"A crimebusting Alsatian dog has officially been named the bravest animal in Britain after winning the UK Animal Hero award." The owner also wins kudos for adopting and training the "untrainable dog." (Liverpool Daily Post) Thanks to Andrew for the find.
Two Neighbors Risk Lives in Fire Rescue
"Two hero neighbors who helped rescue a man as fire raged through his home in September are to be honored by the fire service." Read the dramatic account of their heroism in Bolton News. Thanks to Andrew in the UK!
5 Ways You Can Live to Be 100 (Updated)
Would you like to live to be 100? Hmm? Maybe, with a couple of caveats: Loved ones who stick around, and good health for all. The author of Healthy at 100: The Scientifically Proven Secrets of the World’s Healthiest and Longest-Lived Peoples
74-Year-Old Does 3,010 Push-Ups in One Day
"I wanted to make a statement that just because you’re old doesn’t mean you can’t do things," Magee said. "You can stay active." (AJ Constitution w/ photos) From Steve Ghent who said, ‘After reading this, no one can ever say they are too old.’
Radio Host Spreads Gospel of Debt-Free Living
Steve Ghent sent this story in about an inspiring motivational radio host who is an evangelist for helping people get out of debt. (AJ Constitution)
Video Game Retrains Focus on the Positive
A video game that health researchers at McGill University created can help to ease people’s stress, and actually attune them to the positive in their environment helping to ease anxiety.
Warped Art: Designer Transforms Vinyl Records (Video)
A Croatian designer has kicked off a new trend in interiors — warped records — using a hairdryer to mold old vinyl records into fruit bowls, flower pots and other useful items. (Video)
After a Stroke, Left-Handed Piano
Izumi Tateno rebuilt his career as a one-handed piano player after suffering a stroke that paralyzed the right side of his body. (Video)
Mythbusters Producers Reward Hero of Train Rescue
"The producers of MythBusters said they plan to present Julian Shaw with merchandise in a "hero pack" to honor his good deed." The 14-year-old punk rocker used what he had learned from the TV series MythBusters to save a 54-year-old from a freight train. (Sydney Morn Herald)
Reno Police Reward Teen Drivers for Wearing Seat Belts
Dozens of teen drivers got "carded" when they were stopped by Reno police during a recent National Teen Driver Safety Week — given free music download cards, a reward for wearing a seat belt. (AP) Thanks to Jim Corbley for the tip!
U.S. Wind Power Installations to Rise 63 pct in 2007
"U.S. wind power installations are projected to jump 63 percent this year amid concern about global warming and rising fuel prices, an industry group said on Wednesday." (Reuters)
Windup Lights for African Homes
The same group that has supplied windup radios to 150,000 of the poorest homes in Africa is developing prototypes of a charging station for household lamps that it hopes will improve the quality of life for many. (BBC)
Support the Writers Guild of America
What is the Writers Guild strike all about? Fairness. Take a look at this cool video that explains the issue… Thanks to Heather (a writer and producer) for sharing their story.
Some Safeway Grocery Stores Going Solar
Safeway, the largest consumer of electricity in California, has installed more than 1,000 solar panels on the roof of one of its stores to help the environment and cut its energy costs.
More Students in Africa Thanks to Small Loans
"Microloans, often used to help small businesses, are now helping schools in developing nations like Ghana." (CS Monitor) Thanks, Steve!
Gas for 85 Cents a Gallon?
"1,000 Atlanta-area motorists with flex-fuel cars and trucks now can line up at the area’s first E-85 pump — offering a blend of ethanol and gasoline — a critical step toward the region’s embrace of alternative fuel." (AJC.com) Thanks to Steve G. for the link.
No Trash Cans for This 100% Green Burger Joint
Boston’s Grille Zone may be the first burger joint in the nation to be certified green, composting all its cups, plates, and cutlery while aiming for zero-waste and 100% sustainability. "There are no trashcans in our eating area. We have a compost receptacle and a recycling receptacle. We don’t even own a dumpster," says its founder.
Water Reuse Helps Drought-Stricken Florida Wetlands
"South Florida is one of the wettest regions in the country, but this year it’s caught in a severe drought. Now, a project uses advanced wastewater treatment to divert up to 10 million gallons per day of reclaimed water to wetlands." (CS Monitor) Thanks to Steve Ghent for the link! (Also see No Water Wasted with State Capital Collection System, GNN-i link from August, 2007.
Wal-Mart and Clinton Join to Cut Costs for Greener Cities
Bill Clinton’s Foundation is partnering with Wal-Mart and 1100 American cities to create a buying pool that will receive dramatically reduced prices on environmental products — achieving gains against global warming through buying in bulk. (AP, KOMO video)
South Korea Promoting Bicycle Use
“South Korea will promote bicycle use as a way to cope with heavy traffic, air pollution and soaring global oil prices with more bicycle-only roads, bike racks and revise related ordinances.” (Int’l Herald Tribune)