Meet Pat DeLair, the CEO of Global Mission Readiness as he describes why so many American firefighters are committed to helping international fire districts train their firefighters. These firefighters are helping stabilize communities and demonstrate that Americans care about the sanctity of life.

Global Mission Readiness

Homeless families and  homeless women find a haven in Portland, Oregon when they connect with Rose Haven.  Rose Haven has been operating for more than 20 years in Portland and provides a variety of services as well as a safe place for women to work on making their life better.  Liz Starke, Development Director of Rose Haven, describes their many successes in spite of the Covid-19 pandemic, the severe weather and wild fires in Oregon.  What is amazing is her positive outlook.

Rose Haven - Interview Of Liz Starke

Circular fashion isn't just a new catch phrase, it's an phrase that describes the future of the clothing and shoe wear industry. This is an interview of Julie Derrick, owner of "JD's Shoe Repair" and also know as 
"The Cobblers."  You won't believe what her shop is able to achieve in re rebuilding shoes, wallets, bags, and purses.  It is time that the American public learn the wonderful benefits of making clothing and shoes last. Here's the proof if it.  Take a look at their great website: http://www.jdshoerepair.com/

Circular Fashion - An Example - JD Shoe Repair

Refugee settlement in the United States is a task that has been taken on by a number of Non-profit organizations.  Many large cities have such a resettlement program. While traveling in the Dallas-Fort Worth area in late 2015 I met Paula Rose, a volunteer who assists refugees as they establish a residence, get work and go to school. She volunteers with Dallas Fort Worth International.  I talked with her about this demanding role. I am very impressed with the long hours she spends helping these people.  I learned a lot about the practical steps she takes and was amazed at her stamina.
A number of important immigration issues still face the US.  Governor Greg Abbott, no friend of immigration  cancelled his state's cooperation with the US Refugee Resettlement programs in December 2016.  He set limits on the number of refugees that could enter his state.
More information about the US Refugee Resettlement programs will be available soon.  Find out about the International Rescue Committee.

Refugee Resettlement Program Dallas  Ft Worth 2016

Is the US Border Patrol focused on coping with those seeking asylum or for those trying to reconnect with their children?  You will learn about the work of the Center for Migration Studies of New York and listen to Edgardo Zuniga, a contract worker for the International Rescue Committee talk about how that organization is helping individuals fleeing Guatemala, Columbia and El Salvador who are seeking asylum or attempting to reconnect with their children living in the US.  Find out more about the IRC at https://www.rescue.org/

How Does IRC Help Refugees

There are so many international emergencies. War, civil strife, floods, excessive hear, hurricanes and tornadoes. When these happen normal activities cease and support from many international agencies is essential to provide a reasonably stable life.  The Inter-agency Network for Education in Emergencies is one of the many agencies that help support education.  They cooperate with some 4000 organizations that provide education by providing resources and helping coordinate the services.  They also provide training and utilize studies that help these education oriented agencies.  You can find out more about them at https://inee.org/.

How Are Children Educated During War

The 2021 census reports that more than 80% of the US population now lives in cities.  This should include unincorporated urban and rural communities. Community leaders as well as state and local political figures have been asking if Counties are able to manage the urban unincorporated communities, many which are larger than the incorporated cities.  A group of residents living in the Oak Grove and Jennings Lodge unincorporated communities decided to find out what other sorts or political structure s might provide better more equitable support for their residents.  They found money from Metro, a regional form of government unique to Oregon, to fund the "Oak Lodge Governance Project."  They have been promoting their project to the local community using their own funds. So, some residents in a retirement community, Willamette View, is helping them promote their study.  This interview is part of that effort.  In this interview you'll meet Mitra Anoshiravani and Eleanore Hunter, organizing members of the project.  They'll explain the purpose of the project, provide some historical context, and describe the project's current status.  You may not live in this community, however, you should learn how a similar look at your community might help you see if your tax dollars are best spent. Take a look at the Oak Lodge Governance Project website: http://oaklodgegovernanceproject.org/

Are Cities &  Counties Set Up To Serve Unincorporated Communities

The visually impaired have many technical tools to assist them in reading and utilizing computers.  This interview will introduce you to the Blind Beacon Project that has been developed by Dr. Vinod Namboordiri, a professor at Wichita State University.  Dr. Namboodiri has designed a navigational aide that can be utilized on a smart phone that gives  verbal direction to the user who wants to find a specific room in a building.  You can find out more about the project at: https://research.envisionus.com/getattachment/Team/Vinod-Namboodiri,-PhD/percom2016-camready.pdf?lang=en-US.

Guide Beacon Project For The Visually Impaired

Pam Brown, co-host of the Keeping Kurrent Show, interviews Karie Shirtz, a dental hygienist located in the greater Portland, Oregon area. She learns what motivated Karie to become a dental hygienist and what it took to become one.  Pam Brown is interested in helping individuals think about availability of the great employment opportunities.

Karie Shirtz Dental Hygienist

Hear Desiree Eden Ocampo, Executive Director of Rehab's Sisters talk about the way they create community through radical hospitality with the marginalized by poverty homelessness, sex work, violence and substance abuse.  They are located in Portland Oregon and serve some 400 individuals meals every Friday as well as provide helpful conversation, games, hygienic products, and support.  You can find out how to support them on their website: https://rahabs-sisters.org/

Rehab's Sisters Serving The Homeless And Despised

Dr. Michael Connolly, a volunteer at the Palm Springs California Art Museum talks about the significance of this art museum. He also describes the role a museum art docent  in helping visitors understand the the museum's art.

Palm Springs Art Museum It's Worth It

There are a variety of ways to examine life at home and abroad during World War Two. Adele Longmore, a Portland, Oregon resident shares her personal story about this time.

Adele Longmore - WWII Experience

There are many great job opportunities available to individuals seeking new work.  Pam Brown introduces you to Adam "Thorn" Smith, Oregon based tour guide.  Individuals might find such a job to be rewarding, flexible, and sufficient to meet personal financial needs.  You'll find out what it means to learn this trade and, if you're interested, learn how to get in touch with Adam Smith.

What's So Great About Being A Tour Guide

Up to 70,000 persons usually come together at the Burning Man. They bring their campers, tents, artistic vehicles, lights, drones, costumes and lots of food to share with others.  You'll learn what it's like for one person to attend the 2021 Burning Man.  Tyler George made the decision to join a number of friends to find out what it would be like.  Tyler is a colorful, friendly person who can get very enthusiastic.  Perhaps you'll decide to go to the 2022 Burning Man.

What's So Great About Burning Man

Joe Watkins, PhD, Chocktaw Tribe of Oklahoma, modest person with extremely broad Archeological experience who facilitates discussions with Indian tribes, businesses, residents who live near National Parks, the general public.  He is very worth listening to.

Joe Watkins Anthropologist Choctaw Tribe  Indian National Parks

Lynn Potter Stapleton  spent time in The American embassy in Geneva, Switzerland and is now posted in Beijing, China.  She is one of the hard working state department employees who are engaged in countries around the world.  She introduced me to "Inside a U.S. Embassy."  I realized, after reading that book, that there are many great reasons for Americans to be a global traveler. The real side of American views needs to be personally shared.  Listen to her talk about her experiences in several U.S. Embassies.

Lynn Potter - Stapelton - Employee of the US State Dept. - Inside an Embassy

Cindy Williams Gutierrez clearly knows what she wants to say to the world. She draws from her Latino-American-Aztec experiences to talk about these various cultures. Her book, "the small claim of bones" helps her explain, her unique experience with these many cultures. You'll be moved by her experiences. You'll enjoy her reading from " the small claim of bones."

Cindy Williams Gutierrez - "The Small Claim of Bones"

Tim Eull talks about his love of Mazdas.  He explains how he purchased a beautiful yellow Mazda that he bought from an individual living in Hawaii. He explains how he modified the vehicle.  He talks about a Phoenix Mazda Car Club that he formed and lead and how he participates in the " Coffee and Cars" event in Phoenix.

Mazda Car Enthusiast

My wife, Pam, and I took a ride on the Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge RR.  While on this 3.5 hour ride we heard Caroline Romney, a character played by Gay Kiene, talk about Durango, the Durango – Silverton narrow gauge train, and all about Carolyn Romney. Carolyn Romney was the owner and editor of the Durango’s first newspaper.  It was called the Durango Record.  Gay, aka Carolyn Romney told us stories about Durango, real stories out of Carolyn Romney’s life and about this 19th century train.

Gay Kiene Interview About Caroline Romney - Part 1

Charlotte Woods explains how her family coped with the killer ants and various types of snakes while living at Ngule Internment Camp.  She comments on how her Angolan, German and Brazilian experiences shaped her life. Following her family’s release in 1948 she and her parents returned to Hamburg Germany then on to Brazil and eventually to the United States. Today, Charlotte lives with her husband in Libby, Montana. 

Charlotte Woods - German Child Prisoner in Angola during WWII - part 2

I recently had the opportunity to interview a young Afghan woman about her experience in becoming a writer. Her skills and writing opportunities were promoted by the Afghan Women’s Writing Project. She told me a bit about how AWWP works and how she became involved. She also shed light on the challenge women face in becoming educated. Perhaps, because of her story, you’ll want to support this project.  You can find out more about AWWP on their website:  http://awwproject.org/.

Marzia is the writer’s pen name. I do not ask for any other personal information about her life due to the possible threats to her Afghani family. I hope that you enjoy her story.


How Marzia became an Afghan Women Writer - AWWP Part 1

In the first segment of this interview you’ll meet Lynn Youngbar. We learn that she was professionally trained in sociology and organizing.  Then she spent many years promoting alternative energy and rural community development during the 1970’s and 1980’s. During that period of her life she established a non-profit organization, Rural Development Initiative. Then she became a consultant working with various non-profit organizations for the last 20 years.  She said you could describe her as a “cause oriented activist.”

After her children graduated from college Lynn had an opportunity to travel in such places as Nepal, SE Asia, Mexico, Central and South America but had always wanted to travel to Cuba. You’ll find out how Lynn arranged to travel to Cuba in January 2016. She and two friends made arrangements to travel through “Witness for Peace.” This organization was established by faith based activists as a response to the Nicaraguan conflict in 1983 and continues its work in Mexico, Nicaragua, and Columbia.  You’ll find out how the program was organized. If you want to learn more about Witness for Peace link to http://witnessforpeace.org./


Cuba, Why I traveled there. - Lynn Youngbar - Part 1 - SC

How would it have been possible for Bonnie and Clyde, the famous robbers, Liberace and Babe Ruth could have met? The answer is, they could have met at the Top of the Hill Terrace located in Arlington, Texas. They all visited the Terrace years ago. On a recent visit to the Dallas-Fort Worth area I had an opportunity to visit the site of what was once the Top of the Hill Terrace, a famous, illegal gambling casino. I’d like you to hear about this great place from Vickie Bryant, the Terrace’s Historian.  You’ll also find out how the Arlington Baptist College became involved in this unique, mysterious place. 
If you would like to learn more about this unique place you should also look at the History Channel’s series “Lone Star Restoration.” Season 1, Episode 5, entitled “Oh Ship.” The show’s host will help viewers explore the hidden tunnels. History Channel – schedule is found at: http://www.history.com/schedule
Also, check out the Top of the Hill Terrace website: http://www.topohillterrace.com/media/history-channel/

Top Of The Hill Terrace For SC

What is the possibility that you might use the services of a Chinese Medical Practitioner? Someone who uses acupuncture, provides traditional Chinese herbal medicine or techniques to promote your health? 

Why do people turn to traditional Chinese medicine? Did you know that
the practice of Chinese Medicine in the United States has continued to grow? The Business Insider reported in 2012 that the use of Traditional Chinese Medicine outpaced the use of western chemical drug sales between 2003 and 2012. Why do Americans distrust the use of western pharmaceutical medicines?

If you don’t the answers to these questions you should take time to listen to Paul Butler, a Practitioner of traditional Chinese Medicine. Wayne Potter recently interviewed him to learn about the differences between Western medicine and traditional Chinese medicine. Paul explains some Chinese medical techniques, the primary differences between Chinese and Western medicines, and examples of how Chinese medicine works.

Chinese Medicine - Paul Butler For SC.MP3

This Ethiopian Jewish woman tells her amazing story about how she left Ethiopia in 1984, traveled to Sudan and then, with the help of the Israeli military was airlifted to Israel. She describes the challenges she faced in adjusting to Israeli society and how happy she is to be living in an Israeli settlement. She describes the extensive help that the government gave to her to help make these adjustments.

Ethiopian Jewish Immigrant - SC

This is a recording of a  question and answer session with a member of the Mahmood Mosque in Haifa. You will get a unique insight into this particular type of Muslim. There is reason for Israeli's government leaders to like this particular group of Muslims. These Muslims support the Palestinian effort but they work peacefully to achieve that end.

Mahood Mosque - General Questions For SC

Ray LaPietra grew up in a household filled with physical abuse, poverty, neglect and much adversity.  Despite the meaness of these forces he strove to overcome them. He became highly successful. He is now a professional motivaltional public speaker, trained mediator and dispute resolution specialist having worked with the Judicial Office of the Kansas Suipreme Court and a business sucess coach and consultant, philanthropist and published author.  What can you learn from his experience?

How Can A Person Overcome Childhood Abuse

Listen to a presentation by Carolyn Driedger, Outreach Coordinator, USGS, Cascade Volcano Observatory as she talks about her personal experience on the day before, during and after the eruption of Mt. St. Helens on May 18, 1980.  She will also describe the role of USGS in protecting residents who live near any volcanic centers followed by a description of USGS's international role.  Her presentation is personal, witty, engaging and very enlightening. I want to thank the leadership of the Willamette View Public Affairs Committee for allowing me to organize this event and for Carolyn Driedger for encouraging this public information to reach more people.  You can find out more about this presentation on http://www.keepingkurrent.com.

What We Should Know About Our Valcanos

What is happening to businesses that are trying to maintain their bottom line during this terrible Covid-19 Pandemic? How is it affecting the owner's ambitions? Listen to the story of Anne Nottingham and Kathy Tippets, owners of Two Sisters Play Cafe as they tell their story about how their business is attempting to survive this pandemic.  This interview is designed to help encourage community residents to support these businesses during this difficult period.  Check out the cafe's website at http://www.twosistersplaycafe.com.

Two Sisters Play Cafe

Ned Rosch describes how, as a Jew, he accepts the basic values and teachings of Judaism, however, he has rejected the unquestioning Jewish adoption of Zionism. Zionism has come to mean the Israeli's adoption of the idea, "You cannot criticize the Israeli government and its repression of the Palestinian residents living in Gaza, East Jerusalem, and the West Bank."  He talks about how some Jews are speaking against these Israeli policies and programs.

A Look At How Some Jews seek to Reclaim Judaism From Zionism

I have many new opportunities while living near Portland, Oregon. I’m facilitating a group called Climate Change & Environmental Justice Task Force for the Southminster Presbyterian Church in Beaverton, Oregon. At the same time, I’ve been elected the Vice Chair of the Green Team at Willamette View, a retirement community of some 500 people. 

I have traveled internationally since the early 2000’s. I had a brief hiatus, but, now have started again. My latest foray was to Kansas & Florida, two places that are very different than Oregon, socially, politically, geographically, and otherwise. But I appreciated this experience and will share them on Sound Cloud.

Keeping Kurrent

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