Body & Mind – Page 178 – Things Are Good

Weather Network Explores Global Warming

For some bizarre reason some people refuse to realize that climate change, best known as global warming, is happening. Well, the Weather Network is sick of that ignorance and wants to change people’s approach to global warming. They want them to realize how climate change affects everyone, so they are making a show about climate change.

I think it’s great that the weather network is going to communicate the complexities of climate change to people.

“For the most part, the debate over global warming has taken place among politicians, scientists and activists. But it has not been a high priority for most Americans. Cullen hopes to change this. She wants people to understand that global warming is not an exotic issue and that it directly affects them.

“The climate is connected to energy, which is connected to population, which is connected to the economy,” Cullen said. “So I want each show to start with the science and then eventually lead you to your back yard.”

That approach makes a lot of sense.”

Thinking for Yourself

A lot of people can think, but are they thinking for themselves? Who knows. You can make sure that you think for yourself thanks to a list (that tells you how to think).

I actually like the ideas presented by the list, here are some points:

1) If in doubt – ask a question.
3) Understand People.
8) Look at Things from Different Perspectives.

Migratory Birds Not Spreading Bird Flu

Some good news about the H5N1 bird flu: it can’t be spread by a lot of birds. This information can change, but I hope that this is a fact.

Migratory birds would obviously spread the virus faster than birds that like to stay at home.

”There has never been any conclusive, properly documented evidence that wild birds are carriers of the virus,” Richard Thomas, editor of ‘World Birdwatch,’ said in an e-mail interview. ”Tens of thousands of healthy, wild, migrant waterfowl in Hong Kong have been tested over the last decade, yet there is not a single positive-for-H5N1 amongst them.”

South Africa to Speak Truth About HIV/AIDS

This August we have spoken a lot about HIV and AIDS, which means that some good news is happening. Here’s some more goodness: South Africa is going to actually suggest real solutions to preventing the spread of HIV and AIDS.

South Africa has been criticized for suggesting bizarre “natural” cures for HIV, which are clearly not cures at all. Well, activists have demanded change and it looks like change will come.

SICKO!

Documentary film maker Michael Moore is at it again with a new film hitting theaters in the coming year. It is titled “Sicko” and the film focuses on the American health care system.

A quote from his website:
“Back in February, I asked if people would send me letters describing their experiences with our health care system. I received over 19,000 of them. It was truly overwhelming as we literally took a month and read them all. To read about the misery people are put through on a daily basis by our profit-based system was both moving and revolting. That’s all I will say right now.”

It is always good when people care to speak out about the general well being of the public, however Michael Moore has also been subject to a fair share of critisism…many people have disregarded his films as extremist or incredibly one sided. Others argue that Michael Moore is extremely effective at getting his point across. One thing is for sure, the guy knows how to pack a movie theater.
The film Sicko will be released sometime in 2007. As for the past month Micheal has been keeping himself extra busy holding his second annual Traverse City Film Festival this which saw 50,000 festival goers last year. He hosts the festival as a venue for talented filmakers who’s films have gone undistributed despite the fact that they are undoubtedly deserving.

A busy guy that Michael!