Eyes on Darfur

Amnesty International has started a new campaign that aims to bring the world’s eyes onto the crisis in Darfur through a new website Eyes on Darfur. The site offers users the ability to see up to date satellate imagery of what’s going on in the troubled region. This Amnesty Interanatinal project sounds simialr to what Google Earth recently did.

Amnesty International USA’s unprecedented Eyes On Darfur project leverages the power of high-resolution satellite imagery to provide unimpeachable evidence of the atrocities being committed in Darfur – enabling action by private citizens, policy makers and international courts. Eyes On Darfur also breaks new ground in protecting human rights by allowing people around the world to literally “watch over” and protect twelve intact, but highly vulnerable, villages using commercially available satellite imagery.

let’s hope that this will get more people writing their officals to do something about the crisis!

Solar Powered Condo in Japan

Solar Condo!

Japan’s first solar power condo is on the market and it looks pretty funky. The Grandia Solare has solar panels on its roof that power the complex.

This is what Japan for SUstainability has to say:

Shibaura Group estimates that the system will reduce carbon dioxide emissions equivalent to the amount absorbed by approximately 4,200 cedar trees, and will save as much as 1,200 18-liter containers of petroleum.

Via: TreeHugger

Curb Consumerism, Save the World

A good article from The Observer covers a new movement that is apparently gaining popularity – the ‘compact’ to not buy anything new. This is great to read, because it validates me, anyone who knows me knows that I hardly make any new purchases unless I have too. I have more leisure time as a result 🙂

Perry believes that by refraining from buying, he saves ‘a few hundred dollars a month on unnecessary and impulse purchases’ and thousands every year on larger buys like furniture and kitchen appliances: ‘The extra money means we now overpay on the mortgage and contribute more to the kids’ college funds.’

Thanks, Janet!

Forgetting is Good

An article at the New Scientist puts me at ease because it allows me to remember that forgetfulness is a tool of the brain. Thank goodness! I can’t even remember what I had for breakfast today – apparently forgetting that is a smart move.

According to a new study, the brain only chooses to remember memories it thinks are most relevant, and actively suppresses those that are similar but less used, helping to lessen the cognitive load and prevent confusion.

Dignitas Race for Dignity

I’m biking for charity and I need your help! Dignitas is an organization that aims to help those who are affected by HIV and they are having a fundraising event and it would be great if you could show your support.

On June 23, Dignitas International is holding the Race for Dignity Challenge – a fundraising spinathon on stationary bikes for people affected by AIDS in Africa.

Teams of participants will spin for 12 hours at Toronto’s Dundas Square to support Dignitas International’s innovative community-based care model.

Each month Dignitas tests thousands of people for HIV and starts hundreds on life-saving HIV medications in Africa.

Please help me fundraise for Dignitas!