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The images coming from Haiti are shocking, and it's amazing how much can change in only a few seconds, with tens of thousands dead and possibly millions homeless. I had just finished reading an amazing book called Mountains Beyond Mountains, which is the account of an American doctor who essentially dedicated his life to improving the medical care of Haitians and the amazing things he did, and continues to do, over there.
You can also use technology to donate via text message. It's already raised $4 million dollars at the time I'm writing this. Just text "HAITI" to 90999 and $10 will be added to your cell phone bill, with the money going to the Red Cross to help with the relief efforts there. And to think back in the day you actually had to write and mail a check.
In other news, Google and China are getting into a spat about the hacking of human rights campaigners Gmail addresses, and it was finally proven that the Chinese government is the source of those attacks, and has targeted other international corporations as well. I still think it'll be very interesting to see how the next few decades pan out as China becomes an ever bigger force and if their people ever start standing up for their basic human rights. For all the yammering from teabaggers about how Obama is a socialist nazi communist dictator, it'd be nice if they got some perspective on what an actual oppressive government looks like and does.
My friend Shruti from college is visiting this weekend to interview for residency, so I get to do another round of Austin Tour Guide (tm). I've gotten quite adept at it over the last 3 years, but unfortunately the forecast is for rain and cold, so that'll put a damper on things. But one of the nights we're going to one of my favorite nightspots, The Highball, for 90's video dance night. It's run by the guys who own the Alamo Drafthouse, and they have ski-ball, bowling, karaoke (which after 26 years I finally remember how to spell because it's KARAoke) and awesome music (a-la the 90's video dance party). It's where me and Kara had our engagement party back in November.
I don't think I mentioned my favorite new food place in Austin either: Gourdoughs. They're doughnuts out of a trailer, and they're heavenly. The flying pig is delicious and the Funky Monkey is soooo good!
And interestingly a super fresh (as in the menu changes daily) health food trailer is located right next to it. Haven't tried it, but it's gotten good reviews
And as far as Leno vs O'Brien saga goes, Conan should get to keep his job. I can't believe how much NBC is screwing things up. No wait, actually I can.
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