Chimera;693707 wrote: The current figure used to be above 3 million, but Somalis in Somalia took matters into their own hands and started cultivating their own lands resulting in a bumper harvest, Somalis could feed half of Africa if they continued in such ways. No amount of fundraisers could ever come close to the agricultural wealth that is in Somalia, and these same fundraisers could never result in a million Somalis suddenly dropping off the food-insecurity list the way one bumper harvest has done. I know you're a nifty googler, so go ahead and google the latest news coming out of Somalia. You will notice that this very harvesting and cultivating the lands that can feed them is the very thing thats at risk here and the cause of the food shortage crisis at the moment because of the failure of the rains in the last 3months of 2010.

I really would like to know where you got that figure of 2 billion. Please, source and reference. Thanks! Secondly, you again seem to miss the point of this particular picture at this particular time. There is a time and place to discuss putting Somalia on the right tract long term and all the political maneuvering and who should do what, however there is a crisis in Somalia at the moment where an estimated 2.4 million Somalis require emergency humanitarian assistance, some literally dying of starvation as we type while others are pretty close. This is no time to discuss how the fire started, this is a time to put out the fire, and thats what he wants people to do. Reach out and help, put the extravagance on hold for a month or two, your people need your donation.

Norf.. the point is, you dont know.

^ You're painfully pedantic here Sayid. Norf, you must have a camera installed in his house... nothing else can explain how you're able to pinpoint what exactly he is doing as he draws. Chimera, you seem to have missed the point by a mile and half. He is just drawing a parallel between the situation at home and the priorities of those abroad and their ilk. Even if Somalia wasn't starving, I would still shame the unnecessary lavishing and extravagance of a society where consumerism reigns supreme. And I guess even more so when that society has a responsibility back home (and yes they do!).

I cant say its surprising to see a few of you with your misguided indignation. Soo-maa-li! AA is doing a great job and he seems dedicated to highlighting the idiosyncrasies of his people. Of course, one can argue this is his view, but I certainly dont see any prejudice or malice in any of his art and to me he comes across as a concerned and upright citizen, combining his profession (cartoonist) and concern (Somalia)! Clearly BOB et al are sporting a different shade of glasses to me though! Anyway, the argument that he is benefiting from it is just so far fetched and sinister. Whats that about? Reporters and people who work in the media have to earn their living while highlighting issues that are of concern to them. Furthermore, the fact that he seems repetitive is more a symptom of the bigger issue in Somalia which is that the country is marred in a vicious circle of poverty, instability, famine, in-fighting etc.

Sayid, red carpet..street lights.. its all the same to me so long as I feel isbeshal.

No Sayid, Hargeisa is the primary capital city . I will visit Qardho if you guys roll out the red carpet, I'm not too partial.

Sayid, how tribalist of you. Hargeisa happens to be everyone's capital city, but B-town will get a visit.

Looks like going to Hargeisa is all the craze these days. Let me just announce here for the benefit of JB, that I'm on that gravy train . So.. sort a sister with a temp job.

I'm sadly posting to check my stats!

I dont like to admit, but I've watched both the bachelor and bachelorette last season. I'm not sure I'm convinced by the developed feelings in a contrived environment, under the watchful eyes of the nation, but its definitely all so very romantic and idealistic in how we would like all relationships to start and develop, so thats its allure for me.

I'm a big TED fan and RSA animate is great! I feel totally inspired everytime I watch either. I've been listening to some of the talks from the CUSP conference in the last couple of days and below is the link. Similar to TED andthe RSA, the CUSP conference brings together innovative thinkers and thought leaders to talk about ideas to change the world. http://www.youtube.com/user/CuspConference I'll also share my all-time favourite ted talk. http://www.ted.com/talks/jk_rowling_the_fringe_benefits_of_failure.html Enjoy!

Mr. Admin, I just want you to know I got sent an offline msg letting me know that my AGE is now exposed under my nick. How dare you expose a lady like that? I would have been OK with this expose', if I was still enjoying my youthful years but they're long behind me and I would appreciate some discretion! Other than that, thanks to the good Samaritan who sent me my login and password via email because this complex workaround to get re-instated is challenging from the looks of it! My advice: - Place second add banner at the top at the bottom. I can hardly see the forum unless I scroll down and its off-putting when you log in first. - Admin, you need some lessons in colour coordination my friend - ask the wifey. Some of the stuff is too bright. - And yes, bring the tagline back [giving the nomads their piece of the net]...

No point posting AFTER the event, but I've been told of the staggering amount raised in this fundraiser in London. Really proud of the organizers for their work and skills in fund-raising (which according to my aunt who went, is unmatched).

Xiin is the only one overt about his aspiring ambitions to be a polygamist. There are many covert ones though. Sayid, thats probably it. It just sounds so wrong!

Why am I more annoyed by the use of the 'sister' wives designation as opposed to co-wives?

Ciid mubarak ya SOL!

I cant blv we're just halfway through Ramadan! I booked the last week off and I thought it was next week all along. But its the week after!! And now I'm going to have to fast all of next week and work . NG - adigu luqad kasta waad ku carab laadahay, so whats new?

Man! dad sooman laakin cunto maahine wax kale ka hadleyn baa ugu daran. *shakes head*

I really dislike these whistle-blowers within the community who are more about naming and shaming and then criminalizing than doing something useful. I dont think its fair to put a blanket 'exploiters and abusers' label of the system on these families without trying to understand the situations that put them in there in the 1st place. Still, its not to say the issues of social system abuse dont exist and need to be addressed. They do, but they need to be addressed primarily by the community. Not too long ago, I've come across a local Somali organization in my area thats addressing this very same issue of social welfare abuse, lack of cohesive parenting, social responsibility and inclusiveness within the system by advising and aiding these families and understanding their individual situations but started by Somalis and Somali families to help and aid other Somali families. Its working well from what I know as generally people want to help themselves and feel good about their place in society.

http://www.redsea-online.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=811

Oh I did - I just didnt tell the guy to fast!! I sent him articles about the rules, purpose, etc and thats when he said he will do it. Unfortunately, he said he couldnt get up and eat. Anyway, I did give him the choice of doing it another day and he said he is OK, I shouldnt worry. Lets hope he doesnt faint!

Hey folks - howz it going here? One of my colleagues is fasting today, in solidarity with me (but I'm not and I dont have the heart to tell him + probably no lunch for me or have to go 'walking' to get it and eat outside). Unfortunately, the poor lad hasnt had food since 8pm last night. Thats almost 24hrs if he keeps up. I feel like saying, he should only fast until lunch.. but.. I really shouldnt be making the Ramadan rules. He is most upset about not being allowed to smoke

Mahad sanid Theirry - will keep that in mind