The Kindness of Strangers

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.

Effective Mass Transit in the Suburbs

The sprawling collection of Toronto suburbs in York Region are one day away from a new option in public transit. The new VivaYork system will provide frequent, comfortable and extremely well organized bus service on the Highway 7 and Yonge St corridors, two of York’s most important and congested arteries.

The initial phase will provide Viva buses with signal priority, allowing them to jump queues of traffic at red lights. Later phases are projected to include dedicated busways, LRT’s, and even a subway stretching into York Region. (Anything is possible if gas prices stay high!) With connections to the TTC’s Young Subway line, and a connection to the Sheppard line to come, this fast and reliable service could entice drivers in the heart of York Region to leave their cars at home. Here’s hoping.

Brazil Disarms, Fewer Deaths

The government of Brazil launched a disarmament campaign in 2004 that pays compensation to those who turn in their weapons. No questions were asked where/how they got their weapons. At one point someone handed in a high-calibre machine gun that could shoot down planes.

As a result of this campaign there have been fewer deaths as a result of gun violence. Gun deaths have fallen by more than 8% in 2004, the first time the death rate has fallen in 13 years. 443, 700 guns have been collected.

India and Pakistan to Sign Missile Pact

good thing mapTension between Pakistan and India comes and goes, but there is always an underlying animosity. Currently the countries have an informal policy of notifying each other before testing missiles, but now they plan to make that official.

Any form of cooperation between the two Asian nations is a good step towards permanent peace and stability in the region. Currently they are working on having more agreements, including more bus routes.