An afternoon of free hugs in Sondrio, Italy is shot on video, and set to music using the song, Hallelujah, performed by Alexandra Burke…
Jon Stewart’s ‘Sanity’ Rally Will Help Restore National Mall, too
In the lead-up to Jon Stewart’s Rally to Restore Sanity on the National Mall in Washington, he is encouraging participants to make donations to support the restoration and maintenance of the landmark mall.
“We feel it’s important to preserve this historic site for future rallies,” says The Daily Show host’s website for the rally.
The Mall, which connects the Lincoln Memorial to the Washington Monument and US Capitol, is the most visited national park in the US and is currently saddled with a $400 million backlog of deferred maintenance. The millions of visitors each year have severely compacted the soil making grass a challenge to grow, and left sidewalks and walkways in need of constant repair.
U.S. Military Aims to Use 50 Percent Renewable Energy Within Ten Years
The U.S. military has proven one of the fiercest proponents of renewable energy, and for totally practical reasons — most importantly cost and safety.
150 Marines who set off from California last week for Afghanistan, are the first to bring renewable energy tech to a battle zone, including portable solar panels, solar chargers, and solar tents.
Military higher-ups plan to rely on renewable energy sources for 50 percent of their power by 2020, which could help the worldwide advancement of those technologies immeasurably.
(READ more in Pop Science)
Julian and Sean Lennon Come Together on Eve of John’s 70th Birthday
Fans of John Lennon plan to “Come Together” at events around the world this Saturday to mark what would have been his 70th birthday.
And who would have thought Lennon’s two long estranged families would ever come together in peace and harmony. But last week they did.
John Lennon’s first wife Cynthia and the woman he left her for, Yoko Ono, embraced, while their two sons, Sean and Julian united, on the occasion of the opening of Julian Lennon’s first exhibition of photographs in New York City.
READ the story at CBS News… (or watch the CBS Sunday Morning video below)
Julian and Sean Lennon Come Together on Eve of John’s 70th Birthday
Fans of John Lennon plan to “Come Together” at events around the world this Saturday to mark what would have been his 70th birthday.
And who would have thought Lennon’s two long estranged families would ever come together in peace and harmony. But last week they did.
John Lennon’s first wife Cynthia and the woman he left her for, Yoko Ono, embraced, while their two sons, Sean and Julian united, on the occasion of the opening of Julian Lennon’s first exhibition of photographs in New York City.
READ the story at CBS News… (or watch the CBS Sunday Morning video below)
Obama to Add Solar Panels to White House
US President Barack Obama is to install solar panels on the White House roof, a move lauded by climate activists as symbolic of the nation’s energy future.
The panels will heat the Obamas’ water and provide some electric power.
Jimmy Carter once installed panels on the White House, but Ronald Reagan had them removed.
(READ more at the BBC)
City Hires Goats to Clean Up Kudzu in Atlanta Park
Two dozen goats will be dining on 1.5 acres of land overrun by kudzu, an invasive, non-native vine sometimes called “the demon of the South”.
Looking for an environmentally-friendly way to eliminate the pesky plant, Trees Atlanta, a nonprofit group with a mission to add more greenspace to the city, turned loose the goats to gobble up the kudzu, clearing the way for a new park and future tree plantings.
“Goats offer a low-impact solution for controlling invasive plants on sites that do not contain sensitive or endangered plants as well as on steeply sloped properties,” Trees Atlanta Forest Restoration Coordinator, Blake Watkins, said in a statement. “Each goat can eat 150 — 200 square feet of kudzu per day, so we expect the goats to clear this site in twenty-one days or less.”
The group opened the restricted area to curiosity seekers this morning offering a “Breakfast With the Goats” to discuss the project with residents.
The animals, because of their unique 4-cavity digestive system, will not leave behind any trace of the kudzu seeds or berries in their waste.
(READ more in Creative Loafing, Atlanta)
Photo credit: Guard dogs roam among the goats upon arrival in the park – Trees Atlanta
Patrick Dempsey Raises $1.1 Million for Cancer With Bike Ride in Maine
“Grey’s Anatomy” star Patrick Dempsey raised more than $1.1 million for cancer over the weekend when 4,000 people biked, walked, or ran in races through his hometown of Lewiston, Maine.
Proceeds from the second annual “Dempsey Challenge” will benefit the Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope and Healing at Central Maine Medical Center, built in Lewiston to honor his mother.
Dempsey created the Challenge to serve as the primary fundraising vehicle for the Dempsey Center, which provides free support, education and wellness services to cancer patients, survivors and caregivers. (Race Video below)
Thousands of spectators took advantage of the beautiful autumn weekend, enjoying a free, family-friendly Festival in the Park, which included a Health and Wellness Expo, Spirit of Hope tent for cancer survivors, KidZone, live entertainment, and a lobster bake.
Shortly after the crossing the finish line, Dempsey dismounted and joined his mother, Amanda, leading the crowd in a Cancer Survivor Walk. Handmade mile markers honored the memories of those impacted by cancer and 1,000 prayer flags containing messages of hope and inspiration were displayed along the way.
The 2-day event culminated onstage with an inspirational speech by Dempsey who expressed his gratitude to all involved. The actor founded the Center in March 2008, as a response to his mother’s multiple battles with ovarian cancer.
WATCH a local news video from the race site–and LEARN more about the next race and see a photo of Dempsey with his mom at www.dempseychallenge.org.
Patrick Dempsey Raises $1.1 Million for Cancer With Bike Ride in Maine
“Grey’s Anatomy” star Patrick Dempsey raised more than $1.1 million for cancer over the weekend when 4,000 people biked, walked, or ran in races through his hometown of Lewiston, Maine.
Proceeds from the second annual “Dempsey Challenge” will benefit the Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope and Healing at Central Maine Medical Center, built in Lewiston to honor his mother.
Dempsey created the Challenge to serve as the primary fundraising vehicle for the Dempsey Center, which provides free support, education and wellness services to cancer patients, survivors and caregivers. (Race Video below)
Before Death, Owner Donated 1000 Segways to US Troops
One week after the Segway firm’s owner died while riding one of the two-wheeled transporters, he was scheduled to be honored for providing 1,000 Segways to wounded American troops.
Jimi Heselden’s generous gift was scheduled to be announced this week at a Segs4Vets presentation ceremony at the Marine Corps War Memorial in Washington, D.C.
“We were looking forward to thanking Jimi in person and are pained that we will not be able to do so,” said Jerry Kerr, President of Disability Rights Advocates for Technology (DRAFT).
The DRAFT organization sponsors the Segs4Vets program, which donates Segways to injured military veterans, helping them become mobile beyond what a wheelchair can provide.
Before Death, Owner Donated 1000 Segways to US Troops
One week after the Segway company’s owner died while riding one of the two-wheeled transporters, he was scheduled to be honored for providing 1,000 Segways to wounded American troops.
Jimi Heselden’s generous gift was scheduled to be announced this week at a Segs4Vets presentation ceremony at the Marine Corps War Memorial in Washington, D.C.
“We were looking forward to thanking Jimi in person and are pained that we will not be able to do so,” said Jerry Kerr, President of Disability Rights Advocates for Technology (DRAFT).
The DRAFT organization sponsors the Segs4Vets program, which donates Segways to injured military veterans, helping them become mobile beyond what a wheelchair can provide.
Woman Recruits Facebook Friends to Save 7000 Gulf Coast Hermit Crabs
In the months since the BP oil spill, Leanne Sarco, a ranger at the wildlife preserve in the Gulf of Mexico along the fragile barrier islands of Louisiana, recruited an army of volunteers to collect thousands oil-drenched hermit crabs, cleaning and releasing them into a saltwater marsh about 15 miles inland.
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries did not mandate a rescue of the crabs. No one knew exactly how to save them from suffocating in the oil inside their shells. Though small, hermit crabs are essential to the ecosystem by eating algae, which helps fish and bird populations thrive.
She turned to Facebook and put out a call to the world. People soon began to arrive, strangers who came to help, some even sleeping on her couch for weeks.
(READ the story in the CS Monitor)
Chinese Millionaires Give Generously at Gates, Buffet Dinner
Bill Gates and Warren Buffett held a dinner for around 50 ultra-rich Chinese men and women last week and received some “very generous” gifts.
The event in Beijing, devised to promote charity, had “exceeded” the two Americans’ expectations.
But neither of the two men would give any details, explaining it was up to the people themselves to talk about any donations that may have been made or talked about.
40 rich families in the U.S. have recently promised to give away half their fortunes, joining Buffett and Gates’ in their philanthropic group called The Giving Pledge.
(READ the Reuters report in MSNBC)
NFL Football Players Wear Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Today, on NFL football fields across America, goal posts were wrapped in pink padding and burly athletes donned pink shoes, pink gloves or pink caps to kick off October’s Breast Cancer Awareness month.
The pink campaign dubbed “A Crucial Catch”, focuses on the importance of annual mammogram screenings for women over the age of 40. Throughout October, the pink apparel worn by players, coaches and referees will be autographed and sold at auction through the NFL website, with proceeds benefitting the American Cancer Society and team charities.
Also up for auction, a VIP trip to the next Super Bowl and a 2011 Pro Bowl Spa Retreat in Hawaii.
Speaking for the campaign dubbed “A Crucial Catch”, the wife of Redskins owner Dan Snyder, and wife of Chargers president Dean Spanos bring passion to the cause that hits close to home.
For Tanya Snyder, a longtime breast cancer fund-raiser, the connection to breast cancer is a personal one.
“Breast cancer affects 1 in 8 American women, and I was one of them a few years ago,” she said. “I am proud to work with the league and the Redskins to remind fans about the importance of annual screenings.”
Susie Spanos is a big advocate for early detection, having caught early-stage cancer during a routine exam. She had the cancer removed and to this day insists on getting checked annually.
“I’m an example of when early detection is successful,” she said. “I feel strongly that women need to be their own health advocate, and if there is anything to say, women need to speak up.”
NFL Football Players Wear Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Today, on NFL football fields across America, goal posts were wrapped in pink padding and burly athletes donned pink shoes, pink gloves or pink caps to kick off October’s Breast Cancer Awareness month.
The pink campaign dubbed “A Crucial Catch”, focuses on the importance of annual mammogram screenings for women over the age of 40. Throughout October, the pink apparel worn by players, coaches and referees will be autographed and sold at auction through the NFL website, with proceeds benefitting the American Cancer Society and team charities.
Also up for auction, a VIP trip to the next Super Bowl and a 2011 Pro Bowl Spa Retreat in Hawaii.
Speaking for the campaign dubbed “A Crucial Catch”, the wife of Redskins owner Dan Snyder, and wife of Chargers president Dean Spanos bring passion to the cause that hits close to home.
For Tanya Snyder, a longtime breast cancer fund-raiser, the connection to breast cancer is a personal one.
“Breast cancer affects 1 in 8 American women, and I was one of them a few years ago,” she said. “I am proud to work with the league and the Redskins to remind fans about the importance of annual screenings.”
Susie Spanos is a big advocate for early detection, having caught early-stage cancer during a routine exam. She had the cancer removed and to this day insists on getting checked annually.
“I’m an example of when early detection is successful,” she said. “I feel strongly that women need to be their own health advocate, and if there is anything to say, women need to speak up.”
Michelle Obama Joins Disney in Healthy Living Campaign
First Lady Michelle Obama joined the Walt Disney Company in a new media campaign designed to give parents and kids more reasons to eat healthy and exercise.
The multimedia initiative, Disney Magic of Healthy Living, launched Thursday includes public service announcements featuring Mrs. Obama along with young Disney stars, like Nick Jonas from the Jonas Brothers and Brenda Song, touting the goal of creating a healthier generation of kids.
Two new websites were launched also.
Michelle Obama Joins Disney in Healthy Living Campaign
First Lady Michelle Obama joined the Walt Disney Company in a new media campaign designed to give parents and kids more reasons to eat healthy and exercise.
The multimedia initiative, Disney Magic of Healthy Living, launched Thursday includes public service announcements featuring Mrs. Obama along with young Disney stars, like Nick Jonas from the Jonas Brothers and Brenda Song, touting the goal of creating a healthier generation of kids.
Two new websites were launched also.
College Professor Gives Half His Income to Charity
A mathematics professor at Northern Virginia Community College, gives until it hurts.
Richard Semmler works two jobs to earn enough money to give away half of the $100,000 income he earns each year.
In addition to his monetary donations, Mr. Semmler volunteers every Monday night to help serve meals at the Central Union Mission, in Washington, DC.
The generous giving is made possible only because he orchestrates a frugal and simple lifestyle.
(WATCH the video below, from the Chronicle of Philanthropy)
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New Law Forcing Bleak Puppy Mills Out of Business in Pennsylvania
New Pennsylvania legislation has gone a long way toward ending the state’s reputation as the “puppy mill” capital of the East.
The strictest kennel law in the nation is forcing some commercial dog breeders to shell out tens of thousands of dollars to comply with new standards. Scores of substandard commercial kennels have opted to close instead – freeing a minimum of 14,000 dogs from bleak surroundings where they typically received little attention or care.
(READ the story in the Huffington Post)
Hope Beneath Our Feet: Restoring Our Place in the Natural World (Review)
Have you ever asked yourself the question, “In a time of environmental crisis, how do I live my life right now?” Martin Keogh, a scholar, teacher, and author whose travels take him to bio-diverse places around the world, describes the journey that led to his being able to answer the question from people in all walks of life. So begins the anthology, Hope Beneath Our Feet: Restoring Our Place in the Natural World