(no subject)

According to recent reports by NGOs, including Global Witness, Partnership Africa Canada and Human Rights Watch, blood diamonds are still circulating freely and smuggling remains rampant. Some of the worst countries in the diamond business, such as Sierra Leone, Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo, can't account for where as many as 50 percent of the diamonds they export originate, making their status as clean gems highly questionable. Meanwhile, Cote d'Ivoire, the only country considered to be the source of "official" conflict diamonds due to rebel control of its northern diamond mines, has expanded its production since it was placed under UN sanction in 2004, meaning the rebels are finding willing markets for them somewhere.

Not only does the Kimberley Process in its present form seem powerless to stop conflict diamonds, but its policies may even be encouraging the illegal trade to flourish.

(no subject)

I've had a lot of people come to me telling me how miserable their 2009 was. The same people who told me how terrible 2008 was. I think they may be approaching the new year incorrectly. If they're only dwelling on the negatives, they're going to forget all the good things that have happened! And years from now they will think back and wonder where all the time disappeared to.

So let's end this year on a good note so we can start the new one properly!

Good things that happened in 2009 for me:
- Got married to ben! And had a fun wedding with lots of friends there!
- Stopped biting my nails
- Got a raise/mini-promotion
- Started doing yoga, which makes my back feel better
- Fixed noname's teeth, so her bad breath is gone and her energy is back

[Poll #1505517]