Dreams of 07/07/07 by Monisha Mustapha

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about 1 hour later

Siona said

Oh, I just ran across someone else on Zaadz who was envisioning something wholly similar to this! Let me see whether I can find her entry …

Here we go! Send jochrome a message. Great minds think alike …

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about 5 hours later

Tigana said

Why don’t you ask Al Gore?

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about 6 hours later

Nishtha said

Siona - thanks so much for linking me to jochrome! I will follow up and we'll see what results….

Tigana - very good question! How might I go about asking him, do you think? At this point in my life, I'm pretty gun-shy when it comes to approaching politicians…. When I first came up with the inspiration, I started wondering what it would be like to try and get an audience with SF Mayor Gavin Newsom to propose my idea as something the City of San Francisco would sponsor…the thought of putting on a suit and trying to get an appointment at City Hall gives me the heebie-jeebies….is there another way??

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about 13 hours later

Harticulate said

Wow Nishta the date 07/07/07 really caught my eye! It is to be a special birthday for my youngest son. He has always been lucky number 7! He was born on the seventh month, on the seventh day, seven minutes after midnight. He was the seventh grandchild to my father and the seventh child born that night in that hospital :-O

Anyway my sister just started dating a guy in a band who seems eager to do good in the world as well, maybe we can arrange something?

My sister loves the free hugs campaign…………..maybe we can combine the efforts ;-)

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about 15 hours later

Annisa said

Nishtha, this is a great idea! I know of some bands who are planning to do this in conjunction with the Step It Up 07 day of rallies in April, here in Tucson. The name of their rally is Solar Rock – they're planning to power their equipment with solar panels.

I don't know anything about organizing large events, but one of my friends owns a local coffee shop/music venue, and you have inspired me to talk to her about setting up a show. There's still plenty of time to get some good bands lined up. And invite local environmental organizations and vendors of sustainable products to attend?

Harticulate, are you thinking that maybe the local concerts could make short films to post online? That would be a good idea, too. I wonder if Mr. Gore and his group would consider allowing them to be posted to the LiveEarth website?

By the way, the SOS Concert will be held to a ”Green Event Standard,” and, apart from the carbon being emitted by attendees to reach the concerts, will be as carbon neutral as possible.

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1 day later

Tigana said

Nishtha, you must contact Gore and get permission and releases if you wish to do this, or you will be infringing on his intellectual property.

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1 day later

Nishtha said

Harticulate, I would be very interested in learning more from you re: your sister's boyfriend's band and your sister's interest in the free hugs campaign…Perhaps her boyfriend's band could book a concert for 07/07/07 and she could organize a group of people to give free hugs at the concert…is that along the lines of what you were thinking? And if there was someone there video-taping it all, as Annisa mentioned, the video could be uploaded to a website…either LiveEarth or even YouTube as a response to the original Free Hugs Campaign.

Annisa, thanks so much for the encouragement and kind words….I'm glad that my thoughts have inspired you to talk to your friend who owns the coffee shop….That's EXACTLY the kind of inspiration I was hoping I could help spread…perhaps you and I (and others??) can figure out how to suggest that kind of action to more people here on Zaadz…I'm sure there are plenty of musicians and people who own small venues such as coffee shops or public gathering places that we could encourage to participate in this effort….where might be the best place(s) to post such a Request/Suggestion?

Tigana, how exactly is Al Gore's intellectual property being infringed (as I'm not quite clear on the distinction between intellectual “property” and “in the public domain”)? What kind of permission do you think is needed and how would you suggest I go about obtaining permission and releases? Your feedback on the matter is much appreciated.

Thanks everyone for your contributions and Support!

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1 day later

Siona said

Again, Nishtha, I love this idea. I mentioned it to a few of my classmates today and they were interested too; a number of them play instruments and we were talking about getting some kind of local drumming circle together in a public park that day. And the next time I'm at my favorite local coffee shop / performance venue I'll ask to see what they have planned for 07/07/07. Any kind of music-for-peace they could host would be amazing.

I love the idea of this being local and grassroots and sustainable, too! Those big concerts, as you mentioned, can be so envirnomentally costly … even the travel costs of the audiences are huge! But local bands and musicians and people just getting together in their neighborhoods to make a stand for peace is environmentally low-impact and socially high-impact – because everyone in that communtiy will be aware. It's wonderful.

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2 days later

Tigana said

Dear Nishtha,

You wrote,
“how exactly is Al Gore’s intellectual property being infringed (as I’m not quite clear on the distinction between intellectual ‘property’ and ‘in the public domain’? What kind of permission do you think is needed and how would you suggest I go about obtaining permission and releases? Your feedback on the matter is much appreciated.”

I cannot advise you further. You had better check with legal experts in the field of Intellectual Property.

t

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2 days later

johntherock said

That would be terrific Nishtha, and I think it's an idea that should be pushed as far as it can. It makes more sense than centralizing an event that might do much more good when it's held in as many communities as possible. I don't think at this point that there are any legal considerations as Tigana suggests. Also, did you know that many musicians (Bonnie Raitt, Indigo Girls, Willie Nelson, etc all have buses that run on bio-fuel???

Peace and love, the world's a better place because of you,

John

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2 days later

Tigana said

Dear Nishtha,

If you go ahead without legal consultation, you will be your own law client.

If you cannot get permission, but you respect Gore, then perhaps you can volunteer for him.

t

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3 days later

Nishtha said

I must admit, Tigana, your comments have been worrying to me. My impression of Al Gore is that he would rather see people taking the initiative to get the word out about our climate crisis and wouldn't be bothering about suing people for intellectual property rights infringement.

You may wonder why your seemingly innocuous comments are hurting me. I will try and explain. You see, I have an insane fear of US courts and the US Justice System…ever since 9/11/01. My family is Muslim (as is my last name, even though I don't consider myself a practitioner of any organized religion), so I'm absolutely certain that I - or any member of my family - would NOT be treated fairly in a US Court of Law (under the current regime, at least. Did you know that no one held in Guantanamo has access to US Courts by Congressional decree? And they haven't been Charged with Any Crime except being Muslim men in the United States of America).

Momentarily (the past few days), I had been crippled in taking any further initiative on my Inspiration after reading your comments. I was upset and scared and frustrated. I didn't have sufficient counsel on how to address my quandry to be able to proceed, confidently and Safely in the Pursuit of this Dream of mine….

Then, this morning, I awoke with New Hope. (Tigana, I appreciate the private email you shared with me about some beautiful, SELFLESS, work that Al Gore did/is doing. *That* gave me renewed energy to pursue my dream.)

Just now, I logged on to the Climate for Alliance Protection (the organization mentioned on the MSN Live Earth press conference). I clicked the Contact link, and wrote the following comment:

Hello, After I learned about the Live Earth initiative planned for 07/07/07, I have been meditating on how I can make a contribution. I had an inspiration, which I elaborated here (http://imprintingspirit.zaadz.com/blog/2007/2/dreams_of_07_07_07) and was encouraged to share that inspiration with you folks. I would be happy to volunteer as a coordinator in San Francisco (a place where no mega-concerts are currently planned) and I would be happy to spread the word to friends around the globe to initiate similar activities in their hometowns. My question for you: do I need to obtain permission or a release to take part in this way? How should I go about getting permission? How might my efforts coordinate with yours (i.e., is there a liaison in your organization I can work with)?
Your attention is greatly appreciated.
Warm regards,
Monisha

My Hope is that I am doing the Right Thing, proceeding with Good Faith, and Full Disclosure of my Intentions and Pureness of Heart.

Is that Enough??

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3 days later

johntherock said

Nishtha,

What else is there? That is more than enough. If you build it, they will come. Trust that the universe is conspiring to put everything to use for you, because you believe. Cast any doubt out, let the naysayers fall by the wayside, and pursue your vision.

Namaste,

John

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3 days later

Merry Mary said

joh, you may like the new twist on that expression! ray, one of the life coaches on the secret said, its not “build it and they will come”, its “bring/give value and they will come”

i say, do both and all the more power!

nishtha–thank you so much for sharing your truths with us here.i feel deep compassion for you and your family and community. i am ashamed of the racism in our country and all of our government's racist wars based on economic gains for the few…i am sorry you all have suffered from the ignorance and unkindnes of others. some americans can be so mean and stupid.

if you ever need support around this,please call on me as an ally and a friend.

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4 days later

Nishtha said

Jon and Mary - thank you both for your well wishes and heartfelt support. I appreciate it, I really, really do.

AND I think that Tigana brought up a Very Good Point that should be addressed, by me and others out there….Actually, Harticulate (Heidi) sent me an email that she told me I could post here on her behalf (she's having dial-up issues and blogging glitches)

From Heidi:
************************************************************************************************
“My impression of Al Gore is that he would rather see people taking the initiative to get the word out about our climate crisis and wouldn't be bothering about suing people for intellectual property rights infringement.” Nishta

Nishta……..I couldn't agree more. I would have the same hopes and assumptions about Gore as well. But also I tend to be very hesitant when it comes to legal matters that I don't understand or don't know the rules too. You are not alone in wondering where are the lines drawn………sometimes you don't know until after you have broken laws. Learning the hard way is no fun, so I would think that out of crossing our t's and dotting our I's; perhaps that would be a good route to go. We could freely go on with the organization of this, with a free conscious. Sounds like you Nishta, have already approached this in a respectful sincere manner.

Let us know how this goes Nishta, you are leading the way ……Thank you for what you have already done!

I have spoken to the bands singer…….he seems to think it is a good idea. Then he heard about it somewhere else and I think is getting a lil pschyed about it J

I've been thinking about other organizations within the community that may also want to get involved, like the non-profit horse ranch and the alternative high school(they are getting teens involved in this kind of stuff ;-). Then the Free Hugs thing perhaps……..a couple other bands???? Heck I don't know…….eh maybe that is what we can do here..bounce this stuff of eachother, get some good idea's and learn from eachother. Oh and also I think getting “interfaith” involved in this would be cool as well. Bringing different faiths/cultures in on a unifying topic “global warming”.

Heidi
**************************************************************************************************

Yes, I would very much like to make sure that I have dotted all my “i's” and crossed all my “t's” as I proceed with putting my inspiration into operation….having all of you Zaadzsters in my corner is fortifying me to do Everything in my Power that I Can and Should do…..

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4 days later

Harticulate said

Ehhhhh………I was thinking that these lil gatherings are kinda like a Zanga…..wrong spelling I am sure ;-) But perhaps if they are just small gatherings…….like a zaanga…maybe it would be just the same as groups of folks getting together on “earth day”.

When I worked for a real estate developer, I learned alot about going to county offices to apply for permits, zoning, etc. Would be the same idea in obtaining permits at park or whatever for an event…….just a different subject I guess?

Just trying to wrap my head around this thing………I'm used to organizing teenagers lol……seems like I could figure this out.

It's a big responsibility to take on and I have a lot of questions……

Heidi

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4 days later

Tigana said

Dear Nishtha,
I think we all admire Mr. Gore, and I am sure that none of us would like to see another thing
taken from him - including by well-wishers.
:)

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4 days later

johntherock said

Tigana. I don'tthink anyone is taking anything away from Mr. Gore. Your words of caution are fine, but why not throw in some ideas about HOW this could be pulled together and how Nishtha's vision could become a reality, instead of cryptic, cautionary statements. I think she is intending to create something positive from a pure heart, can you align yourself with that? We can focus all day long on the possible hurdles, or we can work towards something that would compliment and enhance the mission…to focus people's energy on the looming global environmental crisis. What are your ideas?

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4 days later

Merry Mary said

i too see it as such, that rather than taking away something, we can co-create something from the gift al gore has given us…its all in how we percieve it…and respectfully use the tools he is handing to us…i think a balance is the best way to go, for as nishtha said, she would take care to cross her t's and dot her i's, especially given her life circumstances as a muslin american woman.

“compliment and enhance”, yes, now i think al gore is all over that! and i feel confident that his agenda and heart and ego are in tact enough to not go after someone like a small group of zaadsters for infringement of intellectual porperty when he is spreading the seeds of hope for planet earth far and wide.

this is a test, nishtha, tis only a test, a test of your resolve, if you will. what do you think your next steps will be and how can we help?

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5 days later

ayla said

Nishtha,

Lovely one, my heart just dropped when I read about your feelings of fear. Quite honestly, I haven't added my “two cents” here because I found myself angered by Tigana's earlier statements. I just felt so defensive for you. I'm calmed down now and glad to see that the thread is turning more positive and hopeful. I'm also very impressed with your calm expression and acceptance of differing opinions (you're such a good teacher!). What a beautiful world we live in but how mixed up sometimes. That said, here is that “two cents” of mine ~ your vision, like you, is lovely, energetic, & inspiring! Go for it! I looking forward to seeing you on the front page of papers, magazines, and the nightly news!

With Love, Ayla

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6 days later

Nishtha said

Thanks again John(therock!) and Mary… for keeping my spirits buoyed as I navigate these uncharted (for me) waters…. There's a pod on Zaadz that has an associated website related to Global Warming initiatives….the pod, the website.

The date they are working with is April 14, 2007 (National Day of Climate Action). I think this might be a great date to target for the First Round of my pet project….having little concerts in local neighborhood venues with the theme of raising people's awareness re: the climate crisis….I just put in my own request to “start an action” and the site says that it could take up to 24 hours before it's posted. I'll let you know when it's up and we'll see where it goes from there.

And Tigana, I know that your heart is full for wanting to do what's right…I have read your blog posts and know that you see many of the injustices in the world and want Important Work to be Done to Address them…I share that desire with you, which is very much why I consider you my friend….What I would encourage you to ponder is this:
How can those of us Who Care (people like you and me), continue to ignite the Sparks of Creativity in others, continue to fan the flames for Activism that Improves the World, taking care not to Douse such flames of Desire as they arise?
I do not want your voice to be silenced. I would love for you to continue to voice your concerns and help me Do The Right Thing…That being said, I am also hoping that you include some words of encouragement in your feedback, some light by which my actions can be guided…
That is what I would hope to do for you - and anyone else - who has the seed/zaad of an idea to Make the World a Better Place.

Namaste.

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6 days later

Tigana said

John, please read back up the thread. I made a suggestion almost a week ago. I suggested that Nishtha consult a lawyer.
Just because Mr. Gore is a nice guy does not mean that people can drop ordinary manners, proceedures or good business practice - including protecting ourselves.
Multimillionaries can afford big and powerful legal teams to protect their property. If Nishtha were contemplating a product based on STAR WARS and did not get Mr. Lucas’ permission to utilize his intellectual property, she would be sued within an inch of her life. And Lucas, too, is a nice guy.
This is Gore’s party. Let’s not be gatecrashers.

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6 days later

johntherock said

Tigana,

We all caught your drift the first time you posted. I am certain that Nishtha, being the intelligent, educated and sensitive person she is will perform due diligence before creating something that could potentially create legal issues. I continue to encourage her to take actions on her intentions and to do it in good faith, without fear. She obviously has high regard for what Mr. Gore et al are planning, and is looking to contribute. I don't see any reason to respond to your post other than to say that you have said the same thing repeatedly, and I understood you the first time. RUN IT BY AN ATTORNEY. Yes, I concur. That being said, I continue to encourage Nishtha to find ways to contribute which inspire her to action. The gatecrashing comment is simply condescending. I'm not sure if you're picking up that those kind of remarks are causing people to bristle at your posts. Peace to you, John

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6 days later

Tigana said

John wrote, “Your words of caution are fine, but why not throw in some ideas about HOW this could be pulled together and how Nishtha’s vision could become a reality, instead of cryptic, cautionary statements. I think she is intending to create something positive from a pure heart, can you align yourself with that? We can focus all day long on the possible hurdles, or we can work towards something that would compliment and enhance the mission…to focus people’s energy on the looming global environmental crisis. What are your ideas?”

A pure heart is important, but so is clear thinking.
Nishtha can get involved in volunteer work for Gore and the enviromnent. As Al Gore has shown us, there are many ways to serve.
Nishtha is a veteran of Fortune 500 companies. So she cannot be a stranger to the importance of intellectual property, nor to the value of good legal counsel.
By posting here before legal consultation, and allowing a week to lapse, Nishtha may have relinquished her rights to and control of what *might* have been her intellectual property. Without action - and timely legal and business advice, she will never make it past the first hurdle.
I have concerns that already require my energy, and cannot afford the time that you demand me to give to this idea, John.

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6 days later

Harticulate said

Moving On………

Now that we are fully “aware” of some of the hurdles we may face in whatever we decide to do next in…….taking action for ourselves and the planet we love. Let's move on……

This so far has been an awesome conversation! If these are the stumbling blocks that we face in relating to eachother online for a common purpose…….I can see why the White House gets tied in knots.

We come from many places, perspectives and idea's, etc. We all have something to add…….. If you really care…… “add” even concerns to the movement……but with encouragement on how to go forward.

LOL……..there is no “I” in team…….if we are coming together on a subject…….we must be a team I am assuming. And a team needs to be “united”……….different perspectives are important even in uniting. But the key here is to unite……to come together as one……adding our own personal attributes to make a more bigger, beautiful ONE.

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6 days later

Harticulate said

Nishta………

It has been a long time coming for women to take a stand on anything at all. And in America especially as a muslim woman, the ability to take a stand is remarkable. I think especially us younger women in America do not know what we sometimes take for granted. This last half century in America has really come a long way for everyone.

With that said I commend you for being willing to stand up with all of us, tearing down the walls of differences and caring about the greater good. I believe that this is the only attitude that will lead us forward to be able to come together and unite for this very important cause. Then maybe we will find that if we can come together on global warming……..maybe we can come together on many more important issues.

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7 days later

Nishtha said

Smaller Dreams before Bigger Ones!
(replacing 07/07/07 dreams with 04/14/07 Project)

Hello Dear Friends - as promised, I'm including a link to the post I made on the Step it Up 2007 website.

If you live in or near San Francisco, let me know if you can help me get organized or if you'd like to attend once we have venues and acts established.

And if you're interested in organizing your own event for 04/14/07, feel free to copy or build upon my idea (I have no vested interest in holding onto what some may consider “intellectual property” - I want Action on behalf of the Environment!)
: - )

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7 days later

ayla said

Way to go Lady!

Harticulate, Even before I read your post I was sitting here thinking about what Tolle & Chopra would have to say … and knowing that egos (or local minds) were certainly very involved with this thread, mine included. The Indians lost their land as their concept of the land being “property” was so alien. It looks like the concept of an idea being “intellectual property” has left many of us just as confused.

What can we do, other than follow Nishtha's lead and “step it up”!

Nish, as you know I live in Idaho, but if I can help you from here in any way, please let me know!

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7 days later

Annisa said

Hi Nishtha,

I commend you on the action you are taking here. We can't live in fear if we want to live!

And by the way, here's the link to my Step It Up 2007 action: http://events.stepitup2007.org/events/show/155, so if there's any Tucsonans out there, I hope to see you on April 14th.

Ayla - Is there a Step It Up rally planned in Idaho that you could attend? If not, why not start your own?

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7 days later

ayla said

Annisa, Ayla says “well duh” to herself. Thanx for suggestion!

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7 days later

Jenna said

I am going out on a limb here… but I remember being in my mom's 1976 Oldsmobile 98 with my best friend Beth, listening to John Denver's “Grandma's Feather Bed” on the 8-track.. and Beth saying.. “Hey, what happened today that won't happen again for 100 years?”

07/07/77 I was thirteen.

I should approach every day that way…

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7 days later

Nishtha said

My Dearest Friends…. I mean FRIENDS!

I have been heartened and strengthened by absolutely every single one of you…I have made some alterations in my plans, my outlook, my perspectives and have thus, achieved a Peace of Mind that I have not known in years!!! (not a small task for this intrepid-but-tremulous, muslim-in-America-who-actually-really-aligns-with-the-Quakers!, person of high hopes and daring dreams who has been taken to task (and burned) on numerous occasions….)

I will not be a Victim to Circumstance…
However, I will continue to Boldly Pursue my Dreams.

I will continue to Walk My Walk and Talk My Talk…as an American citizen who has, according to Thomas Jefferson, an inalienable right to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness…

My Happiness is in the Experience of Music/Entertainment that serves a Higher Purpose.

I will do Anything and Everything in my power to pursue my own Happiness, trusting in my own Pureness of Heart and Vision, that I will be guided by Right Action and Due Diligence, insofar as I am educated, in a safe and trusting - and trustworthy - environment, on what Right Action and Due Diligence entails.

Sooooo……I have made some contributions this morning on a pod that is close to my Heart, called “Musicans close to me” - please check it out!

Emma's Revolution and Blame Sally have been (quietly and perhaps subversively!) Inspiring me and Motivating me to embark upon this Pet Project of mine long before I learned about Al Gore's Live Earth initiative….however Al's announcement (and the experience of his triumphant night at the Oscar's on Sunday, February 25th) are providing the current Wind in my Sails… :-)

IF we are going to Effect/Affect Change in the World Today, we must/MUST break out of the paradigm of fear/Fear that has been constructed as the Modus Operandi for our Citizenry. If a Protestant White Man can do it, why can't I?! (feel free to comment if you believe that the laws of the United States of America actually protect Protestant White Men to a superior degree than any other type of American…and any suggestions you have as to what we/i/you can do about that.)

You want to know the secret to Clean Energy? It's called Nuclear Fusion and it is meant to be Free…and you want to know what I know about Nuclear Fusion? It already EXISTS, but not quite in the way current “Scientists” theorize!
Contact me directly if you want/need me to spell it out for you… ;-)

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10 days later

KimZOE! : ) said

Nishtha,
Sounds like your creative power is super charged on this initiative! I applaud you for your big dreams! I feel like this would be great so that we all can be apart of this important project! I would be more than happy to help with this endeavor!

: )

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10 days later

Merry Mary said

i will be happy to help too. will you lay your plan out to us when it is ready?

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10 days later

Harticulate said

Nishta……speaking of music, your words reminded me of some lyrics that I used to keep up all the time on my profile/signature:

Jewel has always been one of my favorite artists; I think she writes most of her lyrics? If you look at her song “Hands” in written form, it is actually one of the most beautiful poems I have read.

“If I could tell the world just one thing
It would be that we're all OK
And not to worry 'cause worry is wasteful
And useless in times like these
I won't be made useless
I won't be idle with despair
I will gather myself around my faith
For light does the darkness most fear

My hands are small, I know
But they're not yours, they are my own
But they're not yours, they are my own
And I am never broken

Poverty stole your golden shoes
But it didn't steal your laughter
And heartache came to visit me
But I knew it wasn't ever after

We'll fight, not out of spite
For someone must stand up for what's right
'Cause where there's a man who has no voice
There ours shall go singing

My hands are small I know
But they're not yours, they are my own
But they're not yours, they are my own
And I am never broken

In the end only kindness matters
In the end only kindness matters

I will get down on my knees, and I will pray
I will get down on my knees, and I will pray
I will get down on my knees, and I will pray

My hands are small I know
But they're not yours, they are my own
But they're not yours, they are my own
And I am never broken

My hands are small I know
But they're not yours, they are my own
But they're not yours, they are my own
And I am never broken
We are never broken

We are God's eyes
God's hands
God's mind
We are God's eyes
God's hands
God's heart
We are God's eyes
God's hands
God's eyes
We are God's hands
We are God's hands” Jewel

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13 days later

Annisa said

Check out what I just stumbled across: Eco-Tunes, a solution to the carbon-consumption by concert-tours. This is pretty cool!

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16 days later

Nishtha said

Thank you, thank you, thank you to all the friends that continue to check in with this blog and with this dream….

I have been away from Zaadz for about a week, attending to personal matters. The month of March will consist of more meditating and planning on how I can bring my dreams into reality, beginning with the target date of April 14, 2007 (National Climate Action Day) and April 22, 2007 (Earth Day) and the possibility of more in the months afterward….

I came across this video, by the rock band Nickelback, called ”If Everyone Cared” and it pretty much summarizes my mindset and inspirations for action (before Al Gore, there was Bob Geldof, who began the era of big concert events for socio-political action)…

*** Enjoy Every Moment You Are Inspired *** (my motto for the month!)

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21 days later

Siona said

Nishtha! I emailed the organizers of Live Earth and just heard back; they said they'd be THRILLED to help get these sorts of grassroots happenings off the ground. I'll forward on the response and will put you in touch with the organizers.

This is so exciting.

:)

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21 days later

Nishtha said

Siona, This is AWESOME!

I'm so glad that you received a response to your email and I'll look forward to following up with the organizers to do my part…. I knew that if I just practiced some patience along with my perseverance, it would eventually pay off….thank you so much for this fantastic news!!
: - )

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21 days later

Harticulate said

Check this out! I got an email back today from a local organization (League of Women Voters, Mt. Pleasant Area) that is having a meeting tommorow night:

“It was good to get your message. The League's global warming program is open to all. If you know of anyone else who might be interested, please let them know. The early publicity that went in the Buyers Guide didn't include the fact that Peter Sinclair, who attended the confedrence and training for those doing a follow-up program on Gore's film “An Inconvenient Truth”, will be presenting the program and leading the discussion. Also note that the program will start at 7:30, not at 7:, as Sinclair couldn't make it earlier. We hadn't heard that from him before the Buyers Guide info went in. I'm delighted that you're also interested in the League. We'll have some information on it and there'll be other members at the meeting. Glad to hear from you! Nancy Nagler, President LWV of the Mt.Pleasant Area”

Can I just say wow! I need your encouragement and support, I am very nervous. In my mind I have all these great things I want to do, but Action is so hard for me. I am so shy and have always felt that no one was interested in what I have to say.

And on those same lines can I just say something else? When it seems like people just don't care, maybe there is another underlying cause that keeps them from springing into action. Certainly more harsh judgement is not what they need, but perhaps more love and support to help them overcome their fears.

I was thinking that this was the perfect chance to bring up these little local gatherings we have been discussing and also give them some of my zaadz cards I still have. If anyone has any ideas or wants to email me something concrete to take with me to the meeting I would appreciate it: harticulate@yahoo.com

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21 days later

Nishtha said

Harticulate, your words, “Can I just say wow! I need your encouragement and support, I am very nervous. In my mind I have all these great things I want to do, but Action is so hard for me. I am so shy and have always felt that no one was interested in what I have to say.

And on those same lines can I just say something else? When it seems like people just don't care, maybe there is another underlying cause that keeps them from springing into action. Certainly more harsh judgement is not what they need, but perhaps more love and support to help them overcome their fears.”

…could have come directly from my own mind!!

Encouragement, love and support are VITAL to help people such as ourselves move from Ideas to Action…. I'm so excited that you are going to attend the League of Women Voters local meeting! Since it sounds like this will be your first meeting, My suggestion to you is to spend much of your time Listening. Active listening is an incredibly important skill - and one that tends to go when people are very excited about their own plans and ideas (I can attest to this from my own experience!)

If you spend most of your time engaged in Active Listening (an easy skill to learn, a difficult skill to master ;-), listening to what the current members are excited about, how they speak to one another, how ideas are received - and particularly, how the ideas that seem to grab people's attention are conveyed, you will be armed with a lot of great information on how to get yourself heard. If there are times where you are moved to speak, by all means, do so. My advice is that if you spend 80-90% of your time actively listening to what others are saying, then the times that you are asked, or moved, to speak will be well-informed and fully (H)Articulate!

Have fun and let us know how it goes!!

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about 1 month later

Dana said

Girl, you are incredible!!!!!

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about 1 month later

Nishtha said

JACKPOT

I just received the following email (thank you again Siona! for helping me make contact):

You have recently contacted Live Earth requesting info about
potential additional events or concerts, beyond our core series.
First, let me express our sincere gratitude for your passion and
support behind this essential initiative. All of us at Live Earth
and The Alliance for Climate Protection would like to see each and
every person around the world share the same commitment that you have.

Live Earth is not in a position to officially align with any other
events, including staging 'satellite' or additional Live Earth
concerts. This is due to the limited time left for planning, and our
limited resources both financially and human. We have 100% of our
focus on delivering the core concerts along with our responsibilities
to all of the partners we have become engaged with.

Thus, in response to the overwhelming support of this cause, and the
desire to in someway participate from individuals and groups like
your own, we are developing a toolkit. This kit, “Live Earth in a
Box,” will be available in a few weeks. The kit will include info to
help you organize independently events that you so choose. Info
included will be program info and messaging, green event and
individual suggestions, and some artwork. Notably, any direct
association or affiliation with Live Earth will be heavily
restricted. Rules and guidelines will be in the kit. When this kit
is available, you will be contacted by our office to register and
receive it.

Again, Live Earth cannot officially partner with any more events,
however, we do hope that these materials will encourage and enable
you to support the movement in your own way. Please be patient with
us as we work diligently to provide this info as soon as possible.

Live Earth

Also, for those who don't know, April 14th is “National Day for Climate Action” and Step It Up.org is the clearinghouse for a lot of organized efforts across the country. Check it out: http://stepitup2007.org. If you're in the San Francisco area, come to my event!

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about 1 month later

Siona said

Woohoo!

Thank you thank you thank you Nishtha, for germinating this seed, and this fantastic update. I'm excited. And impressed. :)

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about 1 month later

Harticulate said

Awesome, awesome, awesome Nishta!

This is pretty much the same response I got back from the Inconvenient Truth representative at the League of Women Voters meeting I spoke of above.

And Nishta….thank you for your encouragement! I stood up in front of everyone, shaking….but professionally posed the “rights” question. To which I got a very short form answer like your letter above…..as there was 5 minutes until the library closed;-)

However at that time there was not the tool kit info! This is awesome news and I am hoping it will help me to continue on.

I am going to my first actual League of Women Voters meeting this Thursday to see if I am interested in joining. I guess there may be some state representatives there to discuss “eco” issues. I would love to be able to take a copy of your email to this meeting, but would like your permission first ?

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about 1 month later

Nishtha said

You have my permission… ;-)

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about 1 month later

Harticulate said

Oh thank you Nishta! I headed off with letter in hand to the meeting and could not find the community room :-(

My directions were to go to the Rosewood Community room which I assumed was at the library and it wasn't. I asked around and by the time I found the location the meeting was over. I will still get back in touch with the League though, not all is lost. Hopefully by the next meeting that tool kit will be available and I will be more equipped for the meeting anyhow.

Not all is lost though. I talked to the bands lead singer last night and asked for a commitment. He had some time to think about it since he had watched the Inconvenient Truth movie I lent him and had attended that other meeting with me, which had the representative from AIT. He said he was committed, had talked to one of the guitarist whom which he also believes is committed. Two more band members to get commitment from ;-)

I also talked to the principal of our local alternative school, which by the way is an awesome school that believes in all of its students. The principal said that he would be happy to stand behind me and get the kids involved that would be interested. Teens love music and unfortunately they are facing our wasteful legacy; so I thought that it would be another great organization to get involved.

This is how far I've got! Can't wait for that tool kit!

Heidi

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2 months later

DragonTiger said

Happy Mother's or ” Not a mother”'s Day, beautiful Nishtha!!!

Love,

Lingchao

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3 months later

Michael said

07/07/07

Peace Peace Peace

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4 months later

Michael said

Al Gore IS - talking the good talk - in the UK today on the eve of the 4th July 2007 -
& THE day IS fast approaching - Let the People decide …

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