The Straw That Could. And Should.
December 19th, 2007 by 5cents
Time magazine recently selected Apple’s iPhone as its invention of the year. While the iPhone is a breakthrough mobile device, I was upset at Time choosing a gadget with such a small global reach as its annual halo invention. Instead, I’d like to rave about Time’s 2005 invention of the year, the Lifestraw from Vestergaard Frandsen Group. Yes, this is about three years late, nevertheless, this little straw that could is even more relevant today than it was in 2005 (and a new version just came out).
Studies show about a billion people worldwide do not have access to a reliable source of safe drinking water, something most in the developed world take for granted. Africa comes to mind first given the general public perception of a continent devoid of anything liquid but the problem affects most third world countries (including India which, paradoxically Read On! »
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Sexy Dutch reader Dagsy did her PhD thesis in genocide. Her book is a fascinating read for those of you who are so chipper, you can read 300 pages of death, destruction and the reasons behind it all without several doses of Xanax. What I’ve read so far is well written and highly informative if quite depressing. In all seriousness though, genocide has been a fork up humanity’s ass for centuries now and while we all squirm because it’s uncomfortable, no one actually makes a serious effort to remove said fork from said derriere. I am guilty of the same and as such shall certainly be reading the entire book with hope that I can be motivated to act. We could all show a little compassion and action.