Cameroon: Cholera death toll exceeds 400 | WASH news Africa

Cameroon: Cholera death toll exceeds 400 | WASH news Africa

Global Action Atlas - About the Global Action Atlas

About the Global Action Atlas

• Introduction
• Our Mission
• Our Vision
• Your Donations
• Why give through the Global Action Atlas?
• Listing projects on the Global Action Atlas
• How organizations and projects are vetted

Introduction

The Global Action Atlas spotlights hundreds of local, cause-related projects around the world to a large audience of concerned citizens, giving individuals opportunities to take action by donating, volunteering, advocating, and sharing information. The Atlas enhances and extends the mission of the National Geographic Society --to inspire people to care about the planet-- by turning inspiration into action.

Our Mission

Women, water and sanitation from RESULTS UK – News and Views

11/03/2010 · Leave a Comment

It is estimated that almost half of all people in the developing world (2.5 billion people) do not have access to adequate sanitation facilities. Poor water, sanitation and hygiene services have disastrous social consequences with a total of 2.4 million people dying every year of diarrhoea and other water borne-diseases. Unhealthy living conditions tend to exacerbate poverty levels as poor households loose on average 3 hours per day searching for clean water and a safe place to relieve themselves, thus missing out on work or school.
more....
time for action!

Washlink has reprinted excepts form an article dealing with rain water harvesting
http://washlink.wordpress.com/2009/09/21/rainwater-havesting-sir-lanka/

WASHLINK an interesting site still under development something to check back in on
great video about ecosan toilet.

Untold Stories: 100 Days to Copenhagen

Untold Stories: 100 Days to Copenhagen
here is a great web site!!!

The Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting

* The Pulitzer Center's mission is to promote in-depth coverage of international affairs, focusing on topics that have been under-reported, mis-reported - or not reported at all.

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ReliefWeb » About ReliefWeb

ReliefWeb » About ReliefWeb
About ReliefWeb

Who We Are

ReliefWeb is the world’s leading on-line gateway to information (documents and maps) on humanitarian emergencies and disasters. An independent vehicle of information, designed specifically to assist the international humanitarian community in effective delivery of emergency assistance, it provides timely, reliable and relevant information as events unfold, while emphasizing the coverage of "forgotten emergencies" at the same time.

ReliefWeb was launched in October 1996 and is administered by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

Recognizing how critical the availability of reliable and timely information in time of humanitarian emergencies is, the UN General Assembly endorsed the creation of ReliefWeb and encouraged humanitarian information exchange through ReliefWeb by all governments, relief agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Resolution 51/194 on 10 February 1997. The General Assembly reiterated the importance of information sharing in emergencies and of taking advantage of OCHA's emergency information services such as ReliefWeb in Resolution 57/153 on 3 March 2003.

ReliefWeb has seen steady growth in usage. In 2002, ReliefWeb received 1.5 million hits per week, and in 2004, the site received approximately 1 million hits a day. Shortly after the South Asia Tsunami disaster of December 2004, it received 3 million hits a day on average.

ReliefWeb maintains three offices in three different time zones (New York, Geneva, and Kobe) to update the web site around the clock. The total budget for the project is USD 2 million (2005), the bulk of which is supported by voluntary contributions by donors.

In recognition of its successful virtual teamwork among three offices, ReliefWeb received two UN21 awards in March 2004 in the areas of "knowledge management" and "improvements to the working environment."


>>For information about OCHA, see OCHA on-line
>>To contact ReliefWeb, see Contact Us
>>For more donor information, see Donor Support


What We Do

ReliefWeb disseminates timely, reliable and relevant humanitarian information by updating its web site around the clock. In addition, ReliefWeb reaches over 70,000 subscribers through its e-mail subscription services, allowing those who have low bandwidth Internet connections to receive information reliably.

ReliefWeb posts some 150 maps and documents daily from over 2,000 source from the UN system, governments, NGOs, academia and the media. Map Centre also creates original ReliefWeb maps.

All documents posted on the site are classified and archived in the ReliefWeb document database, allowing advanced searching of documents from past emergency responses. The database contains nearly 300,000 maps and documents dating back to 1981.

In addition to Map Centre and emergency updates by latest or by country, region, and emergency, ReliefWeb offers various resource sections specifically targeted to relief professionals:

- Appeals and Funding - Funding appeals for complex emergencies and natural disasters and financial tracking of responses to funding requirements
- Policies and Issues - On-line library of reference materials covering humanitarian policies and issues of global nature
- Professional Resources - Information of practical use for relief professionals, including a sectoral or thematic listing of "communities of practice," listings of job opportunities and training opportunities, and an information providers' directory.

The site also offers a "web feed" service to deliver customized content to partners' web sites. The service allows users to further utilize the ReliefWeb's content, thereby avoiding duplication of efforts.

>>For subscription services, see ReliefWeb via Email
>>For the use of third party content, see Terms of Service [under development]
>>For submitting documents, maps, vacancies, etc., see Contact Us
>>For complete overview of the site, see Site Map
>>For additional information, see Help
>>Download new ReliefWeb brochure (pdf): Part 1 (front page), Part 2 (back page)

For internship opportunities with ReliefWeb New York Office, please click here

For internship opportunities with ReliefWeb Kobe Office, please click here

Was the information in this section useful? Your feedback is welcome
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Washlink
a new "startup" site aimed linking all the threads around wash together ...may need to move to wiki
stay tuned work in progress only first shovel dug
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Special Bacteria May Curb Bowel Diseases

Special Bacteria May Curb Bowel Diseases
Special Bacteria May Curb Bowel Diseases
Genetically Engineered Bacteria and Drink Reduce Colitis in Early Lab Tests; Human Studies Next
By Miranda Hitti
WebMD Health News
Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD

"Aug. 21, 2009 -- Researchers in England may have found a new way to treat colitis and other inflammatory bowel diseases."

"Those scientists took a bacterium called Bacteroides ovatus, which people naturally have in their gut, and genetically altered it to secrete a protein called KGF-2 when exposed to a sugar called xylan."

"The point is to bump up the presence of KGF-2, which is a human growth factor that could help heal damage done by inflammatory bowel diseases."

"Why not just give human growth factors directly? Because "they are unstable when administered orally and systemic administration requires high doses, increasing the risk of unwanted side effects," the researchers write in the online edition of the journal Gut."
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Microfinance news , microfinance latest and breaking stories,conferences, interviews : A Global News Center for Microfinance

How to assess the real strength of a microfinance institution?

Posted on | August 22, 2009 | No Comments

David MacDougall, Director of Risk Management, BlueOrchard

Microfinance Focus, Aug. 22, 2009: There have been startling losses in microfinance institutions that have wandered too far from their original microfinance mission due to fierce competition or of profit-minded management, writes David MacDougall, Director of Risk Management at Swiss microfinance fund manager BlueOrchard.

Servicing traditional microfinance clients is expensive because loan sizes are small and the number of people required to service clients. But it was caried out with a goal and motivation. When competition deters the MFI from charging higher interest rates and absorb losses more frequently, it leads to higher loses, explained MacDougall in an article written for the August issue of Microfinance Focus magazine.

“I’ll admit that I have my own spreadsheet full of ratios; however, I principally use them to gauge trends. Often the levels they indicate have limited meaning, and analysts must understand when they do and when they don’t. A key consideration is whether the institution is mission-driven, rather than profit-driven. Many MFIs are non-profits or at least not profit-maximizers. They often charge just enough to cover their expenses and build the portfolio,” he wrote.

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Ask Tom! Column

Ask Tom! Column

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ntroduction

Cryptosporidium and Giardia are two of the most important microscopic pathogens that can be transmitted via drinking water. Both are present in most surface waters around the world. Infection by either organism is particularly serious for immunocompromised individuals as no effective drug treatment is available. The problem is becoming ever more significant as many of the world’s highly populated areas are experiencing diminished water supplies, due to greater demand and an increasingly arid climate. Alternative water sources are therefore being sought; including for example treated municipal wastewater. Such alternatives may be more likely to contain higher concentrations of protozoan parasites such as Cryptosporidium and Giardia.

Water treatment programs are the front line in the defence against all waterborne pathogens. This article presents experimental data that demonstrate an effective technique for maximizing the efficiency of water sanitation methods, involving the measurement of zeta potential to enhance contaminant coagulation.

Can't eat ethanol boston sunday globe editorial

April 13, 2008 http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/editorials/articles/2008/04/13/cant_eat_ethanol/

CORN should be used for food, not motor fuel, and yet the United States is committed to a policy that encourages farmers to turn an increasing amount of their crop into ethanol. This may save the nation a bit of the cost of imported oil, but it increases global-warming gases and contributes to higher food prices.

Candidates for president need to tell Americans the truth about ethanol, but they are falling over themselves in pursuit of the farm belt vote. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton want more ethanol factories built than even President Bush envisaged when he called for 15 percent of US gasoline consumption to be replaced by alternative fuels by 2017. John McCain, who correctly called the ethanol push a boondoggle in 2000, now says that it is "a very important way to achieve energy independence."

Ethanol consumes almost a quarter of US corn production. The energy self-sufficiency that all the candidates seek should not come at the expense of the environment or the food supply.

Increased ethanol production isn't the only reason for the spike in food costs, but it's more controllable than drought in Australia, higher fertilizer prices, or increased meat consumption by the Chinese. Unlike those other cost-drivers, ethanol production is encouraged by federal subsidies.

And it's not as though ethanol improves the environment. When emissions inherent in the production process are included, ethanol consumption generates more carbon dioxide per gallon than gasoline, according to a recent report in Science magazine. Conversion of other cultivated biomass, such as sugarcane or soy, presents the same problem. The only biofuel that produces a net benefit is agricultural waste, an uncertain source. The best way for American motorists to use less gasoline is to drive fewer miles in lighter vehicles, rather than rely on the false promise of biofuels.

Ethanol is now usually sold as 10 percent of a fuel mixture that includes 90 percent gasoline. The government is thinking of ordering refiners to raise the blend to 15 or 20 percent. Ethanol generates fewer miles per gallon than regular gasoline. And it's not yet clear, according to the Consumer Reports website, how the higher blends would affect engine reliability or longevity. Before the government insists on a new fuel blend, it ought to examine all the hidden costs.

Greater use of ethanol means more greenhouse gases and more expensive food for people and livestock, hardly a fair exchange. There's a limited role for biofuels, excluding corn, in reducing oil imports from volatile regions, but they are not the answer to the world's need for energy on the go.

Household Goods Recycling Ministry (HGRM) aka HUG ROOM
here is a great place that should be replicated across the country
its sit say ".. a not-for-profit agency that collects, stores, and distributes furniture and household goods. We are located in Acton, Massachusetts. We accept donations from all sources and distribute those goods to families in need. Your support is critical to the success of our ministry serving those in our community who are in need. Our organization is staffed by over a hundred volunteers of all ages and occupations. We rely on individuals and organizations in our area for donations of the household goods we distribute. Please support us by donating goods, giving a monetary donation, and/or volunteering to help...."

GWB initials or acronym for
Global Warming BUSH

this is the best I can fine. Oh so good.
source

No Jail Time for Libby?

It's Impeachment Time for

Cheney and Bush!

There's only one reason why Bush kept Libby out of jail: to keep him from ratting on Cheney and Bush about their direct involvement in the felonious outing of Valerie Plame.

In mob circles, it's called silencing a witness. In a courthouse, it's called obstruction of justice. And in Congress, it's called grounds for impeachment. Just ask Richard Nixon.

On TV, the Busheviks are telling even more lies to drown out talk of impeachment. Via email, Democratic "leaders" are feigning outrage to avoid calling for impeachment.

That means it's time for us to demand impeachment. Let's make this "Impeachment Summer!"

1. Don't waste your time calling the White House (the switchboard is closed anyway). Call your Representative to impeach Cheney and Bush:
   1 (800) 828 - 0498
   1 (800) 459 - 1887
   1 (800) 614 - 2803
   1 (866) 340 - 9281
   1 (866) 338 - 1015
   1 (877) 851 - 6437
2. Email your Representatives to Impeach Cheney: http://www.democrats.com/peoplesemailnetwork/73
3. Email your Representatives to Impeach Bush:
   http://www.democrats.com/peoplesemailnetwork/88
4. Email theHouse Judiciary Committee to Start Hearings on H.Res. 333, Articles of Impeachment for Vice President Cheney
   http://www.democrats.com/topelosiandjudiciary
5. Organize a Honk to Impeach on July 4 and throughout the summer:
   http://democrats.com/honktoimpeach
6. Join our new Facebook group, The Nationwide Movement to Impeach Cheney and Bush
   http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=3079705569
7. Join your local Congressional District Impeachment Committee:
   http://democrats.com/cdic-find
8. Youtube Your Rep. and Earn $100:
   http://www.democrats.com/youtube-your-rep

Cheney Impeachment Bill Advances in House Judiciary Committee

Three Democrats who until recently opposed impeachment - Keith Ellison (MN-5), Hank Johnson (GA-4), and Jim McDermott (WA-7) - last week became co-sponsors of Dennis Kucinich's Articles of Impeachment for Vice President Cheney, H.Res. 333:
http://impeachcheney.org

And the House Judiciary Committee took a giant step towards impeachment hearings by sending H.Res. 333 to the Constitution Subcommittee led by Rep. Jerrold Nadler (NY-8).

But Speaker Pelosi remains our main obstacle to impeachment. In a conference call with bloggers, Pelosi tried to dodge the issue by arguing Bush "isn't worth it... he's not worth impeaching." But Mike Stark wouldn't accept Pelosi's dodge: "Respectfully, that's not the question. Respectfully, the question is whether or not the Constitution is worth it." Here's Pelosi's shocking reply: "Well, yeah, the Constitution is worth it if you can succeed ." So Pelosi's sworn oath to uphold the Constitution only applies "if you can succeed"? Surely not!

Source and to To subscribe, create a free Democrats.com account here:
http://www.democrats.com/user/register

The pale blue dot
Pale Blue Dot - Written and narrated by Carl Sagan.

I CAN HAS CHEEZBURGER? » Blog Archive I'M IN UR FIELD... «

this site is wacked
so much so it is rofl

icanhascheezburger.com

Wolfowitz got to, got to, got to go !

Wolfowitz apologises over pay row

Mr Wolfowitz has been on a campaign to target corruption

World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz has apologised for "mistakes" made over the promotion and pay of an ex-colleague with whom he is romantically involved.

Mr Wolfowitz's partner, Shaha Riza, was moved to the State Department when he took the Bank's top job in 2005.

But the bank's staff association says she then received pay rises and promotions which were "grossly out of line" with the Bank's staff rules.

The controversy comes ahead of joint World Bank and IMF spring meetings.

Mr Wolfowitz also said he would accept any remedy that the World Bank's Board proposed.

The bank chief - formerly US deputy secretary of defence - has adopted a fiercely anti-corruption stance.

The latest furore threatens to undermine Mr Wolfowitz's personal campaign to combat corruption and poor governance.

Responsibility

Until now, Mr Wolfowitz has said he took "full responsibility" for the case, but said it was being left to a committee "that is dealing with it and I am comfortable with that".

But on Thursday he said: "I made a mistake, for which I am sorry."

Ms Riza had been a high-ranking communications employee at the bank working in the Middle East section.

When Mr Wolfowitz took over at the Bank in mid-2005, Ms Riza - then a Bank employee for eight years - was transferred to work for the US State Department, to avoid any conflict of interest.

But rapid rises in her tax-free World Bank salary to about $193,000 - more than the $186,000 Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice receives before tax - have aroused ire among other Bank employees.

In a memo to its members earlier in April, the World Bank Staff Association said that the speed of both promotions and salary increases were "grossly out of line" with the Bank's rules.

"Senior management has put forward a call for good governance," the memo said. "In order to be credible, senior management must model the behaviour it espouses."

Aid

While facing press questions about the case, Mr Wolfowitz has tried to shift focus back to the bank's remit of fighting global poverty.

He said the world's richest nations had given 5% less aid over the past 12 months.

"We have yet to see evidence of significant new flows translate into real resources for development programmes on the ground," he said.

Ministers and trade leaders from the 185-nation organisation are to meet on Saturday and Sunday in Washington.

The agenda will include issues including fighting diseases and the state of the world economy.

source bbc http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/6548291.stm

Tower of bears
all one does is build and knock down a tower of bears
it is just way too simple
to generate so much fun but it does.
great for kids and and kids at heart
found on stumble. sound is a must for this site