Your option to get a new cell phone may be causing violent rape in the Congo?

We consumers have options. We can opt for a new cell phone with the latest fad features or keep using our old one (that probably still works really well). This goes for computers and ipods and several other electric devices that require coltan, a metal that predominantly comes from the Republic of Congo, and in its pursuit rape, war, and famine ensue. For an excellent though disturbing documentary on the topic, I encourage you to watch The Greatest Silence: Rape in the Congo. Or at least check out this CBS newstory.

Recycling

this isn't about gville per se, but the issues are just as relevant here... Mother Jones invites us to consider the implications and the culture of recycling.

florida_land of the wildflowers

coming back from ichnetucknee springs, picked some flowers from the side of the road...