i’m currently writing an article about the Yasuní-ITT initiative in Ecuador. this piece and my research for it have been a capstone-like project for my time spent in Ecuador.
the basic idea: the Global North will pay Ecuador not to drill for oil in three sections of its untouched Amazon rain forest. This money, approximately US$3.5 billion over 10 years, will go directly to the state, towards conservation and development.
at my older blog Me In Quito, i’m keeping track of all newspaper activity for the project. it’s signing is immanent, we’re told, but the government continues to stall despite international approval. why this is happening is the thesis of the article i’m writing.
david (isaac) backer 
Welcome to Thursday Poets Rally Week 24, here is what you do to participate:
First, please read the questions and respond:
http://thursdaypoetsrallypoetry.wordpress.com/agreement-between-jingle-and-thursday-poets-rally-participants/
Then, Post an original poem in your own blog, and place your link in under the following post to participate:
http://jingleyanqiu.wordpress.com/2010/06/30/thursday-poets-rally-week-24-july-1-7-2010/
Now, visit and comment for a minimum 18 poets from week 24 participants list, after you are done, comment to let Jingle know, you are in perfect shape then…
Awards are given by Jingle via notifications….
Make sure that you: return favors to poets who have visited your blog
Have visited 18 poets NEW to you.
Thank You for the attention.
Happy Tuesday!
Happy Poetry Reading and writing!