Wk13: No Sent Postcard

So, it is an excuse, but I'm waiting on a power cord I had to reorder so I can print postcards at home.  My desire to make my own cards with pictures of what I'm doing is my little excuse every week.  The cord it ordered, so my fingers are crossed that I can start printing soon. 

Wk13: NARSAD: The Brain and Behavior Research Foundation

Donate to The Brain and Behavior Research Foundation
The Brain and Behavior Research Foundation [http://www.narsad.org/] distributes money to organization and groups that are studying brain disorders.  I kind of wished they actually worked on solving those illnesses, but I guess when you are studying something as diverse as the human brain, it is good to find those that are the most qualified for each area of research and help them out.  Per their website, "[they] have awarded nearly $300 million worldwide to more than 3,000 scientists. . ."  Their grants are used to fund projects that either study or work on treatments for depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and anxiety disorders in adults and children.  This organization just seems like a good, general research program that is trying to pool money to the best-of-the-best projects. 

Wk12: The Big Short

The Big Short: Inside the Doomsday Machine is very interesting, though rather dense.  I want to understand the financial crisis and this good has the data and insight to help me do that.  The problem is that I cannot skim the book; luckily, I do not want to do that either.  I need to digest the numbers and and try and look at them in a "big-picture" context.  The author also references studies and memos that I want to consider on my own.  I've found a few of those memos, and those are just as thick and interesting.  This book turned out to be a multi-weeker as I am not finished.

Wk12: Post Office Fail

I was in D.C. and I thought that would make for an interesting postcard.  FAIL.  I tried to buy postcard stamps, but the post office I went to was only handling pick-ups and they would not let me "pick-up" some stamps.  Whatever. I went to a bar instead and watched March Madness instead; I thought my mom would still approve. 

Wk12: AmeriCares - Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami Fund

Donate to the AmeriCares Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami Fund.

AmeriCares [AmeriCares.org] is an aid program that responds to disasters and humanitarian crisis all over the world.  This groups has a high rank from Charity Navigator [CharityNavigator.org] and uses 98% of donations for program services.  I liked how their have a long track record of providing necessary help around the world and how they have a programs designed for helping Japan after the 2011 earthquake/tsunami.  I feel like I want to help those suffering in Japan right now and that this group can do that.  AmeriCares is currently delivering basic hygienic items and working with local organizations in Japan is deal with food and shelter shortages. 

Wk11: The Year of Living Biblically

The Year of Living Biblically: One Man's Humble Quest to Follow the Bible as Literally as Possible by A. J. Jacobs is an interesting concept and liked his attitude towards the challenge.  I, however, have yet to finish this book.  I was going to take it to read on a cross-country flight, but of course I forgot it at home.  I lapsed on my week during my trip and this book has now been relegated to the "to do" pile.

Wk11: Poster

Boring.

Wk11: National Council on Aging

Donate to National Council on Aging
I like the idea of an organization not just caring for the elderly, but also promoting a better life for them. NCOA creates programs that provide meaningful and prosperous work for the elderly to supplement their income and offer a way for seniors to share their time.  This works with their effort to find other programs that also keep the senior citizens healthy and dignified into their golden years.  It just seems that NCOA is working with the elderly rather than for those that are finished with the older generation.