More Slaves Now than at Any Time in History

This is very frightening, and deserves to be read and acted upon (in whatever small way) by everyone. 

Pictures from California

US Action on Climate Change... No, really!

This, assuming it turns out to be possible given the financial crisis, is potentially very exciting news for the future of the human race:

“Few challenges facing America and the world are more urgent than combating climate change,” Mr. Obama said. “The science is beyond dispute and the facts are clear. Sea levels are rising. Coastlines are shrinking. We’ve seen record drought, spreading famine, and storms that are growing stronger with each passing hurricane season.”

He commended by name governors who had been particularly active on global warming — including those of Kansas, Florida, Illinois, California and Wisconsin — and said that many businesses were also “doing their part by investing in clean energy technologies.”

“But too often,” Mr. Obama said, “Washington has failed to show the same kind of leadership.”

“That will change when I take office,” he continued. “My presidency will mark a new chapter in America’s leadership on climate change that will strengthen our security and create millions of new jobs.”

What a refreshing contrast to the last eight years!

Some Recent Photo Vignettes

Laura's glass ornaments, which adorn our window sill (they're originally from the middle east I believe).


Our geranium (a kind present from Laura's dad, Mike) which is flowering cheerfully despite the recent cold and gloomy weather.


Autumn is abundantly obvious from our living room window!

Thank You Colin Powell

At last, a prominent politician, and a Republican to boot, has said what I've been waiting weeks for someone to say about the repeated accusation that Obama is a Muslim - namely, 'Even if he were a Muslim, so what?'. Thank you Colin Powell for finally recognising and responding to these repeated displays of appalling racism.

The Big Picture on World Animal Day

These are some of the finest photographs I've ever seen, especially 19 and 37. Stunning.

Now Non-US Residents can vote in the US election!

This is a brilliant idea, and the results so far (though on reflection unsurprising) are fairly amazing...

http://www.economist.com/vote2008/

Late addition: a timely piece on just this topic from Jonathan Freedland in The Guardian:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2008/sep/10/uselections2008.barackobama

"The world's verdict will be harsh if the US rejects the man it yearns for. An America that disdains Obama for his global support risks turning current anti-Bush feeling into something far worse."