Inspirational and good news.
A group of people, LIFT, have created something really keen – sandals that seed.
The Johnny Apple Sandal has seeds in it that are distributed when you walk around. Like all sandals the sole wears thin, but contained within the soles of the Apple Sandal are the seeds.
The seeds inside of the sandal grow plants that break down harmful things in the environment.
In the disasterous aftermath of hurricane Katrina it can seem almost impossible to look on the bright side of things. However in these kinds of trying times the kindness of everyday citizens can really make apparent the basic goodness we all share as humans on planet Earth. For example the 42 man volunteer rescue crew from BC who arrived in New Orleans on Thursday are just one of many groups of people lending their support where government officials are lacking. The team is the first and only urban search-and-rescue team deployed and operating in the area and is made up of police officers, ambulance personnel, doctors, firefighters, hydraulics experts and three search dogs.
With people like these and numerous other random ‘strangers’ selflessly lending their support it really brings to light that the goodness of people can be a powerful force indeed. A slightly nicer place to dwell than in the neglegent shadow of certain political leaders.
The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation has locked-out their workers over a contract dispute. As a result of being out of work since the 15th many have had to look elsewhere for money. Some are doing freelance work.
In a very creative way to support each other and get public support some locked out workers have made a website. It has podcasts from CBC workers and job info for those that need to find some quick cash.
If these workers are creative enough to do this (and it is getting a fair bit of coverage), why would CBC management lock them out? Does the future of labour disputes exist online.
Ashai.com has a groovy article about Japanese executives helping out charities. The article points out that in Japan “philanthropy is still below the levels in the United States and Europe” but that is starting to change.
Corporate talent is helping out NGOs and charities with talent and money. Japanese NGOs generally rely on membership fees and a few projects that generate revenue, so philanthropy is needed.
The United States’ Transportation Security Administration has been violating the privacy rights of American citizens and as a result group of Alaskans have filed a lawsuit. Under Secure Flight, the program in question, personal information is collected then read by a private company to figure out if you are a threat to American airspace or not.
The group is comprised of people from various backgrounds that all feel that government is sacrificing freedom for little-to-no security benefit. On their website they state that the “TSA promised not to use commercial data, but they did. TSA isn’t allowed to keep secret databases on Americans, but they have. TSA promised to comply with the Privacy Act, but they haven’t.”
It is about time that American citizens challenge this since the program has identified babies as terrorists. The TSA has even been told by the American government that they are in violation of the 1974 Privacy Act.