“Let other folks retire to warm climates,” said a Wisconsin resident whose poodle was rescued, after it had fallen through the ice, by a firefighter rescue unit with self-inflating wetsuits and ropes. “I’m spending the rest of my days where the weather may be cold, but the hearts are warm.” (Associated Press has the story of the rescue of Buddy)
Green Visionaries Unveil Plan for World’s First Carbon-Neutral, Waste-Free, Car-Free City
Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is awash in profitable oil reserves yet pouring billions into renewable- and sustainable-energy technologies to build the world’s first zero-emission city, “a metropolis that emits not a single extra molecule of carbon dioxide — the cause of global warming”. Abu Dhabi’s green ambitions extend well beyond the construction of a city for 50,000 residents using no cars and lots of solar energy…
The World Wildlife Fund and Masdar, The Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company, this week launched a “Sustainability Action Plan” to deliver the world’s greenest city – Masdar City. Located near Abu Dhabi International Airport, Masdar City will be the world’s first zero-carbon, zero-waste, car-free city, aiming to exceed the 10 sustainability principles of “One Planet Living™”– a global initiative launched by the Worldwide Fund for Nature and environmental consultancy BioRegional.
Customer Surprises Waitress With Help for College
A waitress was overheard by a customer while talking with her co-worker about the struggle to pay for college textbooks. After the customer left, Hayes found a note that said, “Good luck with school,” which included $400 for books. “Now I know I need to work on my indoor voice,” Hayes told KMBC’s Jere Gish.
Hotels Offer Beds Free to Stranded School Groups
Two hotels in Saint John are offering school groups free accommodations if the roads are too dangerous to travel.
The management of the Fort Howe Hotel and Courtenay Bay Hotel made the decision on Monday following a weekend accident that killed seven Bathurst High School basketball players and a teacher.
(READ the story from the CBC)
Arab Sitcom Becomes Surprise Hit in Israel
Every week in Israel, thousands of Jewish families open up their homes to an Arab family. The latter are only fictional characters — from the hit Israeli sitcom Arab Work — but still, many say this is a critical marker in (pop culture) history. (Photos, story and audio at NPR)
Ballet Dancer, 88, Makes Debut
“An 88-year-old Cambridgeshire man has starred in his first ballet after taking up dance at the age of 79.” (BBC) Thanks to Mary and Chris for the submission!
GM to Make Biofuel Out of Garbage
General Motors Corp. is planning on making biofuel with garbage at a cost of less than a dollar a gallon, the company’s chief has said.
The US automaker has entered into a partnership with Illinois-based Coskata Inc. which has developed a way to make ethanol from practically any renewable source, including old tires and plant waste.
Hundreds Of San Diegans Help Make E-Waste Event a Success (Video)
Hundreds of San Diegans spent their day saving the environment by dusting off those old computers, printers, and VCRs and bringing them to a special event, hosted by TV’s 10News. (I Love A Clean San Diego sponsored this event.)
Fostering Success After Foster Care: Boy Turns Bad Experience into Inspiring Program
For youth “aging out” of the foster care system at age 18, thrust out on their own, homelessness or crime can be a consequence of efforts to support themselves. Now, a service in Milwaukee gives young adults the guidance, financial assistance, and occasional “kick in the butt” needed to move their lives forward in a positive direction.
Eco-Car Just Down The Road (Video)
Tired of gas prices? A prototype for an “extreme hybrid” car that runs for 40 miles at 60 m.p.h. on electric battery power alone is on exhibit at Detroit’s International Auto Show.
How The Bucket List Film May Change Your Life & Make You Happier
A corporate billionaire and a working class mechanic have nothing in common until they’re forced to share a hospital room. Once there they discover a common spark of eagerness for devoting the rest of their lives to accomplishing all their unfulfilled desires. As many as possible before they “kick the bucket.”
Together they embark on the road trip of a lifetime, becoming friends along the way and learning to live life to the fullest. Each goal checked-off gives them the joy that had hitherto been elusive.
The film, The Bucket List opened on Christmas Day with Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman in the title roles inspiring the public to make their own life lists and start tackling some of their own goals now, instead of waiting for “the right time.”
Scientists see Alzheimer Efforts as ‘Extremely’ Encouraging
“Scientists are making strides in the fight against Alzheimer’s, improving their understanding of the devastating brain disease and searching for new drug treatments, including 10 different approaches to dealing with Alzheimer’s that are close to or in clinical testing.” (Louisville Courier-Journal)
French Use Happiness as Economic Measure
French President Nicolas Sarkozy wants to include happiness in measurements of French economic growth, to help explain “the growing gap between statistics that show continuing progress and the increasing difficulties (French people) are having in their daily lives.”
(Associated Press)
World’s Cheapest Car The ‘Nano’ Debuts in India
India’s Tata Motors has unveiled what is being called the world’s cheapest car — the $2,500 Nano.
The four-person sedan, also called the People’s Car meets all safety and environmental requirements, said the company’s founder, even getting 50 mpg with lower emission levels than modern scooters of India.
Singapore Opens “Green” Airport Terminal
“Singapore opened a new “green” airport terminal on Wednesday, boasting 919 energy-saving skylights, a butterfly garden and over 200 species of foliage spread over enough floor space to cover 50 soccer fields.” (Reuters)
Uzbekistan Abolishes the Death Penalty
The trend towards total abolition of the death penalty has continued with Uzbekistan becoming the latest country to put an end to executions. From 1 January 2008, it becomes the 135th country in the world to abolish the death penalty in law or practice. Capital punishment has now been replaced with life or long-term imprisonment.
(READ the news from Amnesty Internationl)
First Snow for 100 Years Falls on Baghdad
The people in Baghdad delightedly woke up early on Friday morning to watch the extraordinary snowfall on their neighborhoods for the first time in memory. Jubilant children and elderly gathered in the yards and on the roofs and some in the streets dancing. Thanks to Shannon G. for the tip!
Australia to End Plastic Bags in Supermarkets
Australia’s government said Thursday it hoped to phase out the use of plastic bags from the nation’s shopping centres by the end of the year.
Dog’s Bite Saves Boy and Pals From House Fire
“A black Labrador that bit a 13-year-old boy’s foot repeatedly, waking him up, is being credited with saving the boy and two of his friends from a house fire.” (Associated Press via MSNBC)
Swedes to Use Body Heat to Warm Offices
“A Swedish company plans to harness the body heat generated by thousands of commuters in Stockholm’s railway station using it for heat in a nearby office building.” (Associated Press)