Sandra Williams's Blog
Posted by Sandra Williams
My daughter and I have been experimenting here with different ideas and organic foods to feed babies.
- Sweet potatoes almost always go over well and all you need to do is fire them in the oven and scoop out the inside once baked. Instant baby food!
- Bananas are also super easy to mash up and you could do it without a food mill.
- Avocados are nutritious, mild, yummy and one of the earlier foods you can offer a baby.
- Apples are an old favorite and when you make applesauce yourself you know it's fresh and does not have preservatives or added sugar.
- Carrots are easy to blend after cooking although they usually require a little water so they're not a thick paste.
Later, once your baby has tried them all you can combine ingredients into a stew and leave a little texture so they can learn how to chew up the bits.
We eventually blended up just about everything we ate when my children were babies and stored them in ice cube trays. They were later transferred into freezer bags.
I had a cookbook but it's really not necessary since you're using basic ingredients although it is important not to overcook baby's food so that nutrients aren't lost.
I wasn't worried about organic food back then but maybe I should have been. I still wonder if the hormones and chemicals in the food was part of the reason why one of my children developed so early.
For baby food recipes and a solid food guide for making your own baby food see WholesomeBabyFood.com
Posted by Sandra Williams
Ipperwash Provincial Park is being returned to the Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nations. The dispute has been going on since 1942 when the land was obtained for a military camp called Camp Ipperwash. By 1995 it came to a head with natives occupying their land again and building barricades to protect it.
Dudley George was shot and killed 12 years ago protesting the land dispute. "I think he would be pleased. He paid the ultimate price and is not here to enjoy," George's brother, Sam, said Thursday.(CTV.ca news staff, Dec.20, 2007)
The provincial government is forming a committee and meeting with aboriginals to figure out how to proceed with the land transfer. There has been some environmental damage along with damaged relations between First Nations and the government so both need to be healed.
It’s unfortunate that Dudley George died during the dispute but his spirit, his family and the land remains to honor his memory.
For more information read Ontario Returning Ipperwash Park to Natives.
Posted by Sandra Williams
According to a new report from the Environmental Investigation Agency, Wal-Mart is using timber obtained through illegal logging for some of their furniture. (Attention Wal-Mart Shoppers: How Wal-Mart’s Sourcing Practices Encourage Illegal Logging and Threaten Endangered Species EIA Report, 2007)
- China provides up to 84% of Wal-Mart's wood furniture. Unfortunately many of their sources are allegedly obtained through illegal logging according to the report and Russian law. China obtains much of their wood from the Russian far east which is where endangered tigers breed. If the tigers don't get killed from damage to the forests, they're poached for body parts used in traditional Chinese medicine.
- Destroying protected forests affects people, plants and animals. People are killing each other over the timber and it's often used to pay for war.
- It does sound as though Wal-Mart should have asked more questions on where the wood originated from. It appears that the price was more important than how it was obtained.I think that Wal-Mart will be much more careful in their future dealings with suppliers and manufacturers and hopefully do away with "no questions asked" policies.
See full report at: Environmental Investigation Agency
Related Article: Preserving Tropical Forests
Sources: New Evidence From EIA Undercover Investigation Highlights Wal-Mart’s Blind Eye to Illegal Logging WASHINGTON, Dec. 12, 2007 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/, Environmental Investigation Agency, 2007
Posted by Sandra Williams
Megabus.com is giving away 100,000 free trips! You can reserve your free trip until January 16, 2008 and book it for up to 45 days in advance.
- Megabus is a Chicago based company that offers service to 12 other Midwest cities. (Ann Arbor, Bloomington-Normal, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Detroit, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Minneapolis, Milwaukee, St. Louis and Toledo.) They also run in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Millbrae, Oakland, Sand Diego, San Francisco, San Jose and San Ysidro.
Filling one seat on a full coach is equivalent to taking 56 cars off the road. The end result would be 3,850 fewer pounds of carbon emissions for every 100 miles according to Megabus.
"Megabus.com wants to increase awareness about reducing carbon emissions by encouraging bus travel," said Dale Moser, megabus.com president and CEO. "If giving away free seats will increase environmental awareness, then we are willing to do our part for the environment."(Chicago, Dec.3, 2007)
- If you want a free seat, log on to www.megabus.com, select your destination and departure date. Don’t forget the promotion code which is WIN2008. Even if there are no spots left, you’ll receive a discount.
I wish they would run something like that around here. We do get a free ride on the city bus here if it’s a smog day.
Posted by Sandra Williams
I just watched a special on CBC about the Men of the Deeps who are famous former miners that formed a choir. They reminisced about the history of mining in Cape Breton and how horrible the conditions were. Even with all the risks many miss mining because of the camaraderie and bonds they made that will never be broken.
- Many of the men had enormous adjustments because they had to move to obtain work after the mines closed. Some of them also had to learn a new skill at a later age. One 42 year old man got hired on as a call center representative. He's amused at the younger ones who talk as though they're smarter than him because of their computer skills.
Others told stories of lost relatives and sudden fatal explosions that killed friends. Another huge health risk many faced from all the coal dust in the air was black lung.
Here's part of the chorus of one of their catchy songs
"Dust in the air all through the mine.
It's concrete on your lungs and you're old before your time."
I also found a video of Men of the Deeps on YouTube. "Mining's a living. It's rough and it's tough. And being coal miners we're used to that stuff."
Related: Mining, Environment and Poverty
Posted by Sandra Williams
- Celebrate the holidays by saving energy, creating homemade gifts and recycling old items to create new memories with Green Christmas Ideas.
- Are you looking for eco-friendly menu ideas? Here's a guide to finding locally grown foods and vegetarian and/or vegan recipes for the holidays. Eco-Friendly Holiday Meals
- Get some green christmas ideas on how to celebrate and reduce, reuse and recycle at the same time. Give Environmentally Friendly Gifts for the Holidays and Go Green this Christmas.
Posted by Sandra Williams
Greenandsave.com is a home remodeling/home improvement resource for home projects. It’s one of the first to offer ROI rankings so you help save the environment and save money too.
It’s a wonderful online resource and I could get lost there for a long time. Green and Save have building materials, appliances, landscaping resources and more.
Green and Save founders
Charilie Szoradi is an architect with over twenty years experience and specializes in green design and remodeling. Charlie’s wife, Cynthia Szoradi is a real estate agent in Philadelphia. Together they transformed their 1950’s residence into an eco-sustainable home. Their research and experience inspired them to create Green and Save with many of their designs featured on the website.
- “We have done so much research over the past three years that we wanted to share it. Since the initial un-edited web search results were overwhelming and contradictory, we dug deep, made the calls, and met directly with manufacturers, suppliers, installers, engineers, and other architects to determine exactly what to buy and where to buy it. Our recommendations come from what we chose for our own home. Out of budget concerns, we calculated and then ranked the return on energy and other savings, so this site has the first Return On Investment (ROI) calculation rankings for Green Home Improvement. Now, hopefully you can review and also Take Action to save money and the environment.” – Charlie Szoradi
Posted by Sandra Williams
Designer and architect Michael Reynolds created the first Earthship. Now there are hundreds of them and they’re gaining in popularity. Earthships use cans, car tires, mud and straw to build their sustainable homes. The earth and the sun help cool or heat them. You can learn more about Earthships and watch a video about them at Earthships.net. If you haven't seen it, check it out. It's pretty darned cool how they create such beautiful homes and manage to find enough water in the desert.
- An organization that promotes green building is Apollo Alliance along with Urban Habitat. Van Jones who is the President of Ella Baker Center for Human Rights as well as a member of Apollo Alliance shares their vision. “We dream of a multi-ethnic, grassroots movement transforming urban America by creating jobs, reducing violence and honoring the Earth.” They help create green jobs and promote their plans and strategies to help others who are interested in sustainable housing.
- Brad Pitt assembled a team to build sustainable homes after Hurricane Katrina ripped through New Orleans. The Lower 9th Ward was hit particularly hard. The project is called “Make it Right” and I was pleased to see someone trying to make it right.
Posted by Sandra Williams
Freecycle is a great concept where groups network together to recycle their belongings, offering their items to people who might need them. It’s a great way of getting rid of stuff you don’t want and finding stuff that you do.
An environmentalist from Arizona launched Freecycle as a way to organize a system for people and ensure more waste was kept out of landfills.
There are Freecycle groups all over the world. For more information or to get involved see:
Posted by Sandra Williams
Check out this video about birds disappearing in Ontario. (CBC News, Bye Bye Birdies October 31, 2007)
The bird watchers are getting understandably upset as some of their favorites are not around anymore.
Robert Bateman makes an appearance since he’s an avid birder and naturalist and shares how he has noticed the birds population decline more and more over the years.
I think it’s sad so many different types of birds are disappearing. My Dad used to paint birds all the time and both my parents were bird watchers. I also enjoy watching them but am not as knowledgeable as they are yet about their colors, names, diets etc.
Some of the birds that have been dropping in numbers are Northern Bobwhites, Eastern Meadowlarks, Evening Grosbeaks, woodpeckers and hummingbirds. Although they’re not extinct yet the rate they’ve been declining is alarming. To avoid them from going extinct we need to improve our farming practices, fight global warming and save our wetlands.
Posted by Sandra Williams
Family and friends that are looking for advice in helping children deal with the emotional aspect of the wildfires in California can look to Save the Children’s 10 tips on how to help children deal with crisis. The relevancy of each depends on the ages and circumstances of the children but I think they’re still good suggestions that can be applied globally.
- Turn off the television.
- Listen to your children carefully.
- Give children reassurance and psychological first-aid.
- Be alert for significant changes..
- Expect the unexpected. Not every child will experience these events in the same way.
- Give your children extra time and attention.
- Be a model for your child. Your child will learn how to deal with these events by seeing how you deal with them.
- Watch your own behavior. Make a point of showing sensitivity toward those impacted by the disaster.
- Help your children return to normal activities. Children almost always benefit from activity, goal orientation and sociability.
- Encourage your child to do volunteer work. Helping others can give your child a sense of control, security and empathy.
(From Charles MacCormack, President and CEO of Save the Children)
For an expansion of these tips see Save the Children’s website.
Related:
Posted by Sandra Williams
Waterloo presently has a region wide ban on pesticides during July and August but it has been suggested that this bylaw is too flimsy.
Although the motion was defeated by Regional Council on Oct.24, it has not hindered Mayor Brenda Halloran. She told regional council,"There is significant public support for it." Halloran is in the process of contacting Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty who previously promised a proposal for a province wide pesticide ban.
Lakeshore City Coun. Angela Vieth said "We're a forward-thinking community, and I think (implementing a pesticide ban) is something that really shouldn't require a whole lot of time and effort. It just should be stopped." Vieth proposed the city create it's own bylaw since the ban isn't up for review until 2009.
The poll online at the Waterloo Chronicle website shows 57% support a total pesticide ban although many also strongly oppose it.
I think it's wonderful that people are exploring the environmental benefits of pesticide bans. Although the issue keeps getting bounced between the city and the region, the fact that so many people support the ban proposal is promising.
Sources: Waterloo Chronicle, "Spray Ban in Regions Hands", Jennifer Ormston, Oct.10,2007
The Record(Waterloo and the Region)"Pesticide Pilot Plan doesn't Fly", Frances Barrick, Oct.25,2007
Related: Rachel Carson Defended Nature
Posted by Sandra Williams
Who says you have to give out candy for Halloween? I remember getting quite excited on the rare occasion that I received a toy instead. The Green Halloween website has tons of other ideas listed. The crafty stuff caught my eye. Some of their suggestions: mini craft kits, beads, feathers, acorns and cookie cutters.
Recycled Products sells all sorts of fun items for children such as soy crayons, non-toxic temporary tattoos, stickers with environmental themes and more.
Some simple earth themed costumes you could make include a globe using cardboard, a butterfly, or an ocean. For other creative Halloween costume ideas see these articles:
- Halloween Costume 1 (Queen of Hearts)
Posted by Sandra Williams
The U.S. is pushing to eradicate crops by spraying the chemical glyphosate which is a common herbicide sold as the product RoundUp.
- Aerial spraying is the most effective suggested method that will have the largest impact. There is some concern for people's and animals health as well as the concern that food crops planted near poppies will also be eradicated.
- The Taliban is making a lot of money off of poppies which they use for heroin. If the U.S. starts spraying their crops it will not only potentially damage people and plants but could be interpeted as chemical warfare.
Source: Afghans Pressed by U.S. on Plan to Spray Poppies,The New York Times, October 7, Kirk Semple and Tim Golden
Related: Rachel Carson Defended Nature
Posted by Sandra Williams
Planet in Peril is a two part four hour documentary premiering on Tuesday October 23 and Wedneday October 24 at 9:00pm ET. Starring in the documentary are Anderson Cooper, Jeff Corwin and Dr.Sanjay Gupta.
CNN is launching this worldwide investigation to educate and address numerous environmental issues. Some of what Planet in Peril will be exploring:
- Climate change and how that affects millions of people.
- Conflict increasing in places such as Africa because of lack of water.
- Animals going extinct which affects our ecosystem negatively.
Get involved, see the trailer or get more information on The Planet in Peril website.
Posted by Sandra Williams
11 Greenpeace activists were arrested Saturday after blocking a newsprint shipment onboard a ship in Terneuzen, Netherlands. The environmental group say the newsprint was made from trees cut down in Canadian forests. The Netherlands uses paper from the company Abitibi-Consolidated but the Greenpeace activists said they no longer want it there.
Hilde Stroot, the campaign leader of Greenpeace in the Netherlands said "Each year, companies in Canada clear more than 700,000 hectares of forest." (Associated Press, Terneuzen, Netherlands, Oct. 15, 2007)
- Greenpeace International is one of the official environmental charities being supported today on Blog Action Day. They campaign to protect and conserve the environment promoting peace by defending oceans, animals, plants and people.
You can support Greenpeace by making a donation, becoming an online activist or volunteering. Read about many other ways you can help like joining the energy revolution to stop climate change.
Related: Global Warming Predictions
Posted by Sandra Williams
Now that former Vice President Al Gore has won the Nobel Peace Prize for campaigning against global warming, many people want him to run for presidency again.
- He shared the award yesterday with the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The IPCC provides assessments and information on climate change. They have published several scientific reports, some of which are available free.
- The IPCC is currently finalizing its 4th assessment report “Climate Change 2007”. The report includes six years of work from 2,500 expert scientific reviewers and over 800 contributing authors.
Posted by Sandra Williams
The eight goals of the Millennium Development Goals are
- Reduce Hunger
- Universal Education
- Gender Equality
- Child Health
- Maternal Health
- Combat HIV/AIDS
- Environmental Sustainability
- Global Partnership
- Achieving sustained development is necessary because so many vulnerable people are being hurt by damage to our environment.
- A lot of people depend on these natural resources for their livelihood so the consequences to exploiting our environment further will be become more devastating.
- By the year 2015, the goal is to reduce by half the proportion of people without access to safe drinking water.
- Country policies and programs are also being implemented so that the loss of environmental resources can be reversed.
You can be one of millions of people calling to end poverty on October 16 and 17. Will you be standing up?
Stand up and speak against poverty! (YouTube Video)
Related:
Posted by Sandra Williams
40 per cent of deaths worldwide are caused by water, air, and soil pollution according to a recent study from Cornell University and an article "Is Pollution Making Us Sicker Than We Thought?"by Cynthia Ross Cravit.
- 1.2 billion people lack clean water and 80% of diseases are caused by waterbourne infections.
- Air pollution kills 3 million people per year and over 5 million deaths are caused by unsanitary conditions. Overcrowding in cities combined with inadequate sanitation increases the spread of diseases.
- Many of these ilnesses are evolving and mutating to the extent that they're drug resistant.
- People who are malnourished have weakened immune systems so are vulnerable to becoming severely sick from things healthier people might bounce back from.
- 57% of the world's population are malnourished. In 1950 it was only 20%. Lack of access to clean water, air and soil is aggravating the situation. When tons of toxic chemicals are released into the environment it's hard for people to stay healthy.
Related:
Posted by Sandra Williams
Global Warming Facts Blog lists 50 Things To Do To Stop Global Warming.
- Installing a programmable thermostat was one of the things suggested. My father rigged something up when we were kids. He drove a nail into the thermostat so that nobody could move it past 65 degrees Farenheit. It was simple yet effective. We all just put a sweater on in the winter and/or got cozy with an afghan.
- Use less hot water was another suggestion to stop global warming. An easy way to ensure this happens in your home is by turning your hot water tank down. Ours has an obvious picture showing you which way to turn it to make it either hotter or colder. It's much safer to be colder when there's kids around too. You also don't have to worry about some of your favorite clothes being blasted and ruined in the washing machine with near boiling water. Tankless water heaters are available now as well and only use hot water and energy as you need it.
- Computer users can help by turning their computers off when not in use, refilling their printer cartridges rather than buying new ones and purchasing recycled paper.
Related: Global Warming Predictions
Posted by Sandra Williams
Roberto Freddi and Niamh Scott show us how to prepare a vegetarian meal in this video called “Freegan Kitchen: Episode One” after dumpster diving for food. The appetizer was made from spaghetti squash and was a spaghetti salad presented prettily in its shell. The main dish was marinated artichokes, beets and turnip served with a cranberry and date puree.
- Roberto used baking soda and water to wash the produce and they assure us they washed themselves as well as the food after their dumpster diving adventure
- The vinaigrette was made with fresh organic chives found in the dumpster, vinegar and fennel seeds, ground ginger, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, olive oil and salt and pepper.
Related: Freegans Are Radical Recyclers
Posted by Sandra Williams
If you are interested in learning about foraging for wild plants, well known naturalist “Wildman” Steve Brill in New York is the man to see. The purposes of his hands on park tours are to learn about the environment and get back in touch with nature.
- He does this by teaching people how to find edible plants and helping them enjoy and preserve nature.
- Steve also does private events like birthday parties, library programs, day camps and more.
- Back in 1986, Steve was arrested after being followed by undercover park rangers with surveillance cameras. The formal charge was criminal mischief but he was mostly picking dandelions and weeds and teaching others which plants were edible. Apparently, he needed a permit to do this.
"It's bullying," says Brill. "Stern should know that the more dandelions you pick, the more grow back. I'll keep taking my classes to the parks." (Parks Muzzle Weed Maven NY Daily News, Tuesday, April 1, 1986 James Harney)
On this clip of a tour in 2006, Steve Brill describes the arrest in Central Park and how park rangers moved in on him after eating a dandelion.
Steve is also the author of several books including “Identifying and Harvesting Edible and Medicinal Plants in Wild (and Not So Wild) Places”, “The Wild Vegetarian Cookbook” and “Stalking the Wild Dandelion”.
If you are ever in the neighborhood, check out Steve’s 2007 Calendar of Wild Food
Posted by Sandra Williams
What is so great about bamboo?
- It grows so fast it has a world record for the fastest growing plant. It can grow as much as 47.6 inches in a 24-hour period.
- Bamboo removes carbon dioxide from the air and helps the environment by producing more oxygen.
- Bamboo is a hardy plant, renews itself and does not need cut down.
- It also does not require pesticides or fertilizers. This makes it ideal for people with sensitive skin or allergies and it’s a popular organic choice for babies. Bamboo Baby is a fun place to look around and they sell baby bedding as well as clothing.
- It is also ideal to use for clothing because it is soft and silky. While it’s breathable and durable, bamboo is also biodegradable.
- Because it’s thermal regulating it keeps you cooler or warmer depending on what the season is.
Posted by Sandra Williams
EnviroMom gave me the heads up on the fact that September 22nd is Car Free Day. She was late but I'm even later. Anyway, the bus isn't all that bad and you can get some exercise walking to the bus stop. Of course if your destination is within walking distance, even better.
I walk anywhere I can if it takes less than half an hour to do so. Even in the winter I stick my balaclava on and hike. My husband prefers biking which is another good option when the weather is decent. Our buses now have bike racks on them too so you can bike to your destination and take the bus back if you want.
- EviroMom also tipped me off to an article in the Oregonian entitled "Giving up the Family Car" Penwell and his wife Rachel gave up their station wagon because they were sick of paying for repairs. That sounds familiar. We have had a ton of junk boxes that broke down too. Hopefully we'll get a hybrid vehicle someday but they cost between four and eight thousand more than regular cars. (Financial Considerations of Hybrid Cars) In the meantime I can walk past my broken down gas guzzler with pride as I jump on the bus.
"As the climate heats up, World Carfree Day is the perfect time to take the heat off the planet, and put it on city planners and politicians to give priority to cycling, walking and public transport, instead of to the automobile." For more info on Carfree day, see World Carfree Network.
Posted by Sandra Williams
Google’s solar energy system is one of the largest out of any corporate site in the world. The solar panels that were installed in the spring of 2007 will pay for themselves within seven and a half years and should work for 25 years. They’re planning to expand the system beyond Mountain View headquarters into their other offices. They have joined with the World Resources Institute’s Green Power Market Development Group to help meet their needs for reliable green power.
Transportation
A corporate shuttle program brings over 1,500 employees to their headquarters and Google is offering a $5,000 rebate to employees who purchase a fuel-efficient car. The shuttle bus runs on diesel fuel, which is cleaner burning than gasoline. They are also handing out free bikes to encourage more to cycle to work.
Google and Intel Join in Climate Saving Computer Initiative
Google and Intel's "Climate Savers Computing Initiative" explain how carbon dioxide emissions from computer use hurts our environment on this YouTube video.
The bottom line for consumers is their initiative to cut emissions in half raises the price of personal computers by 20 dollars and servers by 30. I guess springing an extra 20 bucks is worth it if it helps saves the planet.
Google says they're taking steps to be carbon neutral by the end of 2007 but I hope that doesn't mean any more major price jumps.
Posted by Sandra Williams
Hemp based products will be replacing some glass, plastic and steel parts in cars according to an article on Times Online by Jonathon Leake. Hemp fibres have been used for a long time in clothing, plastic, paper and ropes.
Hemcore is the largest grower and processor for hemp in the UK and has permission to produce 3,000 hectares of cannabis, which is strictly controlled for obvious reasons. Defra (Department for Environment) is helping to fund the recyclable car.
It's not the type of hemp anyone is going to get high off since what they're growing is industrial hemp. Ford was experimenting with hemp back in the thirties as you can witness on this YouTube video of Ford's plastic car from 1941.
It's a start by creating a few sustainable parts and perhaps it will catch on. Although hemp may make some biodegradable parts it won't stop the engine exhaust system from smoking away. A cannabis car sounds sort of cool and I think it's great they're creating something sustainable anyway.
Posted by Sandra Williams
Charlie Engle, actor, athlete and producer received a humanitarian award in Toronto for raising awareness for the need for clean water in Africa. He ran across the Sahara desert for 111 days last year. A documentary was made of the run which followed Engle, Rya Zahab and Kevin Lin on their journey. Matt Damon founded H20 Africa and his media group LivePlanet produced the documentary "Running the Sahara".
Over I billion people lack safe drinking water worldwide, which leads to 6,000 children's deaths every day. Engle is on the WaterPartners International board and works to provide safe water programs in eight different countries. WaterPartners International is a non-profit organization that provides safe drinking water in developing countries.
Engle explains,” The run ignited my passion to bring safe water to Africa. But, I realize that all of the passion in the world doesn't make up for the technical skills and knowledge necessary to implement successful, sustainable water projects. That's why I'm joining WaterPartners."
Source: WaterPartners International, 2007, WaterPartners’ Charlie Engle receives Humanitarian Award at Toronto Film Festival, Kansas City, MO (September 10, 2007)
Related:
Invention for More Water in Africa
Campaign for Clean Water in Africa
Posted by Sandra Williams
UNICEF estimates there are 250,000 child soldiers globally but no one knows the numbers for sure. Conditions are horrendous for both boys and girls. Boys tend to be used as soldiers and girls as prostitutes but they are also used as spies, messengers and servants.
A lot of these children are vulnerable because they live in poverty. It's understandable how some will voluntarily participate to survive but others are recruited forcibly.
I think war is horrible enough but robbing children of their childhood and forcing them to do drugs and kill people seems seriously evil.
"It's very bad to recruit small children into the army. For a child who knows nothing you must teach him how to love people, not to kill them." (Chad child soldier, aged 12, tells of horror, Stephanie Hancock)
"When they came to my village, they asked my older brother whether he was ready to join the militia. He was just 17 and he said no; they shot him in the head. Then they asked me if I was ready to sign, so what could I do - I didn't want to die." A former child soldier taken when he was 13. (BBC report.)
Related:
Posted by Sandra Williams
August 20 was William Kamkwamba's first day at his new school ABCCA (African Bible College Christian Academy). He was previously forced to drop out of school but that did not stop him from learning. With access to the library, he persevered until he had created his windmill which generated enough power for several light bulbs and a couple radios.
- William now lives in Lilongwe the capital city of Malawi because that’s where his school is. He’s secure in the knowledge that his family now has steady power stored in batteries from the windmill he created.
- In Lilongwe, the power cuts out frequently and they are then forced to use candles and flashlights. He wants to build a new windmill for Gerry Douglas, founder of Baobab Health Partnership ,his wife Thuy, a doctor and their six year old son who are now sharing their home with him.
He also wants to create enough power to irrigate his village’s crops and with the support of others, I believe he will do it.
Here is a YouTube video of 19-year-old Williamand his interview with Chris Anderson, curator of the TED Conference at TED Global 2007.
Related Article:
Posted by Sandra Williams
Shawn Brant, a Mohawk spokesperson from Ontario has been arrested and held without bail for continuing to protest against the government illegally taking land from native people. The formal charge is mischief and breaching bail conditions. He was involved in previous protests that included rail blockades. He also protests against poverty, pollution, abuse and poor conditions on reserves and while his methods might seem drastic, the issues are serious and deserve attention.
Shawn is sick of unresolved land claims, pollution and poverty of native people and I don't blame him. He has a point about people letting the government know how they feel too. "The environment is an issue right now because people told the government it was an issue," Mr. Brant says. "If they said our concerns were an issue, they would be addressed too." (Quote obtained from Globe and Mail article by Naomi Klein, May 4, 2007)
While many may not agree with his methods, he got our attention and pointed out the issues that need to be addressed with native people soon. He cares about people and their future and fears it will be too late if he just sits silently and politely nods while people debate the issues for years and take and pollute the land further while more get poorer.
Here you can read about how to help free Shawn Brant. There's also a petition there that urges the government to stop licensing the plunder of First Nations land.
Related:
Posted by Sandra Williams
Community kitchens are wonderful for learning new cooking methods, recipes and socializing. People from all walks of life participate in community kitchens but it's a great way to learn how to cook on a fixed budget.
People pool their money together to purchase groceries after they plan their menus. Some meet weekly and others monthly. It's a good way for people to help both themselves and their community.
Vancouver Community Kitchen Project has many educational opportunities for people who are interested in community kitchens. Their mission is to build community around food and get people to cook together.
Their project offers training programs, free literature and cooking resources. Their site is packed with information on how to start a community kitchen, how to find a site, free cookbooks, checklists, canning workshops, food safe courses,downloads and more.
Source: Vancouver Community Kitchen Project
Related articles:
Posted by Sandra Williams
Invisible Youth has recently applied for a grant through My Hometown Helper for $15,000. The money will be used to provide a residential center to house as many of the 2000 homeless youth as possible in the San Diego, CA area.
- This is an admirable project that Chairman and Founder Russell Hartsaw has put much energy and time into and received support for from other people in the community.
- To volunteer you don't need to live locally. Other options are becoming an online mentor or donating food, money or supplies.
- Dana Lefey Maeve who is the Vice Chairman of Invisible Youth Network has applied for the requested grant money. She has also worked hard and put in many volunteer hours to bring more publicity to these invisible youth who are in need of a safe home. She offers many free online mentoring courses at Invisible Youth Network.
- Ainsley Jo Phillips has also been very active and volunteered much of her time towards this worthy cause. You can read more about what Ainsley has been up to at her blog Virtual Homemaker. She's an amazing woman with a huge heart as are many other members of the group.
Helping these youth get off the street and into safe homes helps everyone as it helps reduce the likelihood of more crime and will spare some of them from going off to prison.
If everyone's community banded together like this group has done I think the world would be a better place.
Invisible Youth Network provides resources to bring awareness about homeless youth in their community and other cities in the US. They now have non-profit status.
For articles on homelessness see: Feed Homeless, Face Arrest and Struggles of the Homeless
Posted by Sandra Williams
El Salvador has many known issues with child laborers in the coffee and sugar-harvesting season. There are also a lot of children in manufacturing, garbage scavenging, street vending and prostitution.
Orphans are particularly vulnerable to being abused and taken advantage of but many other poor children end up working long hours to help feed their families and pay for their schooling.
Domestic workers are not as visible but tons of girls end up working as domestic servants. Very few of them complain but the Ministry of Labor does not seem quick to enforce laws either.
Most of these girls are working out of necessity but stricter guidelines should be enforced as children under 18 still deserve to be paid fairly and should not have to endure abuse and overwork.
To learn more about the children who are domestic workers see the article Domestic Workers in El Salvador
Posted by Sandra Williams
Not all Indian doctors are feeling welcome in Australia. Some are understandably discouraged further by mounting distrust towards overseas doctors.
- This could have negative consequences on health care access since at a least quarter of Australia’s medical workforce is from overseas.
The media has not helped and in fact has contributed towards the growing anxiety and stereotypes.
The arrest and detention of Dr. Mohammed Haneef on July 2, 2007 seems to have made matters worse. 27-year-old Dr. Haneef was held in connection with the 2007 Glasgow International Airport attack.
- There is already a doctor shortage in Australia so hopefully the anxiety will subside so that Australia’s health care system does not get in further trouble. Recruitment and retention of Indian doctors may be an an issue if the negative stereotypes towards Indians continue.
- It is unfortunate that the panic seems to have spread and in some cases promoted prejudice towards Indians. There has been some concern with the way authorities are handling the ongoing investigations of the bombing plot.
Sources: BBC News, Nick Bryant, Sydney, July 24, 2007
BBC News, Lancet editorial, July 20, 2007
Posted by Sandra Williams
According to a study that I became privy to thanks to an article in the New York Times (The Price of Daycare Can be High, David Leonhardt, July 14, 2006) increased access to affordable daycare is not always a good thing.
- Since 2000, Quebec has been offering childcare to any child under the age of 4 for only 7 dollars a day. Obviously, there was an increase in the number of children in daycare since more could afford it but what have been the affects on the children?
- Three economists collected data in regards to children's well being in Quebec compared to the rest of Canada. Michael Baker and Kevin Milligan are Canadian while the other economist Jonathan Gruber is an American.
- Their conclusions were that in the last decade children in Quebec have been more anxious and aggressive than children in the rest of Canada. Apparently they also potty trained later as well as climbed and counted. Parents in Quebec are also said to be more depressed and less satisfied with their marriages than they were a decade ago.
These guys sound pretty biased to me and you can find studies that say the opposite such as how kids are missing out and won't be properly prepared if you don't send them to daycare.
I think that affordable accessible daycare for everyone is important, but it is ultimately the parent’s responsibility to teach children the basics in preparation for school. If parents are working long hours and don't have enough time to spend with their children then it's understandable how they might become depressed, but making them feel guilty about putting their children in daycare isn't going to cheer them up.
I know of a woman who ended up quitting her job because her company kept insisting she keep traveling away from home for extended periods. Compromises with companies that demand a little less of new parent’s time would be one solution but not everyone is offered that option.
Join the discussion on Universal Daycare and offer your opinions or ideas on solutions.
Resources:
Universal Childcare, Maternal Labor Supply and Family Well-Being - July/October, 2005 pdf
The Price of Daycare Can be High, David Leonhardt, July 14, 2006
Posted by Sandra Williams
An estimated 500,000 homes have been destroyed or damaged in the province of Baluchistan India after Cyclone Yemyin hit combined with heavy torrential flooding. The monsoon rains have left over 200,000 homeless and so far have affected at least 1.5 million people.
- 300,000 people are displaced and need help. Helicopters have been dropping food but many people are still not receiving aid. Riots broke out in the southwestern city of Turbat because of anger at the lack of aid. Biscuits and bottled water got through but aid is still needed and is slow getting to hungry people. Many water lines have been destroyed so safe drinking water is needed.
- Helicopters have lifted at least 800 marooned people and are supplying people who are stranded on roads with food.
- Health workers are traveling in boats to reach people who need medical attention, which is dangerous because landslides are an added threat to the flooding and have killed several people in Bangladesh.
Many flood victims are still searching for missing family members and accurate figures on how many have died are hard to get because communications are down in many areas. Over 200 people are reported to have died.
On June 23 thunderstorms came before the cyclone and killed 230 people in Karachi, which is Pakistan’s largest city.
For updates or information on the flash floods in India see Relief Web.
Sources:
Yahoo News, July 2, 2007, CBS News, June 30, 2007, Associated Press, June 29, 2007, Reuters, Bappa Majumda, July 6, 2007
Related: India, Caste and Poverty
Posted by Sandra Williams
After reading the UN report predicting over half the world will be living in urban areas by 2008, I began reminiscing about simpler times. Many of these city dwellers will of course be poor and no one is prepared for that.
Africa and Asia are predicted to have the most growth and by 2030 they will make up 81 percent of urban humanity. Slums will grow larger and the environment will become more damaged if something isn't done to help them solve their problems.
Some have simply denied people services in respond to growing migrations but that is obviously going to create other problems including anger, outrage and confrontations. Sensible suggestions are supplying health care, education and birth control to those who want and need it. While there aren't too many completed plans being made by authorities in developing nations on how to deal with the expansion, New York is developing a "strategic land use plan" to deal with their projected population increase. They also plan to improve their water supply, sanitation and air pollution, which would be a good idea regardless.
The simpler time I was reminiscing about was my experience in staying at a commune (Intentional Communities is what I think they're called now) for a few weeks. While I wasn't there long I have fond memories of the experience and it made a huge impression on me. My family might not agree with that choice of lifestyle but I do become wistful for a more peaceful simpler life and wonder if more people lived cooperatively if that would not help solve some issues. Most of them are ecologically sustainable and environmentally sensitive as well.
There was a group of about twenty people who stayed there regularly and everyone chose a task to do for about six hours out of the day. They were very self sufficient so the tasks could include gardening, creating hammocks, tin lamp shades, tending to the animals, making cheese......I'm sure I'm missing some but it's been 22 years since I've been there. I tried to locate them again years ago but they must have changed their name.
To be fair there is no reason why we couldn't live more cooperatively together in our own present communities either. When we encourage each other to recycle, share land for gardens and volunteer to watch each others children I suppose we are creating our own cooperative or intentional communities.
Resources: UN Report (Unleashing Potential of Urban Growth, 2007)
Posted by Sandra Williams
Ugandan women make beautiful beads from recycled paper and all profits go towards community projects that help people escape poverty by generating income.
Kakwanzi Power is the newest group of beaders and they have 40 members. 39 of them are women who were recruited from Infectious Disease Institute and are living with AIDS. One is a man named Nickolas who had his home bulldozed to make room for an apartment building. They used to make less than two dollars a day but now make $145.00 a month. Kakwanzi Power means precious bead power and I think they're an inspiring example of success.
Another example of how BeadforLife assists individuals is the story of Concy and Grace who were orphaned after their mother was killed by a drunken man. BeadforLife sponsored their education in honor of their mother Lilian who was one of the first women who learned how to make paper beads for BeadforLife.
BeadforLife is guided by the following principles: (from BeadforLife mission)
1. Creating jobs through local partnerships is a more sustainable approach to poverty eradication than providing aid. Rather than become dependent on handouts from abroad, the beaders build their skills and long-term capacities through meaningful creative work.
2. Concerned citizens in resource abundant countries care about the issues of extreme poverty and are willing to get involved.
3. Paying our beaders fair trade prices allows them to meet their daily economic needs. Investing 100% of our net profits in community development projects for impoverished Ugandans allows for a long-term sustainable future.
4. Forming partnerships between North Americans and Ugandans beaders enriches all of us.
Ways to help:
- You can support BeadforLife by hosting a BeadParty It's a great way to help extreme poverty, support fair trade and have fun with your family and friends. After you register, about a week before your party date you will be sent price lists, African music, recipes and about 150 different beaded items.
- You can also help by purchasing jewelry from their BeadforLife store. Their beads are made from paper sources such as old magazines and calendars. The jewelry is suprisingly sturdy because they varnish it and use screw clasps to fasten the jewelry. They also sell beautiful jewelry bags and loose beads.
- Donations to BeadforLife are accepted here and go towards eradicating poverty in Uganda. BeadforLife is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (tax ID: 20-1683139)
Read the article on Women, Children and Poverty
Posted by Sandra Williams
George Clooney is the spokesperson for Rock for Darfur. He was in Sudan and Chad with his father so had the opportunity to capture footage and hear about the crisis first hand from the people there. This footage, along with a trailer to the documentary “The Devil Came Back on Horseback” can be seen on their Rock for Darfur MySpace. You can also download a Darfur Dialogue Toolkit, a collection of videos, articles and information on how to help. Rock for Darfur t-shirts are for sale for $15.00 on the MySpace site.
Rock for Darfur concerts will be held on October 21st all over the world and if you want to show your support, consider buying a ticket. Many musicians are supporting the humanitarian campaign and a portion of your ticket will go towards Oxfam America. Oxfam is a non-profit organization that works to end poverty and are founding members of the ONE campaign and the Make Trade Fair campaign. They are helping save lives through their Sudan Crisis Relief and Rehabilitation Fund. Oxfam has provided help to over 500,000 people in Darfur and eastern Chad. They supply basic needs such as clean water, sanitation, blankets and are helping to create jobs so people can become self sufficient. Up to 4 million people are now reliant on humanitarian aid. One in three people in Darfur have had to flee from their homes to find refuge in camps for Internally Displaced People. Many people are being killed, their homes are being burnt and women and children are being raped.
The conditions in Darfur and neighboring Chad remain critical as the camps are becoming overcrowded and more people come looking for shelter every day. If you want to help end the crisis, spread the word in your community and consider supporting this ambitious humanitarian campaign.
Read about Emmanual Jal, The child soldier turned rapper who escaped from war in Sudan.
Posted by Sandra Williams
After the release of the latest Ipperwash inquiry, First Nations people have taken advantage of the publicity to raise awareness about the poverty, land claims and racism they face.
June 29 will be a national day of action for First Nations and although it's supposed to be peaceful there are rumors of more rail blockades. The province of Ontario in Canada has not committed to returning their land so this is part of the reason more violence is being predicted.
- Native Protester Dudley George did not die in vain and Chief Terrance Nelson and Dudley's brother Sam want to make sure of that. They are simply asking for 109 acres of their land back that they used to occupy. The land in dispute was Ipperwash Provincial Park. The dispute has been going on since 1942 when it was obtained for a military camp called Camp Ipperwash. By 1995 it came to a head by natives occupying their land again and building barricades to protect it.
- A Mohawk protester named Shawn Brant summed it up succinctly: "I think it's about demonstrating the power we have in our backyards. I think it's about saying...we're never going to be disrespected, we're not going to allow for another situation like Dudley George, we're not going to drink poison water without there being consequences."
Dudley George was one of the leaders protesting the destruction of a sacred burial ground in Ipperwash Park. The former Ontario Premiere Mike Harris allegedly gave the ok for police to take the barricades down by force even though natives say they were unarmed.
Racist remarks were recorded the day before Dudley's death that CBC news obtained. If racist jokes and demeaning comments are accepted and encouraged by some police it makes you wonder how much of that contributed to them feeling it was ok to shoot natives rather than negotiate with them.
For more information see: Ipperwash - A Canadian Tragedy (companion website to documentary about the police killing of Dudley George at Ipperwash, Ontario, south of Grand Bend)
- Join First Nations on their National Day of Action
- Chief Phil Fontaine announcement on YouTube about the National Day of Action "A strong First Nations means a stronger Canada and that's good for all of us." Chief Phil Fontaine (May 16, 2007)
References:
CBC News (Ipperwash Inquiry, May 31 2007)
The Record - KW (Ipperwash report boosts native resolve, Canadian Press, Saturday June 2, 2007)
Posted by Sandra Williams
Aboriginals suffer in Australia just as they do in many other parts of the world. Their life expectancy is about 20 years less than the rest of the population and only 24% of the men are expected to make it to the age of 65.
- Aboriginal children are more likely to have hearing loss from repeated ear infections and they are three times more likely to die before the age of one.
- 60% of Indigenous people are working for low wages at low skill occupations.
- 31% of their houses need repaired according to a national survey in 2001.
- Only 13% have running water with appropriate sanitation facilities.
No one should have to go without a reliable water supply but Aboriginals also have the right to have access to simple things such as electricity, healthy food, education and essential health care.
Because most Indigenous people live in remote areas the food is too expensive which contributes to increased malnutrition and illnesses. It is also hard for children to concentrate in school when they are hungry. Only 38% of Indigenous students complete high school.
There seems to be some confusion on which pays for what and the state and territory governments along with the Commonwealth often pass the buck stating that they are not responsible. Someone in the government needs to take responsibility.
Reference: Indigenous Health in Australia (Fred Hollows Foundation, 2004)
Posted by Sandra Williams
The low income rate for immigrants is rising and aboriginal poverty remains a problem. The unemployment rate is higher for visible minorities.
Why is this?
- Racism is a contributing factor and a consequence of this can be a poor job because of job discrimination.
- Many minorities are working for low wages in temporary jobs with poor working conditions.
- Tons of immigrants and minorities have university degrees but their qualifications are still not accepted and they're stuck in low paying jobs.
- Minimum wages are not providing enough for a single person to live comfortably leave alone a family.
How can we as individuals fight racism?
- Confront those who make racist jokes or contribute to negative stereotypes. If enough people do this some may start to realize it's not ok. Pointing out racist remarks and actions helps bring it into the open and it also educates people. Some people don't even realize they're acting racist if that's the way they were raised.
- Acknowledging that racism exists is also important. Putting your head in the sand does not help matters. Pretending racism doesn't exist does not make it go away.
- Encourage your family, friends and children to learn about other cultures and get to know people from other countries and cultures.
- Celebrate differences by sampling different foods, books, music and traditions.
See the articles:
Posted by Sandra Williams
Recently I have had the pleasure of meeting Russell Hartsaw and became inspired to join him in his quest to help homeless youth. Invisible Youth is an online organization with over 277 members who provide resources for homeless and at risk youth.
Besides being an online resource for homeless youth, Invisible Youth is in the process of planning a full service Youth Center for homeless youth in San Diego. Presently there is only one shelter there with a mere 20 bed capacity. There are at least 2,000 homeless people in San Diego and half of them are under the age of 15. Russell was abandoned at the age of nine and I believe that’s what inspires him to help children avoid the same fate he had to endure.
Some homeless facts from Invisible Youth:
1. Every community has homeless people, even if you don't see them on the street.
2. Most homeless people don't live on the street. More than 80% homeless are improperly housed or on the verge of being evicted. Many are sleeping in temporary beds - with friends or relatives, in church basements, in welfare motels, in abandoned buildings and vehicles, and in other places, tucked away from the public eye.
3. About one in seven users of shelters is a child. Compared to children with permanent homes, homeless children suffer more from lack of educational opportunities, infection, obesity, anemia, injuries, burns, developmental delays and incomplete immunization; youth suffer more injuries, sexually transmitted diseases, mental health problems, and pregnancies.
4. As women generally earn less than men, women are more vulnerable to becoming homeless.
5. Newcomers to the rental housing market, especially young people, immigrants and refugees, are often required to rent housing that they cannot afford. They are often one paycheck away from eviction.
6. Many seniors face eviction due to fixed incomes and increased rents and taxes. Ensuring seniors stay adequately and appropriately housed prevents them from being part of the hidden homeless and ending up visibly homeless or in hospitals.
7. Our young people also make up the hidden homeless. Many homeless youth are living in shelters or bunking with friends - many are fleeing abusive situations.
8. The working poor, often single parents with young children, end up living in crowded housing as they are unable to afford a decent place to live while feeding and clothing their children.
9. The hidden homeless are at risk of long-term physical and emotional harm. The longer anyone remains homeless, the greater the social and economic costs.
10. As a society we all pay for the tragedy of homelessness
Russell has planned and organized:
(See site for volunteer opportunities, donations and information or email invisibleyouth@yahoo.com)
- Youth Outreach International
- Youth Advocates
- International Alliance of Human Rights Advocates
Posted by Sandra Williams
Homeless people come from all walks of life. Some are young, some are old and many are working. There's a myth that homeless people are all jobless but it's not true. Many people lose their homes because the cost of housing is so expensive or because their environment was extremely dangerous. Many still maintain a job during this period of stress and homelessness. Some don't, but it's important that we educate ourselves and don't stereotype all homeless people the same.
Here are some small ways you can help homeless people:
- Volunteer your time at a soup kitchen helping to serve food.
- Organize a group to prepare care packages with soap, toothbrushes and other toiletries.
- Donate food to shelters, food banks, drop in centers or transitional houses.
- Respect them and treat them with dignity when you do offer assistance. Imagine how you would feel if you needed assistance.
- Donate your clothing. Many agencies accept clothing donations and give them to homeless people who need them.
- Volunteer your services. For example, a hairdresser could offer occasional free haircuts and a dentist or doctor could volunteer some of their services to the homeless.
- Organize fund-raisers. Craft sales, bake sales, garage sales and more could all be used to raise funds at your club, church, school or organization to donate to non profit groups that support the homeless.
- Give them a gift certificate for food at a grocery store or restaurant.
- Give them bus tickets.
- Donate things for homeless children such as baby formula, blankets and toys.
Reference: Help the homeless
Posted by Sandra Williams
Wednesday night's show will be hosted by Ellen. Appearances are scheduled by: Celine Dion, Kelly Clarkson, Gwen Stefani, Earth, Wind & Fire, Il Divo, Keira Knightley, Hugh Grant, Josh Groban with the African Children's Choir, Jack Black, Helen Mirren, Rascal Flatts, Quincy Jones, Carrie Underwood, Annie Lennox and many more.
The contestants will be performing in a song "American Prayer" written by Bono and Dave Stewart addressing the AIDS emergency in Africa.
This special episode is called "Idol Gives Back". It airs Tuesday April 24th and Wednesday April 25th on FOX. FOX, American Idol and the Charity Projects Entertainment Fund have joined together to present this historic event. It's a wonderful opportunity to publicize pressing poverty issues, raise awareness and funding to relief programs. For every vote cast on these two nights, Coca Cola and AT&T along with others will be donating to numerous charities. The money raised from these two shows will also be put to good use by going towards UNICEF, The Global Fund, Save the Children, Nothing But Nets and Malaria No More.
Tell your friends and family to watch and get involved with the fight against poverty. Simply voting is helping since every vote is going to charity.
"The IDOL GIVES BACK premiere provides an excellent opportunity for AMERICAN IDOL viewers to engage with the issues of poverty and health in Africa. People all across Africa are fighting back against AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, and there is optimism and hope everywhere. AMERICAN IDOL viewers will be able to learn more about these successes and contribute directly to them. It is a wonderfully exciting opportunity, and I thank Richard Curtis, Simon Fuller, Peter Chernin and the many others who are launching IDOL GIVES BACK," said Sir Richard Feachem, executive director of the Global Fund.
Reference:
- email, Sue McCue,One.org,April 24th,2007
Posted by Sandra Williams
Here are some easy earth friendly ideas that all of us can use:
- Switch to fluorescent bulbs. They're more expensive but they last longer.
- Using your microwave to cook actually uses less energy than conventional stoves and ovens. This is one I never thought about until recently reading about it. Since I do love to bake and roast things, I'm still not a big fan of microwaves. When you cook with a microwave, make sure you use containers that are microwave safe. Reusing plastic containers from margarine and sour cream, yogurt etc. is good, but not in the microwave.
- Insulate your water heater.
- Wash your clothes in cold water. Most of the energy used in washing clothes is from hot water.
- If possible, telecommute, work at home, take the bus or car pool to cut down on emissions from cars. Lawnmowers also create a lot of emissions. Consider using a push mower and get a good work out at the same time.
- Use cloth bags for grocery shopping. President's Choice has a number of green products now as well as a line of green bags for a dollar each. They're kind of skimpy though. They really should have made some bigger ones.
- Purchase paper products made from recyclable materials such as coffee filters, toilet paper and paper towels.
- Use reusable containers to pack lunches in.
- Recycle your bottles, cans and paper.
- Use products like cosmetics, cleaners and bug repellent made from natural non toxic ingredients.
- Turn the water off when brushing your teeth or shaving.
- Put a plastic quart size jug of water in your toilet tank to cut down on the amount of water you use flushing.
- Reduce your shower time.
See articles:
Posted by Sandra Williams
Blair seems to think its ok to forgo political correctness and stated that knife and gun murders were not being caused by poverty, but a distinctive black culture. He encourages a lynching type attitude towards black youth by his sweeping statements and also said there needs to be an "intense police focus" on young black Britons.
Although he did attempt to cover himself with saying "the black community - the vast majority of whom in these communities are decent, law abiding people horrified at what is happening - need to be mobilized in denunciation of this gang culture that is killing innocent young black kids". It sounds strangely similar to the common statement, "Some of my best friends are black."
Home Office minister Lady Scotland previously stated that the large number of black youths in the criminal justice system was a function of their disproportionate poverty and not black culture itself. Lady Scotland and Blair obviously differ in their opinions. Blair downplayed the poverty factor and the conclusion to his opinion to me is that he would expect anyone that comes from that specific black culture to run around murdering people whether they were poor or not.
Blair claims he came to these conclusions after speaking with a black pastor at a London church. The Rev Nims Obunge says he was cited and his statements were taken out of context. " He has taken what I said out of context. We came for support and he has failed and has come back with more police powers to use against our black children." Obunge is chief executive of the Peace Alliance and is working against gang crime.
Reference: Blair blames spate of murders on black culture, Patrick Wintour and Vikram Dodd, Thursday April 12, 2007
Posted by Sandra Williams
Toronto's City Council has endorsed the NDP's push to raise the minimum wage to $10.00 an hour, but the budget on March 22nd from the Liberals only committed to raising the now $8.00 an hour to 75 cents more a year. It would take until 2010 to get to $10.25.
To be able to afford rent somewhere like Toronto, $10.00 an hour is really not enough, leave alone $8.00 which is 1280 for the month before taxes. The average rent in Toronto is at least a thousand dollars, so the whole month's earnings wouldn't even pay for an apartment.
People still act surprised and ask why people are homeless and why they don't get off the streets. It's recommended to spend a third of your income on rent. If a homeless person is working and their whole monthly income amounts to less than what rent would be for an apartment, it makes it challenging to find an affordable home.
People are being left to choose between paying for rent or food and often food will win out. Social assistance rates have not been updated to deal with the present reality of the cost of housing either. A parent with one child on assistance is only eligible for $511.00 towards the cost of housing, so they're also forced to make the choice between food and rent. Families with children are becoming homeless on a more frequent basis. Raising social assistance rates and minimum wage would help prevent more people from going hungry or homeless.
There are many organizations that support the campaign to raise the minimum wage to ten dollars.
In Parkdale-High Park, MPP Cheri DiNovo has introduced a bill calling for an immediate increase in Ontario's minimum wage to $10.00 an hour.
It's called Bill 150, The Living Wage Bill and would help provide a living wage for some of Ontario's poorest people.
Posted by Sandra Williams
Last year we had a blackout for about 24 hours and our whole neighborhood was freaking out. No lights, no ovens, no air conditioning. (Luckily it was summer) We were also told to boil our water or drink bottled water. The few of us that had barbecues got together and cooked meals on them. We were still lucky to have meals to cook, but not too many seemed to appreciate that. Some of the children were acting silly and screaming "We're all going to die!” It was actually one of the few times that I've seen most of the neighbors out socializing and working together.
It just magnified the fact to me about how spoiled we really are. One lady was pointing and yelling, "Make sure you don't burn my steak!" One of the children complained about the sticky spaghetti noodles which were overcooked on the barbecue in all the commotion. I rigged up some coffee in a pot and there were some grumblings about the floating grounds.
People's biggest beef that day was their lack of air conditioning and TV, yet some of these people feel they're poor. I guess it depends on who you're comparing yourself to. To someone who has to work their butt off all day in Africa selling oranges for 10 cents, we look pretty darn rich.
If everyone wasn't blasting their air conditioners we wouldn't have had the blackout in the first place. We managed to make do with a few kiddie swimming pools and some of us retreated temporarily to cooler basements.
Still, we had a home, food, water and shelter and some did not. I think it was a good thing that happened that day because it tore people away from their televisions and computers long enough to meet some of their neighbors and share a meal together. It also helped some of us see that we use way too much electricity which is not good for the environment. Maybe it even made some of us realize how much we take for granted and how lucky we really are for all we have.