Ran across this site this morning via the Jayne Blog. It's run by the graduate school of international studies at the University of Denver. Called RPCV (Returned Peace Corps Volunteer) Podcast, the site interviews RPCVs and brings you the podcasts of those interviews. Worth a look. The first one listed is with a RPCV named Sarah who worked in Turkmenistan and talks about how it was to function under the repressive regime of Saparmurat "Turkmenbashi" Niyazov.

In some other blogs, check out these stories:

Farhan Lalji in 'free idea 003' wonders why there isn't a definitive source for information about where you can find free wifi spots while traveling.

I actually agree with the National Science Teachers Association turning down an endorsement of Al Gore's 'Inconvenient Truth' by not accepting a donation of 50,000 copies of the movie. I've never thought it was helpful at all that Gore was the producer of this movie with the baggage that he brings along with him. He's a politician, an activist, etc., and no matter how much I might agree with his assessment about climate change and global warming, there's a sizable chunk of the population that has a visceral reaction to the guy that ranks high on the heeby jeebies scale, similar to the rise Hillary Clinton gets out of people (and for another comparison, George W. Bush and Dick Cheney toward another sizable chunk). My parents hate the guy. These are all truly polarizing figures, so anything out of their mouths is often distrusted by half the population out of sheer disgust at the people themselves.

Biopact has word on the economic burden AIDS presents to African countries, via a report by the International Labor Organization. Here's the pdf of the report. Some startling data and important if we can stop looking at AIDS as simply a health issue but an economic and development issue as well. The big problem for me is the insane arguments about condoms and other protective measures that add to the suffering. Fucking dinosaurs. Maybe economic selfish-interest will help people look on things differently. It usually does.

Marc Lamont Hill has some further thoughts on World AIDS Day. A bit more eloquent than your foul mouthed host here.

Keep up on the world of social enterprise gaming here.

Ethanol demand is boosting corn prices ... buy! buy! buy!

Looking for a holiday gift? Try Two Hands Worldshop for fair trade gift items.

I missed this in my Great Reads post the other day, but another book to put on your list should be Worldchanging: A User's Guide for the 21st Century.

And if you're interested, check out my Pandora selections. I have this QuickMix blaring into my ears right now ...

Golden rose, the color of the dream I had

Not too long ago

A misty blue and the lillac too

A never to grow old.

A there you were under the tree of song

Sleeping so peacefully

In your hand a flower played

A waiting there for me.