may I point out a couple charities that mean a lot to me?

(continuing on as if I didn't ask a question...) started by morris dees, the southern poverty law center takes hate groups to court for civil liberty violations. they also keep track of both hate groups and "patriot groups". I strongly support their efforts. luckily, you can donate online.

the other is the friedreich's ataxia research alliance (FARA), a research, education and advocacy group looking to cure this neurodegenerative disorder (FRDA). my little cousin has a friend (that's her on the web site pictured with john travolta) who has been confined to a wheelchair as the result of the disorder. it's bad news for a lot of people. they don't have an area for online donations, but just send checks to "fara" at their mailing address and that has always worked.

obviously, there is no shortage of outstanding charitable organizations that need more funding, but these two mean a lot to me. I salute your philanthropic ways, jim.