Mary Hopkin "Streets of London"
Friday, January 24, 2014
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Israel seeks to save ancient sites from earthquake
AP, Jan 21, 2014
JERUSALEM (AP)—With Israel situated in one of the world’s earthquake-prone areas, officials are taking action to protect the Holy Land’s most important ancient treasures so they don’t come tumbling down.
After a series of five moderate earthquakes shook the country in October, experts installed a seismic monitoring system at the Tower of David, one of Jerusalem’s most important—and most visible—historical sites.
The project is Israel’s first attempt to use such technology to determine structural weaknesses in the countless ancient edifices that dot the Holy Land. The efforts, however, have been slowed by authorities’ reticence to publically declare sites as vulnerable, as well as the explosive geopolitics surrounding ancient Jewish, Christian and Muslim sites at the heart of the Mideast conflict.
“We have to remember that this is the Holy Land,” said Avi Shapira, head of a national steering committee for earthquake preparedness. “We have some responsibility not only to preserve the historical monuments of our personal heritage … but also for the rest of the world.”
Most of Israel’s historical sites “have not been checked,” said Shapira. “We have them on the map, but an engineer still hasn’t visited them.”
Israel sits along the friction point of the African and Arabian tectonic plates, and is prone to small tremors. The earthquakes in October caused no major damage, but made Israelis jittery. About once a century throughout history, a large earthquake has rattled the region, often damaging key historical sites. The last major quake occurred in 1927.
The Al-Aqsa Mosque, Islam’s third holiest site, was destroyed in an earthquake shortly after it was built in the 8th century and was damaged and repaired multiple times since due to quakes. The 1927 quake, which was over 6 in magnitude, caused hundreds of deaths and damaged Al-Aqsa and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, built on the site where Jesus is believed to have been crucified and buried.
Israel has been bracing for another major earthquake for years. But those efforts have focused on retrofitting existing schools and hospitals and apartment buildings, and improving standards in new construction.
The country is just getting around to surveying its historical sites, and the assessment process has turned out to be sensitive.
Government experts have not published any findings on historical sites at risk, and it is unclear which government authority would be compelled to take responsibility for sites should they face earthquake damage.
In the past, Israeli involvement in the Old City’s ancient buildings has sparked protest from Palestinians who seek sovereignty there in their quest for an independent state.
The only site in the Old City that Israeli officials say is being checked for a possible earthquake risk is the Tower of David, one of Jerusalem’s most ubiquitous symbols. The minaret-topped stone tower stands in the corner of an ancient citadel fortress, and six major cracks in the tower have the staff worried if it can withstand an earthquake.
“This is the symbol of the city, the symbol of Jerusalem, for more than 2000 years. So that’s why this is a real nightmare for us,” said Eilat Lieber, director of the Tower of David museum.
Researchers from the University of Padua in Italy installed sensors throughout the tower to determine what kind of earthquake-proofing it might need.
Accelerometers along the tower measure small movements caused by wind and traffic, in order to predict how an earthquake would impact the structure. At the very top of the minaret, thin bars affixed to the stones slide like bicycle tire pumps to measure the movement of cracks. Data collected by the equipment will be analyzed to determine any structural flaws in the tower and if needed, to suggest engineering solutions to stabilize the site.
Initial assessments for the Tower of David are good. Claudio Modena, a University of Padova engineer, said the tower seems to be capable of withstanding an earthquake because its ancient foundations sit on bedrock. Three steel rings that hug the cracked minaret, installed during earlier British rule in the city, have helped save it from collapse, he said.
Orna Cohen, chief conservator of the Tower of David, said that in the event of an earthquake, Jerusalem’s most ancient structures of massive stones might actually be the city’s most dependable.
“If they still stand after so many earthquakes during the last 2000 years, they must be good structures,” Cohen said.
JERUSALEM (AP)—With Israel situated in one of the world’s earthquake-prone areas, officials are taking action to protect the Holy Land’s most important ancient treasures so they don’t come tumbling down.
After a series of five moderate earthquakes shook the country in October, experts installed a seismic monitoring system at the Tower of David, one of Jerusalem’s most important—and most visible—historical sites.
The project is Israel’s first attempt to use such technology to determine structural weaknesses in the countless ancient edifices that dot the Holy Land. The efforts, however, have been slowed by authorities’ reticence to publically declare sites as vulnerable, as well as the explosive geopolitics surrounding ancient Jewish, Christian and Muslim sites at the heart of the Mideast conflict.
“We have to remember that this is the Holy Land,” said Avi Shapira, head of a national steering committee for earthquake preparedness. “We have some responsibility not only to preserve the historical monuments of our personal heritage … but also for the rest of the world.”
Most of Israel’s historical sites “have not been checked,” said Shapira. “We have them on the map, but an engineer still hasn’t visited them.”
Israel sits along the friction point of the African and Arabian tectonic plates, and is prone to small tremors. The earthquakes in October caused no major damage, but made Israelis jittery. About once a century throughout history, a large earthquake has rattled the region, often damaging key historical sites. The last major quake occurred in 1927.
The Al-Aqsa Mosque, Islam’s third holiest site, was destroyed in an earthquake shortly after it was built in the 8th century and was damaged and repaired multiple times since due to quakes. The 1927 quake, which was over 6 in magnitude, caused hundreds of deaths and damaged Al-Aqsa and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, built on the site where Jesus is believed to have been crucified and buried.
Israel has been bracing for another major earthquake for years. But those efforts have focused on retrofitting existing schools and hospitals and apartment buildings, and improving standards in new construction.
The country is just getting around to surveying its historical sites, and the assessment process has turned out to be sensitive.
Government experts have not published any findings on historical sites at risk, and it is unclear which government authority would be compelled to take responsibility for sites should they face earthquake damage.
In the past, Israeli involvement in the Old City’s ancient buildings has sparked protest from Palestinians who seek sovereignty there in their quest for an independent state.
The only site in the Old City that Israeli officials say is being checked for a possible earthquake risk is the Tower of David, one of Jerusalem’s most ubiquitous symbols. The minaret-topped stone tower stands in the corner of an ancient citadel fortress, and six major cracks in the tower have the staff worried if it can withstand an earthquake.
“This is the symbol of the city, the symbol of Jerusalem, for more than 2000 years. So that’s why this is a real nightmare for us,” said Eilat Lieber, director of the Tower of David museum.
Researchers from the University of Padua in Italy installed sensors throughout the tower to determine what kind of earthquake-proofing it might need.
Accelerometers along the tower measure small movements caused by wind and traffic, in order to predict how an earthquake would impact the structure. At the very top of the minaret, thin bars affixed to the stones slide like bicycle tire pumps to measure the movement of cracks. Data collected by the equipment will be analyzed to determine any structural flaws in the tower and if needed, to suggest engineering solutions to stabilize the site.
Initial assessments for the Tower of David are good. Claudio Modena, a University of Padova engineer, said the tower seems to be capable of withstanding an earthquake because its ancient foundations sit on bedrock. Three steel rings that hug the cracked minaret, installed during earlier British rule in the city, have helped save it from collapse, he said.
Orna Cohen, chief conservator of the Tower of David, said that in the event of an earthquake, Jerusalem’s most ancient structures of massive stones might actually be the city’s most dependable.
“If they still stand after so many earthquakes during the last 2000 years, they must be good structures,” Cohen said.
Renee Farwell aids children in Ghana because the ‘reason we are here [is] to love each other’
By Rich Polt, Talking GOOD, January 21, 2014
When asked for a favorite inspirational saying, Renee Farwell cites author/artist and fellow Iowan Brian Andreas: “There are things you do because they feel right and they may make no sense and they may make no money and it may be the real reason we are here: to love each other…”
It’s only once you know the life path which Renee Farwell chose for herself that you can fully appreciate how profound and auto-biographical that saying truly is.
“… they may make no sense and they may make no money …”
I wonder what Renee’s parents said when she first told them that she would be returning to Ghana, the West-African nation where she took her semester abroad while attending Chicago’s Roosevelt University? Did they think her decision was misguided? Were they supportive?
Perhaps better than anyone, Renee’s parents recognized their daughter’s propensity for doing good and foresaw the seismic impact she would have in a community halfway around the world.
A few years earlier at the University of Ghana, Renee had met a young man named Eric Kwame Agoe. Kwame, a native Ghanaian, lost his father at a young age and was forced to drop out of public school due to his inability to pay the required fees. As he grew, Kwame saw other young children in his Kissemah Village also suffer from an inability to afford schooling.
After talking for a while with Renee at the copier, Kwame invited her to visit his village and help with the seven children being home schooled at Kwame’s mother’s house. She accepted his invitation. The experience changed her life.
Within a year, Kwame and Renee together established a free education and care facility in Kissemah Village. By January 2010, Mawuvio’s (God’s Children) Outreach Programme became a registered nongovernmental and social welfare organization in Ghana.
In November 2011 Mawuvio’s Outreach Programme (MOP) became a registered 501(c)(3) organization in the United States. MOP provides educational and development services to orphans and disadvantaged sons and daughters on the streets who cannot afford the required fees to attend government schools in Ghana.
Mawuvio’s Outreach operates under the Ghana Education Service providing nursery through primary 6 basic education: English, Math, Science, Religious Moral Education (RME), Information Communication Technology (ICT), Citizenship Education, and Creative Arts to children free of charge.
“… and it may be the real reason we are here: to love each other…”
According to MOP board member Elena Arosemena, “Renee embodies the spirit, courage, and conviction of following your heart! She is an example to the world [of] what can be accomplished if you stick with your dreams and goals. She has overcome cultural, language, age, [and] gender barriers, and is providing hope, opportunity, and education to amazing children who otherwise would not have a chance.”
This coming September, after a multiyear fundraising and construction effort, Renee, Kwame, and their team will finally open the Mawuvio’s Outreach Programme school building (classes are currently held outside). With the new facilities in place, their student population will grow appreciably. Now, their top priority will be to secure ongoing funding to keep the new school open and operating.
What began with just seven children on the porch of Kwame’s mother’s home has grown into a major operation that provides education, opportunities, and purpose to so many people; no one more so than Renee. As she says below, “I cannot imagine any other life than the one I am currently living.”
Thanks for speaking with us Renee!
IN JUST ONE SENTENCE, WHAT IS YOUR PURPOSE IN LIFE?
To inspire youth to use education as a means to excel themselves, their families, and their communities out of the impoverished situations they come from and help them become successful, contributing members of society.
HOW HAS THIS WORK CHANGED YOU?
Because of this work, I have found my purpose in life. Now, I cannot imagine any other life than the one I am currently living. It has made me more appreciative of everyday luxuries—from running water to having access to education. Most importantly, I am single-handedly assisting in, and witnessing, the development of the next generation of leaders in Ghana and the world at large.
WHAT DO YOU GET FROM GIVING?
Seeing my students make steps in their education, making sense of letters and numbers—putting them into words, sentences, math problems, and being able to understand what they have just learned—is a huge reward for me. Listening to students, who once had no dreams or purpose, as they talk about becoming a doctor, a teacher, president gives me hope for the future—both for these children and the children Mawuvio’s Outreach Programme has yet to reach out to.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE INSPIRATIONAL SAYING?
“There are things you do because they feel right and they may make no sense and they may make no money and it may be the real reason we are here: to love each other.”—Brian Andreas
TELL US SOMETHING YOU RARELY SHARE IN PUBLIC?
My father recently suddenly passed away. I was in Ghana when it happened and had to quickly travel home to the states. A lot of family and friends felt very bad that I was so far away at such a difficult time. However, I feel differently.
The community I work in in Ghana has become a second family to me, they have met both my parents and care for me in the same way I am cared for by the family that raised me. I am blessed to have had the opportunity to grieve with both of my families during such a difficult time in my life.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHERS WHO ASPIRE TO BE CITIZEN PHILANTHROPISTS?
Follow your instincts and do not overthink things. Everyone has a purpose in this life, and if you are patient and open to things, your purpose will find you.
At what point did you know this was the work for you?
The first day I visited Kissemah Village and met our initial group of 15 children. One little girl, Mary, held my hand asking me question upon question for the entire four hours I was there. Although I left with an extremely sweaty hand, I knew that I would return and continue returning to Kissemah to answer as many questions as I could.
When asked for a favorite inspirational saying, Renee Farwell cites author/artist and fellow Iowan Brian Andreas: “There are things you do because they feel right and they may make no sense and they may make no money and it may be the real reason we are here: to love each other…”
It’s only once you know the life path which Renee Farwell chose for herself that you can fully appreciate how profound and auto-biographical that saying truly is.
“… they may make no sense and they may make no money …”
I wonder what Renee’s parents said when she first told them that she would be returning to Ghana, the West-African nation where she took her semester abroad while attending Chicago’s Roosevelt University? Did they think her decision was misguided? Were they supportive?
Perhaps better than anyone, Renee’s parents recognized their daughter’s propensity for doing good and foresaw the seismic impact she would have in a community halfway around the world.
A few years earlier at the University of Ghana, Renee had met a young man named Eric Kwame Agoe. Kwame, a native Ghanaian, lost his father at a young age and was forced to drop out of public school due to his inability to pay the required fees. As he grew, Kwame saw other young children in his Kissemah Village also suffer from an inability to afford schooling.
After talking for a while with Renee at the copier, Kwame invited her to visit his village and help with the seven children being home schooled at Kwame’s mother’s house. She accepted his invitation. The experience changed her life.
Within a year, Kwame and Renee together established a free education and care facility in Kissemah Village. By January 2010, Mawuvio’s (God’s Children) Outreach Programme became a registered nongovernmental and social welfare organization in Ghana.
In November 2011 Mawuvio’s Outreach Programme (MOP) became a registered 501(c)(3) organization in the United States. MOP provides educational and development services to orphans and disadvantaged sons and daughters on the streets who cannot afford the required fees to attend government schools in Ghana.
Mawuvio’s Outreach operates under the Ghana Education Service providing nursery through primary 6 basic education: English, Math, Science, Religious Moral Education (RME), Information Communication Technology (ICT), Citizenship Education, and Creative Arts to children free of charge.
“… and it may be the real reason we are here: to love each other…”
According to MOP board member Elena Arosemena, “Renee embodies the spirit, courage, and conviction of following your heart! She is an example to the world [of] what can be accomplished if you stick with your dreams and goals. She has overcome cultural, language, age, [and] gender barriers, and is providing hope, opportunity, and education to amazing children who otherwise would not have a chance.”
This coming September, after a multiyear fundraising and construction effort, Renee, Kwame, and their team will finally open the Mawuvio’s Outreach Programme school building (classes are currently held outside). With the new facilities in place, their student population will grow appreciably. Now, their top priority will be to secure ongoing funding to keep the new school open and operating.
What began with just seven children on the porch of Kwame’s mother’s home has grown into a major operation that provides education, opportunities, and purpose to so many people; no one more so than Renee. As she says below, “I cannot imagine any other life than the one I am currently living.”
Thanks for speaking with us Renee!
IN JUST ONE SENTENCE, WHAT IS YOUR PURPOSE IN LIFE?
To inspire youth to use education as a means to excel themselves, their families, and their communities out of the impoverished situations they come from and help them become successful, contributing members of society.
HOW HAS THIS WORK CHANGED YOU?
Because of this work, I have found my purpose in life. Now, I cannot imagine any other life than the one I am currently living. It has made me more appreciative of everyday luxuries—from running water to having access to education. Most importantly, I am single-handedly assisting in, and witnessing, the development of the next generation of leaders in Ghana and the world at large.
WHAT DO YOU GET FROM GIVING?
Seeing my students make steps in their education, making sense of letters and numbers—putting them into words, sentences, math problems, and being able to understand what they have just learned—is a huge reward for me. Listening to students, who once had no dreams or purpose, as they talk about becoming a doctor, a teacher, president gives me hope for the future—both for these children and the children Mawuvio’s Outreach Programme has yet to reach out to.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE INSPIRATIONAL SAYING?
“There are things you do because they feel right and they may make no sense and they may make no money and it may be the real reason we are here: to love each other.”—Brian Andreas
TELL US SOMETHING YOU RARELY SHARE IN PUBLIC?
My father recently suddenly passed away. I was in Ghana when it happened and had to quickly travel home to the states. A lot of family and friends felt very bad that I was so far away at such a difficult time. However, I feel differently.
The community I work in in Ghana has become a second family to me, they have met both my parents and care for me in the same way I am cared for by the family that raised me. I am blessed to have had the opportunity to grieve with both of my families during such a difficult time in my life.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHERS WHO ASPIRE TO BE CITIZEN PHILANTHROPISTS?
Follow your instincts and do not overthink things. Everyone has a purpose in this life, and if you are patient and open to things, your purpose will find you.
At what point did you know this was the work for you?
The first day I visited Kissemah Village and met our initial group of 15 children. One little girl, Mary, held my hand asking me question upon question for the entire four hours I was there. Although I left with an extremely sweaty hand, I knew that I would return and continue returning to Kissemah to answer as many questions as I could.
