It is so simple! Breastfeeding can improve the health of infants dramatically. Well, yes, that is true but the whole thing about it being simple is a bit of a problem. Karen Grepin shares a personal anecdote as to why: Honestly, if I hear another public health official (frequently male) allude to the fact... More»

RT @hanaosman: On Feb. 18th two of the top Sudanese Legends have passed away Mohammed Wardi (2012) & AlTayeb Salih (2009) #Sudan #RIPWardi # i need about 36 hours to the day… # My power cable its dead for my mac book… Anyone know best place to Read the original article... More»

RT @hanaosman: On Feb. 18th two of the top Sudanese Legends have passed away Mohammed Wardi (2012) & AlTayeb Salih (2009) #Sudan #RIPWardi # i need about 36 hours to the day… # My power cable its dead for my mac book… Anyone know best place to Read the original article... More»

There are a few quick and easy online devotionals I look at from time to time, upper room is one of them. Today’s devotional was about what one reader gave up for a past Lent. I appreciate this idea rather than giving up chocolate, pop, or coffee. Not to get caught up in an... More»

Although tomorrow is Alberta's official "Family Day", many people are celebrating it today already. My own family (husband and kids) are all off in different locations, so it's a good thing we had some family celebrations last week already.One of the celebrations, the main one, was Dad Lagore's birthday. Now, his birthday fell on... More»

We are headed for Dubai. It is intended to a be a short break in the middle of winter, and a break that does not involve death or bush fires or crisis. I am badly overworked and Julie not far behind. As we drive to the airport, Mohammed Ali, asks me where we are... More»

I'm as liberal as they come. Economically and socially. I believe in markets, but I also believe that we need massive redistribution to ensure effective safety nets and fair life chances for all children. But sometimes, the Guardian, you just take bleeding heart liberalism to whole new levels. Yesterday you invited us to feel... More»

Congo should be the 'bread basket' of Africa. However, it imports food but not enough to feed its people. That's a crime against humanity! Or it should be. (...) Read the original article... More»

We profiled 50 Cent’s visit to Somalia and Kenya in last week’s Links Expat Aid Workers Like, and to our delight, received this heartfelt poem from EAW M&E specialist Elliot Seeger… An Open Letter to Fiddy from An Aidworker Fan Dear Fif, I’ve liked you since you first signed with Eminem Even copped the vinyl... More»

This is a guest-post by Richard Williams, summarising his new OPM Development Futures paper, co-authored with James Copestake of the University of Bath Over the last 15 years, development actors have increasingly recognised the political and messy nature of reform. Prescribing best practice solutions has often failed given the differing perspectives, capacity and motivations... More»

Early morning darkness, a faint smattering of rain staccatos on our plastic mbati roof then peters out. After two weeks of daily all-day commutes to our continuing medical education conference at Brackenhurst, there is finally time to squeeze in a short run with Star before the day begins. The dust of a nearly two-month... More»

Following the presentation of the headline 12% point reduction in poverty over the last 5 years in Rwanda, the full reports are now available from the National Institute of Statistics (here and here). One contributory factor will be the reduction in average household size over the period (implying reduced consumption needs); this is consistent... More»

Now that things are settling down and life is getting more “normal”, I want to keep up with the Thankful Thursday posts. Taking a moment to gather my thoughts, something I am thankful for is forgiveness. First and most obvious is for God forgiving my sins. Secondly, I am also appreciative of the forgiveness... More»

Let me just say it. Because unless you have been to Congo you probably can't really imagine. It is a miracle. Point blank. The fact that you can purchase a handmade bag from Congo. (...) Read the original article... More»

The main cause of bad writing in economics is that economists don't read good writing. If economists would read Jane Austen or George Orwell, or even Adam Smith or Thomas Schelling, in bulk, daily, habitually, they would improve. Deirdre McCloskey (HT: Abhijeet Singh) Read the original article... More»