Here’s another great pet story (including video), sent by Jim K., about a cat who notified his owner of a fire. (ABC.com)
Cat Alerts Homeowner of Roof Fire
A London Program Teaches Inner-City Kids Reading, Writing, and Reformation
“The From Boyhood to Manhood Foundation takes in dropouts and delinquents that other schools can’t reach.” (CS Monitor) Thanks to Steve G. for the link!
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Muslim Helps Jews Attacked on New York Subway
"A Muslim man jumped to the aid of three Jewish subway riders after they were attacked by a group of young people who objected to one of the Jews saying ‘Happy Hanukkah’". (CNN)
Encouraging Iowa Students to Caucus
"Some Iowa colleges are trying to make it easy for their students to head back to campus early to help nominate the next president on January 3." (NYTimes)
Enduring Truce Keeps Memories of Victim Alive
"When a 20-year-old Boston gang leader was gunned down in November 2006, some community members feared the truce he helped lead between two city gangs would die with him. Instead, the cease-fire he brokered has held up over the past year, and the effort has been copied in other parts of the city." (BostonGlobe)
It’s a Bird. It’s a Plane … No, it’s a Rescue Tricycle
"An inventor has created a tiny, skeletal aircraft he hopes will revolutionize the business of disaster relief. The little planes can be packed into a container and flown to areas such as Darfur, where they could be deployed to hard-hit sites with loads of food and medical supplies." (Globe and Mail) Link from Andrew N.
Mystery Santa Decking New Jersey’s Garden State Parkway with Ornaments
“Someone is hanging Christmas ornaments with care, not by the chimney but on trees along New Jersey’s Garden State Parkway.” (Fox)
Chinese Medicine Allowed for Athletes at Olympics
Athletes will be able to use traditional Chinese medicines at next year’s Olympics without risking positive dope tests if they take basic precautions, a Beijing organizing official said on Tuesday.
Thirty $100 Bills Placed in Salavation Army Kettle
"An older man with glasses, a flannel shirt and jeans dropped thirty $100 bills into the red kettle of a Salvation Army volunteer in Pottsville, PA." (AP Wire)
YouTube Inspires Man to Stop Thief
An Elmwood Park, N.J., doughnut store employee used a coffee mug to whack a robber on the head because he wanted to look good on YouTube if the surveillance video were published.
Childhood Cancer Death Rate Down
Cancer deaths among kids and teens in the U.S. have become rarer, decreasing by 1.7% per year from 1990 to 2004, thanks to advances in treatment, according to a new study” (WebMD)
10 Qualities To Help You Reach Your Dreams (Part One)
Looking at successful people, like actor Harrison Ford, author Maya Angelou, singer Gloria Estefan, and cyclist Lance Armstrong, we wonder: How did they do it? How did they achieve their phenomenal success? It starts with a dream, a deep-seated, heartfelt desire. Then, if you can steadfastly hold onto any of these 10 qualities, you will be on your way.
Encouraging Spontaneity, Thinking Among Students
An innovative program in Little Angels English Medium School in the South of India (Puducherry) has excited the children to participate in class. "The program has helped the children move away from the rote system of learning and encouraged them to be more spontaneous. It has also motivated both teachers and children to ask questions." (TheHindu.com )
Twin Sisters Receive Kidneys From Same Donor
"A Chicago-area trauma victim gives gift of life to 10-year-old girls — one kidney for each of the twins." (Today Show w/ video)
Lone Lawyer in China Fights for Victims of Pollution
From a spartan office on a university campus, law professor Wang Canfa has gained fame for the legal battles he was waged for thousands of victims of polluters across China. “I feel I have the legal knowledge and should provide help for the underprivileged as best I can…”
Company Will be Largest Solar Generator in State
"By year’s end, Deltec will be using 100 percent renewable energy at its factory. That will make Deltec not only Asheville’s largest maker of manufactured homes but also North Carolina’s largest private generator of solar power." (Citizen-Times) Thanks to Linnea for the link.
Charitable Gift-Giving Growing in Popularity
Socially responsible gifts are growing popular in Canada, where people have everything they need and family members turn to charities to buy what are sometimes called ‘gifts that give twice’. These include gifts that lay eggs, produce milk and provide shade and grow fruit in developing countries, particularly for families in need. GNN-i reported on a charity that is perfect for holiday giving – the Heifer Project.
(Full story of Candian Giving: CBC)
Ex-Baseball Pitcher Becomes the New Gratitude Guru
After baseball pitcher Mike Robbins left behind professional baseball — and his self-pity — after an injury, he embarked on a new path of self-discovery where appreciation and gratitude became his new pitch, and life coaching, his new game.
His first book, “Focus on the Good Stuff: The Power of Appreciation” reached No. 4 on Amazon.com
(READ the review from the Mercury News)
Thanks to Jerry C. for submitting the link!
African School Succeeds Against the Odds
“With 1,531 students, six classrooms, no running water and no light bulbs, this Malawi school has one of the best academic records by far, in a country that is now overhauling education — along with several other African states — in an effort to meet the United Nations goal of having every child enrolled in primary school by 2015.”
(ABC News)