Friends of Tuva

Kyzyl Weather

Friends of Tuva (FoT) was conceived by accident in 1981 to commemorate Tuva's 60th anniversary as a distinctive splotch on the world globe. Because FoT is a brainchild of Ralph Leighton, it is impossible that it could even resemble an organization. Rather, it has been a clearinghouse of information about Tuva and its "patron saint," Richard Feynman, who collected Tuvan stamps as a boy — and as an adult wondered,

"Whatever happened
to
Tannu Tuva?"

FoT is unfunded and so has no affiliation with any government or religious institution. As there are no dues, meetings, or even a membership list, those who would like to consider themselves as Friends of Tuva should simply spread the word about this magical country, and celebrate Richard Feynman's spirit of adventure.

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News

May, 2013: Redefine Magazine has published "Tuva’s Meridian of Musicality, Spirituality, and Cross-Cultural Place: A Primer On Tuvan Throat Singing", an extensive and thoughtful overview of music and it's place in Tuvan culture. Check it out!

May, 2013: The Feynman Tapes, Volumes 0, 1, and 2 -- as well as Safecracker Suite, and Tuva Talk are all available again! These original recordings of Feynman telling some of his classic tales have been unavailable for some time now but can be heard once again. Also available is the 1996 album Echoes of Tuva by Kongar-ol ondar. See kongar-olondar.bandcamp.com for the details.

Christmas Eve, 2012:

A message from Ralph Leighton, founder of Friends of Tuva, and author of Tuva or Bust!: [edited January 5 to remove links to purchase the e-book]]

While we're thinking of Santa Claus riding his sleigh powered by flying reindeer, let's hear the legend of ONDAR THE GROOVIN' TUVAN -- the original reindeer rider!

Here's where you can get the whole story: -- it's a music video masquerading as a children's book (perfect for an iPad), full of fascinating possibilities for what might have been.

All income from the sale of the Ondar the Groovin' Tuvan video book goes directly towards paying Ondar's costs in participating in the January 1, 2013, Rose Parade in Pasadena, California.

December 2012: Follow Kongar-ool Ondar on Facebook!

For a successful technology, reality must take precedence over public relations,
for Nature cannot be fooled.
--- Richard P. Feynman

	Current Tuvan News Available Here

Follow Ondar on Twitter: @GroovinTuvan

This page last updated Wednesday May 29, 2013.