Burger King pledged Wednesday to offer healthier fast-food items for children under 12, with plans to sell and market flame-broiled Chicken Tenders and apples cut to resemble thick-cut french fries. (Video)
Free Download: 9/11 Edition of Some Good News!
Editor’s Blog — I am back at my desk after a week’s holiday. I wanted to post this 9/11 notice yesterday but was traveling. For your free download of the September 11 Commemorative edition of Some Good News! that you can print out and share, please see the Links and Resources page (in the left column) or download the PDF now — eight pages filled with stories of compassion and kindness in the aftermath of 9/11. The newsletter, Some Good News!, was published from 1997-2003.
Officials Rid Indiana Lake of Invasive Weed
An Indiana lake gets a clean bill of health after officials found no trace of the invasive hydrilla plant that had threatened the local ecosystem but was successfully eradicated with chemicals. (AP)
Steve Irwin’s Daughter Launches Eco-Friendly Fashion Line
A year after Steve Irwin’s death, daughter Bindi Irwin is launching a new eco-friendly fashion line for kids. The clothing, hats, bags and shoes carry the environmental messages of her father while an amazing 100 percent of profits will be used to fund the Australia Zoo’s conservation programs. “The tags are made from recycled cardboard, the soles on the shoes are made with recycled rubber. They are clothes with a message," said nine-year-old Bindi.
Defying History and Stereotype, The South’s Schools Rise in U.S.
"An unassuming suburban school in Irondale, Alabama, is about as deep in the South as you can get, yet ranks in the top five high schools in the United States, breaking stereotypes of what Alabamians are like." (CS Monitor)
Positive Thinking Can Relieve Pain Says Study
"U.S. experts say they have strong scientific proof that mind over matter works for relieving pain: Positive thinking was as powerful as a shot of morphine for relieving pain and reduced activity in parts of the brain that process pain information." (BBC) More proof that GNN-i is VALUABLE for you and your family — and their health! — Thanks, Andrew for the link.
Kenya’s Bus Stop Cartoonist Lightens Travelers’ Loads
“A young, innovative artist has turned the bus stop into his very own daily cartoon strip, entertaining commuters on a busy highway in the Kenyan capital for six years with light-hearted illustrations of daily life.” (BBC) Thanks to Shanna for the link!
So Cal’s First LEED Certified All-Solar Multi-Family Community
"Trendy Orange County’s first all-green new-home community, opened its sustainable all-solar model homes to the public this weekend." (ENN)
Hardy Plant Hailed as Fuel Source of the Future
"It’s been described as the antidote that will save humanity from itself. The manna to our hunger for fuel, the miracle pill to our ravenous appetite for energy — a wonder shrub, a weed… jatropha." (Edmonton Sun) Thanks to Daniel for the link!
California Senate Opens With Hindu Prayer for First Time
The California State Senate heard its first Hindu opening prayer in its 157-year history, following in the footsteps of Nevada, when famous Hindu chaplain, Rajan Zed, recited from ancient Sanskrit in the hall last week. Six weeks earlier history was created when the United States Senate opened its session with Hindu prayers, also recited by Zed.
Countries Agree on Plan to Save Animals
Over one hundred countries are taking action to save endangered livestock breeds using genetic stockpiling to preserve a wide variety of species, according to a new report by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization.
Canada’s Jobless Rate at 33-Year Low of 6%
Canada churned out a better-than-expected 23,300 new jobs in August amid strong employment growth in education and construction. Analysts had been expecting the economy would add 18,000 jobs.
Chad Backs Darfur Peace Talks
Chad offered its support on Friday for UN-led efforts to bring peace to neighbouring Sudan’s troubled Darfur region by hosting a conference for rebel groups.
Pint A Day Keeps the Doctor Away (if it’s Guiness!)
“A pint of the black stuff a day may work as well as an aspirin to prevent heart clots that raise the risk of heart attacks. Drinking lager does not yield the same benefits, experts from University of Wisconsin told a conference in the U.S.” (BBC) Thanks, Andrew!
Oregon Woman, 76, Found Alive after 2 Weeks in Bush (Text/video)
A 76-year-old woman has been found alive in the Oregon bush, surviving two weeks without food or supplies after becoming separated from her husband during a hunting trip. Thanks to Michelle for the link! (text and video)
Good News on Vacation?
Editor’s Blog – If you subscribe to my newsletter you know I am away from the office taking the kids on their vacation. We are in Black Mountain, North Carolina, just outside Ashville, and although our secluded conference location is equipped for internet connectivity, as sometimes happens, the isp connection was down for two days. I’m taking two hours now to catch up on e-mail and find some good news, and will again do so tomorrow morning. Meanwhile, I hope the absense of stories helps you to even more realize your appreciation for the Good News Network.
Jerry Lewis Telethon Raises Record Amount for Muscular Dystrophy
Jerry Lewis raised a record amount in his annual Labor Day telethon for the muscular dystrophy charity — $63.8 million dollars for research. (Read details at WSBT, South Bend)
Americans Remember Their Debt to French Nobleman Lafayette, 250 Years After His Birth
Across the United States, Americans are celebrating the 250th anniversary of the birth of a French nobleman to whom they still feel indebted, centuries after he helped them win independence, the Marquis of Lafayette…
School Features Flat Screens in Bathrooms; Trips Overseas: Ron Clark to Make Leaders of Poor Kids
Ron Clark, a NY Times best-selling author who was featured in a made-for-cable-TV movie, opened a private $3.5-million, state-of-the-art school in one of the poorest sections of Atlanta: “More than 350 students applied to the new Ron Clark Academy where flat-screen TVs are mounted in bathrooms, graffiti art fills the walls… Before they reach high school, Clark’s students will travel to six continents; every one except Antarctica.” Great story — thanks to SG for the link!
British Organic Food Sales up 22 Percent in 2006
Dynamic public support boosted organic product sales in Britain 22 percent in 2006 from 2005, a report published Saturday said.