A first of its kind art exhibition, entitled Offering Reconciliation, features the work of 135 leading Israeli and Palestinian artists exploring the Palestinian-Israeli conflict through pottery. It is on display in the Hall of the United Nations headquarters.
Historic Run for Blind Triathlete (Video)
Aaron Scheidies, who is legally blind, completed the U.S. Open Triathlon in one hour, 58 minutes and eight seconds. It was the first time a disabled competitor had ever finished the Olympic-distance triathlon in under two hours.
Golden Retriever Nurses Stray Kitten (Video Update)
"Honey, a golden retriever from Stephens City, Va., hadn’t given birth in 18 months, but the cries of Precious, an orphaned kitten, made her a mother again."
UN Peacekeepers, a Blessing for South Lebanon Economy
Traders in Tyre’s bustling souk say UN peacekeepers have brought "baraka" and a dose of good fortune to south Lebanon, making up at least in part for the ravages of last year’s Israel-Hezbollah war.
Students Win Lawsuit Without Legal Help
Four college students from Milwaukee were able to overcome a lawsuit brought by their former landlord last week without the services of an actual lawyer.
Laid-Off ‘Super Star’ Nurse Gets Dream Job
A super-star nurse who drew widespread attention when budget cuts eliminated her job in Chicago has landed the job of her dreams.
Ex-Centerfold is Unlikely Savior for Haitian Kids
"A former Playboy centerfold over the last 15 years has become an unlikely patron savior for scores of abandoned Haitian babies." (AP) Thanks to Anthony M. for passing along the link!
Shy Phone Salesman Realizes Dream of Opera Stardom (Video)
A shy mobile phone salesman who’s always wanted to sing opera wows a national television audience to tears in this segment of GOT TALENT, Britain’s version of American Idol. Paul Potts’ voice thrilled the audience and led to a standing ovation for his amazing debut performance of Puccini’s difficult “Nessun Dorma.”
CLICK for PART II of the Paul Potts Story — his performance in the semi-finals.
Thanks so much to Maureen for the amazing link!
The Blind Can See with Their Tongue
A new medical technology allows blind folks to be able to ‘see’ with their tongues. Incredible!
(ABC News)
Hope for Ovarian Cancer Vaccine
"A vaccine for ovarian cancer has produced "encouraging" results in preliminary trials, enhancing the body’s own immune response and mobilizing specialised T cells able to target the cancer cells." (BBC)
Unprecedented Muslim Call for Peace with Christians
"In an unprecedented letter to Pope Benedict and other Christian leaders, 138 Muslim scholars said finding common ground between the world’s biggest faiths was not simply a matter for polite dialogue between religious leaders." (Reuters) Thanks to Lynn for sharing the link.
Robot Suits Offer Super Powers That Help Elderly
Japanese scientists showed off their intimidating and clunky AIR-PRESSURE ROBOT SUIT, designed to keep old people out of wheelchairs and on their own. In one scenario, caregivers don the robotic-looking suits and magically gain super-powers to lift old people out of bed…
Canadian Mounted Police Don Pink Armbands to Support Anti-Bullying Movements
"The whole pink T-shirt thing has become very prominent as far as anti-bullying goes. We had to find a way to demonstrate to the kids just how much we appreciate and support that." (HFXNews.ca) Thanks, Andrew!
City Grant to Pay for Bully Prevention
"The Charlottesville City Council has approved a $30,515 grant to continue a Bullying Prevention Program." (DailyProgress.com) Thanks to Andrew for the link.
China Efforts to End Pollution Brings Huge Business Chances
"China has pulled down 253 outdated coal-fired power generator units across the country during the first nine months of this year." This and other actions to improve the environment and energy efficiency in China may yield a whopping $300 billion in business opportunities in the next five years. (People’s Daily) Thanks, Andrew!
Vacuum Cleaner Salesman Donates Kidney to Would-Be Customer
A traveling salesman who tried to sell a Kirby vacuum to a family in Twin Falls, Idaho, ended up, instead, donating his kidney. He calls it “a miracle” that he feels so good. (The Olympian) Thanks to Andrew for the link!
$6 Million to Stray Dog Relief in Taiwan
A Taiwanese businessman will donate $6 million over the next three years to a relief program that cares for stray animals. The fund will be used to ramp up neutering campaigns to reduce the number of stray animals, while providing better medical treatment for the homeless animals. (China Post ) Thanks, Andrew!
David Koch Donates $100M for Cancer Research
Koch Industries executive, David Koch, is giving the MIT a $100 million gift to fund a new cancer research facility to open in 2010. (Wichita Eagle ) Thanks to Andrew for the link.
New Prototype Wellness Phone Gives Fitness Check
A new Japanese mobile phone will tell you when you’re not getting enough exercise, eating too many calories, even measuring bad breath, advising you with a pep talk to take care. (Video)
MS Patient Finds Therapy and Purpose Carving Canes
Mike Hunter, 56, was diagnosed with MS and had to quit working due to weakened legs. He’s found a new purpose, however, after carving himself a cane — he didn’t like the store-bought ones — and deciding to donate hundreds of them, each one different, to other patients like himself. (Seattle P-I) Thanks to Andrew for the link!