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Artist Makes Good On Promise To Migrant Workers

Over 300,000 migrant workers helped build Beijing’s Olympic venues, working long hours and earning only a few dollars a day.  Yesterday, four of those workers got the opportunity to enjoy some of their handiwork by taking in the Track & Field action inside the Bird’s Nest. 

A year ago, an artist approached the men and asked to use them in his painting promising to get them tickets to the Olympics if he could sell the painting for enough money.  The workers agreed, but doubted they would really ever see the artist again.  After selling his piece for close to $5,000, the artist tracked the men down and treated them to a mini-vacation including new clothes, a trip to the Great Wall, a day of dining at gourmet restaurants, and of course tickets to the Games.  It was definitely a day these workers will never forget.

-JH

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Journey For Change

Earlier this month, a group of 30 “at risk” teenagers from New York’s underserved Bushwick neighborhood traveled to South Africa as part of a part of a program called Journey For Change.  The goal of the trip, which was organized by Malaak Compton-Rock (wife of comedian Chris Rock), was to inspire these kids, many of whom have never left their neighborhood, to become global leaders who engage in creating positive change. 

Each of the students was paired with a college-aged mentor who traveled with them, and will continue to work with them now that they have returned, as they uphold their one- year commitment to continue to be “Global Ambassadors” in their own neighborhoods and around the U.S. 

-JH

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Call + Response

“There are more slaves around the world today than ever before in human history…it cannot be stopped by governments and non-profits alone, it requires comminty-based participation.” That’s the call from the new “rockumentary” Call + Response which will be released in theaters this Fall. In the film, hidden camera shots from various chlid slave operations in Asia, and interviews with modern abolitionists like Cornel West, Madeline Albright and Ashley Judd are tied together by a stirring soundtrack featuring acclaimed artists like Natasha Bedingfield, Talib Kweli, Swithchfoot, Matisyahu, Imogen Heap, and more.

Since it was funded completely donations, 100% of the proceeds from the film (including future dvd and soundtrack sales) will go to global field projects on the front lines of the abolition movement. Check out the above trailer or click here to find out how you can get involved.

-JH

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Record Setting Weekend in Beijing

As I’m sure you’ve all heard by now, Michael Phelps (with the help of his teammates) broke Mark Spitz’s record of 7 gold medals at one Olympic games.  Phelp’s 8 brought his overall gold total to 14 making him the winningest athlete in Olympic history (and he’s only 23).  Also in the pool, 41 year-old Dara Torres won 2 silver medals setting American records in both events, and becoming the oldest swimmer to win an Olympic medal.  She said she hopes her performance helps people realize that “our dreams have no age limits.”

Back on land it was all about Jamaica.  Usain Bolt, who just recently started running the 100m, streaked away from the rest of the field easily winning gold and setting a new world record of 9.69 seconds.  On the women’s side, it was a clean sweep with Shelly-Ann Frasier taking gold followed by Sherone Simpson and Kerron Stewart who tied for second.  The two golds were the first ever in the 100m for the small island country. 

Sports fan or not, you can’t help but be inspired by the joy that results when these people finally reach these dreams that they have been working so hard for.  Its just another reminder of the great things we can accomplish when we are willing to sacrifice.

-JH

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Fridays With Joe - Week 18

This picture above is one of the posters from the Hello Neighbor project we told you about earlier this week.  As a teacher, I was very impressed by the learning opportunities this idea provided for the students involved, but even more, I liked the way that it brought together people of all races, ages, and socio-economic positions.  I think the comment on this paticular poster is key, because it really sums up what it was all about.  Once you get a chance to really know someone, you see how much you actually have in common. 

So, the challenge for this week, is to get out in your neighborhood and meet some new people; especially the ones that you think are the most different from you.  Give them and chance, show them that you’re really interested in them.  You never know what valuable relationships you might develop when you choose to say, “Hello Neighbor”

-JH

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Take Pride

Yesterday we told you the inspiring story of Melissa Stockwell, and mentioned she is being featured on a shirt for a line called Take Pride.  This company designs shirts based on stories of individuals serving in our Armed Forces; and donates at least 20% of all their sales to causes like Wounded Warrior Project and USO.  On their site you can read about these amazing individuals and the sacrifice and dedication they have shown defending our country, or buy a shirt to show your support and appreciation.

-JH

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Summer Reading Series: The Last Lecture - Ch. 3

“Lessons learned” is the theme of Chapter 3 in which Pausch shares several anecdotes from his life and the valuable wisdom gleened from those experiences.  These stories are wonderful, but what hit me even more is how he was able to reflect on these past experiences and really find meaning in them.  It made me think about how little time I dedicate to self reflection, and challenged me to do more.  Just like Dr. Pausch, I love my life, and am truly thankful for the experiences of had (good and bad) now I just want to take a little more time to think about them so in the future I really live out what I’ve learned from them.

If you were going to write a book about valuable lessons from your life experiences, what would you say?

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IKEA To Sell Solar Panels Soon

Eco blogs have been abuzz the last week or so with news that furniture giant IKEA announced a $77 million investment into its GreenTech fund with the goal of eventually producing solar panels, and other energy-efficient products to sell in their stores.  The GreenTech fund was only established 8 months ago, but IKEA hopes to begin rolling out its first wave of green tech products in the next 3-4 years. 

-JH

Posted in ENVIRONMENT | No Comments » |  SHARE

Melissa Stockwell

While Michael Phelps continues to set records in the pool this week, another inspirational U.S. swimmer is waiting in the wings for her turn at Olympic greatness.  Melissa Stockwell, 28, is an Iraq War Veteran and above knee amputee.  In 2004, just three weeks into her tour of duty in Iraq, Stockwell lost nearly her entire left leg in roadside bomb attack, making her the first U.S. female amputee of the war.    

Rather than harbor bitterness for the accident, Melissa has made a point to help other amputees and inspire them to go after their dreams.  Since recovering, she has dedicated hours volunteering toward that cause; and in her spare time competed in 8 triathlons and 2 NYC Marathons.  In addition, she continues to represent the country she loves; this time by swimming 3 events for the U.S. Paralympic Swim Team in the upcoming Beijing Games.  We thank Melissa for serving our country, and applaud her continued heroism in dedicating her life to helping other amputees. You can show your support for Melissa as well by purchasing a T-Shirt, inspired by her story, from TAKE PRIDE (another cool T-Shirt company which we’ll write more about soon)

-JH

Posted in PEOPLE | 1 Comment » |  SHARE

Hello Neighbor

In an effort to rebuild relationships in some of Portland’s formerly tight-knit blocks, photojournalist Julie Keefe recently led a group of young people in a project called Hello Neighbor.  Armed with notepads and cameras (funded by grant money), students from 10 Portland-area middle schools went out into their communities and interviewed their neighbors; asking questions like “How old are you?”  “Do you feel safe on your street?” and “What are you most proud of?” 

After completing the interviews and developing the photos, several shots were blown up into huge banners that were then posted around the various participating neighborhoods.  Not only have the banners helped people learn more about those that live around them, but they have also brought many people together to view them and talk about the various thoughts and questions they pose.

-JH

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