What is the true cost of the Afghanistan war?

Britain is spending tens of billions waging the unjustified war in Afghanistan, with horrific costs in the deaths of thousands of Afghan civilians, and of soldiers sent to kill and be killed. This video, narrated by Tony Benn with music by Brian Eno, dramatically conveys the cost of wars which are opposed by most people in Britain. It ends with a call to join the Antiwar Mass Assembly in Trafalgar Square on 8 October: http://www.antiwarassembly.org

The Right to Vote

Voices from Egyptians all over the world demanding their right to vote in Egypt's Parliamentary and presidential elections.


The video was made by the Egyptians Abroad Right to Vote group in Jul 2011. Producer Mirit Mikhail.

Video by the right2vote group on Egyptians abroad being deprived from their constitutional right despite the fact that more than 120 countries , including Sudan, Algeria and India allow their expats to vote from abroad, while over 10 million Egyptians still cannot vote. Follow us on twitter #right2vote

Japanese Flame Tree

My latest photography work : "Japanese Flame Tree"

Japanese Flames by Ahmed Darwish

Nando's "cocks" up

The most thing you would expect when you drop a business card into that little bowl at the counter in any restaurant is winning a nice meal or combo, but visitor's of Nando's Spinningfields in Manchester got more than what they bargained for!

I was surprised when I received a nice hello message from Nando's on my work email, and every single email was visible for everyone! The replies started pouring in: some being funny, some concerned, and some using this "leak" to promote their own company services!

The uproar increased and people demanded a free meal from the management for this error, as data protection in the UK is a big issue. I added my cheesy reply and agreed that we all want free food (who would say no to free food?). The funniest line was one from one guy who called the famous restaurant "SPAM-do's"

I have to admit the management cleaned up and sent everyone a voucher for a combo meal and a drink (worth around £12). I just received mine in the post yesterday.

Thank God for data protection and decent customer service !