A white American housewife is helping to break the curse of leprosy in India, at first by simply not turning away from them in the streets, and now, through her organization that provides 20,000 people living in leprosy colonies with microloans, mobile health clinics and schools. A PBS documentary, "Breaking the Curse," has brought her amazing tale to the screen. Thanks to Diana D. for submitting the story in Utah’s DeseretNews.com! For more info on Becky’s work visit RisingStarOutreach.org.
American Housewife Works Among India’s Leprosy Colonies
Bear Rehabilitators Worldwide Look to Idaho Center for Guidance
The Idaho Black Bear Rehabilitation Center near Boise has saved nearly 150 orphaned black bears since its opening in 1989. These days they are fielding calls from wildlife rescuers in places as far flung as Turkey, South Korea, Pakistan and in China, where officials are preparing to return some giant pandas to the wild. Read this AP story about their latest success story, a cub they call Twister.
(Thanks to Selena for the link!)
For more info visit: BearRehab.org
Teen Turns Trash into Computers for Needy Families
Fifteen-year-old Jacob Komar rebuilds old computers that are destined for the landfill and gives them to needy families. “I started Computers for Communities in 2001 when I was nine years old. I acquired computers that were being discarded from a local school. Then I refurbished and distributed them to families in my community that could not afford to have a computer at home. What a great feeling to see the smiles on those kids’ faces. I felt like I was Santa Claus!”…
“Since then,” Jacob said, “I have created a nonprofit organization that helps other groups do the same thing: locate discarded computers, refurbish them and distribute them to those in need. To date, we have donated over 1,500 computers!”
Things you can do: Start your own local Computers For Communities (CFC) group; Mentor kids in a CFC group; Make a monetary donation to CFC; Donate your old computer to CFC. Learn all about it on their Web site: Computers4Communities.org
Andrew N. of the UK submitted a story link that led to this article.
Hear Online Interview with GNN Editor
EDITOR’S BLOG – "The greatest discovery of my generation is that people can alter their lives by altering their attitudes of mind." This quote by William James was used to launch a radio interview with me on the Healthy Life Network. Hosted by Dr. Beth Erickson, the program, called Mirrors of the Soul, explored how the Good News Network got started ten years ago, the effects that bad news and good news have on people, especially sensitive souls, and what stories over the decade became my favorites. Find out which network news shows are now featuring good news regularly. The interview plays on Windows Media Player and starts at about 4:00 from the start. No podcast for this, but look for a NEW Good News Network podcast to begin streaming this August providing Top Ten Good News every week.
Gentle Strokes Massage for Pain and Stress
"A massage therapy devised by an intensive care nurse helped a single mom to relax for the first time in years." It’s called the M technique and it’s done the same way every time. (London TimesOnline)
Free Tele-Seminar Helps You Live Your Dream
Editor’s Blog –
It has been said that most people spend more time planning a vacation than they do planning their life. Do you know what it is that you truly desire for your life? Do you have a dream, or are you looking for one? A friend of mine is hosting a free tele-seminar that could help you. He will be revealing: The four key elements to everyone’s personal life design as well as the 10 steps to creating a life that fulfills that design…
Forget the Zoos, Let’s Go to the Robotarium
I can imagine my kids screaming in the back seat, “Robotarium! Robotarium!” Their obsession demands a visit to the first zoo ever created to showcase artificial life. Created as a public garden in Portugal, the Robotarium X features a four-meter high cage made of steel and glass housing 45 different robot “species” that interact as would animals in the real world.
Like nature itself, the bigger robots are formidable opponents and the smaller ones are in constant danger of getting their tails cut off. (Right, Spider-like and hanging from the ceiling, this “bug,” called Araneax, crawls down to anyone approaching the zoo and makes threatening gestures until they leave. No word if they are poisonous.)
A bright yellow structure houses the robots, most of which are powered by photo voltaic technology (solar energy). The robots are all of unique design and comprise 14 “species” both big and small categorized by their distinct behavior strategies and body types. The robots possess various skills, including obstacle avoidance, movement, sunlight detection and interaction with the public. Large robots respond to visitors by following their movements and either opening their petals or taking defensive actions.
Artist Leonel Muria, who designed the zoo, stated that “we must start looking at robots as a novel species that is being born to share with us planet and human society.”
“Robotarium X is also an art work of a new kind of art that realizes a critical questioning of knowledge and culture. Notions like nature, life, the artificial, machine, art, culture and science are challenged by this display.”
Michael Little works in analytical chemistry and has almost 20 years experience in the research based pharmaceutical industry. Michael resides in Laval, Quebec, with his wife and three children. Michael has written occasional science articles for GNN since 2007.
College Students Put Congress in the Hot Seat on Global Warming
Two hundred student leaders from 33 states and Canada converged on the West Lawn of the United States Capitol to put Congress in the ‘hot seat’ on global warming through peaceful protest.
The students, standing in rows with 200 red chairs, formed a mass of color on Thursday behind large banners reading “Congress, You Are on the Hot Seat,” and “Act Now: Stop Global Warming.”
The voiceless demonstration was combined with personal lobbying by students with representatives in congress and the culmination of a seven-day grassroots activist training program, called Change It, designed to empower students to become the next generation of leaders for change in the environmental and social justice movement.
“Last year, we received an overwhelming response from students interested in learning how to be more effective change agents in the world, so we decided to double the number of participants in 2007,” said Jeffrey Hollender, president and chief inspirer at Seventh Generation. “I know that when this year’s participants return home, they will continue to ignite change in their community, and the world.
“Now in its second year, the Change It program is an intensive, all-expenses-paid, week-long training program led by the international environmental group Greenpeace and sponsored by Seventh Generation, best known for its leading brand of environmentally friendly household products.
Change It 2007 was facilitated by some of the nation’s top environmental leaders and featured speakers on global and social issues. Participants worked one-on-one with Greenpeace leaders who provided personalized training sessions focused on campaign strategy, lobbying, media relations and peaceful demonstrations.
The program helps transform students from merely participants in the environmental movement into leaders. Graduates of last year’s program have gone on to organize on-campus global warming pledge drives, Earth Day events and political lobbying. Some are working with university administrators to develop ethical purchasing and green building policies.
Scientists Celebrate Return of Rare Butterfly
Thanks to conservationists who replanted native buckwheat along the California coast, the endangered El Segundo blue butterflies have returned after decades to Redondo Beach and Torrance, thriving on nectar from the restored native plants. (AP)
Clean Magnesium Energy Cycle Hints at Fossil Fuel Freedom
Magnesium is the ninth-most common element in the universe and a common element dissolved from seawater. Now it is fueling cars and engines while emitting zero carbon dioxide. Mitsubishi may have it ready for commercial use by the end of this decade. (Inventor Spot)
Robots Clear Waterways of Deadly Mines
Andrew submitted this link to an AP story about a new technology developed for clearing deadly underwater mines. The ultimate in lifeguards, this robot is on a kamikaze mission. (Physorg.com)
Jessica the Hippo, A Most Unusual Family Pet (Video)
Although hippos kill more humans than any other mammal in Africa, Jessica the hippopotamus has become part of the family in a South African home, even roaming into the kitchen for a snack.
She eats with the family’s dogs before going up river to cavort with a pod of wild hippos. She always returns home to the game warden who found her washed up after a flood when she was only one day old.
(WATCH the priceless video)
SHARE the Video With Your Friends…
Chihuahua Saves Baby from Rattlesnake (Video)
A couple living on a farm near Masonville, Colo., said their 1-year-old grandson was rescued from a rattlesnake by the family’s chihuahua. Play video or click ‘Read more’ for full UPI article.
Cat Senses Final Hours of Elderly Patients
I came across a wonderful story about a cat who snuggles up beside citizens of a nursing home four hours before they die. It’s happened so often that nurses now know when to call family members and let them know when their loved ones are near death. Oscar’s story is in the Providence Journal.
Also read the New England Journal of Medicine article on Oscar.
India Elects First Woman President
“Pratibha Patil became the first female president of India last Saturday in a landslide election described as an historic step forward for women there.” (AFP)
Dam Demolition Frees Fish for Spawning
"The Sandy River in Oregon will be a free-flowing river for the first time in nearly a century — and no longer a hindrance to steelhead and salmon returning to spawn — thanks to the demolition of two dams underway as utility company turns to wind power. (MSNBC)
Soldiers Want To Rescue 24 Iraqi Orphan Boys
You may have heard some of the news coverage in the past few weeks about an Iraqi orphanage for boys with cerebral palsy and similar illnesses, found by a National Guard patrol who discovered the boys living in squalid conditions; no food or clothing, etc. Well, here’s some good news about efforts to help the boys, from our Inspired! Individuals section.
A Wisconsin Guardsmen, Maj. Scott Southworth, who has already adopted a special needs orphan from Iraq after being stationed there, has begun organizing an effort to attain entry visas and find families to host all 24 of these unfortunate special needs boys. He has already heard from families in Vermont and Arizona. The wonderful story is on a video here: WISN-TV Milwaukee.
News Anchor Resists Lindsey Lohan Story
A CNN news anchor briefly joining the resistance movement against celebrity-centered gossip-portrayed-as-news by asking publicly for a Lindsey Lohan story to be jettisoned from his teleprompter script. (12 seconds of conscience) Read about the Paris Hilton protest here.
Lost with Harry Potter
EDITOR’S BLOG —
I’ve just emerged from three days curled up with the latest (and greatest ) Harry Potter book, The Deathly Hallows. This final chapter of the seven-book epic delivers a masterpiece of plot and emotion. I’m not generally a reader of fiction. Next to my bedside usually stands a small stack of non-fiction books. The exception is any summer weekend when a new Potter book is released. At our home, my son and daughter and I compete for possession of the heavy tome in a rush to become enthralled by the latest harrowing escapade of the magical wizard and his crew. This final book does not disappoint…
Paris Launches Green Transport Citywide (Video)
Electric trams, low-cost bicycle rentals, dedicated bus lanes and, before long, commuter buses. Paris has pulled out all stops in its efforts to offer environmentally friendly ways of getting around town. The left-wing city government has made transport reform one of its top priorities. Bikes for rent in Paris offer cheap one-way transport citywide (photo and video by AFP)