A Sacramento man said other motorists had stopped and were circled around the truck, which he described as a fireball. "They looked like they had tried to get him out, but they couldn’t do any more," he said. "The whole thing was on fire, and the others couldn’t get close to it anymore…. I just couldn’t let him burn to death." (SacBee.com) Thanks to Andrew N. for the link!
Winner of Moscow Millions Donates Prize Money to Orphans
Tony G. of Melbourne is keeping the gold bracelet, and the title of “Russia’s National Poker Champion”, but his cash winnings of $205,000 he has already donated to Russian orphanages. Thanks to Andrew N. for the link.
Brad Donates Millions for Eco-Housing Project in New Orleans
Brad Pitt unveiled the next phase of his mission to help the people of New Orleans rebuild their homes in the devastated ninth ward, backed by a personal $5 million donation. His “Make It Right” fundraising effort is collecting $150,000 from celebrities, including Jimmy Buffett, and from business leaders for the construction of 150 eco-friendly and flood-proof homes to replace those destroyed in the Hurricane Katrina disaster.
“The families of New Orleans need the help of families across America this holiday season,” said Pitt. “We are asking Americans this holiday season to go to our website, MakeItRight, and send a contribution that will help us rebuild homes for these families — and rebuild their lives.”
Pitt was joined by the architects, who unveiled their groundbreaking designs for the community. In addition to high-quality, sustainable design, the project incorporates the spirit and culture of the Lower 9th Ward and encourages it to flourish.
Today’s launch was marked by the unveiling of 150 bright pink structures the size of real houses erected throughout the project site. The pink houses, which will remain for five weeks, serve as a stand in for the vibrant community that will be built.
Pitt also unveiled innovative features of the donation website. Users are able to “walk” through houses and select which items in the house they will support with their contributions. The site also allows users to provide parts of a house on behalf of their friends and families.
Following the announcements, Pitt hosted a party for Lower 9th residents. The party included appearances by Jerry Lee Lewis, Ivan Neville, and Fats Domino.
Earlier this year, Pitt and Steve Bing announced at the Clinton Global Initiative that they each would match $5 million in contributions to the houses, for a total of $10 million in matching funds, and challenged others to join them in rebuilding New Orleans.
Pitt became a part-time resident of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. After seeing the devastation first hand and meeting with the hardest-hit residents, he began the Make It Right project to catalyze the rebuilding of New Orleans starting with the Lower 9th Ward.
The 150-home community will address the dire need for single-family housing in the Lower 9th Ward and further spark rebuilding efforts in one of the richest cultural communities in America. Make It Right’s mission is built upon catalyzing redevelopment of the Lower 9th Ward by building a neighborhood of safe and healthy homes that incorporates modern, high-quality design and ensuring a green, affordable, sustainable, and replicable community to serve as a model for further rebuilding. The process has including the Lower 9th Ward community as an integral part of the process; and a finance plan that ensures that residents who wish to return to the Lower 9th Ward can do so without further financial hardship.
Thanks to Andrew N. for the heads-up.
Photo: Dick Thomas Johnson
Food Stamps Now Buys Fresh Fruit and Whole Grains
"A popular program that provides food assistance to low-income women and their children received its first overhaul in more than 30 years Thursday with the addition of fruits, vegetables and whole grains to the list of grocery items covered by the U.S. government." (Reuters) Thanks to Lynn J. for submitting the link!
Climate Change Conference Hails Australia Kyoto Signing
More than 10,000 scientists, bureaucrats and politicians from 186 countries gathered this week on the Indonesian island of Bali for what is perhaps the world’s largest-ever conference on climate change. Monday’s session opened with delegates giving Australia a standing ovation for announcing they will ratify the Kyoto accord.
Scientists Hope Polymers Will Give Oil Spills the Slip
“U.S. scientists have designed a process to create a material capable of strongly repelling oils, one they said could have applications in hazardous waste cleanup.” (CBC)
Australian Golfer Plays 650 Holes for Charity
After playing 650 holes of golf over 40 hours, Adam Engel didn’t expect his marathon charity round to end with a bang: a chip-in birdie from about 45 yards.
Engel said he was inspired to take on the challenge to raise money for the Leukemia Foundation after his best friend, Shane Burn, was stricken with the disease.
(READ the AP story in Golf.com)
File photo of golfer, KJ-Choi
Indonesian Grandmother Spreads Green Ways in Smoggy Jakarta
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)