Without Rights

"A right delayed is a right denied." ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.

István Takács, a representative of the HCLU (Hungarian Civil Liberties Union - a human rights watchdog NGO), recently contacted me as he needed music for a documentary on the life of Roma people in the east side of his country.

Some background:

"During the aftermath of murders in Tatárszentgyörgy, Péter Juhász and Bence Békés began visiting villages around Ózd to support the Romani people living in the area. With advocacy tools provided by the HCLU, they joined in helping these communities advocate for themselves and fight discrimination more effectively. We have documented their work, this film is the first piece in documenting their work and revealing what they found."

More details behind the documentary can be found on http://tasz.hu/en/roma-issues/without-rights. The film can be viewed below in English subtitles.

Without Rights from Hungarian Civil Liberties Union on Vimeo.

"At the center of non-violence stands the principle of love." ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.

Support from Afar

As I sit in my chair with my coffee and air conditioning, I'm feeling quite spoiled and likely a bit too comfortable. The disaster in Haiti keeps coming to mind as I attempt to get my day-to-day projects completed.

I must remain where I am at this time, but this chair doesn't have to stop me from helping those in need. Large scale events such as this earthquake are always a solid reminder that there are continuously people in need worldwide, be it on a small, medium or large scale. We can provide support and help people wherever our location.

No matter how busy we are today or the priorities we must regularly attend to, there is always time for one or more of the following:

Pray - A positive thought, a minute of meditation, a shout out to God. Whatever the flavor, we all have at least a moment to send some positive energy where it is needed.

Give if you can - For example, eBay's Giving Works program is a great way to buy, sell or directly donate to more than 40 organizations working to support the Haiti disaster.

20 Minute Run

Thanks to Roland at the The 20 Minute Runner Podcast for featuring my music in episode #35.

Check out his site.

2010 Creed

Some poetry/lyrics that came to mind as I start 2010. Perhaps these words will be placed in a song this year.

shout
get it out
let go
be the flow

live
believe and give
be free
shape your destiny

combine
intertwine
we're family
friends not enemies

love
look above
fly so high
joy is close by

feel
this world is real
respect
and nurture you will get