A Boston Globe reporter was swamped with notes from people reacting to his story on Patrick Conway, a dying homeless man taken in by a hospital. Conway entered hospice care Wednesday afternoon. Here are a few of the messages, and the address to which to send cards: Globe Update. Thanks to Andrew in the UK for the tip!
Christians Respond to Muslim Leaders’ Historic Letter
A 29-page letter (pdf document) drafted by 138 prominent Muslim leaders to leaders of the world’s Christian churches has been met with enthusiasm and encouragement. (Steve G. recommends this report: CS Monitor) The historic Muslim document, entitled, "A Common Word Between Us and You," received a warm embrace from leaders of the Yale Divinity School in the form of a response that has been cosigned by the Harvard and Princeton seminaries…
Green Roofs Start to Sprout on Urban Homes
"Low-maintenance sedum cuts energy costs as well as greenhouse gases. Flowers and baby sedum on the flat roof will retain about half the rainwater that falls on it." (CS Monitor) Thanks to Steve G. for the link.
First Commercial Cellulosic Plant Breaks Ground
"Range Fuels, Inc. broke ground today on the nation’s first commercial cellulosic ethanol plant to be supported by the Department of Energy. The plant will use wood and wood waste from Georgia’s pine forests and mills as its feedstock to produce over one hundred million gallons of ethanol per year." (SustainableBusiness.com)
Wildlife Makes Dramatic Return to Sudan
7,000 elephants, 1,500 giraffes, and 500 oryx antelopes have returned to Sudan after a 22-year civil war had driven them out. One wildlife official called it possibly the largest animal migration on earth. (AP via MSNBC)
Cancer Victim Invents Possible Chemo Alternative
“This is the story of a man whose reaction to a cancer diagnosis was to go to his garage and invent something — a machine that serious scientists are now taking seriously.” (ABC)
Colleges Pledge Support for Low-Income Students
19 state university systems – from Maryland to California – launched the Access to Success Initiative to improve college attendance and completion for low-income and minority students – and to close the gaps between them and other students in half or more by 2015. (CS Monitor) Thanks to Steve G. for the link.
Death Rate for Afghan Kids Plummet
Access to health care has improved dramatically and the severe child mortality rates of six years ago have been stemmed so that 90,000 children who would have died each year before age 5 are today surviving. (AP) Thanks to Viktoria for the link.
Homeless Hospice Patient Forges Friendships With Care Staff
He was diagnosed with a tumor that would end his life in a few months. "The homeless man with virtually nothing to his name turned out to have a lot to offer others. And he found how love and compassion can enter a man’s life in unforeseen ways." (Boston Globe)
POLL: The Best Title for My Book
EDITOR’S BLOG — VOTING EXTENDED THROUGH THE WEEKEND: After receiving good suggestions for book titles — and sub-titles we need to choose the best options. Just use the clickable poll on the right and vote for your favorite titles (up to three) — Click VOTE after each choice. Then, go to the second poll and do the same for up to 3 sub-titles. Thanks! (YOU must be on the homepage to view the poll, and some people using IE browser need to scroll down. Cheers! Geri
Program Helps Kids Put a Stop to Bullying
Galesburg, Illinois 4th- and 5th-graders are benefitting from a new lesson plan by a former police officer that guides students through different situations they may encounter with bullies. He explains the difference between joking and bullying and offers tips for handling bullies. (Register Mail) Thanks to Andrew for the link!
Charitable NBA Players Untarnished by League Troubles
As the NBA basketball season opens this week amid scandal, many players continue to be excellent and charitable role models. "Emeka Okafor of the Charlotte Bobcats spent his summer touring hospitals and blood clinics in Africa, and conducting basketball clinics overseas." (CS Monitor) Thanks to Steve Ghent for the link!
H&R Block Offers Free Advice To Fire Victims
H&R Block and Operation HOPE are partnering to assist those impacted by October’s wildfires by offering free amended 2006 federal tax returns to enable disaster victims to recoup their losses more quickly.
Transport Canada Approves 100% Electric Car
Transport Canada confirmed Friday it has authorized a Toronto-based electric carmaker to produce a ZENN (zero emissions, no noise) vehicle for the Canadian market.
Not All Southern-Style Foods are Bad
Boiled peanuts possess qualities that protect against illnesses like cancers, diabetes and heart disease, according to a study from A&M University. (Atlanta J-C) Steve Ghent sent this link saying, "I actually just bought a bag of boiled peanuts after reading this article. I haven’t had any in years!"
A Beautiful Mind: the Schizophrenia Artist
"A 43-year-old photographer and writer was diagnosed with schizophrenia in 1996. On World Mental Health Day, he delivers a unique personal insight into how his condition has nurtured his artistic expression." (BBC w/ gorgeous photograph) Thanks, Andrew, for the great link!
Youth Orchestra of Venezuela’s Poor Wows the World
"The Simón Bolívar Youth Orchestra of Venezuela’s poor has been wowing the world, and arrives next week at the New England Conservatory." (CS Monitor) Thanks to Steve Ghent for the link!
College Grads Travel in RV Interviewing People Who Love Their Jobs (Video by GNN-i)
College Grads traveled across the country interviewing people who love their jobs. Their tour just ended and Brett says they are tired but looking forward to the future (though with some trepidation). The Good News Network caught up with them in Washington, D.C mid-way through their cross-country pursuit for people with passion… (seattletimes)
German Film Takes on Racism with Laughter
"An encounter between German Neo-Nazis and a mixed-race boy with an Afro wouldn’t usually seem to be a laughing matter, but it is in the new film "Leroy." A german director takes a different approach to dealing with Nazism — raising the issue through a romantic comedy." (AFP) Thanks to Brian for the link!
3-Year-Old Survives Plane Crash
A 3 year-old child survived a plane crash thanks to her Grandfather’s excellent care in protecting her for the flight.