Category: General Interest

I’ve just sent a message to government leaders urging a strong ban on cluster bombs. I hope you’ll join me. Here’s the link: here…

And here’s more info from Avaaz.org:

Final negotiations are underway right now in Dublin, Ireland on a treaty to ban cluster bombs — but its outcome is in danger.

Cluster munitions don’t just kill during war–they scatter small, unexploded “bomblets” on the ground. When children pick them up, they are often maimed or killed. Most governments agree that they should be banned–but many are now trying to weaken the proposed treaty with loopholes, exemptions, and delays.

Negotiations end this Thursday. If enough of us raise our voices, we can drown out the arms manufacturers and convince our governments to do the right thing. Click below to send a message, and then forward this email to friends and family: ban cluster munitions.

The numbers are mind blowing and I found the art really interesting… here

What the + in an international telephone number stands for – the code to dial out of the country one is in. More good data here: more

Two new solar cell designs are using light-directing nanomaterials to develop thin-film solar cells with record-breaking conversion efficiencies. more

Something is deeply wrong in America and the world. It’s as if the vast majority of people have given up. Given up caring. Given up thinking. Given up common sense. Given up everything but gluttony. more

“Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape.
“He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as: knowing when to come out of the rain; why the early bird gets the worm; life isn’t always fair; and maybe it was my fault. Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don’t spend more than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children, are in charge). His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place.
“Reports of a six-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student only worsened his condition. Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining unruly children.
“It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or an Elastoplast to a student; but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion. Common Sense lost the will to live as the Ten Commandments became contraband and criminals received better treatment than their victims.
“Common Sense took a beating when you couldn’t defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue for assault.
“Common Sense finally gave up the will to live after a woman failed to realise that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little on her lap and was promptly awarded a huge settlement. Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents, Truth and Trust; his wife, Discretion; his daughter, Responsibility, and his son, Reason.
“He is survived by four stepbrothers, I Know My Rights, I Want It Now, Someone Else is to Blame and I’m a Victim.
“Not many attended his funeral because so few realised he was gone.”

A new company hopes drivers will kick the oil habit by brewing ethanol at home that won’t spike food prices. more

A 90 second video here…