Zero-Energy Homes Become Practical for Rich

Previously shunned by the vast majority of people in the developed world, zero-energy housing is gaining in popularity. California (of course) is on the forefront of this trend. Newsweek has more to say about lowering the energy cost in new houses.

“Aside from the bright patch of solar modules on the roof, Premier Gardens looks like a community of conventional homes. But inside, it’s clear why they save energy.”

The zero-energy home is also making headway in Canada has a housing developer recently announced a new green development in the Toronto area.

Rome Encourages Happy Pets

Rome is taking the welfare of pets into serious consideration and has actually banned small fish bowls! The popular round fish bowls have been banned under a new by-law which also stops fish or other animals from being given away as fairground prizes. The bowls apparently do not supply adequate oxygen for fish and can cause them to go blind.
Dog walking is also becoming mandatory for pet owners and dog owners are required to regularly walk their dogs and stop clipping their tails for esthetic reasons.
“It’s good to do whatever we can for our animals who, in exchange for a little love, fill our existence with their attention,” said Monica Cirinna, the councilor behind the by-law.
It’s nice to know that pets out there are getting the rights to live a good quality of life!

Empty Houses in Britain to be Occupied

places to liveIf a law passes in April next year councils in England can start seizing empty houses and convert them into social housing. The houses can then be renovated and leased out for up to 7 years before the houses are returned to their owners.

This strategy for repurposing housing is predicted to help those who need subsidized housing and help to fight crime. Of course, before the property is seized negotiation will be attempted with the property owner.

Toronto History on Call

A group of artists including Shawn Micallef, James Roussel and Gabe Sawhney have transformed a portion of Spadina avenue into a cell phone based history exhibit called the [murmor] project . These stories, collected from Torontonians, are accessiable via cell phone at prompts on Spadina that dictate a story local to exact area you are calling from. The hope with this project is to reconnect the population of Toronto back to the non descript streets and corners that they probably speed by every day. Its also a great way for local people to contribute artistically to the community.

Writer Challenges Freedom

Orhan Pamuk is a famous writer from Turkey who is challenging freedom of expression in his country. In daring to comment about the genocide of thousands in Turkey he is now facing prosecution for the ‘public denigration of Turkish identity’. If convicted, Pamuk faces three years in prison, even longer if he publicly discusses his case before it goes to trial in December.

‘I said loud and clear that one million Armenians and 30,000 Kurds were killed in Turkey, and I stand by that. For me, these are scholarly issues,’ said Pamuk. ‘I am a novelist. I address human suffering and pain and it is obvious, even in Turkey, that there was an immense hidden pain which we now have to face.’

In finding the courage to speak out about his views on freedom of expression Orhan is creating a stir all throughout Turkey. The International community is taking notice of his case as well and this week he is being awarded with the German Peace Prize.

When people in the public eye challenge oppression and human rights violations it is a huge and bold step toward creating change.

‘It goes without saying that I stand by my words,’ he’s said in recent interviews. ‘And even more, I stand by my right to say them.’

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