Larry Harvey at NYC Spore

Evolver NYC and Burners Without Borders invite you to “Give It Up” at our next Spore, where the topic of the night is gifting – what it means, how it can manifest in society, and possibilities for the future. Consider the potential of a community whose economy is based on giving, rather than having – and cooperating, rather than competing.

Click on image above for more info.

Burner In The Spotlight: Lane Hartwell

Lane Hartwell is a professional photographer within the community (drink!) who's spearheading an amazing creative project in an effort to benefit the victims of the earthquake in Haiti via Flickr.  She has reached out to a number of photographers and created "Onè Respe" which in Haitian translates to mean "honor and respect". She asked several photographers to donate the use of one or more of their works to help create this issue as a fund-raising photography magazine to benefit Haiti with all proceeds from this magazine to be donated to the International Red Cross. Preview "One Respe" here.

Cover Photo by Peter Pereira.

Person Finder: Haiti Earthquake

As many of you may know, I spent the last two weeks in the Caribbean working a gig in the Bahamas, which is 887 kilometers/551 miles/479 nautical miles South/East of Haiti. I was in the casino when the hotel management advised that everybody on the premises stay inside due to a tsunami alert. I had no idea what would cause such an announcement so at my earliest convenience I Facebooked and asked my network what happened. Seconds later I was apprised of the horrible catastrophe that had struck the people of Haiti.

It was a rather surreal juxtaposition to be amidst a world of gambling, family vacation and relaxation when others were suffering but at the time there was not much more I could do but complete my assignment. Now the gig is over and at this time I am free to assist and volunteer in any capacity to the people of Haiti although I realize that the situation there is chaotic and somebody with my skills would be more of a hindrance than help. When I return home I am going to roll up my sleeves once again and volunteer at the American Red Cross. I know everybody is donating money to the Haitian cause but may I gently urge you all to put your money where your mouth is and volunteer in some capacity to a charity of your choice. A fine one to participate in is Burners Without Borders, a community led, grassroots group that arose out of the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina back in 2005.

Ak espwa pou tout moun nan Ayiti ♥ (With hope for everyone in Haiti).