Tuesday, December 23, 2003

Message From DATA (Debt, Trade, AIDS in Africa) This Holiday Season, we have much to be thankful for. Because Americans like you spoke up and called on your leaders to take action, the US is poised to implement an historic increase in funding for effective lifesaving programs that bring hope to millions of Africans. Thanks to you, America is committing an additional $2 billion to fight AIDS and poverty in Africa and around the world this year. Let us reflect this holiday season not only on what we have accomplished, but the challenges that still confront us. AIDS will not take a vacation this year. While we are enjoying time with our friends and family, AIDS will continue to kill 6,500 Africans every day. This year, we have seen what can happen when Americans speak out on behalf of those suffering in Africa. Our leaders listen and take action. SO KEEP SPEAKING OUT, MAKING THOSE CALLS, WRITING THOSE LETTERS, SPEAKING FOR THOSE WHO HAVE NO VOICE. Here's how you can help: Click Visit our website http://www.data.org and learn more about the crisis in Africa and how you can make a difference. Call DATA has set up a special toll free number, so you can call President Bush and urge him to follow through on this year's progress in fighting AIDS and poverty in Africa. Call 1-877-HOPE-USA (1-877-467-3872) and tell the President to keep America's promise to Africa by fully funding the Global AIDS Act and Millennium Challenge Account. The White House is right now making crucial decisions about next year's funding levels . Your call can make a difference right NOW. Act Download DATA's Advocacy Tool Kit at http://www.data.org/action/ . It has everything you need to raise awareness and organize action in your community. We need the help of Americans like you in communities across the country now more than ever. Thank you for a successful year. Your action has truly made a difference in the lives of millions of Africans. We look forward to working with you to achieve even greater successes in 2004! 11:44:12 PM

How the Internet Invented Howard Dean Wired: How the Internet invented Howard Dean. Gary Wolf moves the story forward a bit by getting some face time with the candidate. Dean: "If I give a speech and the blog people don't like it, next time I change the speech." Meanwhile, Jay Rosen unpacks Frank Rich's NYT article on media/DC cluelessness about Dean. Rosen: "(T)here is a big story gathering. We as nation ought to understand it whole. Political journalists should be leading the way. The story: Asymetrical warfare comes home in the form of campaign 2004." [EdCone.com] 11:38:41 PM

Slim Harpo / Blues Harmonica Slim Harpo. (James Moore, 1924-1970). "...By the time his first single became a Southern jukebox favorite, his songs being were adapted and played by White musicians left and right. Here was good-time Saturday night blues that could be sung by elements of the Caucasian persuasion with a straight face. Nothing resembling the emotional investment of a Howlin' Wolf or a Muddy Waters was required; it all came natural and easy, and its influence has stood the test of time." From Blues Harmonica Legends. [gmtPlus9] 10:13:47 AM

grid blogging proceeds on Jan. 15 Grid blogging II - Ritual. via datacloud: From notes from somwhere bizarre, another grid blog invitation, set for January 15: Following the positive feedback and the desire to continue with the grid blog project expressed by a variety of different quarters, it seems like the right time... [Topic Exchange: Channel 'grid_brand'] 9:32:32 AM