Madagascar and France on Wednesday signed an agreement allocating 20 million dollars (13 million euros) to preserve Madagascar’s rich biodiversity. “This initiative is an excellent example of innovative financing for sustainable development,” said the World Wildlife Fund, which will manage the fund.
France Cancels $20 Million in Debt for Conservation in Madagascar
Saudi King Moves to Tackle ‘Abnormally High’ Oil Prices
Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah will convene a meeting next week of the world’s major oil producers to discuss ways of dealing with soaring fuel prices. United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said King Abdullah “acknowledged that the current oil price is abnormally high, due to speculative factors, and he is willing to do what he can to manage the price of oil to the adequate level.” Ban met yesterday with the Saudi monarch and other officials.
One Man’s Mission to Rid India of its “Untouchable” Job
One man has built 1.2 million affordable hygienic toilets throughout India and helped 60,000 people who were manual scavengers of human waste — the “untouchable” of society — to move into other jobs. (Christian Science Monitor)
Dell Recycles 100 Million Pounds of Equipment in 2007
Dell last week marked the one-year anniversary of its commitment to be the “greenest technology company on the planet” by reporting the company’s largest single-year recycling volume — 102 million pounds of IT equipment from customers during 2007, a 20 percent increase over 2006.
Amazing Bionic Hand Looks Real, Functions Naturally (Video)
So far 279 of the new bionic hands developed in Britain have helped amputees to regain the use of sensing hands including a range of natural abilities. The recipient in this video is an amazing subject in himself, having lost both arms and legs to disease, but not his natural warmth and humor. Hear his secret to maintaining his good nature. (BBC video)
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China, Taiwan Sign Historic Deal on Flights During First Direct Talks in Decade
Further signs of warming between China and Taiwan developed with an historic agreement on Friday to open official offices, establish direct regular flights between the two sides, and allowing more mainlanders to visit the islandthe first time in decades.
Pastors for Peace Defy US Ban, Bring Bicycles, Friendship to Cuba
For 18 years, Pastors for Peace has led a caravan to Cuba bringing tons of humanitarian aid and friendship despite the US blockade on goods to Cuba and ban on Americans’ travel there. This year the caravan’s cargo includes hundreds of donated bicycles collected by volunteers: full-sized bicycles, not as abundant in Cuba, can serve as primary transportation for so many in need on the island.
The July Caravan to Cuba also features a Hiphop Without Borders Exchange, a cultural celebration featuring some of the world’s finest hiphop, in workshops and performances with Cuban musicians.
Read in the Reformer.com about one local group who collected bicycles to help the Cuban people, and began their trek to Havana from Vermont.
Visit the Pastors for Peace website here, or check out this short documentary (8 minutes) created by Canadians who joined the Caravan to Cuba in 2006 describing every aspect of the humanitarian journey. Good job, all!
First Arab State to Restore Diplomatic Relations With Iraq
The United Arab Emirates became the first Gulf state to name an ambassador to Iraq — a move that is hoped will encourage other Arab states to follow. Restoring full diplomatic ties is an important step because many of Iraq’s neighbors are predominantly Sunni Muslims, and they’ve been slow to warm to the Shiite-led government of Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.
Randy Jackson: Dad Of The Year (Video)
The National Father’s Day Council names Randy Jackson from American Idol and Mark Shriver from Save The Children as Fathers Of The Year. They speak to Harry Smith about their charitable efforts.
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Family Rescued From Toy Dinghy
A WOMAN and three children were rescued yesterday after they were blown out to sea in a toy dinghy without paddle or lifejackets. (Scotsman has the rescue story)
The Art of Word Fasting: Today’s Word is ‘Lie’
Pushing TRUTH away is much like trying to push a beach ball under the water, the more you push it down, the stronger it wants to resurface and hit you in the face. Here is an acronym to reframe your thinking about lies.
The acronym for today is: L.I.E. (Living In Exile)
Every time I LIE to myself or to others, I force my personal truth into exile. This was a profound realization for me.
Boy in ‘Bubble’ Cured of Life-Threatening Disease
A seven-year-old boy kept in a “bubble” for two months has become the first person in Britain to be cured of a rare life-threatening disease with a bone marrow transplant. (Read the good news at Telegraph.co.uk)
Fire Hero Dashes into Blazing House Three Times to Save Pal
A hero tenant burst into a burning flat three times in a desperate attempt to rescue a man still inside. Terry Collyer, 41, fought back intense smoke and flames after realising his neighbor was unconscious in his bedroom. “I kicked the door in but there was so much smoke, I couldn’t breathe. I went downstairs twice to get my breath back.” (Read the heroic tale at B&D Recorder)
Asthma Inhalers Going Green
By the end of the year 22 million asthma patients will be breathing with the help of new environmentally friendly inhalers. The current inhalers use Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) which are the main cause of ozone depletion in the stratosphere, which are being phased out in the United States on December 31.
Hybrid Car Sales Surge
Hybrid car sales during the year 2000 numbered fewer than 10,000. Last year sales climbed to 330,000 vehicles.
In May 2008, auto sales for every US manufacturer was down by up to 28%. Only Honda sales were up (by 16%) led by their popular hybrid.
Iran Couple Bikes for Peace and Changing Country’s Image
For 395 days, an Iranian couple has been bicycling around the world to promote peace, heal it’s country’s image, and heal the environment by planting trees. They are now in the United States (currently in Seattle, Washington). Their compelling story has been featured on both BBC and CNN. I currently live in Japan, and am hoping to host them for a few days in the fall when they arrive in the far east.
Visit their website at: rmc4peace.com. (Watch the CNN video on their site and the “movie” featuring a TV report about their tree planting on the campus of VA Tech. — really touching.)
Sanctuary Rescues Lions From Concrete Pens
Nine cubs, and an adult lion and a tiger, rescued from bleak Romanian zoos sniffed the grass and began purring loudly, taking their first steps onto African soil, thanks to Austrian-based animal welfare organisation Vier Pfoten (Four Paws). (NBC News)
Naked Cyclists Rally in Cities (Video)
Cyclists gathered over the weekend in Mexico City to celebrate the annual World Naked Bike Ride which took place in 132 cities. This is quite amusing — and it’s Video! Don’t worry though, the BBC has blurred certain spots.
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Mood Foods To Keep Us Happy (Video)
Registered dietician Kerri Glassman shares her tips for food that will help our brains and make us happy — the Early Show on CBS News.
U.S. Violent and Property Crime Dropped in 2007
With a steep drop in urban homocides leading the way — 10 percent decline from 2006 in major cities — the FBI’s preliminary crime report for 2007 reveals good news across the board in categories of both violent and property crimes.