News about News!

Let's explore the world of news: what it is, is not, can be, could be, should be, shouldn't be...

• How Facebook News Works: "Delivering content that is informative, reliable, and relevant to your community..."
• Google News Initiative: "Building a stronger future for journalism..."

A Conversation with the Police - Emmanuel Acho

https://youtu.be/pM-HpZQWKT4

Milestone conversations:

• 11:00 - Black police officers and black communities.
• 12:00 - Black lives matter - social movement or campaign? "Focus on continuing it as a movement so we can create a successful outcome."
• 14:00 - Defund the police, mental health crisis, safety and social work.
• 15:00 - Supporting our police, building/re-building and maintaining community. "We want to be a part of the solution."
• 16:00 - Restructuring policing in America, paradigm shift. "It comes down to communication and dialogue and creating that opportunity.
• 17:00 - A message to our black children. "We're here for you... we're here to help you."
• 18:00 - How do we abolish racism? Media and telling the truth.
• 19:00 - Bridging the gap. "Bad news sells way better than good news."

Notable quotes:
"An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure."

"Proximity breeds care and distance breeds fear."

"Who's gonna police the police?"

"You feel like you're in control when you're a police officer but then you don't have control, that's when it really affects you... we're human."

"Maintaining the composure, maintaining the calm and continuing to assert exactly why it is that you are there. If we could do a better job disarming, then we wouldn't have to worry about discharging."

"If you don't grow up around something then you're not really going to know how to communicate with that thing and it's not the same. Communicating with a white cultured person versus a black cultured person is different."

"You can't fix a problem you don't know exists."

"We don't do a good enough job collectively as a country letting the good news resonate."

"We can't be a part of the solution if we're part of the problem."

Concepts to consider:
Justice, decisive, equal punishment, ethics, morals, appropriate accountability, racial tension, barriers to communication, black officers, blame and balance, truth, service, conversation, situational awareness, community and camaraderie, collective shift, focus.

Billion Acts of Peace

Billion Acts:
https://www.billionacts.org

An initiative of:
https://www.peacejam.org

The 10 Issue Areas:
Advancing Women & Children
Alleviating Extreme Poverty
Clean Water For Everyone
Conflict Resolution
Education and Community Development
Ending Racism & Hate
Global Health and Wellness
Human Rights For All
Non-proliferation & Disarmament
Protecting the Environment

What issues stand out to you and what acts or campaigns do you support?

I support conflict resolution and community development through simple, straightforward, and honest communication online and in person.

Tokyo and Paris Olympics in 2020/2021 and 2024 - New Sports!

Full credit for this update goes to:
https://www.olympic.org/news/gender-equality-and-youth-at-the-heart-of-the-paris-2024-olympic-sports-programme

Photo Credit: https://www.olympic.org/the-ioc

Tokyo Summer 2020/2021:

https://tokyo2020.org/en/
https://www.olympic.org/tokyo-2020

    +Skateboarding
    https://www.olympic.org/skateboarding
    Olympic debut at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics
    See also: I Choose My Sports

    +Sport Climbing
    https://www.olympic.org/sport-climbing
    Olympic debut at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics

    +Surfing
    https://www.olympic.org/surfing
    Olympic debut at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics

Paris 2024:
https://www.paris2024.org/fr/
https://www.olympic.org/paris-2024

    +Breaking/breakdancing: 
    https://www.olympic.org/breaking

United by Nature, Guided by Science - The Nature Conservancy

Full credit for this story goes to: 
https://www.nature.org/science-in-action/index.htm?intc=nature.featuredstory

Special shout-out to the march yesterday!
https://www.nature.org/newsfeatures/pressreleases/united-by-nature-guided-by-science.xml

Photo credit: 

March for Science 2017 Ken Popper/TNC

More Information: 

https://www.nature.org/science-in-action/march-for-science.xml?intc=nature.hp.sp1

Honey Nut Cheerios - #BringBacktheBees

Full credit for this initiative goes to:

• https://bringbackthebees.ca/
• http://www.cheerios.com/bringbackthebees
• "Where's Buzz the Bee?"
• Buzz is missing because there's something serious going on with the world's bees. Bee populations everywhere have been declining at an alarming rate, and that includes honeybees like Buzz.
• #BringBacktheBees
• Buzz and his friends need our help. We’re pledging to give away 100 million wildflower seeds, in partnership with Veseys Seeds, to get the movement started.
• Let's plant some wildflowers! Get your free seeds.

PARTNERS:

• Seeds provided c/o: Veseys.
• Xerces Society for invertebrate conservation.
• Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
• University of Minnesota Bee Lab.

Daylight Savings

Full credit for this history goes to: https://www.timeanddate.com/time/dst/history.html

International Polar Bear Day - #PolarBearDay

Full credit for this goes to:

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Polar_Bear_Day
• http://polarbearsinternational.org/
• http://polarbearsinternational.org/get-involved/international-polar-bear-day
• What WWF Is Doing For Polar Bears
• What YOU Can Do To Make A Difference
• Polar Cub Takes First Steps
• Columbus Zoo Celebrates International Polar Bear Day

7-Year-Old Recycler Who's Saving the World

Full credit for this story goes to: http://www.ellentv.com/videos/0-x0pqviz2/

Happy New Year!

Cheers to 2017!

c/o Google

c/o YouTube

https://www.facebook.com/facebook/videos/10155278547321729/

c/o Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/Upworthy/videos/1560139330693586/

c/o Upworthy

Tesla/SolarCity Powerwall 2 & Solar Roof Launch

https://www.tesla.com/energy

http://www.solarcity.com/residential/solar-roof

Fortune Article: http://fortune.com/2016/10/28/tesla-solar-roof-battery/
LA Times Article: http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-agenda-solar-20161031-story.html

[UNIVERSAL TRUTH POST] TAKE ACTION: It's FRIDAY and we're still ALL responsible for this planet...

Full credit for this reality check goes to: http://www.complex.com/life/2016/09/enjoy-earth-while-it-lasts-atmospheric-carbon-levels-pass-point-no-return

TAKE ACTION!!!!

We all must each take action immediately...

• How Stuff Works Science
• Real Simple
• wikiHow
• GREATiST
• EPA.gov
• IFAD
• EarthDay.org
• Footprints Conservation Society

My personal list to take action:

1. Use a reusable water bottle everyday.
2. Use a mug, instead of paper or compostable cups for coffee/tea.
3. Take the bus, walk or ride my bike to work everyday.
4. Help plant trees (and send digital certificates when I do).
5. Pick up trash when I see it on the ground around me, especially foil products.
6. Use reusable grocery/tote bags when shopping/traveling and in general for carrying items.
7. Use digital resources as much as possible, instead of paper (i.e. sporting event and concert tickets).
8. Carpool with friends and family whenever possible (...the more the merrier!)
9. Support and donate to conservation organizations by being aware and volunteering my time and money to help.
1. www.arborday.org
2. http://replanet.com/
3. www.worldwildlife.org
4. www.billionacts.org/
5. www.globalcitizen.org/en/
6. www.nrdc.org/
7. www.change.org/
10. Encourage others to do these things through word of mouth and actively engage in asking others what they are doing to help so that I can learn and do what they are doing, too.

SHARING IS CARING and 
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER!

We all need to get on board. 

Credit: Michael Jackson - "Heal The World"

Let's get the discussion started and 

actually take action to back it up!

I'd love to hear your personal list! Post a comment with what you do to help make this planet a better place for yourself, others and our future generations.

• Sandi Valentine and Michael Plybon's list

They Thought They Saved a Puppy Covered With Dirt – But They Got Quite the Surprise at the Vet

Full credit for this rescue story and the photos goes to: http://www.onegreenplanet.org/news/baby-fox-rescued-after-being-discovered-at-construction-site/

Leonardo DiCaprio and Google launched a free tool to crowd-spy on illegal fishing from space

Full credit for this story goes to: http://qz.com/783395/leonardo-dicaprio-and-google-launched-a-free-tool-to-crowd-spy-on-illegal-fishing-from-space/

Additional resources:

• Global Fishing Watch for the public
• US State Department’s Our Ocean 2016 conference
• SIGN UP for an account and GET STARTED!!

The Obama Administration Temporarily Blocks the Dakota Access Pipeline

Full credit for this story goes to: http://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2016/09/the-obama-administration-temporarily-blocks-the-dakota-access-pipeline/499454/

Photo Credit: Andrew Cullen / Reuters

Full credit for this video visual goes to: https://www.facebook.com/ajplusenglish/videos/795113653963477/

Fact Sheet: President Obama to Create the World’s Largest Marine Protected Area

Full credit for this legislation goes to: https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2016/08/26/fact-sheet-president-obama-create-worlds-largest-marine-protected-area

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Giving Back: E-40 Donates $25,000 In Backpacks, Other Supplies to Vallejo Middle School

Full credit for this video and story goes to: https://ww2.kqed.org/pop/2016/08/23/e-40-donates-25000-in-school-supplies-to-his-vallejo-middle-school/

Sports Post: Olympics Games in Rio Kick-off Today!

Full credit for this event goes to: https://www.rio2016.com/en

Video Credit: United Airlines

Video Credit: USA Olympic Swimming Team

Political Post: Welcoming Singapore to the White House!

“We draw strength from our people, two societies built on multiculturalism and merit. In the United States, we call ourselves a 'melting pot' of different races, religions and creeds. In Singapore, it’s rojak—different parts united in a harmonious whole. We’re bound by the belief that no matter who you are, if you work hard and play by the rules, you can make it.” —President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama welcoming Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Mrs. Lee of Singapore for an Official Visit to the White House: go.wh.gov/zDrrgh

Full credit for the quote above is courtesy of: The White House LIVE on Facebook

Full credit for this story goes to: https://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2016/08/02/after-30-years-president-obama-welcomes-singapore-white-house

Pop Culture Post: Pikachu and Pokemon GO

PHOTO CREDIT

PIKACHU! I'm not sure what this whole Pokemon GO is all about, but it seems to be taking up a lot of attention, with a HUGE focus on cell phone use. From my understanding it is just a game, so please remember to keep a balanced approach in all that you do, you know, all things in moderation and keeping in mind the important things in life like: lending a helping hand when you can, telling the truth, loving and looking out for one another, picking up stray garbage because we all litter with or without meaning to and spending quality time with those that we love (aka our friends and family). Cell phones shouldn't take over our own human to human interaction. Honesty, love, respect, kindness and a positive perspective go a LONG way. Peace and Love, always. <3

 <3 <3

Personal Post: The Parents Creed

My universal truth: The Parents Creed.

This has hung in the kitchen of my house since I was born and I agree with every single sentence of it, whether as a child or as an adult. Even though we may not all be parents, I believe it is our duty to protect the children of our communities. We are all ONE.

A wise woman named Aaliyah once said: "Age ain't nothin' but a number" and I believe that regardless of our age, or if we have parents in our lives, we should live by these principles and share the wisdom that comes with our life lessons with one another to be good and do good, always.

Please consider these principles and share. Peace & Love above all. <3 <3 <3 <3

"Peace is our gift to each other." - In Loving Memory of Elie Wiesel

Elie Wiesel won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1986.

Full credit for this image goes to: WIN MCNAMEE/GETTY IMAGES

___________________________________________________________________________

“For the survivor who chooses to testify, it is clear: his duty is to bear witness for the dead and for the living. He has no right to deprive future generations of a past that belongs to our collective memory. To forget would be not only dangerous but offensive; to forget the dead would be akin to killing them a second time.”

(CREDIT: "Night" by Elie Wiesel, first book originally published in 1958 - access to quote online via goodreads.com)

"I swore never to be silent whenever and wherever human beings endure suffering and humiliation. We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented."

(CREDIT: The Nobel Peace Prize 1986 - Acceptance Speech)

"Indifference to me, is the epitome of evil. The opposite of love is not hate, it’s indifference. The opposite of art is not ugliness, it’s indifference. The opposite of faith is not heresy, it’s indifference. And the opposite of life is not death, it’s indifference. Because of indifference, one dies before one actually dies."

(CREDIT: Interview with Alvin P. Sanoff, “One Must Not Forget,” U.S. News & World Report, October 27, 1986, 68.)

"There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest."

"Peace is our gift to each other."

(CREDIT: Nobel Lecture - Hope, Despair and Memory - December, 11 1986)

"When a person doesn't have gratitude, something is missing in his or her humanity. A person can almost be defined by his or her attitude toward gratitude." 

(CREDIT: Interview with O! The Oprah Magazine, Nov. 2000 - actual quote on page 2)

___________________________________________________________________________

For more information on "Night": https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Night_(book)

For more quotes:

• https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Elie_Wiesel
• https://www.google.com/?ion=1&espv=2#q=Elie+Wiesel+Quotes
• http://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/elie-wiesel-quotes-survival-spirituality-humanity-article-1.2697132
• http://time.com/4392252/elie-wiesel-dead-best-quotes/

For more related, yet unaffiliated information:

• Reference to "Have You Learned The Most Important Lesson Of All?" by Elie Wiesel
• NOTE: This page was compiled and edited on behalf of Elie Wiesel. 
• "We Choose Honor" by Elie Wiesel (via Parents Magazine, Sep. 2001)

Summer Solstice and Strawberry Moon

Full credit for the information about this event goes to: 

• http://www.almanac.com/content/strawberry-moon-june-full-moon-phases-2016
• NOTE: the almanac states that "a rare event, indeed, that hasn’t happened in nearly 70 years."
• http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/summer-solstice-2016-when-is-it-date-longest-day-what-why-strawberry-full-moon-stonehenge-a7089941.html
• NOTE: this article claims that "The two events coincide once every 70 years."
• http://www.cnet.com/news/google-highlights-solstice-strawberry-moon-tie-up-with-doodle/
• NOTE: this article states that "the last time these two phenomena coincided was back in 1967, and it won't happen again until 2062."

Ringling Bros. elephants perform last show

Full credit for this story goes to:
http://www.cnn.com/2016/05/01/us/ringling-bros-elephants-last-show/



Do you know what elephants are capable of? Check out this video, which is unrelated to the article and video above, yet shows how amazing elephants truly are. If they can pick up displaced trash to help out, so can we!

Help clean Flint's toxic water!

Full credit for this goes to: Help clean Flint's toxic water! -- This supports passing legislation to clean toxic lead from America's drinking water.

Mountain of the Butterflies Google Doodle

Full credit for this goes to:
https://www.google.com/doodles/41st-anniversary-of-the-discovery-of-the-mountain-of-the-butterflies

Let's shine more light on the good news in the world.

Full credit for this story goes to:
http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-pope-media-idUKKBN0UE16N20160101

Happy New Year!

Cheers to 2016! 

Full credit for this artwork goes to:
http://neverwear.myshopify.com/products/brand-new-neils-new-years-wish-poem-limited-edition-print-by-david-mack

Show someone they're loved this Christmas

Full credit for this goes to:

Christmas Clip

Full credit for this goes to:

The Beatles’ Music Can Now Be Streamed Worldwide

Full credit for this story goes to:

Exactly What To Eat When You Have A Cold Or Flu

Full credit for this story goes to:
http://www.prevention.com/health/health-concerns/what-eat-when-sick

Breaking: Historic Climate Deal in Paris

Full credit for this story goes to:
http://switchboard.nrdc.org/blogs/sclefkowitz/paris_climate_agreement_explai.html?s_src=EMOCLIANN1215

Happy Halloween!

Full credit for these videos goes to:

Have a safe and happy Halloween!

What It's Really Like When Your Daughter Becomes Your Son

Full credit for this story goes to:
http://www.cosmopolitan.com/sex-love/news/a47585/what-its-really-like-when-your-daughter-becomes-your-son/

Student hero shares message of thanks from hospital bed

Full credit for this story goes to:
http://www.kirotv.com/news/news/national/army-veteran-charged-oregon-college-shooter/nntpm/

New outreach set for panhandlers in Albuquerque

Full credit for this story goes to: 
http://www.abqjournal.com/637298/news/new-outreach-set-for-panhandlers.html

Drive Thru & Fast Food News

Full credit for these stories goes to:

• Amy's Drive Thru: http://www.amysdrivethru.com/
• Amy’s Drive-Thru brings vegetarian fast food to Rohnert Park
• McDonald's UK: http://www.mcdonalds.co.uk/ukhome/Family/Happy-meal.html
• Roald Dahl book to be given away with every McDonald’s Happy Meal in the UK

National Day of Encouragement is September 12

Full credit for this goes to: 
http://www.letsencourage.com/

September is Library Card Sign-up Month

Full credit for this story goes to:
http://www.ala.org/conferencesevents/celebrationweeks/card

RB Jamaal Charles Spoke at the Special Olympics Saturday Night

Full credit for this story goes to:
http://www.kcchiefs.com/news/article-2/RB-Jamaal-Charles-Spoke-at-the-Special-Olympics-Saturday-Night/d178c86e-8e66-4045-9e58-42a298f2eaa9

Highlights:
Quote - "Let me win. But if I can not win let me be brave in attempt.”
Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlDsGH5nKFo

Calgary taxi driver rescues feathered family

Full credit for this story goes to:
http://calgaryherald.com/news/local-news/calgary-taxi-driver-rescues-feathered-family

Adidas unveils sports shoes made from recycled ocean waste

Full credit for this story goes to:

http://www.dezeen.com/2015/07/08/adidas-parley-sports-shoe-alexander-taylor-recycled-ocean-plastic/

Seattle Preschool in a Nursing Home 'Transforms' Elderly Residents

Full credit for this story goes to:
http://abcnews.go.com/Lifestyle/seattle-preschool-nursing-home-transforms-elderly-residents/story?id=31803817

Other related resources:
Intergenerational Learning Center
Present Perfect documentary

People’s History of Fourth of July

Full credit for this story goes to:
http://zinnedproject.org/2015/07/peoples-history-of-fourth-of-july/

Chicago Kids and Police Bond Through Baseball

Full credit for this story goes to:

http://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/police-fight-crime-in-chicago-by-coaching-youth-baseball/

and

http://chicago.suntimes.com/news/7/71/717818/combatting-violence-league-coached-officer-friendly

Cajun Food Truck Happily Dishes Up Plates to Anyone in Need

Full credit for this story goes to:
http://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/cajun-food-truck-dishes-up-plates-to-anyone-in-need/

These Kenyan women are powering their communities—literally

Full credit for this story goes to:
https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/these-kenyan-women-are-powering-their-communitiesl/

Health warning and ban on sugary drinks in hospitals

Full credit for these stories goes to:

Health warning:

• San Francisco Approves Health Warning on Sugary Drink Ads

Ban on sugary drinks in hospitals:

• San Francisco General Hospital Stops Offering Sugary Sodas to Patients, Visitors
• Providence removing soda, sugary drinks from Oregon hospitals
  

#hatchkids discuss Caitlyn Jenner

Full credit for this story goes to:
https://youtu.be/eWCZIZwiCkY