"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.
What Africa Taught a Kindergarten Teacher
SG sent this story saying, I found this so inspiring. We hear about what we can do for others, but look what others taught this teacher: "She traveled to Ghana through a grant from the Fund for Teachers, volunteering with a Global Solutions group teaching mentally challenged students with hardly any resources. ‘I had to be really flexible. I was able to draw on a lot of strengths as a teacher that I didn’t necessarily know I had.’ " (CS Monitor)
Family of 10 Homeless No Longer After Husband’s Death, Thanks to Businessman
Nine children and their mother in Fairfield, Maine were saved from homelessness by a local business owner Brent Burger.
He says he doesn’t know why he was so moved by the story in a newspaper, but decided he had to help, “paying out more than $70,000 and donating countless hours of labor and planning” to a project he devised for returning their house.
Karen Champagne and her children, ages 4 to 15, were facing eviction earlier this summer, unable to pay the mortgage after her mentally ill husband, Richard, accumulated about $145,000 in debt before committing suicide four years ago.
Not only did Mr. Burger return the deed and key to the family , he set up a Nine Days for Nine Children, a home-makeover challenge.
“It is my privilege to lend a helping hand to the Champagne family and set them on a course for self-sufficiency. It will clearly be up to them to use this opportunity as a launching pad for financial stability.”
(READ the Kennebec Morning Sentinel article here)
Pope Leads Eco-Friendly Rally for Half Million Youth (Video)
The Catholic church held a massive "eco-friendly" youth festival in Italy pronouncing it to be "Save Creation Day." Biodegradable cutlery and trash bags were distributed, and the prayer cards were printed on recycled paper. The Vatican has recently installed solar panels to save on electricity.
Bosnian Town Goes for Kissing Record (Video)
A crowd gathered in Tuzla, Bosnia, hoping to set the world record for most people simultaneously kissing at the same time.