A 77-year-old grandmother who has been teaching green ways for almost 30 years to 218 neighborhood families: Homes are shaded by potted plants, bins encourage waste separation and residents recycle their garbage.
Afghan Widows Returned to Society With Carpentry Skills
“An Afgan widow will not be welcomed by either her own or her husband’s family,” said Fatima, a widow who has established a carpentry school in Kabul to teach other widows the craft. With their new education, the women can earn bread for their families through their own hands. (Read more here)
Nintendo’s Wii Can Repair Brain Damage
"The smash-hit Nintendo Wii console is being used to help patients recover from strokes and other brain injuries." (England’s The Sun) Thanks to Andrew N. for the link!
Man who Greened Seoul now Sets Sights on All S Korea
As mayor of Seoul, Lee Myung-Bak transformed one of Asia’s grimmest urban centres by opening up a waterway through the heart of the city. Now he plans to do the same for the entire country. Lee’s achievements in greening the congested capital of 10 million people made him one of Time magazine’s "heroes of the environment" in October.
China to Make Confucius Cartoon Series
Two Chinese media firms have signed on with the Chinese Confucius Foundation to make a cartoon series on the ancient philosopher’s life and teachings, which focus on peace and harmony.
Champion Athlete Turned Quadriplegic Still Inspires Millions (Video)
At first glance Jim MacLaren might seem vulnerable, confined to a wheelchair, his left leg missing below the knee. His condition is the result of two devastating accidents, eight years apart, which reduced him from a handsome collegiate football star and aspiring actor to an amputee and then a quadriplegic. Yet this man has nurtured such remarkable inner strength that he continues to inspire millions. Jim MacLaren is now a motivational speaker and remains grateful for all that is ahead of him. YouTube Video of the Today Show.
The Monkey Place Saves Most Endangered African Primates
A non-profit started in Nigeria by two Portland men is working on "the highest conservation priority of all African primates", saving the drill money, which is found only in a concentrated area of Nigeria and Cameroon. The group rescues orphan drills or those being held in captivity and raises them in natural-sized social groups for captive breeding, with the aim of eventually releasing them.
Britain to Invest $300M For Homelessness
The British government announced Wednesday that it is to provide 150 million pounds (about 306 million U.S. dollars) over the next three years, the biggest ever cash injection, to local authorities to tackle homelessness in their areas.
China Fires up Eight Biomass Plants
China has launched eight biomass plants in five leading grain-producing provinces to cut carbon dioxide emissions in electricity generation amid growing global concerns over greenhouse gas and climate change.
Tis the Season When Generosity Reigns Anonymously
"Some of the most heart-tugging stories every December can be found in the charitable appeals various newspapers make to collect money for needy families. Without such donations, the papers say, many children would have no gifts to open. The New York Times fund, for instance, received $7.6 million from more than 10,000 donors last year." (CS Monitor) Thanks to Steve for the great link!
Creativity Buoys Outlook for Hydrogen Fuel
"Engineers who want to produce hydrogen for fuel have to think outside the box. A sample of research from this year illustrates the latest creative thinking: Hydrogen from bacteria, from coal – and how about a hydrogen generator small enough to power your lawn mower?" (CS Monitor) Thanks to Steve G. for the link.
Gorillas Snatched Illegally Finally Returned to Wild
Four rare gorillas caught up in a five-year international tug-of-war are expected to finally be flown back to the wilds of Cameroon, their home, where they were snatched and destined for zoos in Malaysia.
‘Hero’ Taxi Driver Returns Lost Purse
Mohammed, aged 40, found the purse in the road. It’s owner said it contained her "whole life," £500 in cash and credit cards. "I didn’t think there were that many honest people left in this world anymore. What a superstar." (ChorleyCitizen.uk)
Miss Landmine Angola: Beauty Pageant for Landmine Victims
Forget strutting the runway with big hair and cheesy smiles. The Miss Landmine Angola competition leaves behind the superficiality and aims for promoting pride and beauty, despite imperfections. (The Guardian) Thanks, Guy!
Inner-City Single Father Raises Two Boys to Become Pro Football Players
"Darmone Jenkins, father of two pro football players, raised the two boys on his own in some very rough circumstances in inner-city Detroit, managed to go to college himself, and helped turn them into two of the best defensive linemen in the NFL." (Charlotte Observer) Steve G. sends the link, calling it "absolutely inspiring."
Delivery Companies Switch to Hybrid Vehicles
Coca-Cola this week introduced hybrid delivery trucks in New York City in a bid to save fuel and cut emissions… No more fumes and idling diesel engines while the trucks are unloading. (CS Monitor) Thanks to Steve G. for the link!
Best Tele-Seminar of the Year, Next Monday!
Editor’s Blog– Get ready and mark your calendars for a night that may change your financial future. (This isn’t hype.) If you are a U.S. homeowner, you must take a serious look at the program that I am calling the best good news story of 2007. Your mortgage company doesn’t want you to know about this — they’d rather collect thousands more from you in interest. Next Monday evening, December 10, I will present perhaps the most important Great Mentors tele-seminar of the year: Home Free! Pay Off Your Mortgage Years Earlier and Save Tons of Interest with No Extra Hardship. I want you to do three things…
Techie Teens Help Teachers With Computers, Create Culture of Respect
In a role reversal, U.S. students provide the tech support, creating a ‘culture of respect’ between teachers and teens. (CS Monitor) Thanks to Steve G. for the link.
7 Year-End Moves That Could Lower Your Tax Bill
Even though taxes for 2007 aren’t due until April 15, 2008, tax experts say now’s the time – before Jan. 1 – to make the financial moves that can lead to big savings on tax day. (CS Monitor) Thanks, Steve G., for the helpful link!
Wedding Band Saves Man’s Life
Steve G. sends this: "Another reason why married men live longer." Police said the shopkeeper’s wedding band deflected the bullet and saved his life during a robbery. (AP Wire) Thanks to Alton who also submitted this.
