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Rhode Island Embarks on Statewide Broadband

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America’s smallest state is seeking to become its first to offer a wireless broadband network from border to border.

Reuters reports on the innovative ideas hatching out of Rhode Island’s plan to drape the state with a wireless broadband network, such as linking up restaurants with the Health Department. (It may only cost residents $20 per month?)

I know if North Carolina sported wireless broadband in the mountains I would have saved a lot of gas money and spent many more enjoyable hours at the Ginger Cascades camp this weekend.

G is for Ginger Cascades Girl Scout Camp

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ginger cascades camp siteEDITOR’S BLOG
This weekend I brought our kids and myself to the Ginger Cascades Girl Scout camp in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. For your daily dose of News to Enthuse, I’m making a car trip once a day with my laptop to surf the local library’s WiFi network in Hickory, NC. So, updates will not be as plentiful while I enjoy some time off this weekend. (Hickory, by the way, is a small and stately city with a handsome historical district. It hosts two college campuses and many young families pushing strollers on sidewalks lined with huge trees and manicured lanes.

A group of NC homeschoolers rented the camp and handled details for 30 families so we could play (and sometimes learn) together for four days. Most of us are “unschoolers” and practice natural learning. We don’t believe our kids need textbooks, curriculums, and most certainly, standardized tests, to become smart, educated, lifelong learners. In fact, those things often deter the creative kid by setting up a pattern of rebellion, resentment or apathy toward learning. (Sound familiar?)

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Defying bombs, Baghdad school teaches music, ballet

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Shiite and Sunni students travel side by side each day through dangerous territory to attend Baghdad’s Music and Ballet school. The school building is alongside a US military base, a typical target of suicide and mortar attacks by insurgents. But the kids, in tutus and carrying violins, "find solace in the school away from Baghdad’s daily bloodshed," reports Reuters.

Art and music truly are the great equalizers in the world. I can imagine the warring troops sitting down together to enjoy a concert and ballet by these kids…

Prince Harry Continues Diana’s AIDS Work in Africa

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Prince Harry is launching a charity in Lesotho to support children orphaned by Aids, in memory of his mother Diana. The Charity will support small projects for the local people and orphanage. A celebrity polo match is in the works to raise funds and money has already been donated by Harry from a 2004 television documentary featuring the southern African kingdom.

"Come back to this place in 25 years, you will see a massive difference. You will be surprised," he said. (BBC full report)

Annual Jazz & Heritage Festival in New Orleans Emotional Homecoming

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Fats Domino, New Orleans Jazz Festival 2006: Rockin' to New Orleans by James MichalopoulosThe New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival gets under way this weekend, the first since Hurricane Katrina, with more headliners and more emotion than in other years through its 35 year history.

From Bruce Springsteen to Elvis Costello, Fats Domino and Bob Dylan, the Dave Matthews Band and Paul Simon, Lionel Richie and Jimmy Buffet, 90 percent of the performers this year are from Louisiana. Hometowner, Ani DiFranco will make her comeback after a year without performing due to tendinitis in her wrists.

The New Orleans Jazz Festival generally draws around 400,000 people and boosts the city’s economy by up to $300 million dollars.

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Computers from UN War Crimes Court Benefit Survivors in Bosnia

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The United Nations war crimes tribunal for the former Yugoslavia yesterday sent 306 old computers to Bosnia and Herzegovina, scene of most of the crimes during the Balkan conflict of the 1990s, as part of its initiative to use its replaced office equipment to benefit the victims of the strife.

The shipment, donated through AidNet Foundation, a humanitarian organization based in Sarajevo, Bosnia’s capital, will be distributed to schools, youth centres and non-governmental organizations in both entities of the country – the Republika Srpska and the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

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Plug-In Hybrids Get 100+ MPG

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CalCars, a nonprofit organization that promotes so-called “plug-in hybrids,” has added batteries and plugs to several Toyota Prius hybrids, getting gas mileage as high as 130 miles per gallon. (the online technology publication Red Herring)

Putin’s Pipeline to Veer Away from Precious Lake

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Russian president Vladimir Putin agreed with environmentalists that an oil pipeline being built across Siberia should be rerouted significantly further south, away from Lake Baikal, the world’s most voluminous fresh-water lake, reversing a controversial government decision last month. (NY Times)

UPDATE: I read on May 1 that the lake is the world’s oldest and deepest, containing 20 percent of Earth’s surface fresh water (25 million years old and 1,700 metres deep).

Nepal Rebels Call Three-Month Cease-Fire

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Maoist rebels in Nepal declared a unilateral three-month cease-fire in response to recent democratic moves by the king to reinstate parliament. A statement by the group said offensive military action will cease beginning April 27, respecting “the aspiration for the constituent assembly, a democratic republic, and peace that is seen on the street.” The Maoist insurgency to overthrow the monarchy began in 1996 and cost the lives of at least 13,000 people. (more at nyt.com)

New Therapeutic Approach to Obesity uses Body’s own Hormone to Limit Hunger, Increase Activity

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A new therapeutic approach to treating obesity uses a naturally occurring hormone. The best news is that the chemical comes from our own bodies, so there would be no nasty side effects, and from reading this report it looks like it really works:

Boosting oxyntomodulin, limits appetite and raises activity levels at the same time – leading to speedy but healthy weight loss rates, a UK study suggests. The hormone tells us we are full after a meal, but the obese have less of it. (more)

The Aging Brain: It’s Smarter Than You Think

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The book, The Wisdom Paradox: How Your Mind Can Grow Stronger As Your Brain Grows Older, by Dr. Elkhonon Goldberg, inspired several optimistic articles about aging, beginning with this item on the excellent Web site, Lime.com:

Aging does not always lead to loss and deterioration — it can also bring about rebirth and renewal. Ongoing research into the changing state of the older brain has revealed some refreshingly good news.

Former Football Star Conquers Addiction, Devotes Himself to Helping Others

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Ed Graney in the San Diego Union tells the story of redemption for an ex-jock who leaves his life of binge drinking — get this — and also leaves his life as a well-paid star in television sportscasting to go for a high that comes from helping others… But Aaron Taylor’s story is relevant because his philosophy is sound no matter what your life story. He says, “It was all necessary to get where I am, which is exactly where I need to be.”

He wouldn’t change a thing now, not one hangover or failed relationship or the fights only a fierce temper and alcohol produce. Not the pain. Not the tears. Not one moment of a destructive cycle that allowed him to make what has been a life-altering exchange: Booze for benevolence.

Room to Move, a Sanctuary for Retired, Rescued Zoo Elephants

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The Elephant Sanctuary

Elephants are majestic creatures who are highly intelligent, complex, social, sensitive and even humorous. They form intricate family structures and grieve for their dead. In the wild, elephants are migratory, walking 30 to 50 miles each day — a disturbing fact for elephants faced with life in a zoo.

Carol Buckley worked in tandem with elephants for twenty years in television, motion pictures and circus shows until, in 1995, she began to fulfill the migratory dream for elephants restrained by captivity. She founded the Elephant Sanctuary in Hohenwald, Tennessee, a 2700-acre reserve that is now home to more than 20 Asian and African elephants rescued or retired from zoos and circuses.

Good News Network member Janet Locke suggested we needed to write about this organization and its residents, who are not paraded before the public — even in a humane way; instead, “they are encouraged to live like elephants.”

The founders, Carol and her partner Scott Blais, recently agreed to rescue eight circus elephants that had been chained by two feet of length in an Illinois barn for two solid years.

Those eight elephants now have complete freedom to roam over hundreds of acres of the wonderful sanctuary habitat. They are given free-choice access to come into a heated barn at night or sleep outside under the stars. By day they swim in the sanctuary’s creeks and ponds, explore the subtropical forests, graze in meadows, scratch their backs on trees and nap in soft grass, all for the first time in their lives. It is enthralling to witness the elephants enjoying their freedom at this sanctuary.

The Elephants Sanctuary, 2700 acres To care for the eight newest refugees to the Elephant Sanctuary, the organization will need antibiotics for a yearlong course of treatment for tuberculosis, estimated to cost $200,000, along with the standard expenses of regular medical care; hundreds of pounds of fruits, vegetables and grain daily; eight semi-trailer loads of hay annually; and trained caregivers. The cost to care for these eight elephants for one year is estimated to be $2 million.

Visit elephants.com to see how you can help.

(With writing from Janet Locke)

Nepalis Cheer King’s Surrender to People’s Demands

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The BBC reports on the people’s victory in Nepal. Very exciting photo and story:

Jubilant Nepalis have taken to the streets to celebrate after embattled King Gyanendra agreed to their demands to reinstate parliament.

Good News Network Relaunched (April 25, 2006)

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no-doom-no-gloom-button
no-doom-no-gloom-buttonIs the Media Unbalanced? One Network Asserts Public Health is Served by its Positive News Tilt, Readers Attest to Medicinal Effects

 

Visit the Good News Network website and you’ll find global success stories from the worlds of government, science, and society. Instead of balance, you’ll hear just one side – the positive side. The newly launched website boasts that viewers actually accrue health benefits while reading its menu of positive news. According to letters written by visitors to the site, the Good News Network relieved depression and anxiety symptoms brought on by the overdose of depressing news that saturates the Media.

The value of the site also has impressed leaders in the fields of psychology and politics.

Tal Ben-Shahar is a lecturer at Harvard University whose positive psychology course is the most popular class on campus with 850 students enrolled. He believes the Good News Network can benefit everyone. “It’s an extremely important initiative. I recommend that each person makes it a habit to visit the website at least once a day — to counter the barrage of negativity in the media. Being exposed to positive information benefits us emotionally, physically, and mentally. It can contribute in a meaningful way to a happier and healthier life.”

Former Secretary of State Colin Powell wrote to the Good News Network, “I enjoyed reading the positive stories… (and) am heartened by the goodness and generosity that I see. Keep up your good work.”

The barrage of negativity to which Ben-Shahar referred is steadily intensifying: Despite the fact that the U.S. homicide rate dropped in the 1990’s by 42%, television news coverage of murders skyrocketed up 721% (Center for Media and Public Affairs). During that time, TV network news audiences and newspaper circulation continued to fall, which may be related to the mad increase in crime coverage.

More and more people are looking for news on the internet. With her newly redesigned site, and regular content updates, Good News Network publisher, Geri Weis-Corbley, hopes to make daily readers of the 10,000 people who search every month for ‘good news’ on internet search engines.

Weis-Corbley is a pioneer in the positive news arena founding the Good News Network nine years ago as the first website to offer original and compelling positive news programming. She says that with the advent of new technologies today like RSS and software for content management and blogging, it is much easier for a small company to publish and link to news content from around the world on a daily basis. “Now it is possible for the Good News Network to amass a large and loyal audience that could rival traditional news networks online. The bonus for our readers is that our content benefits their health and well being. For those suffering from the depression that permeates so much of society, instead of popping a pill, we suggest A Daily Dose of News to Enthuse.”

Weis-Corbley calls on people around the world to download a free copy of the September 11 Commemorative Edition newsletter entitled, “Some Good News!” It is a testament to the power of positive thinking in the midst of tragedy and a reminder of how good it feels to be reading encouraging news.

For additional information on the Good News Network, contact Geri Weis-Corbley or visit the Good News Network online.

The Good News Network is a media company based in Northern Virginia that has published an online website of positive news and inspiration since 1997 at www.goodnewsnetwork.org.

Contact us:  1 (866) Good News (466-3639)
www.goodnewsnetwork.org
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London Crime Rate Lowest in Five Years

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Crime in London has decreased to its lowest level in five years, according to new police figures published last week. The number of homicides fell by 10% to its lowest level since 1998, and the total number of crimes in the capital fell by more than 3% in the 12 months ending in March. Racist, homophobic and domestic crime were also down, the Metropolitan Police statistics showed.

Canadians Announce Major Diabetes Breakthrough

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CTV reports on Bioengineers at the University of Calgary who have successfully grown insulin-producing cells in a lab, which they say marks a major breakthrough in diabetes research.

The team of scientists hope to eventually transplant lab-grown, insulin-producing cells directly into the bodies of patients with Type 1 diabetes.

Where Can I Donate or Recycle My Old Computer or Other Electronic Products?

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EARTH DAY SPECIAL — An estimated 196 million to 230 million computers are in use in the United States today, each designed to last more than a decade. Yet technology is advancing so rapidly that users often replace their computers just three or four years after buying them. Often people either store or throw out their old computers, not realizing how their equipment could benefit others. If we refurbish just 10% of these PCs, we could provide more than 3 1/2 million computers for schools and low income families and eliminate the digital divide by the end of the decade. The other problem is that throwing out computers and electronics is a waste of valuable materials that could be used to make new products. Learn how you can help. . . .

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Earth Day Activities Launched in Biloxi to Clean up Hurricane Mess

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The Keep America Beautiful Great American Cleanup

The Keep America Beautiful Great American CleanupEarth Day Special — The 21st annual Great American Cleanup is in full swing, mobilizing millions of volunteers to clean, beautify and improve their communities each spring. Last year 2.4 million volunteers collected a record breaking 208 million pounds of litter and debris; recycled hundreds of tons of material; planted 4.2 million flowers; cleaned 176 miles of roads; and cleaned 10,250 miles of waterways and shorelines.

On March 2, more than 750 volunteers from all over the country descended on Biloxi, Miss., for the official kickoff to the 2006 national campaign, launching a full day of Hurricane Katrina Restoration activites. Volunteers removed mounds of storm debris and also planted grass, flowers and oak trees to aid in coastal restoration. From the Biloxi Town Green to the Purple Heart Memorial and Edgewater Mall beach, one main objective was achieved; to make a visible difference in this community in one day.

It’s not too late to volunteer for the Great America Cleanup! It runs until May 31. Consult this page for a list of U.S. states and territories, and even other countries (Canada and South Africa) that are participating.

Drug Treatment Instead of Prison Yields Encouraging Results in CA

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A new study from UCLA reports California has saved about $800 million over the last five years by sentencing non-violent drug offenders to community-based drug treatment programs rather than prison.

When Californians passed by referendum proposition 36, which gave non-violent drug offenders a chance to enter drug rehab rather than serve jail time, many thought it would lead to a crime wave, including the Contra Costa Times editorial staff. Today they are encouraged by the numbers and are urging the Legislature to re-fund Prop. 36 before it expires this year. The Good News Network agrees with their reasoning:

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