It’s always refreshing to find a “feel-good” story in the news these days. Especially one that vividly contrasts the big story in the region: the Taliban taking over the Swat valley!! The group of students featured in the May 18 story of the IHT have decided to take matters into their own hands and fight the Taliban in their own way: by cleaning up the streets. And with good reason too – a small act of good citizenship often has a snowball effect. It can give people hope and help them focus on positive attitude. Leo recently published an article at his ZenHabits blog: The Art of the Small. As soon as I read the Pakistan article I felt that it was a great example of what Leo talks about.
Making a difference in the world does not have to be an all-encompassing feat that unmotivates you just by its imagined magnitude. Making a difference can and should be a small feat – like picking up a piece of trash. Just one, each day. Especially trash that you find in nature. Otherwise we’ll end up with a strat-o-layer of plastic one day, and when they dig deep in the earth to gather information about previous generations they will define ours as the generation of plastic garbage.
“Pakistan is a country plagued by problems — Islamic extremism and poverty. But these young people are another face, a curious new generation that looks skeptically on their parents’ privilege and holds mullahs and military generals in equal contempt.”
“The reason the Taliban is ruling Swat,” he said referring to a valley north of Islamabad, where Islamic extremists took control this year, “is because they are organized. We need to organize, too.”
“The only answer to Pakistan’s problems,” he added, “is a broad-based people’s movement.”
Actually, the problem was deeper. A long-term cycle of corrupt, weak governments interrupted by military coups has caused Pakistan’s political muscles to atrophy, leaving Pakistani society, particularly its poor, hopeless that they will ever receive the services — education, water, electricity, health — that they so desperately need.”
“It’s good,” Mr. Waqas said shyly. When asked why, he said, “Because people care.”
That brought the students to the most serious discussion of the day, one that is arguably Pakistan’s biggest problem: the gap between rich and poor. Generations of poverty and a system of substandard education that keeps people in it have created fertile ground for Islamic militancy, which now poses a serious threat to the stability of the country.
“Here, if you’re poor, you’re not even a human being,” said Pavel Qaiser. “It’s the culture we have — one landlord and the peasants working under him.”
And here was a revelation: the trash picking, which the students had intended as an example for shopkeepers and residents, was actually an exercise for themselves.
“The rich don’t care, the poor can’t do anything, so it’s up to the middle class to make the change,” Mr. Khwaja said, as a group of friends standing near him nodded in agreement. “We have to lead by example. To change it from inside.”
He continued, his voice urgent, as if he were giving a speech: “We want to tell everyone, ‘You have the right. For 60 years everyone has told you that you don’t, but you do!’ ”
Then he bemoaned the small number of friends they were able to gather for the trash cleaning. For those who didn’t come, he had a message. “You want to do something? Pick up a shovel.”
Un-natural garbage
I won’t lie, I get lost in the sea of websites just as much as the next guy gal – or maybe more. I’ve noticed a trend, no matter how many new websites catch my eye, get added to delicious, stumble upon or dug with digg, there is a set of sites I RSS to my Google Reader.
A few months ago, when I first started reading blogs regularly (yes, it’s only been a few months) I found ZenHabits. Leo does an exceptional job of inspiring and motivation without preaching or sounding like your mother saying “I told you so”. It works because he shares his experiences and how he handles the curve balls that life throws his way – the reader can choose to emulate or to ignore. And the best part is his writing style: he writes as if he is talking to you, yet eloquant – something that I appreciate a lot in blogs, and likely can’t do myself, but hope to improve over time.
A Facebook friend recently posted a message about a blog he enjoys reading. I check it out his link and found a wonderful blog of stories woven together masterfully by Sameer Vasta. At his blog, i tell stories, he shares with his readers tender sories and interesting finds, from artistic pictues to funny videos and insightful articles.
Wondering from blog to blog a few months back – I think it may have been the second or third day after I dove into blog world – I found Notes to Self. At first I remember thinking it was a home decorating blog. The author was in the middle of doing a piece for a magazine and used her home as a model. A few visits later I discovered the treasure that is Kyran’s blog. It is beautifully written, funny and mysterious all in one.
Once in a while I find a blog that really blows my mind. 43 Folders has been the one blog that I have been going back to over and over (against the advice of its witty writer, Merlin Mann, who encourages his readers to get to their creative projects and stop their online blog reading procrastination). It’s a great destination that kicks you in the ass for being there and encourages you to get going on your most important projects. Thanks Mann!
Heidi’s 101 Cookbooks is outstanding and delicious! It’s become my go-to recipe blog every time I want to wip up something healthy, delicious and nutritious. I love her takes on traditional recipes and suggestions. The recipes coupled with stunning photography gives even the most unmotivated wannabe cook the perfect incentive to get in the kitchen and start cookin’!
Marketing is not something that I focus on in my searches for cool information. When I need to know something or get an idea I just check out Seth Godin’s site. There is an especially interesting and useful article (the one the link points to) on marketing ideas for a small business. His step-by-step process is both clear and useful. Every small business needs to read this and follow his method. Okay, fine, no one ‘needs’ to do anything, but it would definitely come in handy for any small biz looking for a starting place.
Pop-culture and every else witty and random is Kottke’s blog. It’s a great source of inspiration as it is a great destination where one can easily get lost in the random factoids and archives.
When I am in the mood for political insight I read Dave Eaves’s Blog. I like his open mindedness and appreciate the in-depth analysis of the subjects. His latest article discussing the addiction and legalization of drugs in Canada is a great comparative piece, shedding light on the ongoing shameful situation of drugs in Canada.
And for kicks, here is one of my favourite picture from the trip to Angkor Wat.
Fecamp, mid-size town in Normandy, is home to the Bénédictine Palace and the Abbey of Fecamp, both worth the visit to Fecamp. Along with the port, they are definitely the sights to visit in Fecamp.
The best place to stay if you are looking for inexpensive and the best view in town is the campground. On the southside of the town, hillside, facing the sea – the best campground placement I’ve seen in a long while. One can rent a 5 person chalet with sea view for about $20 US/person/day. An even better deal is to bring your own tent and set up camp.
For good eats, the morning market remains the best option for inexpensive do-it-yourself meals. If you’d like someone else to do the cooking, there are plenty ‘boulangerie’s, bistros and restaurants to cater to any taste. We catered to ourselves with two baguettes, a couple of tomatoes and some brie and goat cheese – nothing like an impromptu, sea-side picnic!
a keepsake travel map to date. hoping the yellow will migrate in the years to come. 
one of my favourite activities is spontaneous combustion – kidding. no, what i really enjoy here (= france) is discovering quirky signs. i love the outspoken nature of folks, especially when they don’t actually have to talk to you directly. it’s a little passive-agressive, but funny nonetheless.
