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Mr. Rogers on Living With Punks in Your Neighborhood

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mrrogers_at_whI heard an amazing segment with Mr. Rogers on NPR’s This American Life the other week.

Davy Rothbart is a radio documentarian who visited Mr. Rogers in his studio. Davy brought stories from his own neighborhood in West Chicago, stories of un-neighborly conflict and distrust — to see what kind of advice Mr. Rogers could give him. The conversation was a jewel in Davy’s life — just like it is now in my own. Mr. Rogers died in February of 2003 … Can you say, Hero?

Search on their Web site for Mr. Rogers. It originally aired on 5/11/01. I recommend you cue your media player to begin around 10:45 minutes. It’s a 15-minute segment of the show. The conversation with Mr. Rogers and Davy begins with: "When I told my neighbors I was going to see Mr. Rogers …" Enjoy, and let me know if it touches you like it did me …

Sony Anti-Piracy Debacle Ends with Free Downloads for PC Owners

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cd_diskBBC reports on the settlement of lawsuits brought against Sony after their copy protection “root kits” installed on music cd’s turned out to be terribly invasive — as well as sneakily evasive — when played on people’s PC’s. Worst of all, it left listeners’ computers vulnerable to hackers.

“Millions of music fans will be given free music downloads or money to compensate for flawed anti-piracy software on CDs from label Sony BMG. The final approval to the settlement for lawsuits against the music giant was granted by a US judge on Monday.

The EFF Electronic Frontier Foundation is a group of lawyers and technologists defending the public’s digital freedoms in court.

Parking Meters Provide Area for Mini-Parks

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parking_spaceSome folks in San Francisco decided there was not enough green space downtown so they “leased” the area provided by a parking meter, usually reserved for cars, to created a mini-park for a day. Pedestrians lounged on the park bench under a temporary tree. The grass invited shoes to come off. No authority interfered at all. Calling themselves the Rebar group, John Bela and Matthew Passmore write on their website that creating the Park(ing) space was just their way of “temporarily improving the quality of urban human habitat — at least until the meter ran out.” By their calculations, they provided an additional 24,000 square-foot-minutes of public open space that Wednesday afternoon. Check out the Park(ing) Space photos showing the project from installation to expiration.

Corporate Board Rooms Open the Doors to Green Advisors

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Environmentalists Cooperate With Business, Praise Every Good Step


A special collection in the New York Times Business section looks at what’s green, and getting greener, in the business sector. 15 different stories cover everything from green architecture to animal care in the food industry. My favorite article, the one that best confirms the values espoused here at the Good News Network, highlights the daily cooperation these days between environmentalists and corporations. It used to be a common tactic for environmentalists to remain on the attack against their opponent with lawsuits, protests and boycotts. . .

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Iowa Company Making Gasoline Obsolete

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jetcellA former director of engineering at Ford Motor Company says there is no need to wait for clean power. His Hydrogen Engine Center introduced the first hydrogen-fueled combustion engine for industrial uses in 2004. The company’s niche right now includes airport ground vehicles, forklifts and the like. (American Airlines alone has 9,500 vehicles likely to be converted to alternative fuels over the next decade.) His engines can "run on a number of fuels including hydrogen, ethanol, natural gas, propane or digester gas from landfills," the AP reports. We will be breathing cleaner air in the future thanks to the enthusiasm of Ted Hollinger and his team.

G is for Girl Flicks

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EDITOR’S BLOG

in_her_shoesI just curled up to watch the kind of movie no one else in my family is particularly interested in. You know the kind… "girl flicks"… romantic comedy… but NOT the kind that is all about sex and dating in high school. I want to see real relationships, real growth. Tonight I watched In Her Shoes and thought it was brilliant and sparkling. I felt the same way about The Family Stone when I watched it last month.

Smart chick flicks are movies with. . .

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Ride Your Bike to Work Week: More People Peddling to Jobs

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2005 was one of the top years for bike sales in the U.S. with 20 million bikes sold. 2006 promises to be a record year as people tire of high gas prices.

In Northern California, one machine operator ditched his gas-guzzling truck and now bikes the six miles to work at his packaging plant. AP reports that he "rides rain or shine, feels more relaxed and healthier, and has lost nearly 50 pounds."

"Every time I get on the scale, it’s like I’m getting rewarded for riding to work," said Morrison, 38. "The two biggest complaints people have are not having enough money and obesity. I’m taking care of both."

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Top Soccer Stars Score for Kids at World Cup

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uniteforchildrenjpgThe world’s top soccer stars will not only score for their home countries at next month’s World Cup but also play for UNICEF, the world’s largest children’s fund, to show how team sports can create self-esteem, confidence and trust among kids and nationalities.

15 World Cup players — icons from around the world — were filmed by MTV for a series of video spots to promote a new campaign called Unite for Children, Unite for Peace. Launched by the United Nations Children’s Fund and the world’s governing soccer body, FIFA, to spotlight the power of soccer in promoting values of peace and tolerance within communities and at the international level, the campaign will score its goals using more than just music videos. . .

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First Test of Tsunami Warning System a Success

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island shorelineClose to 30 countries in the Pacific Ocean participated in the first region-wide test of a tsunami early warning system this week. The drill tested national and international communication networks “to make sure that the information is received quickly by the right people in all participating countries.”

“The test has shown that our communication system and general preparedness is by and large working well,” UNSECO Director-General Koichiro Matsuura said in a statement. “It’s clear that the drill has been a great success.” . . .

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Good News on PBS: US Cities Improving

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philley A new PBS series shows us how to fix our cities… make them greener, cleaner, more livable, less wasteful. It will showcase extraordinary community activists as well as forward-thinking professionals and governmental officials who are transforming their urban environments.

The premiere episode profiles Chicago. Check listings, because it airs on different nights depending on where you live, during May 18-25, Philadelphia follows, with Seattle and Los Angeles featured later this year. . .

What strategies contribute to a sustainable ecosystem? How can we save open space and public parks, even urban forestry? What about public art, waste disposal, recycling, mass transit alternatives and green architecture? — Edens Lost & Found presents the integrated “best practices” that are making a significant difference in these four cities.

Thousands Cheer Nepal’s Deflating of King

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Nepal’s restored parliament voted unanimously in favor of reducing the king’s power to that of a ceremonial figurehead with no control of the army. Tens of thousands of Nepalese celebrated in the streets when they heard the news yesterday.

They’ve earned the right to celebrate. Earlier this month, people gave their lives in street demonstrations against the king and his army. Democracy is unfolding now for a thrilled citizenry, as this BBC photo captures. GNN-i covers the blooming of democracy in several news reports here.

Chicago, the Eco-Windy City

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flowers_over_metersmIn Time magazine this week, Mayor Daley describes his efforts to turn Chicago into America’s Eco-city. Since Dale took office in 1989, a half million trees have been planted, renewable, alternative power is being pushed, 2 million square feet of rooftop gardens have been transforming air pollution while city vehicles are forbidden to idle more than five minutes.

If it works — and Daley is betting a hefty sum it will, with promises to buy millions in solar panels, for example — the green movement here is expected to yield the city perhaps billions in saved energy costs and new business. 

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One in a Million Chestnut Tree Discovered

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Photo by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Nathan Klaus, a senior wildlife biologist with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, stands beside a rare American chestnut tree he spotted in Georgia

Photo by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Nathan Klaus, a senior wildlife biologist with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, stands beside a rare American chestnut tree he spotted in GeorgiaIn an amazing discovery in Georgia, a small patch of American Chestnut trees, which were largely wiped out due to a quick-spreading fungus in the early 1900s, has been found alive, healthy, and thriving. This gives new hope to rebuilding the population of the American Chestnut tree which was, at its peak, used in houses, lightpoles, and other infrastructure. Biologists believe that they will be able to study and use these trees to breed what they hope to be stronger American Chestnut trees capable of resisting the fungus which usually destroys them. Full story — detailing biologist’s joy — at Seattle PI:

"In this photo provided by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Nathan Klaus, a senior wildlife biologist with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, stands beside a rare American chestnut tree he spotted in the F.D. Roosevelt State Park near Warm Springs, Ga., Saturday, April 22, 2006."

Editor’s Note: GNN featured a Chestnut Tree report in1998 about a Virginia effort to breed blight-resistant Chestnuts, written by Nancy Arrington of the Prince William Wildflower Society.

Former Rivals Join in Common Cause to Save the Internet

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moby_event2Which issue aligns artists and musicians with Gun Owners of America? MoveOn.org with the Christian Coalition? The AARP with E-bay and Google? All these bipartisan groups along with 600 others have joined together in an effort to keep the internet free and equal for all websites, no matter how large or small.

Grammy-nominated musician Moby joined today with U.S. Representative Edward Markey (D-MA), ranking Democrat on the House Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet, to demand that Congress reject upcoming legislation that would allow AT&T, Verizon, and other telecommunications giants to give preferential treatment to websites on the Internet, altering the access consumers enjoy.

Save the Internet (savetheinternet.com) is an alliance of organizations from across the political spectrum, consumer groups, educators, small businesses, and bloggers that have joined together to fight the congressional proposal to gut Network Neutrality—the Internet’s First Amendment. . .

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Segways Replace Wheelchairs, Increase Mobility

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Segways, the two-wheeled transporters, are replacing wheelchairs for some who have trouble walking but still want to move around taking up as little space as possible. For example, this father of the bride who wanted to stand, not sit, during his daughter’s wedding ceremony used a Segway and looked all the more dignified …

 

UK Paper Donates Revenue from Bono/AIDS Edition to Africa Fight

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rededitionHalf of all revenues from yesterday’s issue of the UK paper, the Independent, will go towards the fight against AIDS in Africa.

The May 16 paper, guest edited by U2 rocker and activist Bono, sold out within hours. All the articles featured the AIDS issue, which Bono laments is missing in other mainstream media that apparently require rock stars to motivate their coverage of the facts: “6,500 people die in Africa every day from a preventable, treatable disease (AIDS/HIV).”

Splashed with the RED branding (see red AmEx card on the page) that Bono is using to raise awareness of the AIDS issue, copies become instant collectors’ items. One of the RED editions sold on ebay for for £9.90. . .

Bono pal and rocker, Bob Geldof editorialized in the paper that, “Trade, not aid, is the answer.” (And, he knows the issue of hunger in Africa as well as anyone.) Elvis Costello delivered a stinging criticism of American media and political figures, though he didn’t comment on whether the government delivered on its pledge to Africa. (He insinuated they HAVEN’T in New Orleans.)

UK’s director for the charity ActionAid referred to the Live 8 concerts last year, and the corresponding campaign (One.org) that pushed governments to pledge to help Africa, when he said that the decision of the guest editor, Bono, to echo the demands of the Make Poverty History campaign throughout The Independent’s pages “keeps our politicians on notice that they must deliver.“

Israel Opens Crossing to Gaza Eases Crisis

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Israel made a decision to open the main cargo crossing to the Gaza strip for the first time in several months out of humanitarian concerns. The Karni crossing has been closed on and off for security reasons but Palestinians normally import much of their food and export goods and produce through the opening. It’s closing has had a significant economic impact on Gaza residents. Israel’s newspaper, Haaretz quoted Israel’s new defense minister as saying during a meeting with his army commanders, “Our war is against terror, not against the residents of the Strip.” It also reported that just three weeks ago the Palestinian Authority thwarted a planned attack at the crossing.

(One small hurrah uttered for Minister Peretz!
Faith that is positive can be powerful.)

Grassroots Internet Campaign Pressures Indonesia to Save Orangutan Rainforest

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626px-Female_Orangutan_&_Baby_PerthZoo_SMC_Sept_2005Under intense international pressure, the Indonesian government has virtually abandoned plans to convert large areas of ancient rainforest in the “Heart of Borneo” that are a prime habitat for the endangered Orangutan. The original plan called for a massive oil palm plantation to be built on 1.8 million hectares (nearly 7,000 square miles or 18,000 sq. km) of mainly native forests along the Indonesia-Malaysia border.

In an abrupt about-face, the Agriculture Minister (formerly an advocate for development) last week announced only 180,000 hectares are deemed suitable for developing, effectively reducing the project’s expanse by 90 percent. International protest via e-mail bombarded the Indonesian government and may have been responsible for the turnaround. . .

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Newly Approved Bird Repellant Saves Corn and Cranes

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Sandhill CraneA ten-year cooperative effort has finally yielded a clever solution to solve the conflict between corn farmers and the endangered sandhill cranes that eat their newly planted seed. The EPA has approved a non-lethal bird repellant for the 2006 planting season. Avitec is a substance naturally occurring in plants that nature uses to repel birds. Corn kernels are treated with Avitec, which the cranes detect in very small doses and avoid. . .

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Teen Inventors Win $50,000 Turning Bacteria into Power Supply, Herbal Extract to Kill Infections

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science_fair_winnersGreat kids abound. They can tackle any problem in the world today. Last Friday the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair for high school students showcased the world’s best young scientists and inventors competing for (US) $4 million in awards and scholarships.

One of the three winners, 16-year-old Madhavi Gavini, from Mississippi, tried to find a way to kill the pathogen that causes secondary infections often leading to death in patients with compromised immune systems, such as cancer patients, AIDS and burn victims. Ultimately she found the answer. . .

She studied a myriad of herbal compounds and extracts known for their antiseptic qualities in both traditional and alternative medicine. She found a molecule in one compound that is safe and effective and suitable for use in an inhaler or antiseptic spray.

One of the kids who didn’t win was featured in Wired last week. A 16-year-old high school student in Montreal developed a science project that produced a new way to create electricity using “the brawny power of bacteria.” He generated half the voltage of a normal AA battery and it kept cranking for more than two days. The bacteria contains a tiny magnet and is quite common and found in fresh water and saltwater around the world. “Madiraju envisions clean-running underwater power plants in the developing world.” A Montreal University professor said the application is not too far-fetched.

The other two winners of the science fair competition studied the ability to predict earthquakes and the phenomenon of the bigger things always flowing to the top in a container.

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