First off Disclaimer: "I'm not knocking on Bryan's raffle to help Japan" We all buy a lot of toys, and have gotten hours and hours of enjoyment from the stuff that they're producing, so I think it's more than appropriate we here at SB, do things to help out. I love the fact that any of us are able to do something to help out.

I recently watched an episode of 20/20 on ABC about the Pine Ridge Reservation, and the people there that are dreaming of a better life for themselves, and future generations. To the Native Americans living the rez, one immediate threat to their lives is alcohol. The quality of life is low, but the white people have made sure there's a liquor store that will panders to the thirst of the alcoholics in town, the owners don't have the guts to live on the reservation themselves, but they sure don't mind the business, that comes from the people there.

A large percentage of people are living without plumbing, and still walk on dirt floors. The area they live in was good enough for the American government, to tear down their sacred mountains, and put the faces of presidents on, (Mount Rushmore), but still not good enough to help these people with the amenities that make us the greatest nation in the world... ...

There are young children there that have dreams of being doctors, nurses, singers, and even the first Native American President. We are always looking to other countries to help during times of crisis, but I think that a lot of people forget that there are 3rd world countries, right inside America.

To watch the episode here's a link http://abc.go.com/watch/2020/SH559026/V ... the-plains

I personally would love to do something to help, so if anyone lives close to that area, and knows of any organization accepting funding. Please write me.

Again I'm not putting down Bryans raffle, because I think that's very important as well, but we do have people that are suffering in America, we can't forget about them as well...

Slipstar, I appreciate the perspective and I don't take this as ragging on me at all.
I completely agree that it's unfortunate that we are missing out on local charities and focus on Japan, China, or another countries. But I wasn't aware of the issue going on in Pine Ridge Reservation. Also we tend to forget that there are still people suffering in Japan and it loses news coverage and people stop focusing on the victims. I'm all for helping my fellow man, but this is something that was front and center in my mind when I came up with the raffle. This isn't the last time I'm going to do this either, so maybe next time I can work out something for a local charity.

I agree. This is important! We have to fight selfishness!

I don't think helping any charity is really selfish.

True, I was not refering to the subject, but about people in general. Here in Denmark people are obcest, about material things, while inocent people suffer around the world.
The raffel you made yesterday, is amazing! And you are a role model, in a world of greed!
I hope to see more of these raffels in the future, I will defenetly buy tickets.
The price was right to, 5$ is perfect! because you do not have to think twice about, wether or not you can afford it!
People like you, are my heros! No matter what the cause is, I don't mind!
We need more sympathy, for our planet, and all it's living things!

Peace out!

It's too bad that the media ever decides that these aren't the "Hot" stories anymore, I do agree, that Japan still needs a helping hand... Everyone, in the news media seems to latch on to these big disasters, and than 3 months down the road, you wouldn't know that anything bad had every befallen that country. In fact Bryan, I think it's almost more commendable that your doing this so late in the game (so to speak).

I feel really grateful for living the life that I do, and it's not hard to share that. I think a lot of things I say come off as pretentious, but in reality, I'm not trying to be that person. I am what I say I am, I've lead an extraordinary life so far, and I don't say or do things to put on a show for others.

It's funny, my wife has heard a lot of insane unbelievable stories from me, about things that happened to me when I was younger. The sort of stories, that most people would tell to give them a "Dangerous", or, "Cool" edge. To me they aren't stories, though, they're my life, and over the years, as she meets the people that have been involved in the crazy shit I've gotten myself into, they will repeat the same story I told her so long ago.

I don't put on airs, and when I talk about community, or charity work, or Vegan Potlucks, or Protests, I'm being forth write and honest about my life and feelings... The only reason I mentioned you Bryan, was I wanted to make sure it didn't come off the wrong way, with you posting your lottery, and me talking about charity at home. Again I think it's rad that your taking money out of your pocket, to make more money to help others with.

I would recommend that we all find our local soup kitchen, and volunteer this thanksgiving... There are more and more people that need a good thanksgiving meal every year. In fact the place my wife and I are helping out is expecting between 2-8,000 people eating there this year. It's easy to turn your back on a homeless guy asking for quarters, because you can reason that it's just going towards booze, or drugs, but you know where the help is going on thanksgiving, at a soup kitchen.

Sorry for being pretentious...

God Damn, thanks Rune, that means a whole lot to me.
I'm not a role model. This is the best community on the Internet by far, everyone I have met has been super awesome whether it be fan, artist, toy maker, or whatever. The whole reason I did this was for all the amazing friends I've made or the friends that I will make. Everyone inspires me to do things like this. Let's just hope "Toy Karma" for me is helping some kid get to go to school or have a roof over their head in Japan or the United States, anywhere in the world really.
Your not being pretentous Slipstar, and like I said, I know what you meant.

When I was a younger version of the "playboy" you see today, I was forced to spend Chritmas evning, at a Soup Kitching by myself, along with a couple of thousand other lonely people.
Belive me, you don't know how much it helps!
I would bring my own family on Christmas evening, these days!


Peace out!