There are people whose messages endure. John Lennon was one of those people. His plea, through his music and his life, that we need to “Give Peace a Chance” lives on and rises above the cynicism. Happy Birthday, John Lennon.
Remembering September 11th: Share Your Story
Today, we remember the people whose lives were changed forever by the events of the day we refer to as 9/11. And those whose lives ended too soon. And we send a wish for peace and healing, of hearts, of minds, of our world. If you would like the share your memories of where you were on September 11, or your thoughts and feelings about what happened, or about the legacy and future as yet another anniversary comes round, we welcome your comments.
Surfacing — Decompressing after Afghanistan
Decompressing after being stationed in Afghanistan is like being a diver coming up from the depths, trying not to get the bends. Civilian helicopter pilot Allan Cram reflects on how to regain balance after being in a war zone.
Welcome to Kabul, Home of the Taliban Swimming Pool: Part Three
As a civilian helicopter pilot in Kabul, Allan Cram tours the city and quickly discovers that even something as innocent as a swimming pool can be put to horrific uses in the hands of people like the Taliban.
Welcome to Kabul, Home of the Taliban Swimming Pool: Part Two
In the streets of wartime, Kabul, the chaos is remarkably organized despite all appearances. The effect is surreal as Allan Cram discovers while driving through Kabul’s streets amidst reports to beware of a suicide bomber in a yellow Toyota.
Welcome to Kabul, Home of the Taliban Swimming Pool
A Canadian civilian helicopter pilot experiences what it’s like to navigate the streets of wartime Kabul where chaos reigns. How hard can it be to find a swimming pool in a city under threat by the Taliban?
Victims and Bullies:The Destructive Cycle of People and Politics
Mary Rose says we have become “masters at controlling others but is it now time to master control of self.” The survival of our species and our planet depends upon it.
Why You Hear Gunfire in Kabul
This week, helicopter pilot Allan Cram discovers the safety and security manual he says his crew should have received when they first arrived in Afghanistan. Better late than never? Maybe not in a country in the midst of war, where every common type of gunfire is identified in a manual.
Afghanistan Calling Part 5: Good Little Soldiers Wanted
Civilian helicopter Allan Cram continues to question the sanity of flying to Afghanistan’s Kajaki Dam where a forced landing would mean almost certain capture by the Taliban. Cram has no intention of becoming being “the next Internet beheading victim.”
Afghanistan Calling Part 4: Circus of the Absurd
A civilian Canadian helicopter team in Afghanistan tries to get to the bottom of his customer’s request that his crew fly alone into one of the country’s most dangerous territories, Kajaki Dam. Meanwhile, the crew is being berated by the Country Manager for “being chicken shit.” But there’s brave, and then there’s stupid…