The Other Stuff

So, the world is pretty fucked-up. What burns me is how much money is wasted in better known organizations; it is estimated only 10% of your donations get the the actual people who need it. $1 can actually go a long way, so I spent a shit ton of time looking into where to donate and how the money is then used.Some organizations need more reliable donations while others can use funds when there’s a pivotal crisis. Still others put money in the hands of the actual people that need it and others provide meaningful, long-term training. The important thing is that the money actually go where you intend it to.

Give Directly – Actually gives real people the money you donate, they can do whatever they want with it, but they are well vetted by the organization. $10 a month is a great starting point, as it gives continuous aid.

Marine Mammal Center – Sea creatures have had a particularly terrible time the last few years. Many babies have washed up without way to survive, many adults get handicapped by fishing nets and the like. I love giant, blubbery mammals and this place does them loads of good.

Animal Rescue Societies – These are often low-kill shelters, sometimes no-kill and tons of rescues pull from them. $10 a month makes a big difference here as well.

Fix Our Ferals – Finding an abandoned litter of kittens is heart-breaking. FOF cuts down the amount of feral cats spawning along with providing them reliable sources of clean food and water.

Southern Poverty Law Center – The work of Mr. Dees is second to none. Not sure if he is doing much in New Orleans, but he’s had incredible impact over decades. 

Creative Growth – I love this place. It has an incredible roster of world famous artists with developmental, physical and mental disabilities. The work endlessly inspiring, unique, unassuming and idiosyncratic.

Sama Source – A non-profit that teaches people computer skills so they can develop life long skills and always be able to find work. Having seen this organization working first hand, it gives people a way to fundamentally change their lives.

Kiva – This is a great holiday gift. They give are a micro finance company, providing loans to people all over the world to begin or develop their businesses.

Food Banks – This is another great $10 monthly donation. Helping people with those most basic necessities.

Heifer – Another holiday gift. They provide renewable resources like goats, chickens, ducks, bees and more to people.

I've been reading a lot about child soldiers lately. There's this book and that one, which give an idea, but it's Richard Mosse's series shot on infrared film that really blows my mind. Infrared film, when used with the correct filter, turns greens to pink, creating the most arresting, unexpected colors. To do this in Africa, in a war torn region, infusing these kids with bright pink, was innovative and striking,

Why the Fuck Not: Caucasian Ovcharka Dog

An Evening with Lady Snowblood-

I hadn't heard of this Lady Snowblood (1973) when it popped up on Hulu, but poster image was the heroine covered in blood with a fearless expression. So I watched it.