Welcome to The Kettle!

Primarily, "The Kettle" publicizes and manages the "Three Cups of Tea Book Project." However, as described in our very first post (click here), we also hope to use "The Kettle" as a medium for individuals interested in social issues to become more aware of the lives of those less fortunate. Ideally, whatever we write or publish here will take that nascent concern and transform it into action. To inspire any action, small or large, in the genuine interest of doing better for the world is our ultimate goal.

Though heavily slanted towards Pakistan and Afghanistan presently, we do try to include news, opinions, and reference materials regarding diverse topics, including poverty, reconstruction, human rights, Africa, "Green" developments, Micro Finance, and other solutions and considerations for what are essentially man made problems in the world. In the universe of charitable options, we endorse and support multigenerational solutions and initiatives for multigenerational problems.

The education made possible by the Central Asia Institute is one such solution, but there are certainly others. We encourage the commitment of resources and people that goes beyond merely "patriarchal" handouts to the multitude of people in need. We agree that it is good to charitable, but charity that only treats the symptoms and not the root causes has proven to be insufficient. A consistent commitment to work with the local communities of people in need to provide and/or improve education, nutrition, access to capital, human rights, security, sustainable development/redevelopment, and environmental stewardship are what will lead to an enduring improvement in people's lives.

If you have any questions, general comments, and suggestions for improvements, please leave a comment on any of the posts below, and we'll follow up with you!

The Kettle's shared items

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Far Eastern Economic Review: Burma's Last Chance



by Aung Din

Posted May 26, 2009

"As an exile supporting the democracy movement, led by Nobel Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, in my homeland, Burma, I have placed faith and confidence in the international community to help end the tyranny of the military regime. Many countries in the world, including the United States, the European Union, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), China, India, Japan, Canada, Australia and Korea have been involved in addressing the situation in Burma with different levels of interest, influence and responsibility. We appreciate those efforts, but the time has come to re-evaluate how best to collectively engage the international community to push for freedom in Burma." (Click here for more)



---

This is an interesting article that describes some of the geopolitics involved in Burma. The author calls for a different approach to Burma, and argues that doing nothing has not and will not work to bring about democratic change to Burma.

-- The Kettle Rumbles

Monday, May 25, 2009

Associated Press: Brawl Leaves Sikh Preacher Dead in Vienna

May 25, 2009

Brawl Leaves Sikh Preacher Dead in Vienna

Filed at 5:01 a.m. ET

VIENNA (AP) -- A Sikh preacher died Monday after being wounded in an attack on his temple by a group of fundamentalist Sikhs armed with knives and a handgun, police said. India's prime minister appealed for calm as riots protesting the deadly shooting spread to several northern Indian cities. (click here for more)


Excerpt: "Caste discrimination has been outlawed in India for more than a half century, and a quota system was established with the aim of giving Dalits a fair share of government jobs and places in schools. But their plight remains dire, living in poverty and kept down by ancient prejudice and caste-based politics."

NY Times: U.S. Captain Hears Pleas for Afghan Detainee


Published: May 25, 2009
An American officer, who in civilian life is a policeman, helped find a lawyer for a man held as a suspected Taliban leader.

---

Captain Black should be commended for putting in the extra effort to listen to locals in Afghanistan. Instead, he is investigated by the military and told to stop speaking about the case. The war for the hearts and minds of people in Afghanistan is already lost if we can't act by the same principles this country was founded on. Does the basic human right of habeas corpus not apply to non-Americans? How about non-Westerners? Fear does not excuse tyranny.

Conditions are hard and good information and records are hard to come by in Afghanistan. So, I don't blame the U.S. Military for making mistakes. Mistakes by themselves won't lead to ruin...but a failure to learn from them and do better certainly will.

-- The Kettle Rumbles

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Book Project Update: Revised Inserts

I been working on tightening up the letter a little bit and incorporating new elements to the letter. In particular, I wanted to ask people for pictures of the book from wherever they are so that I can post these pictures on the website. I also wanted to incorporate our Fund Raiser Code (0527) and the legal language I needed to include, per the terms of our fundraiser agreement with the Central Asia Institute. Maybe I'll also add a "The Kettle" logo in the future--just been to busy with my exam in June to get to work on that. Anyway, without further ado, here's the new letter for future batches of the book:

Dear Reader,

You were chosen by the previous holder of this book because he/she believed that you would benefit from this gift. Three Cups of Tea is the story of one man’s journey to improve the lives of children in poor, remote villages in Pakistan and Afghanistan. This man is Greg Mortenson, and his organization, the Central Asia Institute (CAI), has built over 70 schools along with other humanitarian projects in one of the poorest and most dangerous regions in the world. Greg Mortenson overcame near fatal failure, heart ache, hostile mullahs, lack of money, and huge cultural differences to maintain his promise to an impoverished people. He followed his heart and built a bridge of understanding and friendship that has done more to foster peace than all the weapons in the world ever can. It is my sincere hope that you will find his story as inspirational as I did when I read this book.

It was after reading this book that I decided to start “The Kettle,” and with it, an experiment/fundraiser/awareness building initiative that we (everyone who has held this book before you, including myself) call the “Three Cups of Tea Book Project.” We ask that you read the book as soon as you can and donate to the CAI, if you wish to support their work. After you’ve read this book, please give it to another individual who you feel you would most benefit from reading it. If you do wish to contribute to the CAI’s mission of peace, please do so via the “Donate” link on our website (listed below) or directly to the CAI on their website (www.ikat.org/make-a-donation). Our CAI Fundraiser Code for the "Three Cups of Tea" Book Project fundraiser is 0527. If this number is written boldly on a check or placed in the last name box of the in honor section for online credit card donations, the contribution will be added to our fundraiser total. Our goal is to raise $50,000 for the CAI. $50,000 is enough money to build and support a school in Pakistan or Afghanistan for 5 years. In order for the project to work, we will need to track certain information. If we do not follow up with you directly, please contact us via the email listed below and inform us of the following:

· the book number of your particular book (found on the very first page of the book),
· the amount you’ve donated or plan to donate (if any),
· the name, email, and location (city, country) for the individual to whom you’ve given this book (Note: Email addresses will never be shared with third parties. We only need email information so that we can follow up with project participants.),
· and any comments, suggestions, questions, or pictures/videos (of the book) you may have.

We hope to eventually launch 200 books as part of the “Three Cups of Tea Book Project.” We track the progress of each book and the funds raised on our website (listed below). On the website, you will find the path taken and stops made by each book around the world. You will also find posts and other materials concerning various social interests. Please join us on the website. We’d love to hear from you. On a final note, may the example of courage and integrity demonstrated in this book give you the strength and patience to move mountains in your own life!

Sincerely,
“The Kettle Rumbles"
New York, NY, U.S.A.
http://hotteakettle.blogspot.com
hotteakettle@gmail.com


P.S. Please register your name, location, and any comments you may have in the Reader Log at the end of this book. Thank you!

Legal Disclaimer: The Central Asia Institute name is used with its permission, which in no way constitutes an endorsement, expressed or implied, of any product, service, company, or individual. For more information about Central Asia Institute or Pennies for Peace, please call 1-406-585-7841 or visit www.ikat.org.

---

What do you think?

Friday, May 22, 2009

Book Project Update - Fund Raiser Code: 0527

We're officially registered with Central Asia Institute! Our Code for the "Three Cups of Tea" Book Project fundraiser is 0527. If this number is written boldly on a check or placed in the last name box of the in honor section for online credit card donations, the contribution will be added to our fundraiser total.

I need to update the book inserts and follow up forms to mention this administrative note...

-- The Kettle Rumbles

Monday, May 18, 2009

Book Project Update

I have 11 people officially signed up or already in receipt of the book! Only 189 more books to go... I was doing some calculations last night. I think I should aim for about 12 books launched per week starting in June. 

I also determined how much a roll of double sided tape can get me in terms of completed book packages. At about 7 books per roll, I am going to need 29 rolls altogether to prepare 200 books for the project. 

I also need about 3 sheets of high quality parchment paper per book. So, 600 sheets altogether (assuming no mishaps).

I have some shopping to do...

-- The Kettle Rumbles

Friday, May 15, 2009

BBC: Why is Burma's junta afraid of Suu Kyi?



By Jonathan Head 
BBC News, Bangkok


Excerpt: "But why go to such lengths to confine a woman who has already spent 13 of the past 19 years in detention, and has had little opportunity to run her increasingly demoralized and divided party?"



---

Very interesting. I can't say I know much about Burma and Suu Kyi, but this article is pretty good summary of why she's been held under house arrest/prison for so long... 13 out of 19 years because of a pro democracy stance! Who is this American man that gave the government there an excuse to imprison her again? I can see why Suu Kyi's supporters are angry with him, especially since they can't similarly express their anger at the miitary dictatorship in Burma, without landing in jail themselves. I'm all for patient progress, but perhaps the world can put a little more pressure on Burma for more political freedom. I probably shouldn't hold my breath. 

- The Kettle Rumbles

Lubbock Online: Banned group helping out Pakistan refugees


Banned group helping out Pakistan refugees

RIAZ KHAN
Associated Press Writer


PESHAWAR, Pakistan — A banned charity with alleged links to the Mumbai attacks is helping refugees fleeing the fighting between the Pakistani military and the Taliban, a group member said Thursday, raising questions about the government's pledge to crack down on the outfit.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

The Associated Press: Third Afghan Girls’ School Experiences Sudden Illness


Published: May 13, 2009
At least 98 people from an Afghan girls school were admitted to a hospital Tuesday for headaches and vomiting in the third such episode in three weeks.
Excerpt: "MUHMUD RAQI, Afghanistan (AP) — At least 98 people from an Afghan girls’ school were admitted to a hospital on Tuesday for headaches and vomiting in the third such episode in three weeks, officials and doctors said."


---

I really, really hope that these girls aren't being poisoned. It's awful that people who insist that girls shouldn't be educated resort to throwing acid in their face, blinding and disfiguring them for life. In "Three Cups of Tea," Greg Mortenson speaks of how he got official recognition from the Shia High Council (forgive me if I am messing up the proper title for this council) that his work with educating girls was noble and is in keeping with the Koran. I truly admire the courage of these organizations, teachers, builders, parents, and students. They are risking their lives and well being to educate young women and improve their future.


-- The Kettle Rumbles

Engadget: Dell bans export of e-waste to developing countries










By: Laura June


Excerpt: "Dell -- which scored pretty poorly in the latest Greenpeace report -- has just officially adopted a ban of the export of e-waste as part of its policy."



---


Nice. Also, on a somewhat related front, don't forget to recycle your batteries, folks! Here's a CBS video on the issue:






Watch CBS Videos Online

-- The Kettle Rumbles

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Pak-times.com: A Hindu mother of a Muslim boy

A Hindu mother of a Muslim boy

by Dr. Maqbool Hussain


EXCERPT: "Can anyone imagine? But i think the love for a mother to her son cannot have any religion. I was born in a Muslim family but raised in a Hindu family. When my mother got paralyzed and bed ridden i was barely 2 years of age. My father expired when i was 7 months old. At that time there was not a single person to look after me. Then came my Hindu mother, a young dynamic Punjabi lady from Lahore. She urged my mother that let her take care of me. She was also having a son three and a half month younger than me. She took me to Kolkata and from this time i started feeling a mother’s love. I started calling her Ammi(alternate word Mother in Urdu)." (See more from Pakistan TImes)




--


Belated Happy Mother's Day!


-- The Kettle Rumbles

Monday, May 11, 2009

NY Times: U.S. Journalist to Be Freed Soon in Iran, Her Lawyer Says

Published: May 12, 2009
"The lawyer for an Iranian-American reporter who was jailed on spying charges said she will be released Monday after a court reduced the sentence."
---

Happy Monday! Amazing what happens when you use diplomacy instead of aggression. This is a very positive sign, and may be an extended hand for which the U.S. has the opportunity to demonstrate that things have changed. It's unfortunate that she would need to leave Iran, but at least she is spared from a prison term. I hope this leads people to 1.) be more hopeful for the current administration and the U.S. and 2.) see Iran for the diverse, multifaceted nation that it is. It was never justified for the Bush administration to paint such a black and white picture of the world.


-- The Kettle Rumbles

Sunday, May 10, 2009

NY Times: How the Family of a Dissident Fled China




Published: May 10, 2009
The wife of Gao Zhisheng, a prominent human rights lawyer, escaped China with their two children to deny the authorities leverage against her husband.
--
Very interesting article. One hears so much about China's economic progress, that one forgets it still has a long way to go...I've never understood why Christian and Falun Gong groups are suppressed in China... Does the communist party feel these small groups will somehow turn the nation against them? In all likelihood, they'll hallow out their own principles as they continue to follow free market principles...for good or for bad, maybe that will lighten their stance on these groups. That said, I know little of these groups. Maybe they are cults which profess harmful things... This would be something worthy of further research on our part.
-- The Kettle Rumbles

www.apakistannews.com: President Asif Ali Zardari has asked the United States to provide drone technology






"WASHINGTON: President Asif Ali Zardari has asked the United States to provide drone technology and other necessary equipment to help Pakistan fight terrorists more effectively and rejected the notion of American personnel joining the anti-terror fight on the Pakistani soil."

--

Not sure the U.S. should be giving Pakistan drone technology...but some encouraging mention of building a solid peace with India. As for President Asif Ali Zardari, some believe he was (maybe is) corrupt, having stolen from Pakistan. (He's currently a billionaire...and has been accused of stealing $1.5 billion from Pakistan). Maybe the accusations of murder and corruption were drummed up by his adversaries? Who knows anymore!? One thing I'm learning about Pakistan...It's very complicated, and unless you were there, it's hard to tell who's telling the truth.

As for the drone technology, you can't deny that they inflict considerable damage to the enemy...and is probably the only weapon Taliban and Al Qaeda fear, but these same weapons have killed scores of civilians during the current conflict, and those deaths will continue to feed the violence around the world and breed distrust and ill-feeling between the U.S. and the people of Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. Seeing as how the U.S. can't even use these weapons without managing to injure their own cause, I shudder to think what the spread of this technology would mean for the world. The U.S. once almost killed Hamid Karzai with a misdirected bomb...He lived, but 20 of his loyal tribesmen died, as did 3 U.S. Special Forces soldiers. I've also read accounts of how some Northern Alliance commanders had disingenuously directed Americans to use drones to bomb non-Taliban/non Al Qaeda targets when the Afghanistan "invasion" was taking place. War is bad enough...perhaps it's even worse when you can't even really see the person you're about to obliterate. We all look kinda alike from thousands of feet in the air...

-- The Kettle Rumbles

NY Times: Pakistan Strife Fills a Hospital With Refugees

May 7, 2009

Pakistan Strife Fills a Hospital With Refugees

"MARDAN, Pakistan — The dank and shadowed hallways of the Mardan Tuberculosis Hospital, crumbling relic of another age, were transformed here on Wednesday into a clinic of a more modern sort, when the refugees of nearby battles came streaming in the whole long day."


Excerpt: "If you do something wrong, if you miss your prayers or something like that, the Taliban will flog you in the street," he said. "We are Muslims. We don't have much problem with people trying to enforce the religion — it's when they cut the throats of the policemen that people become angry. Yes, they are doing that."


---


It's interesting that the refugee the author interviewed expressed the same suspicion of the Pakistani military with regards to their links (and seeming complacency--and according to some, outright support in the past) to the Taliban as I've read in "Descent into Chaos" by Ahmed Rashid and "Punishment of Virtue" by Sarah Chayes. How much of the offensive going on now in Swat and Buner is merely a show to to placate the U.S.? It could very well be that many soldiers do have a genuine mission to eliminate the threat, but is their toil and suffering merely a calculated setback for leadership in Pakistani military intelligence that still sees Islamic militants as a useful tool to covertly support Pakistani military interests in Kashmir and Afghanistan? I hope not--it's bad enough that civilians are caught in the middle. Perhaps the military's position on the issue will change as they have apparently lost control of the same militants they had fostered all these years (as it seems is widely believed)...


-- The Kettle Rumbles

Friday, May 8, 2009

Book Project: Letter in Books

I continue to tweak the letter which I include in the books. Below is what I have currently. I'm open to any suggestions on how to improve the letter! I know that some of the transitions aren't as smooth as I'd like.

-- The Kettle Rumbles

----

Dear Reader,

You were chosen by the holder of this book before you because he/she believed that you would benefit from this gift. Three Cups of Tea is the story of one man’s journey to improve the lives of children in poor, remote villages in Pakistan and Afghanistan. This man is Greg Mortenson, and his organization, the Central Asia Institute (CAI), has built over 70 schools along with other humanitarian projects in one of the poorest and most dangerous regions in the world. Against all odds, Greg Mortenson overcame near fatal failure, heart ache, hostile mullahs, lack of money, and huge cultural differences to maintain his promise to an impoverished people. He followed his heart and built a bridge of understanding and friendship that has done more to foster peace than all the weapons in the world ever can. It is my sincere hope that you will find his story as inspirational as I did when I read this book.

It was after reading this book that I decided to start “The Kettle,” and with it, an experiment/fundraiser/awareness building initiative that we (everyone who has held this book before you, including myself) call the “Three Cups of Tea Book Project.” We ask that you read the book and consider donating to the CAI, but please do not feel compelled to do so. We only ask that you read the book as soon as you can and then give it to another individual who you feel you would most benefit from reading it. If you do wish to contribute to the CAI’s mission of peace, please do so via the “Donate” link on our website (listed below) or directly to the CAI on their website (www.ikat.org/make-a-donation). Our goal is to raise $50,000 (or as much as possible!) for the CAI. $50,000 is enough money to build and support a school in Pakistan or Afghanistan for 5 years. In order for the project to work, we will need to track certain information. If we do not follow up with you directly, please contact us via the email listed below and inform us of the following:

* the book number of your particular book (found on the very first page of the book),

* the amount you’ve donated or plan to donate (if any),

* the name, email, and location (city, country) for the individual to whom you’ve given this book (Note: Email addresses will never be shared with anyone. We only need email information so that we can follow up with project participants.),

* and any comments, suggestions, or questions you may have.

We hope to eventually launch 200 books (maybe more!) as part of the “Three Cups of Tea Book Project.” We track the progress of each book and the funds raised on our website (listed below). On the website, you will find the path taken and stops made by each book around the world. You will also find posts and other materials concerning Central Asia, the war in Afghanistan and Pakistan, poverty, and other social issues. Please join us in building awareness for the often maligned or ignored people of Central Asia and other social issues which deserve attention. We hope to hear from you soon. On a final note, may the example of courage and integrity demonstrated in this book give you the strength and patience to move mountains in your own life!

Sincerely,

“The Kettle Rumbles”

New York, NY, U.S.A.

http://hotteakettle.blogspot.com/

hotteakettle@gmail.com

P.S. Please register your name, location, and any comments you may have in the Reader Log at the end of this book. Thank you!

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

First Book Is Out!

I met with a friend late last night and gave her the first book to be ready! I'll update the Map momentarily. So, you can see what I mean by tracking the progress of the books. I'll also upload some pictures of the "package" and maybe get some suggestions, though I am probably talking to myself right now, as I haven't had time to do a major push to get the word out on this site.

-- The Kettle Rumbles

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

WSJ: Thousands Flee Pakistan's Swat Valley

Thousands Flee Pakistan's Swat Valley By ZAHID HUSSAIN



"ISLAMABAD -- Thousands of panicked residents on foot and crammed in buses, vans and trucks fled Swat valley north of Pakistan's capital Tuesday following the breakdown of a fragile truce between government forces and the Taliban."




Monday, May 4, 2009

NY Times: Porous Border With Pakistan Could Hinder U.S. Troops




Published: May 5, 2009
"Afghan militants are able to cross the border with ease, according to interviews with a logistics tactician for the Taliban."

NY Times: "Pakistan’s Islamic Schools Fill Void, but Fuel Militancy"






Published: May 4, 2009
"Pakistan’s poorest families have turned to Islamic schools that feed and house children while pushing a militant brand of Islam."
This article describes the link between some madrasas (Islamic Schools) and the growth of militant Islamic Fundamentalism. Rashid Ahmed writes about the same connection in "Descent in to Chaos," as does Tom Friedman in "Hot, Flat, and Crowded," and Greg Mortenson in "Three Cups of Tea." Basically, it is believed by many that the majority of suicide bombers go through extremist madrasas. I specify extremist madrasas because not all madrasas are teaching a militant brand of Islam. In fact the majority of them, do not. Unfortunately, there are many madrasas that teach little more than memorization of the Koran. While only a minority of madrasas is directly linked to militant movements, the article posits that a singular focus on conservative interpretation of the Koran is a "stepping stone" to more militant ideals. Ultimately, fundamentalist madrasas are only a symptom of a more systematic failure of the government in Pakistan to provide education and basic welfare to the millions of Pakistanis. In fact, it is widely believed that madrasas have long been purposely supported by the Pakistani government (with help from the U.S. government during the cold war) as an unofficial military force to support Pakistani interests in Kashmir and Afghanistan. Nowadays, many madrasas are funded by money from Saudi Arabia. If Pakistan had spent less money on the military and more on education, perhaps its stability wouldn't be threatened today by a resurgent Islamic militant movement. My question is, where did the $650 million in non military U.S. aid go? Where is the accountability?
-- The Kettle Rumbles

Sunday, May 3, 2009

First Post!

I've been learning a lot in the past couple of months since I decided to start a website to help raise money for the Central Asia Institute, and I am happy to finally be able to make my first post on this website!

Let me start from the beginning. In January 2009, I read "Hot, Flat, and Crowded" by Thomas Friedman. In this book, Mr. Friedman writes about the connection between the violent Islamic fundamentalist movement and the world's ravenous, but potentially avoidable, need for oil. Along the way, he describes the story of Greg Mortenson as told in "Three Cups of Tea," written by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin. Mr. Friedman mentions how Greg Mortenson and the organization he founded, the Central Asia Institute (CAI), builds schools in remote areas of Pakistan, which have become sanctuaries and recruiting posts for groups like the Taliban, Al Queda, and other extremist groups. Through the few paragraphs devoted to describing how Greg Mortenson had managed to build over 70 schools in Afghanistan and Pakistan, despite lacking any government support, having little personal wealth, and facing fatwas declared by hostile mullahs, I became intrigued by the existence of such an organization and such a person.

Much of February was consumed by work, tests, and vacation plans, but when I returned in March, I finally read "Three Cups of Tea," and was inspired by the feats accomplished by Greg Mortenson, and frankly, was disappointed by my own lack of vision and social impact for the past couple of years. His story was the proverbial kick in the butt that really got me thinking about how much I understood about the world and what I was actively doing to make it better. I started brainstorming about what I could do to help. I briefly considered hosting a fundraiser for the CAI, but I didn't think I had the social cache to raise any significant amount of money. Also, somehow, collecting money from my friends didn't seem sufficient. I wanted my friends and others to be inspired and be made more aware, like I was through reading the book. After several days, I had the idea of the "Three Cups of Tea Book Project." There was no better way to spread the influence of the book and raise money for the CAI at the same time than the book itself. The basic idea being that I would personally purchase several books as gifts for others, who would then pass on the book to others. I began speaking to the CAI and learned that with $50,000, the CAI can build a school and support it for 5 years. With some simple math, I determined that with 200 books I can potentially raise $50,000 in about 2 years, if things go according to plan. Over the next two months, I thought further about the logistics of this project. I had several questions that needed to be addressed. How would I track the progress of the books? How do I make the process as simple as possible to participants? How would I be able to collaborate with others? How can I help increase awareness beyond the book?

Through some research and experimentation, I learned about tools and applications available for websites, blogs, online collaboration, and fund raising. I discovered that Google has created a excellent collection of integrated online applications which are fundamental to making the Book Project a reality. (So, thank you, Mr. Google!) Now I have a gmail account which is connected to this blog, the future website (still under development), an RSS reader I use for stories on Central Asia and other social concerns, an online map which shows the progress of every book in the Book Project, and shared documents with "The Kettle" team. "The Kettle" was a name I chose in keeping with the theme of "Three Cups of Tea." I hope it will be a source by which people become more aware and understanding of the plight of other people. The people of Central Asia is one group of ignored and misunderstood people, but certainly there are many others around the world. And speaking of "The Kettle team," I am alone for now, but friends have been helping fine tune this blog and the Book Project. In about a month, I hope to recruit some people to help me improve and expand "The Kettle" "franchise." (Would you like fries with your order of social consciousness?)

Between work and a very, very difficult exam that I am taking in June, my progress has been slower than I wanted, but I am happy to say that in a couple of days, I will be launching the first set of books for the Book Project. I will use this first set of books to prove the concept and make improvements to subsequent book launches. Amazon is making a killing from me with these book orders (200 "Three Cups of Tea" books and several more books about Central Asia, Pakistan, Micro Finance, etc.), but I believe the cost in time and money will pay off in several months.

Whew, this was a long post! I'll try to make future posts more concise!

All the best,
The Kettle Rumbles