and in Canada. Locally in Nashville, the IRN broadcast on WSM 650 AM, the home of the Grand Ole Opry. The response was great! We cant wait to have them come back on the air and play for us again. It was so good to be with folks that live and love the bluegrass way, truly a blessed family. David and Valerie are a great example of what a family can accomplish together."

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  • Smokestack (January 2003)
    “The quality of playing blew me away. All four guys were stars, but that keyboard player is a superstar. Very Hornsby in his writing and singing, very Medeski with his jams. I have had the CD for a few months, and being a little familiar with the songs impressed me even more.” CanJam News Toronto, Canada

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  • The Miltones (December 2002)
    Formed in the summer of 2000, the Miltones have already performed over 350 shows in under 28 months. Their high volume of gigs has enabled the band to mature and explore a range of musical directions that make them a formidable artistic act. Simultaneously their music seems to embrace a level of healing and celebration that make them both accessible and fortunate for the audiences they have attracted.

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  • Ripple (November 2002)
    When Ripple started out in an Old Tappan, NJ basement during early 1978, none of us thought we would be discussing the possibilities of playing together for 25 years. But that’s exactly what happened. From the early day’s of playing friends parties (usually when the Parent’s were away) to all the great nightclubs and other interesting venues we’ve performed at during the years, we’ve met some amazing people and formed life long friendships that will long out live the Band.

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  • Ray Charles died today at 73.
    Ray Charles dead at 73

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  • Fair To Midland (September 2002)
    Brett Stowers and Nathin Seals offer a rhythmic passion that leads the humble gentlemen in their avant-garde sound. The unearthed discord and unconventional cries of frontman Andrew Sudderth infused with guitarist Cliff Campbell's melodic fury tumble into a captivating creation of sonics, cultures, and confusion. Combined with the subtle offering of Matt Langley on keys, FTM glides past the expected boundries and gracefully throws their intense rock harmonies to the flame.

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  • The Few (July 2002)
    "We did it in chunks, whenever he was available," says Burnside. "Living there, and playing in the clubs, it raises your game." The result, an explosive, hooky collection that echoes Burnside's love of the Replacements and fascination with the Cure, is startling from a 22-year-old who took up guitar only three years ago.

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  • One Cat Left (May 2002)
    Pete’s former association with TOM MARSHALL of PHISH led to the band AMFIBIAN. It was here in this situation that Pete found his voice and his motivation..

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  • Mt. Kilimanjaro!
    In one scene we saw a hippo in the river, a croccodile laying on the bank just beside it, and a waterbuck stanking near in the grass!

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  • Grateful Web Interview with Madison House and SCI Ticketing
    SCI interview

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  • Leftover will be calling it quits at years end.
    Leftover Salmon are saying goodbye..

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  • AN ANNOUNCEMENT FROM TREY 05.25.04
    Phish is coming to end..

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  • Sativa Gumbo (April 2002)
    Sativa Gumbo

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  • Yamagata update
    Yamagata

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  • Yamagata (June 2001)
    Yamagata

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  • JSwine (October 2000)
    JSwine

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  • Mark Karan (August 2000)
    Mark Karan

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  • Moses Guest (September 2000)
    Moses Guest

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  • Uncle Sammy (July 2001)
    Uncle Sammy

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  • Solomon Grundy (April 2001)
    Solomon Grundy

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  • Tonal Vision (May 2001)
    Tonal Vision

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  • Cosmic Dust Devils (December 2001)
    Cosmic Dust Devils

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  • Purple Buddah (November 2001)
    Purple Buddah

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  • Rather Sit Than Dance To It? - by Chris Olson
    no one was dancing, but we HAD to...people were upset behind us for standing up at a rock-n-roll concert...so we tried the aisle...

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  • I'm a Nice Jewish Girl With a Big Bad Tattoo
    Time to stifle your shrieks and open your minds, dear readers, for you will find that this is a story outside of the parameters of Judaism. A story not about desecrating The Body, but one of adorning it, rewarding it.

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  • Phil & Trey - submitted by Jenica
    Truly amazing, that is all that really needs to be said about these two! I recently attended the two Phil shows at Red Rocks, and the reuniting show with Bobby in Oklahoma. They left me speechless and wanting more..

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  • Trey at Alpine! - by Elizabeth
    I just have to agree with the other commentaries on the Trey Anastasio concert at Alpine Valley! Trey and the band were outstanding! I also read that Trey commented that Alpine Valley is "really the best place to play in the world."

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  • Trey at Alpine 7-21-01 - by Ben Dunker
    On Saturday the 21st of July I went and saw Trey Anastasio and Alpine Valley Music Theatre in East Troy Wisconsin.

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  • Trey Anastasio - by Carey Anthes
    Sad but true -- Phish is on hiatus after touring for 15 years and as of now they have no plan to unite anytime soon. Fortunately, some of the Phishies are still making music -- and plenty of it...

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  • Phil Lesh with RatDog - by Cary Anthes
    If one considers how Grateful St. Louis is for The Kind, The Shwag and Jake's Leg, there's no doubt that this city certainly knows how to honor its Dead..

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  • Jerrys' Rain - by William "Swivel" Young
    This a story about my own first mystical experience with the band. I can't remember exactly what year...82 or 83, I believe...

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  • Trey at Red Rocks - by Polly
    I went to the two trey shows at red rocks both the shows were sick it was nice to see an energetic show the horn section tears..

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  • Trey Anastasio's band - by Jonathan Coker
    Well, I did not go to any of Trey Anastasio's summer tour. I saw him during his fall tour. Needless to say I was not impressed. I had a chance to catch him in Charlotte, NC this summer, but decided to catch Panic in Myrtle Beach, SC instead..

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  • Censorship is the Answer? - by Rachel
    Apparently, Clear Channel Communications and whoever makes decisions there has been very, very touchy about the terrorist attacks on New York City and Washington, D.C. The media giant has formulated a list of over 100 songs that will be banned from its stations..

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  • George Harrison - by Mike Macchi
    I was born in 1965, the same year The Grateful Dead was born and the year that the songs that would land on the Beatles' landmark album "Rubber Soul" were probably starting to gel in the minds of the newly turned-on Fab Four..

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  • Insecticide (inspired by Kafka) - by Mike Marzol
    There is a place I remember as being the last place I remember. I'll ask you kindly not to judge me too strongly as I recall the details of the onset of my present condition. There were situations there....Living creatures wore the skin of dead ones. I saw things moving in unnatural ways..

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  • Byrne Other Ones' review - by Jennifer Sarnoff
    here is the set list, which you've probably already checked out on the websites. the songs that have asterisks are ones that Susan Tedeski joined in on. I don't even think they announced her at the show, b/c the whole time we all kept saying, who is that???

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  • Happy New Year from Africa! -by Pamela
    Adjusting to a life of solitude has been somewhat challenging, but I'm sure times will easier once my Swahili improves and I become busy with projects.

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  • Happy Valentine's Day... from Africa!
    There are a few Muslims around in this part of the country, but they do not at all appear to be threatening. The only adverse attitudes we volunteers have encountered is the occassional "Osama!" shouted out at us from little boys, usually only in the bigger cities.

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  • Hamjambo?
    Here it is nearly "winter" and getting very chilly in the Southern Highlands. Not like Nebraska winter chilly, but with no central heating or insulation and lots of drafty cracks in the house, certainly CHILLY.

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  • Greetings from South Africa
    Apparently links have been found between the diamond and tanzanite mining companies in Kenya with Al Qaeda, and the British and American governments are making a big deal out of it. People who I have talked to from Kenya think this is all totally absurd, and are pleading for the ban to be lifted because, as one of them said, "the tourism industry has been brought to its knees."

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  • Pamela's Xmas in Africa
    The change in seasons here is as abrupt as elsewhere in Africa, from last month bone dry and blazing forest, field and brush fires all around, adding smoke to the already dusty air and to now flash flood downpour every afternoon, usually clearing off to a cool crisp evening and a fresh sky of sparkling stars.

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  • Hamjambo? An update from Pamela
    We had very interesting conversations, covering a broad range of topics from Tiananmen Square and democratic reform in China to of course basketball! And what made it even more interesting were that these conversations were in three languages: Chinese, English and Swahili!

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  • Zambia & Victoria Falls
    What stuck me the most, besides the sheer force and pounding loudness of the water, was the incredible intense colors of the contrasting blue sky, white clouds, dark brown rock, vibrant green plant life, and of course the multiple RAINBOWS in the mist!

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  • FLOATER: Factory Tea Bagger
    'I dont do drugs' he said with a straight face and wild white pupiled eyes, going over to the throw away damaged tea pile, producing Bengal Spice tea bags. 'Put this between your toes when you go to sleep' he said, 'clear it right up.'

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  • FLOATER: Newspaper Carrier
    Camille the deaf mother is her own business, whether she like’s it or not, understands it or not. If she and her 11 year old son are getting up at 1:30am to work for $1.50 an hour, that’s their own business, not the papers, not the State of Colorado’s.

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  • FLOATER: Newspaper Carrier
    Camille the deaf mother is her own business, whether she like’s it or not, understands it or not. If she and her 11 year old son are getting up at 1:30am to work for $1.50 an hour, that’s their own business, not the papers, not the State of Colorado’s.

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  • Ideology Maintaining Structure; The necessity of gender roles in the public/private dichotomy
    However, these "June Cleaver" images have been very effective in getting women to take pride in their role as a housewife--reinforcing their own oppressive location in the hierarchal structure of American social relations.

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  • FLOATER: Production Assistant
    I drove Loni during a night shoot at Elitch Gardens in a golf cart. Just her and I, weaving through the deserted amusement rides under the stars. Surreal. Truth was, Loni and The Hulk were very, very nice people. Loni treated me better then any of the production people, always thanking me for anything I did, and every time kids stopped the Hulkster he would spend time signing autographs.

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  • FLOATER: Boulder County Jail
    A window opened on the floodlit interior courtyard, containing a grassy area and a basketball court. We strolled past big windows looking in on prisoners in different categories. One framed a room of strange, obese men. One had long thin threads of white hair. Another was shaved bald. All seemed to float about the room, oddly aloof, like manatee’s at Sea World. Was Floater going in there? Eeeek!

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  • Air and Water Propulsion Guy: First Attempt
    We were at the YMCA of Estes Park, and I took the kids to a rocket class. I've never been the same since....

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  • The Dead @ Garden State Arts Center - N.J.
    The first night (8/10) was really nice. We had outstanding weather, and the crowd was mellow. As always there was lots of fun to be had in the parking lot and on the lawn. I like PNC--the people who work there aren't total JERKS like many people at Jones Beach. On the way into the show we saw some interesting things..

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  • The Dead @ Garden State Arts Center - N.J.
    The first night (8/10) was really nice. We had outstanding weather, and the crowd was mellow. As always there was lots of fun to be had in the parking lot and on the lawn. I like PNC--the people who work there aren't total JERKS like many people at Jones Beach. On the way into the show we saw some interesting things..

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  • The Dead @ Garden State Arts Center - N.J.
    The first night (8/10) was really nice. We had outstanding weather, and the crowd was mellow. As always there was lots of fun to be had in the parking lot and on the lawn. I like PNC--the people who work there aren't total JERKS like many people at Jones Beach. On the way into the show we saw some interesting things..

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  • Short history lesson on the privilege of voting
    For weeks, the women's only water came from an open pail. Their food--all of it colorless slop--was infested with worms. When one of the leaders, Alice Paul, embarked on a hunger strike, they tied her to a chair, forced a tube down her throat and poured liquid into her until she vomited. She was tortured like this for weeks until word was smuggled out to the press.

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  • Short history lesson on the privilege of voting
    For weeks, the women's only water came from an open pail. Their food--all of it colorless slop--was infested with worms. When one of the leaders, Alice Paul, embarked on a hunger strike, they tied her to a chair, forced a tube down her throat and poured liquid into her until she vomited. She was tortured like this for weeks until word was smuggled out to the press.

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  • Air and Water Guy: Water fighting Bald Faced Hornets
    On reflection, This was a foolish attempt by amateurs, and if I did indeed want to attempt another foolish attempt by amateurs, I would do so in the rain, the temperature under 55 Degrees, with a face mask.

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  • Air and Water Guy: Water fighting Bald Faced Hornets
    On reflection, This was a foolish attempt by amateurs, and if I did indeed want to attempt another foolish attempt by amateurs, I would do so in the rain, the temperature under 55 Degrees, with a face mask.

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  • New(ish) Music Review: 'Year of the Crow' by State Radio
    A recent favorite in my personal palette of rebel rock is State Radio’s newest album, Year of the Crow. Although not a new record per say (it was released back in February of this year), it deserves to be acknowledged in what is possibly the most important election season of my time. Year of the Crow is a no-holds-barred criticism of everything to do with the current ruling administration, touching on such dare-not-speak-its-name issues as the torture of uncharged political prisoners at Guantanamo Bay, the CIA’s new “right” to spy on its own people, and the idea of America as an Imperial force, and not the gallant freedom fighter some politicians make us out to be. Some people would call such criticisms unpatriotic, but these things need to be said. Our government is only as evil as its people will allow it to be, and ignorance and complacency are the only real treasons in our fine country.

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  • New(ish) Music Review: 'Year of the Crow' by State Radio
    A recent favorite in my personal palette of rebel rock is State Radio’s newest album, Year of the Crow. Although not a new record per say (it was released back in February of this year), it deserves to be acknowledged in what is possibly the most important election season of my time. Year of the Crow is a no-holds-barred criticism of everything to do with the current ruling administration, touching on such dare-not-speak-its-name issues as the torture of uncharged political prisoners at Guantanamo Bay, the CIA’s new “right” to spy on its own people, and the idea of America as an Imperial force, and not the gallant freedom fighter some politicians make us out to be. Some people would call such criticisms unpatriotic, but these things need to be said. Our government is only as evil as its people will allow it to be, and ignorance and complacency are the only real treasons in our fine country.

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  • Everest announces fall tour dates w/ Neil Young, Wilco & Death Cab for Cutie
    Everest will open for Neil dates with Death Cab for Cutie from October 14 through November 5 on the West Coast and East Coast with Wilco from November 29 through the tour's conclusion at Madison Square Garden on December 15th.

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  • Everest announces fall tour dates w/ Neil Young, Wilco & Death Cab for Cutie
    Everest will open for Neil dates with Death Cab for Cutie from October 14 through November 5 on the West Coast and East Coast with Wilco from November 29 through the tour's conclusion at Madison Square Garden on December 15th.

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  • All Points West Music & Arts Festival
    Opportunity – This is the reason why many of our ancestors came to the United States. When they arrived here, more than likely they came through Ellis Island. Trey Anastasio touched upon this in his set on the final day of the festival, while explaining how his grandfather made this pilgrimage in 1910 from Italy before playing “Drifting.” Nicole Atkins also remarked about the beautiful location of this festival with clear views of the Statue of Liberty and the New York City skyline. She said, “Look at the view. It’s cool because we’re from New Jersey, and we’re pointing at Lady Liberty’s ass.” The festival’s name originates from the fact that immigrants who came to Ellis Island would go to the Central Railroad of New Jersey terminal, which is located on Liberty State Park, and then hop upon trains labeled “all points west.”

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  • All Points West Music & Arts Festival
    Opportunity – This is the reason why many of our ancestors came to the United States. When they arrived here, more than likely they came through Ellis Island. Trey Anastasio touched upon this in his set on the final day of the festival, while explaining how his grandfather made this pilgrimage in 1910 from Italy before playing “Drifting.” Nicole Atkins also remarked about the beautiful location of this festival with clear views of the Statue of Liberty and the New York City skyline. She said, “Look at the view. It’s cool because we’re from New Jersey, and we’re pointing at Lady Liberty’s ass.” The festival’s name originates from the fact that immigrants who came to Ellis Island would go to the Central Railroad of New Jersey terminal, which is located on Liberty State Park, and then hop upon trains labeled “all points west.”

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  • Ben Harper Returns to Brazil This Fall
    Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals will play the eco-friendly About Us Festival in Manaus on September 26th and Săo Paulo on the 28th. Then they'll hit the Pepsi On Stage festival in Porto Alegre on Tuesday, September 30th. Tickets go on sale for all shows on August 22nd.

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  • Ben Harper Returns to Brazil This Fall
    Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals will play the eco-friendly About Us Festival in Manaus on September 26th and Săo Paulo on the 28th. Then they'll hit the Pepsi On Stage festival in Porto Alegre on Tuesday, September 30th. Tickets go on sale for all shows on August 22nd.

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  • Clare & The Reasons Release Song For Obama
    As the world enjoys the last days of summer, Clare & the Reasons are headed back to the UK for a tour that is still adding dates. The tour includes stops at landmark UK festivals, such as Fringe, Connect and End of the Road. The group will join up with My Brightest Diamond halfway through for a co-headlining European leg.

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  • Clare & The Reasons Release Song For Obama
    As the world enjoys the last days of summer, Clare & the Reasons are headed back to the UK for a tour that is still adding dates. The tour includes stops at landmark UK festivals, such as Fringe, Connect and End of the Road. The group will join up with My Brightest Diamond halfway through for a co-headlining European leg.

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  • Jazz Museum Events: August 26-29, 2008
    Last week instructor Greg Thomas continued the month-long tribute to Dr. Taylor with a focus on trio configurations throughout his career, from the 50s ‘til this century. Tempos ballad to brisk, and styles from straight-ahead swing to spiritual solemnity to dance-groove funk to a classically-tinged composition featuring his trio with a symphony orchestra, were appreciated by the attendees at the National Jazz Museum in Harlem’s Visitors Center.

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  • Jazz Museum Events: August 26-29, 2008
    Last week instructor Greg Thomas continued the month-long tribute to Dr. Taylor with a focus on trio configurations throughout his career, from the 50s ‘til this century. Tempos ballad to brisk, and styles from straight-ahead swing to spiritual solemnity to dance-groove funk to a classically-tinged composition featuring his trio with a symphony orchestra, were appreciated by the attendees at the National Jazz Museum in Harlem’s Visitors Center.

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  • Jackson Hole Music Festival Photos!
    The Grateful Web's Sam Holloway trekked up to Jackson Hole last weekend to cover the inaugural Jackson Hole Music Festival. Sam is working on his write-up now, but in the interim we invite you to check out his photos from the weekend. Jackson Hole is one of the loveliest places in the lower 48 and we cannot think of a more pretty setting for a music festival. Thanks to the folks who put on the event for their hospitality. Please be sure to check back soon for Sam's review.

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  • Jackson Hole Music Festival Photos!
    The Grateful Web's Sam Holloway trekked up to Jackson Hole last weekend to cover the inaugural Jackson Hole Music Festival. Sam is working on his write-up now, but in the interim we invite you to check out his photos from the weekend. Jackson Hole is one of the loveliest places in the lower 48 and we cannot think of a more pretty setting for a music festival. Thanks to the folks who put on the event for their hospitality. Please be sure to check back soon for Sam's review.

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  • Rothbury: The Journey There & First Impressions
    We veered off to the left and found ourselves at the Tripolee Domes. You know those big half-circle, old-school jungle gyms? Think three of those on steroids with pieces of fabric stretched amoeba-shaped between them in front of a small stage. An intimate, small-venue experience with the cool artsy atmosphere of rest of the fest perfect for morning yoga and late, late night partying.

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  • Rothbury: The Journey There & First Impressions
    We veered off to the left and found ourselves at the Tripolee Domes. You know those big half-circle, old-school jungle gyms? Think three of those on steroids with pieces of fabric stretched amoeba-shaped between them in front of a small stage. An intimate, small-venue experience with the cool artsy atmosphere of rest of the fest perfect for morning yoga and late, late night partying.

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  • Jackson Hole: A Little Festival with Big Acts & A Lotta Heart
    Summer seems to be coming quickly to a close, and the end of festival season is in sight. This summer was somewhat special, as I was able to witness the birth of two new music festivals onto the scene. In July it was the mega-sized Mile High Music Festival, and on August 16th and 17th the smaller, cozier Jackson Hole Music Festival. Set in Teton Village, at the foot of the Jackson Hole ski resort, and only a stone’s throw away from Grand Teton National Park, I can’t imagine a more beautiful location for a musical weekend. Over the course of two days, ten bands shared a single stage, playing to a crowd of only a few thousand people who danced, drank local Wyoming beer, ate organic pizza, and basked in the fantastic vistas and warm, clear skies.

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  • Jackson Hole: A Little Festival with Big Acts & A Lotta Heart
    Summer seems to be coming quickly to a close, and the end of festival season is in sight. This summer was somewhat special, as I was able to witness the birth of two new music festivals onto the scene. In July it was the mega-sized Mile High Music Festival, and on August 16th and 17th the smaller, cozier Jackson Hole Music Festival. Set in Teton Village, at the foot of the Jackson Hole ski resort, and only a stone’s throw away from Grand Teton National Park, I can’t imagine a more beautiful location for a musical weekend. Over the course of two days, ten bands shared a single stage, playing to a crowd of only a few thousand people who danced, drank local Wyoming beer, ate organic pizza, and basked in the fantastic vistas and warm, clear skies.

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  • Crossroads - the World of Hasil Atkins and Cuzn Wildweed
    But Hasil Atkins was anything but an average person, as a new documentary about him by film-maker, musician and painter Ron Smith, (aka Cuzn Wildweed), reflects. I recently had the opportunity to speak with Smith about Hasil, their music and the film, “My Blue Star”. It was just screened at the Deep Blues Festival in Minnesota, where it won in the Trailers category and the Don't Knock the Rock Festival in Hollywood.

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  • Crossroads - the World of Hasil Atkins and Cuzn Wildweed
    But Hasil Atkins was anything but an average person, as a new documentary about him by film-maker, musician and painter Ron Smith, (aka Cuzn Wildweed), reflects. I recently had the opportunity to speak with Smith about Hasil, their music and the film, “My Blue Star”. It was just screened at the Deep Blues Festival in Minnesota, where it won in the Trailers category and the Don't Knock the Rock Festival in Hollywood.

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  • Crossroads - the World of Hasil Atkins and Cuzn Wildweed
    But Hasil Atkins was anything but an average person, as a new documentary about him by film-maker, musician and painter Ron Smith, (aka Cuzn Wildweed), reflects. I recently had the opportunity to speak with Smith about Hasil, their music and the film, “My Blue Star”. It was just screened at the Deep Blues Festival in Minnesota, where it won in the Trailers category and the Don't Knock the Rock Festival in Hollywood.

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  • Lotus Releases HAMMERSTRIKE and Announces Fall Tour
    This fall, Lotus releases their highly anticipated studio album, Hammerstrike, and steps out on their most ambitious tour yet. The months ahead will wrap up a huge year of growth for Lotus; a year that has positioned this instrumental post-rock outfit for a breakout 2009.

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  • Lotus Releases HAMMERSTRIKE and Announces Fall Tour
    This fall, Lotus releases their highly anticipated studio album, Hammerstrike, and steps out on their most ambitious tour yet. The months ahead will wrap up a huge year of growth for Lotus; a year that has positioned this instrumental post-rock outfit for a breakout 2009.

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  • Turbine Picking Up Speed In Colorado
    Turbine's new album Reward, released in 2007, brings their songwriting and musicianship to the next level. In it you can hear the many influences that have made them who they are today, from the songwriting of Bob Dylan to the futuristic sounds of Radiohead. But who are Turbine…

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  • Turbine Picking Up Speed In Colorado
    Turbine's new album Reward, released in 2007, brings their songwriting and musicianship to the next level. In it you can hear the many influences that have made them who they are today, from the songwriting of Bob Dylan to the futuristic sounds of Radiohead. But who are Turbine…

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  • "Live From Abbey Road" airs this Thursday
    Watch Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals perform in the legendary Abbey Road Studios this Thursday, August 28th on the Sundance Channel at 10PM ET/PT.

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  • "Live From Abbey Road" airs this Thursday
    Watch Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals perform in the legendary Abbey Road Studios this Thursday, August 28th on the Sundance Channel at 10PM ET/PT.

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  • Rothbury: Thursday with the Biscuits, EOTO, Lotus & Others
    The funky, jammy, L.A. based Underground Orchestra proved to be a good start to the music of the weekend before the chaos started. Anthony Rogers-Wright proved to be an entertaining bassist and just one component of this group. Sam Feldman plays the mandolin, which I love, so this group had an instant in. The rest of the guys obviously enjoyed their time @ the Domes together, but those two were my favs of this newly discovered group, both for me and lots of others from the sound of it. Not only did I talk to several people over the course of the weekend that mentioned that these guys were a great new find for them but their Myspace site boasts several comments from converts.

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  • Rothbury: Thursday with the Biscuits, EOTO, Lotus & Others
    The funky, jammy, L.A. based Underground Orchestra proved to be a good start to the music of the weekend before the chaos started. Anthony Rogers-Wright proved to be an entertaining bassist and just one component of this group. Sam Feldman plays the mandolin, which I love, so this group had an instant in. The rest of the guys obviously enjoyed their time @ the Domes together, but those two were my favs of this newly discovered group, both for me and lots of others from the sound of it. Not only did I talk to several people over the course of the weekend that mentioned that these guys were a great new find for them but their Myspace site boasts several comments from converts.

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  • Jackson Hole Festival Part II
    I woke up in Grand Teton National Park to the sounds of crazy mountain birds, and was glad not to have been eaten by bears or wolves during the night. The festival itself provides no camping but there is plenty to be found in the park and in the surrounding forests. On the drive to the festival grounds, I saw a moose, and nearly 30 people taking a picture of it. There was a lot to look forward to, and anyway I’ve seen moose before, so I didn’t stop until I hit Teton Village.

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  • Jackson Hole Festival Part II
    I woke up in Grand Teton National Park to the sounds of crazy mountain birds, and was glad not to have been eaten by bears or wolves during the night. The festival itself provides no camping but there is plenty to be found in the park and in the surrounding forests. On the drive to the festival grounds, I saw a moose, and nearly 30 people taking a picture of it. There was a lot to look forward to, and anyway I’ve seen moose before, so I didn’t stop until I hit Teton Village.

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  • My Morning Jacket Lands at Red Rocks
    On Thursday, August 21, My Morning Jacket played Red Rocks, supported by the Black Keys. Both bands have only recently garnered any mainstream attention, and what attention exists is fleeting, and each has yet to become a household name, but persistence and growth is a quality shared by both. Having worked their ways up from obscurity over a great many years, and churning out quality work in the studio along the way, both My Morning Jacket and the Black Keys have built large cult followings, and each seems primed to explode at any minute.

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  • My Morning Jacket Lands at Red Rocks
    On Thursday, August 21, My Morning Jacket played Red Rocks, supported by the Black Keys. Both bands have only recently garnered any mainstream attention, and what attention exists is fleeting, and each has yet to become a household name, but persistence and growth is a quality shared by both. Having worked their ways up from obscurity over a great many years, and churning out quality work in the studio along the way, both My Morning Jacket and the Black Keys have built large cult followings, and each seems primed to explode at any minute.

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  • YMSB to Perform at Obama's Acceptance Speech Today!
    Yonder Mountain String Band, hailing from Nederland, Colorado (forty miles northwest of Denver), is honored to perform at this year's Democratic National Convention held on Denver August 24-28. Yonder will take the stage on the final day of the convention - August 28th at INVESCO Field at Mile High Stadium - just prior to Barack Obama's highly anticipated acceptance speech for the Democratic nomination. Also scheduled to perform at the event are will.i.am, Stevie Wonder and Dave Matthews Band.

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  • YMSB to Perform at Obama's Acceptance Speech Today!
    Yonder Mountain String Band, hailing from Nederland, Colorado (forty miles northwest of Denver), is honored to perform at this year's Democratic National Convention held on Denver August 24-28. Yonder will take the stage on the final day of the convention - August 28th at INVESCO Field at Mile High Stadium - just prior to Barack Obama's highly anticipated acceptance speech for the Democratic nomination. Also scheduled to perform at the event are will.i.am, Stevie Wonder and Dave Matthews Band.

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Hi everyone!  Hawajambo wote?

I returned to my village 6 days ago, and have been adjusting well despite a few struggles.  Being in the States ruined me in some ways!  I had a fabulous time there, enjoying all the luxuries that are so often taken for granted, such as daily hot showers, driving, a vast variety of food, comfortable chairs, clean stuff, wine and GOOD BEER.  And of course above all else, I immensely enjoyed spending time with family and friends.  Other volunteers that have gone back to the States warned me that everything would be so strange and that I might have a hard time relating to people.  However despite having felt a bit repulsed by our greed (which repulsed me before I left) I otherwise did not at all feel out of place.  With family and friends, I felt more connected to them than ever before.  Everything felt so comfortable and so much like HOME.  
 
The two weddings I was lucky to attend were very special times.  My friend Lori had a very simple yet elegant wedding set in an old mansion bed and breakfast, catered with Indian food and a scrumptious chocolate strawberry cake that she made herself!  My sister had the big traditional wedding, quite extravagant yet earthy, with gorgeous yellow and orange roses, a hummer limo, huge gourmet buffet at a country club and a raging dance party.  Good times all around, with so many friends and family in town!  Time of course flew by way to fast.
 
The Wednesday after my sister's wedding, I got on a plane again for Tanzania, reminding myself I have only 8 months left.  All my flight connections went smoothly, even having a 3 hour emergency landing in Goose Bay, Quebec to let off a sick person.  I spent Friday in Dar taking care of business related matters, and all day Saturday on the beach, where I ended up sleeping off most of my jet lag.  A great place to do it!  Sunday I took a bus to Mafinga, and Monday returned to the village.
 
I returned to find my house and everything in it intact, except there was dirt everywhere that had fallen from the ceiling or blown in, my clothes cabinet and all my clothes inside and my bed and bedsheets were infected with mildew, weeds had overtaken my garden, one of my (thought to be) hens turned into a rooster, and my cat was missing!  She later turned up; I discovered she had kittens in the forest behind the house because she apparently was scared of my guard who slept there every night.  On Thursday she finally brought them (4 of them!) to live with us.  I love having kittens!  Other things to be happy about (after cleaning and washing everything)  is returning to the awesome natural beauty I am surrounded by, the peaceful solitude, being out on my bike again, and my very welcoming village friends. 
 
I brought back almost as much stuff as I brough to America - all gifts - but to America I brought baskets, wood carvings, batiks, and fabrics, whereas to Tanzania I brought M&Ms, sweaters and sweatshirts (thanks Mom and Dad and Vic!), potholders, calendars, candles, jewelry, and bubbles.  They LOVE everything I brought for them, especially the jewelry and bubbles.  Even the adults have never seen bubbles before and get quite a kick out of them!
 
My last 8 months here I'm sure will go fast, because I have plenty to keep me busy!  This month I'll continue teaching English at the school, organize a second beekeeping seminar, begin making fuel-efficient stoves, and track down another place to buy modern breed roosters.  The Rhode Island Reds I brought a few months ago are not getting it on with the local hens!  (Any advice in this area would be much appreciated!  My uncle suggested country music, but I haven't tried this yet.)  The first week of May will be Girls' Empowerment Camp, same as last year but this year at an Italian convent (= good food!).  Then mid-May I'll head to Dar to pick up my friend Jamie from Alaska.  She'll be here for almost a whole month and we're doing everything there is to do here - safari, village, Zanzibar, and most exciting, climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro! 
 
I want to say a big THANK YOU to everyone who donated money for my students.  I now have enough to take (maybe 30!) primary students on safari, buy several books for the new library, and pay secondary school fees for at least 3 maybe 4 students.  I'm still in the process of organizing everything now, but as soon as I can I'll be sending you pictures of the students and hopefully letters from them.  *** If you haven't donated but would still like to, it's not too late.  You can still send checks addressed to me (my mom has power of attourney) at my parents' address.  They'll deposit them in my account there, I'll withdraw the funds from an ATM in Dar, then deposit them in the account I am setting up here.  Wanafunzi wanawashukuru sana!  The students thank you very much!

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