“A SUPER-RICH City financier has given nearly HALF-A-BILLION pounds to charity — the largest ever single donation by a Briton — to help poor people in Third World countries.”
The UK Sun has a photo of the 43 year-old hedge fund manager.
London Financier Gives Half Billion Pounds to Charity
GNN Touted in Womens World Mag This Week
Hey everybody, I wanted to pass the word that the Good News Network was mentioned in Womens World magazine this week as one of the websites that can make you happy at times when you have nothing to do! Thanks to Gabrielle Lichterman for helping to get the word out that news doesn’t have to be depressing!
The Next Einstein? A Young Physicist’s Theories Will Soon Be Tested
A new visionary voice in the field of particle physics is only in his mid-30s, but is distinguished as one of the leading thinkers. One of his theories — that there are at least 11 dimensions — will finally be tested this summer using a new $10 billion particle accelerator in Switzerland. “We’re essentially guaranteed that there’s going to be something surprising,” said Nima Arkani-Hamed, who was lured away from his Harvard professorship to Princeton where Einstein practiced until his death. “If the results confirm any of Arkani-Hamed’s predictions, they would be the first extension of our notions of space-time since Albert Einstein’s Theory of Relativity,” reports CNN in their fascinating report of May 9 .
Brazil Gives 3.8M Acres in Amazon Rain Forest to Indigenous People
“Brazil decreed a new 3.8 million acre (1.5M hectare) Indian reservation Friday in the heart of the Amazon rainforest’s logging frontier. The land had been sought by the Kayapo Indians in their ancestral territory since 1994. Studies show that Indian reservations tend to be the best preserved areas of the rainforest.” (Seattle Times has the AP Story)
Man Sheds 85 Pounds on McDonald’s Diet
After six months of eating only McDonald’s food, amVirginia man has lost about 85 pounds eating mostly salads and wraps, with an occasional bunless burger. He says the healthier choices means he can now be more active with the family. (Also see the Wall Street Journal video report at the bottom)
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Focusing the Sun for Cheaper Energy (Video)
With fossil fuels pushing electricity costs ever higher, bringing solar power to the market is looking more attractive every day. This solar array in the Israeli desert is testing technology for solar plants under construction in California.
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Vietnam Eases Restrictions on Catholics
Vietnam’s communist rulers are easing restrictions on Catholics after a history of church-state land disputes, reports the Reuters News agency.
Cuba to Abolish Equal Pay Caps on Workers, EU Drops Sanctions
Cuba is to end its policy of equal pay for all and allow workers and managers to earn performance bonuses — another in a series of new reforms coming from the government of president Raul Castro.
In other good news for Cubans, EU nations yesterday agreed to lift their sanctions against the island nation in the hope of encouraging democracy there. (AFP report has that story)
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Donors Pledge $216M to Protect African Rainforests
Donors have pledged $216 million for a fund to protect the Congo Basin forests, an area in central Africa consisting of 26 percent of the world’s remaining tropical forests, second only to the Amazon, the African Development Bank said on Wednesday. (All Africa.com)
5 Silver Linings of High Gas Prices
We all want to scream about the miseries of high gas prices… But, are there any “silver linings” in which we can find solace? In fact, there are five silver linings brightening the black clouds of high oil prices. Instead of feeling totally stressed at the pump, learn about the ways that life is already improving thanks to $138-per-barrel oil.
Pets Can Cut Your Heart Risk in Half, Aid in Recovery
A new study that followed 4,500 adults between the ages of 30 and 75 years showed that having a cat for a pet can reduce your risk of heart attack or stroke by just under 50 percent. (Full story at Natural News) Read heartwarming news stories in our PETS section.
Encouraging Results for Renewable Jet Fuel Tests
A company called Sustainable Power says it has been working with “an undisclosed airline” to test a blend of petroleum-based jet fuel and bio-fuel that is made from a renewable resource like algae. News from CheapFlights.com says other airline industries and the government are pushing for such a fuel. Just imagine, a cheaper airline ticket thanks to pond scum…
Aspiring to a Lengthy Cease-Fire With Hamas in Gaza
“The welcome cease-fire that is supposed to come into effect today can succeed, and it is necessary to give it a real chance instead of looking for disadvantages… The aim is to create an atmosphere of restraint, calm and routine in Sderot and the Gaza Strip. Quiet has a dynamic of its own, and if that is what serves the interests of both sides it can last for years.” (A Haaretz Editorial)
50 New Species Discovered Each Day in 2006
16,969 species new to science were discovered and described in 2006 — an average of nearly 50 species per day — reports the International Institute for Species Exploration in partnership with the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature.
Salamander Crossing Provides Squish-Free Passage
“Four miniature tunnels have been built south of Calgary to save hundreds of migrating salamanders from being squashed to death by traffic. The special underpasses opened this week — a first for Canada’s national parks — to help long-toed salamanders cross a busy roadway as they migrate to and from Linnet Lake.” (Full story on CBC News )
My First TV Appearance! This Thursday AM
I pitched a good news story to a producer at CN8’s Your Morning show, and he loved it. This Thursday morning I will be featured in an interview segment from the studio in Washington, DC talking to more than 9 million viewers from Maine to Virginia. What’s the topic? The 5 Silver Linings of High Gas Prices! I think the anchors (right) are in Philly, so I hope the long-distance conversation flows smoothly… It’s starts at 6:10 AM. if you are in the Comcast viewing area, you might want to check us out.
I also have radio interviews tomorrow, Wednesday morning on WSJS, in the Winston/Salem, Greensboro triad at 9:35 with JR Snider, and later, with Ron Ross in Bloomington, IL (WJBC) at 11:10.
Next Monday you can catch me on KWNA in Nevada at 10:10 AM with Rod Williams.
All these radio hosts want to hear about the 5 Silver Linings of High Gas Prices. (I guess I should add a story to the site with these 5 optimistic takes on oil prices…
Where Can I Buy an Electric Car in America?
The transition has begun that will wean our society from gas powered cars to electric. As we strive to improve the environment and grapple with rising fuel costs, green electric cars are now on the minds of every auto executive and commuter. While there are “green ratings” for hybrid cars, which use a combination of gas and battery power, the only truly green vehicle that will ease your gas pump pain is one that uses no gas and features zero-emissions, like the electric truck by Phoenix Motors and the Hydrogen-powered Honda Clarity (right). If you are fortunate enough to be in a region where electric cars are sold, you can invest in transportation that is both kind to your wallet and a blessing to the environment. Expect more arrivals nationwide within 2 years.
Inflation? Some Items That Actually Cost Less
Inflation may be climbing faster than the humidity level, but there are still some things that actually cost less than they did a year ago. Amid all the headlines about soaring energy and food prices, many consumers may not notice that they’re getting a break on some items they buy.
(Read the CNBC report that names the lower priced items, like electronics, clothes, toys hotel rooms and theme parks)
Johnny Depp Teaches a 12-Yr Old the Art of Promise Keeping
Twelve-year-old Jack Taylor asked for Johnny Depp’s hat in April when they met in Wisconsin during the filming of the upcoming John Dillinger movie “Public Enemies.” Depp said, “When I’m done with it, it’s all yours.”
Last week, Depp followed through and sent him the vintage fedora.
(Read the touching story on this ShowBiz website)
What Businesses are Faring Well in this Economy?
Some businesses are doing well despite the unsure economy, helping families find a cheap thrill, find drivers a less-painful commute and helping the unemployed improve their stock. The LA Times lists the services and shops that are thriving, including used auto parts, bike shops, recycling centers and community colleges