I think I’ve been mostly fair to you in not getting on my soapbox about certain things. I’ve tried to make the posts personal, or at least amusing/funny.

However, I’ve just finished reading “Not On Our Watch“, a book about the genocide that is occurring right now in Darfur, a region in Sundan.

Here’s the thing, I feel like throughout my whole life that charity adverts showing the “black babies” have focused on the starvation of same, as opposed to what caused it the bloody first place, i.e. War and Genocide.

After the Holocaust, the world said “Never Again”, but turned its back when Rwanda was ravaged. Darfur is the latest place the world sends aid to the starving, raped and fatherless, yet does nothing to stop what led to the crisis. It reminds me of what might be the misplaced effort of the One Laptop Per Child initiative.

Anyway, this book tells you all about Darfur and proceeds go to the Enough Project, which is trying to end genocide everywhere.

The best bit about the book is that it tries to give honest and useful information to help those who are interested in helping. I don’t think i saw one plea for one’s individual money. It says to:

Raise Awareness
Which is what this post is about. Go to www.enoughproject.org or www.notonourwatchbook.com for more info.

Raise Funds
You could give money to Enough, or have a fundraiser, or it could be as simple as buying a cd.

Write a Letter
Either to local government officials (urging them to urge higher-ups to do something) or you could sign a petition on Amnesty International, and learn more there.

Call for Divestment
These seems unconnected but could make a huge difference. All kinds of organisations (universities, local government, companies, hospitals) have investment portfolios that have money in Sudan, specifically the government that supports the violence. If you’re connected to anyone that invests, ask them to divest.

Join an Organization
Amnesty International is a no-brainer.

Lobby the Government
This one of the many places that the book is USA specific, but there’s no reason it can’t be done at home.

Anyway, I do a shite job of explaining it, where the book does a good one. So I suggest you read it.

At the very least, you should play “Darfur is Dying“, It’s a game (not kidding) that is sort of an experience of what’s happening in Sudan.

P.S. I’m sure I’m miles behind you all in talking about this, but I thought I’d do my bit.

Well soon, anyway.

Just a note to remind you that Mart-fart will be in town with his lovely wife between 19th and 31st Dec, and to inform you that I shall be home with my lovely wife (nah) between the 27th Dec and 14th Jan. Abby leaves on New Years Day.

That leaves us a three day window of being together to enjoy our customary bible-study and praise night.

Guitars at the ready!

It can run for hours at 20 metres per minute without getting tired. It lives longer, has more sex, and eats more without gaining weight. Could the science that created this supermouse be applied to humans?

” The mouse can run up to six kilometres (3.7 miles) at a speed of 20 metres per minute for five hours or more without stopping. Scientists said that this was equivalent of a man cycling at speed up an Alpine mountain without a break. Although it eats up to 60 per cent more food than an ordinary mouse, the modified mouse does not put on weight. It also lives longer and enjoys an active sex life well into old age – being capable of breeding at three times the normal maximum age.”

Did Marty have sex with a mouse again?