Following Mugabe vs. Tsvangirai and the Last King of Scotland

Current events are not only interesting but an easy way to start conversations. In the US we don't get much exposure to international news compared to some of the local stories that get jammed down our throat. While stories like Natalee Holloway, and going way back in the day Michael Fay (remember? caning in Singapore) catch the national media attention, a lot of significant global stories simply don't get much attention. Especially if they don't directly involve Americans.

I'd like to recommend you start following one of the stories I have been following as of late, the election and run off in Zimbabwe between Robert Mugabe (probably the most intimidating 84 year old you'll see) and the President of the MDC Party, Morgan Tsvangirai. Trying to sort out potential media bias and gaining a better understanding of the political environment in Zimbabwe is, to me, quite interesting.

Similarly, might I recommend the movie The Last King of Scotland. Not only is Forest Whitaker's portrayal of Idi Amin one of the best performances I've ever seen, the entire movie and story (though hollywoodisized some) are absolutely fantastic.

8 Degrees South Latitude

Today I made an official (read monetary) commitment to travel as a volunteer to Tanzania for three weeks next March.

Like a kid that can't wait till the next Christmas on December 28th, I am overly excited about a trip that is over ten months away. Whatever- I'm going to allow myself to be overly excited, I just hope my friends don't get too sick of my yet-to-be-informed jabber. My excitement is all speculative but the chance to make a difference in a place that is so different promises to be a life-changing experience, no hyperbole necessary.

Just as the excitement is very real, so are the nerves. Signing the requisite "tough luck if you die" forms and reading about the multiplicity of venomous snakes is a little unsettling. The concept of making air transfers in Kenya or Ethiopia is as well, but being able to conquer the unknown is what will allow me to grow on the trip. I've always been proud of my independence and pending completion of this world of a task, I'll KNOW the sky is the limit.

I will be working with a group called Global Volunteers who organizes volunteer services all over the world. You should check out their website at www.globalvolunteers.org.

Now I face the litany of challenges leading up to the actual trip. Passport, sure, a visa? I thought those were just for baseball prospects from the Dominican Republic.

I'll keep you updated, hopefully enough to keep you interested and updated without being "all up in yo face" about it....I'll try not to be.

Discovery's Feel Good Marketing

Every once in a while I'll find a song that puts a smile on my face each time I hear it. I always tell myself I am going to write them down as I hear them and eventually make a whole cd of feel good songs but the good ones come so infrequently that it just hasn't happened.

Well there is a new version of a song that caught me at the right time. Right when I needed something to make me feel better. What's even better is that it is a video this time with pictures that match the feel good nature.

And its just a commercial. Although, a commercial for what is probably the best channel right now; Discovery. I've found myself playing this video over and over. I hope it makes you feel as good as it has made me.