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Next Sun (21st May) I will be running in the Great Manchester 10k Run for the 2nd time. Last year was the first time I had run in an organised race and the first time I had run 10k - or anything over for the bus distance to be honest.

Last year I raised money for an AIDS charity in Africa - Tackle Africa - but this time I've picked something a little closer to home. I'll be raising money for the Yorkshire Cancer Research charity.

If you would like to sponsor me you can online via the link below:

http://www.justgiving.com/markslattery2006

I'll let you know how I do next week.

Katrina Khaos

What's going on in New Orleans is mind boggling.

A natural disaster and such a chaotic aftermath is believable, and almost common place, in a so-called 3rd World country.

But in the heart of the civilised world?
In the middle of the World's only remaining Superpower?
Its almost unbelievable. Like a bad TV movie or a trashy airport paperback.

The similarities with Vertigo/DC Comics new mini-series DMZ is eerily prophetic.

DtRT: Ecover

I can't remember were I first heard of Ecover, but they produce a range of environmentally friendly cleaning and washing products.

Why bother? Just think of all those chemicals you wash down the sink and into rivers, lakes and seas. Much better to use a product made only from natural ingredients.

I've tried the washing-up liquid (which smells really nice) and the fabric softener so far. They are available in most supermarkets and cost about the same as the big brand names.

DtRT: Do the Right Thing

This is my 100th blog post!

To mark the occasion, I thought I use the post to do something worthwhile...

As I mentioned in my I'm with the band post I've been trying to improve the way I interact with the world; trying to do my little part to make the world a better place.

The feeling that I needed to change/do something started as my 30th birthday loomed last year. The idea that I was going to be older, and therefore presumably more mature, evolved into me realising I should take more responsibility for the impact I have on the this world and for the legacy that I would leave behind.

So I started to change my attitudes and involvements with things like recycling, charity and the environment. Just little things at first, but like they say - "Every little helps".

Feel the same way?
Want to make a difference?

Here's where you can start:

First read The Rough Guide to a Better World; a very informative but easily read book. It's a good place to start and will teach you everything you need to known about world poverty, charities, fair trade and advocacy.

Then visit the we are what we do website and check out their list of the little things you can do everyday to change the world.

I'll post more suggestions and more on this subject in the future (look for DtRT in the post title), but remember doing the right thing doesn't stop you having fun.

I'm with the band

Charity bands have become popular over the past year. While I'm not a jewelry person generally, I too have subscribed to this new fashion and currently wear two bands:

The first is a white band for Make Poverty History (which I bought from Actionaid). As part of my attempt to make the world a better place I became involved with the campaign. While I didn't go to any of the protests, I did join in the online/postal advocacy campaign and wear the band to show my support.

The second is a black band from LIVEWRONG. Their philosophy is basically; do what you like. This speaks to the rebel in me and I like the way both the philosophies and the colours contrast each other.

However, I was criticised for wearing them on different wrists the other day. Apparently, this is a sign of racism - separating the colours. Now that's taking things too far...

Warning Team, Terrorist Disruption Approaches!

If you believe everything they say on TV, then the world we live in today is becoming increasingly dangerous. Suicide bombers hide around every corner and the only thing your likely to get for Christmas is an Ice Age.

Hopefully we will all live happy and peaceful lives, but just in case check out the UK and US governments advice on what to do when things do go wrong via the links below.

Preparing for Emergencies (UK)

Be Ready (US)

Who knows, it might even help save your life one day. Or even better, help you save mine.