Haiti

Notes and video from trip-
My Brother Gerry (filmmaker) and I learning a lot-
I fund-raise a lot for Haiti
This was my 2nd trip there.
This time focusing on environmental concerns-
Visited Agro forestry school-
With a few strategic and critical NGO’s -
(Those who can and are making a difference – CF, JPHRO, INGA)
Agriculture and reforestation are top issues.
With Inga Foundation’s Mike Hands- tropical ecologist from Cambridge -
Who- has had great success in Honduras (and did years of study in Costa Rica. Alternatives to slash and burn)
Inga can act As “nurse” to rainforest trees–And used in alley cropping.
Long term idea.
10 year programme
Haiti is in need of reforestation, which will help with ground integrity, planting in “rainforest environment” growing quickly- sturdy- creating canopy. Then prune for firewood. Discouraging farmers from slash and burn – it will be an essential part of what people need.
Inga is a great source for all these  issues -
We made a lot of stops over the few days.
I keep looking for surf spots. A surf contest/fundraiser would be a good idea. And -surfers are easy to house- will enjoy the adventure and the ability to help-
It was very nice to revisit JPHRO after I was there 2 years ago.
(I brought cold beer for the volunteers )
This time-
We felt more comfortable not filming tent camp area/families … I didn’t want to be intrusive- for more information please visit www.JPHRO.org to see all their great work.
We had a nice long tour and were amazed at how far they have come.
Great people – hard working – intelligent efforts.
Re housing most of the Tent camp families. Finding ways to rebuild and remove rubble in hardest hit areas.
They have cleared roads , built medical facilities, rebuilt schools,
I was so proud to see familiar faces. A lot of hugs in order.
I remember a much different place. I’m amazed how many young people- How many Haitians working hard for the organization and in the field -all focused. A common goal. They are succeeding. They have become the Model to follow.
Good to see.
We visited a vitiver factory
vitiver can be a popular export. Also the waste from vitiver is good for eco- briquettes-(a possibility)
I love the Amazing Haitian Mangoes, coffee, Beer…
Tomatoes..peppers,
Soul of Haiti is helping to teach good business practices, local farming. They say all Hatians are entrepreneurs- Selling produce is important and community building.
ORE was our last Agricultural visit.
Moussant and Allesant (agroforesters)
Have been at this issue for a long time –trying to reforest areas of national park. But having to deal with so many other issues- You can tell its been difficult. Uphill battle. People cutting into park for firewood. Survival–. (Inga will provide people firewood)
Great long meeting–Lots of smiles- everyone felt encouraged.
Mike and Moussant really hit it off. Inga will be very useful here.
-it all makes sense.

The trip was very successful.

Grace children’s hospital and Mother Theresa Orphanage are in  a transitionary phase.
But are managing.
Lets hope enough funds are raised to rebuild the Hospital -safely.

I have fallen in love with Haiti. Its an inspiring place.
We all may face
a time -where survival and instinct will be what defines us -Helping each other now. Teaches us that no matter what- There is always hope.

FABRICATED OR OTHERWISE, THE UNIVERSE KNOWS

Flaunt Magazine

WRITTEN BY PAMELA ANDERSON
Image de-fabrication? With closed eyes and a deep breath—I can feel the hot honey pouring down on me, perched delicately, I take the stand—golden—and liquid—in gentle sunlight—we walk on soft metal—leaving an imprint- awareness—Society is full of delusion—I worry about the sick capitalist economic system—corrupting the planet—Causing Climate Change—We have to turn it around for our kids—and think deep into the future- for generations who deserve a beautiful existence. A blending of worldly needs—The world is so small.
My latest fixation—Tropical Classical—I love literature—Fusion between worlds—a diverse understanding—poetic-realness—not black and white—joined—no war—no competitiveness. Consciousness. Worried and Nauseated by psycho—world of Reality TV, celebrity—too much access, hi-def, Video Games—violent movies-crazy gun culture—dulling our senses-blinding us—literally—we are becoming more sick, more pornographic—less healthy and sensual—we have lost touch with the basis of life—LOVE—to care for one another—such unbalanced wealth—greed—Poverty, living extremes—even the weather-repercussions-unhappy people-why are people fighting universal healthcare?
An “American” unhealthy sense of entitlement—only the rich survive—We need a simple flat tax. And an incredible free education system (like Finland)... I’m guilty of falling for the American dream—(believing it was better) being from a small town in Canada—modest upbringing—All I ever wanted was to build a home-own something—put my ideas into something concrete—a metaphor—dignity?
Hollywood came by surprise—I did not even know it existed—until I fell into it—posed for Playboy—I did so I could help my family—I still love Playboy for that—my parents have a home, no bills, a reliable car and great Canadian healthcare—(a relief) that was a priority—then I created a life for me—it became something that didn’t suit me—sex, drugs, rock’n’roll. Years of decadence—then—with and without a husband—without guidance—I was bamboozled, taken advantage of—wild and unrestrained—I was naive—life led me by the hand at times, instead of me leading it—I did this to myself—no blame—no regrets—it’s been an exciting journey—I’ve lived far beyond my reach—causing stress and hardship.
I’ve gone off the deep end on numerous occasions—I have felt I was mad—crazy—out of control—Been easily swayed—I found myself underwater—trying to pay back taxes—was left with a house half built and a construction lawsuit—I let it all get away from me, while I drowned financial worries with partying—it just kicked the can down the road—I was determined to solve this—(not go bankrupt)—worry about my liver later (Hep C)—Pay my bills by myself—(without help) scaring off any man who loved me and wanted to take care of me—like a little girl—I stomped my feet and wanted to fix everything MYSELF—determined.
My heart and soul are completely devoted to my children—I have struggled in the shadows—not alarming my kids—just handling business—I am a good mom... as for charity (I work tirelessly connecting people)—I’m about to launch the Pamela Anderson Foundation. Which will encompass all my charitable passions—
I have a good trick—when things get too much, I go on my 100 day plan—a time of concerted effort—Pilates, no alcohol, being around healthy people—I dream clearly, write like a maniac—I call it my unstoppable madness time, I obsess on issues I want to resolve until they are resolved! (no wonder I’ve self medicated—my mind is full of fantasy, mythology—constant projects) without direction-nothing gets done. Just a lot of ideas—that I eventually forget—I am most successful during a time like this. The flood gates open—and I am blessed—I’m in liver recovery—I’ve fallen undeniably in love and am inspired by a great man—a muse I can’t shake—Even if he remains just a muse—I am determined—to show him and all mankind my ability to make a difference—be the best I can be—be useful—intelligent—somehow help unravel the depths of this unreasonable pillaging of nature—
Where do I fit in? Please no more reality shows—(I’m grateful to know how to skate and dance now)—but come on—it was like sticking hot needles in my eyes—to endure the humiliation—is this really entertaining? I used the money to pay lawsuits, bills—so fixated on solving a financial issue—But—completely out of character—I sold my soul to save my beautiful home—I took the advice of David LaChapelle—we made a deal—Say YES to everything!—Everything is pop art—he told me I’m not cheesy so—whatever I do can’t be cheesy—we are a lot of like—soul mates—scared, fragile—in need of financial security—a home is extremely important to us—a home base to feel connected to—
We come from hardships, we’ve suffered and paid dues. I’ve worked hard—been sued many times—easy-target—I’ve had to settle many lawsuits—I took some strange turns—I felt out of my element in L.A.—and always wanted to go home—Home—I gave most my resources to charity, my family and friends in need—I am in early stages—creeping along, slowly—but creating an artist retreat in Canada—where I grew up—something my parents can be a part of—a place for them to live out their years—
I get asked on occasion to design hotels, spas, residences—in a free-spirited, artsy fun way—I can see me doing this—and—creating a sensual line of furniture, bedding, products to make you feel safe—adored, and clever—sustainable—living in small spaces-good quality pieces considering Alchemy, and the soul of materials.
As for tax debt (being handled finally, as we speak, which is typing in this case)—The reason I got behind was because I was in the middle of building my house—and a few deals fell through in 2007—I was to build a hotel in Abu Dhabi—and a Hotel in Vegas—both deals fell through due to the market/recession—I was counting on it—I had contracts—I had no idea my tax account had been used to pay a contractor who had gone 3x over budget ...
I didn’t watch closely enough—I couldn’t catch my tail—until now—Simultaneously taking care of my health—what a ride! My home is the Catalyst to the next part of my Career—good quality—conscious choices—I may end up in my TEEPEE on the North Shore, Hawaii—figuring out something Bohemian and simple where the boys can surf and enjoy simplicity—I’ll live mostly in Europe, a little stone house, with a clothes line of white sheets, flower dresses and board shorts—in a field of lavender next to a surfing beach—I have experienced more lust than love—men are rough with me—I hope that changes with time—I’ve created an image even I don’t understand—and invites a strange and enthusiastic attachment—
Remember—I am an angel at your feet—I float next to you whispering in your ear, softly kissing your neck - leaving salt on my lips- I play favorites with a sweet rambling tongue—I write poetry—I love to love—tormented—I may get back to a TV series—a good film project? a Vegas Cabaret? I feel ready—the next chapter—my kids are old enough now—they want me to succeed— :)
Reading Rushdie, The Ground Beneath Her Feet—I’m an art Collector—With an innocent crush on Ed Ruscha—All I need to survive is a creative project, a powerful man to respect and adore, an eccentric companion—I am creating a life for my beautiful boys to learn security, independence, have self worth- and the best education I can provide them—they are and should be rebellious—it’s important—
I hang by a milky thread—it’s the preferred cliff of existence—poetic—I might not like security—I’ve been accused of that—A battle—Anyone I’ve Loved I’ve Ever Only Love—and I’ve sadly hurt—my wandering mind takes me away—a restless spirit—A lonely island—I come through for who I need to—My family, the guardian of the sea—Paul Watson, Haiti (JPHRO), PETA- my dearest friends, Cool Earth (save the rainforest- giving back to indigenous people to protect) Leonard Peltier-(one of my Heroes), Vivienne Westwood-Goddess of culture and wisdom, My dearest friends David, Luca and Jesus—an untamable force of Art—
I don’t know if I want to be understood—I can’t fight the cartoon image-fueled by a tabloid nasty culture- bullies-cowards behind computers—remember we are all human and flawed—grace, forgiveness—I’ve used whatever I am, fabricated and otherwise, to contribute to society—as twisted as it all seems-the Universe knows.
I want you to know me before it’s too late—before I’ve fallen into the trappings of being “not me”—before I’ve conformed and become a robot—I spend every day—glued to my path—so I can stay here—covered in Hot Honey-walking—dripping—warm...
Always in Love,
Pamela
 

Cambridge Opening Speech

by Pamela Anderson

Hellos, etc.-
You may not know me as an activist. But it is what I do with MOST of my time.

I’m very Excited to be here. It’s overwhelming, flattering. At very least I’m honored to be here with you today.

I’ll tell you a bit about my background. -
How all this started for me- .
I was the one -friends brought the sick dog to or the Bird with a broken wing- there’s usually one person in every neighborhood.
My Aunt and I always were putting food and water out for the feral cats in the neighborhood-I was fascinated.- I felt they spoke a secret language because she was deaf…
My father was a hunter. I grew up in Venison and Moose meat.
One day he told me – “Pamela Do Not Go in the Pump house”- so as any 5yr old tomboy would do I swiftly gathered all my girlfriends in ribbons and curls (added for dramatic effect) and marched straight to the pump house. We opened the door – and there hanging upside down was a dead dear with no head dripping -blood into a bucket. Screams – running. I think I blacked out. But do remember returning the favor- traumatizing my father and his friends learning incredible negotiating skills. Pulling out all the stops-
I convinced all of them to
never to Hunt again- I know my Dad never did anyway-
I learned at that age- speaking up does make a difference.
When I was on Baywatch I was getting a lot of attention worldwide. Press was new to me-I wrote to PETA.
I was bored of talking about boyfriends and boobs.
Dan Mathews and I became fast friends and have traveled around the world- crusading for animal rights attaching whatever issue in whatever country I was in for whatever reason- usually making an appearance – it has given meaning to what I do-
We were able to enact a animal protection law that didn’t exist in Austria. Just recently convinced Vladimir Putin to stop importing seal products from Canada. (Where I am from) The first part of the seal hunt this year – so far has been cancelled.

Dan speaks-

Me – water issue
Water is a global issue -
But where I reside at the moment. In the USA.
50 percent of water used is for the meat industry.
To water crops used to feed animals meant for slaughter
To give water to the animals living waiting for slaughter.
Rivers are diverted to water crops and animals
Once beautiful and pristine rivers are now ugly stinky sewers.
Billions of animals waste eventually seeps into water sources choking off marine life- killing off endangered species and messing with the biodiversity of our waterways and our Oceans- pools of sewage farmers sometimes have to suck up and spray so it evaporates into the air and carried by the wind into neighboring fields and up our noses.

Dan speaks of – UN report

Me-Speaking of transport.
The energy it takes -
Starting with
Clearing Rainforest.
Growing grain (mostly soybean- to protein enrich animals) (better to just eat soy no?)Transporting grain – shipped, trucked to refineries that have their own detrimental effects on the environment. The feed is then shipped (often overseas) – then animals are chopped into pieces. – “Prepared”- They are trucked, shipped overseas and are kept in environmentally unfriendly refrigerated warehouses- before finally bring shipped, trucked to grocery store- then there is the food waste element-
Takes up a lot of energy!

Which leads us to some other hopeful solutions- how to tackle reforestation – replace slash and burn agroforestry – replanting possibilities.
Vivienne Westwood made our introduction. We were in Honduras together and most Recently Haiti- returning a week ago.
I’d like to introduce you to founder of Inga foundation -Cambridge Alumni Mike Hands-

Show Glass Walls Video/Paul McCartney
Take Questions

I didn’t read off any paper/ this was what I wrote before going on-
a little intimidated -but kept close to speech–

–talk went 1/2 hr. over. (7-30-9-30)
- good questions.

More info: Study claims meat creates half of all greenhouse gases
http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change/study-claims-meat-creates-half-of-all-greenhouse-gases-1812909.html

Before the World Trade Organization Dispute Settlement Body European Communities – Measures Prohibiting the Importation and Marketing of Seal Products (WT/DS400, WT/DS401, WT/DS369)

Written Submission of Nonparty Amici Curiae
Pamela Anderson People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) February 12, 2013

Valerie Hughes Director of the Legal Affairs Division World Trade Organization

Dear Ms. Hughes,
As a proud Canadian, I'm saddened that Canada is trying to use the WTO to delay the inevitable demise of the cruel commercial seal trade by challenging the EU's ban on seal-fur imports. In addition to the EU, the U.S., Mexico, and Taiwan as well as Russia—which had been importing 95 percent of Canadian seal pelts—have all banned seal fur and will not tolerate this annual slaughter. This is an ethical matter for a wide and diverse range of countries, and there is now even a bill being debated in Canada that would phase out the seal slaughter.
I became active in animal issues well before my Baywatch years and am now honorary director of PETA. In light of next week's hearing, PETA and I urge the panel in the seal products dispute to consider these facts and to uphold the EU ban:
The massive spring slaughter is inherently cruel. Sealers shoot and bash in the heads of helpless seals when they are just weeks old.
The commercial slaughter has nothing to do with native practices and involves no tribal communities. The tiny Inuit subsistence hunt happens in a different part of the country, involves adult seals, and is protected both by Canadian laws and a clear exemption in the EU ban.
The commercial seal slaughter is merely an off-season cash grab for the massive fishing industry and accounts for less than 1 percent of Newfoundland's economy.
The EU's seal ban is even-handed, targeting commercial cruelty not only in Canada but also anywhere else in the world that it occurs.
There are no remaining markets for seal fur—the only reason the Canadian government continues to defend this dead industry is because both political parties crave Newfoundland's swing seats in Parliament. But as this recent editorial shows, even local sentiment is turning. The WTO requires its members to exercise judgment as to whether bringing a dispute will be fruitful. Instead of wasting an estimated $10 million to challenge the EU ban and offering more industry bailouts, my native Canada should devise a practical exit strategy: a government buyout of the sealing industry, which would benefit both seals and sealers. Thanks for your time. PETA representatives will make this case personally in Geneva and will be attending the first hearing of the panel. I hope to hear that you will uphold the ban so that my beautiful Canada will finally leave this barbaric practice in the past.
Very truly yours,
Pamela Anderson