Sponsor an Academic: by Dominic Pettman

Did you know, that in the time it took you to read this, an academic has been forced to walk out of a bookshop without the book he or she wanted to buy, because they couldn't quite afford it this month (what with the dentist bills and everything)?

Similarly, scores of academics may have thought about going to the movies this evening, but it clashes with a documentary they have to videotape for a class later in the semester, and they don't know how to set the timer because . . . well, they're academics.

We ask you to take pity on this unfortunate, underprepared and melancholy sector of society by Sponsoring an Academic today.

For the cost of only two coffees a week, we can sponsor an academic from any where in the world, from Durban to Dartmouth. With your valuable donation we can provide new elbow patches, bicycle repair kit, glasses wipers, Ikea bookshelves, a whole array of hygiene products, and - eventually, with our Compassion Plan option - the shareware edition of Endnote Plus!

Put your name to the list below to make a difference. (And please send this message to at least ten friends. Then your dreams will come true . . . yes, even that one!)