Simply go to this website and watch a few of these. They are positive, real, really helpful, and all-around good people talking about good things.
It's perfect for the theme of this blog.
Washington Post Special "On Being"
Enjoy and Happy Christmas Eve Day and Christmas!
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
UN Milennium Project and Jeffrey Sachs
I was reading through the January/February issue of "The Good Magazine" and was wonderfully struck by the opening article by Jeffrey Sachs, entitled: "The Obama Generation Takes the Helm."
I researched who Professor Sachs is and have to invite everyone to research this man and what he is doing. According to the article in Good, Prof. Sachs is the director of the Earth Institute at Columbia University and a special advisor to the UN's secretary general, Ban Ki-moon. Wow.
I researched a bit his work as the director of the UN Millennium Project.
I have to say, the 8 goals listed are an idealist's greatest dream. I can see parallels to these goals as the same "goals" listed as Universal Human Rights in the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
In the case that you did not or cannot link to the UN Millennium Project page, I have copied in the 8 goals of the Project here:
What they are
At the Millennium Summit in September 2000 the largest gathering of world leaders in history adopted the UN Millennium Declaration, committing their nations to a new global partnership to reduce extreme poverty and setting out a series of time-bound targets, with a deadline of 2015, that have become known as the Millennium Development Goals and the introduction to the goals (MDGs) Source: UN Millennium Project Webpage.
"The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are the world's time-bound and quantified targets for addressing extreme poverty in its many dimensions-income poverty, hunger, disease, lack of adequate shelter, and exclusion-while promoting gender equality, education, and environmental sustainability. They are also basic human rights-the rights of each person on the planet to health, education, shelter, and security.
Goal 1: Eradicate Extreme Hunger and Poverty
Goal 2: Achieve Universal Primary Education
Goal 3: Promote Gender Equality and Empower Women
Goal 4: Reduce Child Mortality
Goal 5: Improve Maternal Health
Goal 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, Malaria and other diseases
Goal 7: Ensure Environmental Sustainability
Goal 8: Develop a Global Partnership for Development"
The organization of the Project is broken up into 10 "thematic Task Forces" with a work force of more than 250 experts from around the world. Their goal is to dramatically reduce extreme poverty by 2015.
Spread the word and educate yourself.
I researched who Professor Sachs is and have to invite everyone to research this man and what he is doing. According to the article in Good, Prof. Sachs is the director of the Earth Institute at Columbia University and a special advisor to the UN's secretary general, Ban Ki-moon. Wow.
I researched a bit his work as the director of the UN Millennium Project.
I have to say, the 8 goals listed are an idealist's greatest dream. I can see parallels to these goals as the same "goals" listed as Universal Human Rights in the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
In the case that you did not or cannot link to the UN Millennium Project page, I have copied in the 8 goals of the Project here:
What they are
At the Millennium Summit in September 2000 the largest gathering of world leaders in history adopted the UN Millennium Declaration, committing their nations to a new global partnership to reduce extreme poverty and setting out a series of time-bound targets, with a deadline of 2015, that have become known as the Millennium Development Goals and the introduction to the goals (MDGs) Source: UN Millennium Project Webpage.
"The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are the world's time-bound and quantified targets for addressing extreme poverty in its many dimensions-income poverty, hunger, disease, lack of adequate shelter, and exclusion-while promoting gender equality, education, and environmental sustainability. They are also basic human rights-the rights of each person on the planet to health, education, shelter, and security.
Goal 1: Eradicate Extreme Hunger and Poverty
Goal 2: Achieve Universal Primary Education
Goal 3: Promote Gender Equality and Empower Women
Goal 4: Reduce Child Mortality
Goal 5: Improve Maternal Health
Goal 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, Malaria and other diseases
Goal 7: Ensure Environmental Sustainability
Goal 8: Develop a Global Partnership for Development"
The organization of the Project is broken up into 10 "thematic Task Forces" with a work force of more than 250 experts from around the world. Their goal is to dramatically reduce extreme poverty by 2015.
Spread the word and educate yourself.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Happy holidays to all as science refreshingly bounces to top priority.
Yet again, the upcoming Obama administration grows in astounding ways and by extraordinary means. If you are not already watching the weekly addresses at Change.gov I lovingly encourage you to do so. You will join the other million individuals doing the same. So, for those people following my blog, whether silently or otherwise, I will continue to include those videos and links in hopes that we will become an educated public.
The founders and shaping forces of democracy from its earliest years have written that democracy only works when the public for which it stands is an educated one. Aristotle and Montesquieu wrote much in line with these ethics, these morals, these fundamentals for all mankind. (I stress the reader to focus their attention on Montesquieu's Book 4 of his "The Spirit of Laws"- especially #5)
Today, December 22, 2008, we stand not just as a nation, but rather as a world on the brink of realizing these fundamentals as something possible. Hope rules today and together we shall watch it grow; we will come together to cultivate the peace and love needed to appreciate our differences and relish our likenesses.
Most importantly, I hope, much like President-elect Obama does with his appointments in the Science and Technology faction of his administration that Facts are what we should base our decisions on--not mere politics or ideology.
Here is the weekly address for 12-20-08. Enjoy and happy holidays to all.
The founders and shaping forces of democracy from its earliest years have written that democracy only works when the public for which it stands is an educated one. Aristotle and Montesquieu wrote much in line with these ethics, these morals, these fundamentals for all mankind. (I stress the reader to focus their attention on Montesquieu's Book 4 of his "The Spirit of Laws"- especially #5)
Today, December 22, 2008, we stand not just as a nation, but rather as a world on the brink of realizing these fundamentals as something possible. Hope rules today and together we shall watch it grow; we will come together to cultivate the peace and love needed to appreciate our differences and relish our likenesses.
Most importantly, I hope, much like President-elect Obama does with his appointments in the Science and Technology faction of his administration that Facts are what we should base our decisions on--not mere politics or ideology.
Here is the weekly address for 12-20-08. Enjoy and happy holidays to all.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Transhumanism
As I spent some time watching the fantastic videos posted daily on www.good.is/video I stumbled on one in particular that raised an interesting question: "Transhumanism." The question is simple: Due to the military development and deployment of autonomous, killing drones and aircrafts, will those machines eventually turn to kill us all?
This is the question coming from the transhumanist theory that suggest that if we continue to develop and use robotic, remote-control killing devices that they will, eventually, turn around and point the guns at the people that created them (and anyone else for that matter that they come into contact with).
Please watch this video and make any comments on this intriguing idea.
Source- www.good.is/?p=13263
For a great definition of Transhumanism, click on this link to Transhumanism.org
This is the question coming from the transhumanist theory that suggest that if we continue to develop and use robotic, remote-control killing devices that they will, eventually, turn around and point the guns at the people that created them (and anyone else for that matter that they come into contact with).
Please watch this video and make any comments on this intriguing idea.
Source- www.good.is/?p=13263
For a great definition of Transhumanism, click on this link to Transhumanism.org
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Hope, Energy, Meaningful Change, and now Education
How happy is makes me and I am sure the rest of the nation that our new President will look at education in the way that it should be looked at. As you watch this video, I would like to highlight my favorite part of President-elect Obama's educational philosophy-a philosophy that I believe he lives and does not just speak. To quote this speech:
"Well, I think it’s time we raised expectations for our kids all across this country and built schools that meet – and exceed – those expectations. As the husband and brother of educators, the Vice President-Elect and I know this won’t be easy – we’ve seen how hard Jill and Maya work every day. And we know it’s going to take all of us, working together. Because in the end, responsibility for our children’s success doesn’t start in Washington. It starts in our homes and our families. No education policy can replace a parent who makes sure a child gets to school on time, or helps with homework and attends those parent-teacher conferences. No government program can turn off the TV, or put away the video games and read to a child at night."
What will it look like if we can get just a quarter of the parents that were not focusing on their child's education to now turn a focused eye and demand a certain academic integrity that has been dwindling in our nation over the past few decades.
As an educator myself I see daily the importance of the parent in the education adventure/journey that each child takes. Without the sincere support of a parent, it is extremely challenging and sometimes impossible for a child to value his/her education to the extent that it should be valued. With that being said, please enjoy the announcement of the Secretary of Education in the upcoming administration: Arne Duncan.
Link to Obama announcing Arne Duncan as Secretary of Education at Change.gov
"Well, I think it’s time we raised expectations for our kids all across this country and built schools that meet – and exceed – those expectations. As the husband and brother of educators, the Vice President-Elect and I know this won’t be easy – we’ve seen how hard Jill and Maya work every day. And we know it’s going to take all of us, working together. Because in the end, responsibility for our children’s success doesn’t start in Washington. It starts in our homes and our families. No education policy can replace a parent who makes sure a child gets to school on time, or helps with homework and attends those parent-teacher conferences. No government program can turn off the TV, or put away the video games and read to a child at night."
What will it look like if we can get just a quarter of the parents that were not focusing on their child's education to now turn a focused eye and demand a certain academic integrity that has been dwindling in our nation over the past few decades.
As an educator myself I see daily the importance of the parent in the education adventure/journey that each child takes. Without the sincere support of a parent, it is extremely challenging and sometimes impossible for a child to value his/her education to the extent that it should be valued. With that being said, please enjoy the announcement of the Secretary of Education in the upcoming administration: Arne Duncan.
Link to Obama announcing Arne Duncan as Secretary of Education at Change.gov
Monday, December 15, 2008
A perfect explination of happiness and rights for ALL
Please, follow this link to my friend's blog. Watch the comments made by Keith Olbermann because I think he perfectly and eloquently hit the crux of the gay rights issue that Proposition 8 in California did to force our nation's progress into a terrible regression.
Follow this link to Rapture of Clamour
Follow this link to Rapture of Clamour
Friday, December 12, 2008
A new energy plan...finally!
This blog entry is mostly informative. I have included the energy plan that is included on www.change.gov
So, please enjoy these ideas and at the end I have included a few ideas of my own.
Energy Plan Overview
* Provide Short-term Relief to American Families Crack Down on Excessive Energy Speculation.
* Swap Oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to Cut Prices.
Eliminate Our Current Imports from the Middle East and Venezuela within 10 Years
* Increase Fuel Economy Standards.
* Get 1 Million Plug-In Hybrid Cars on the Road by 2015.
* Create a New $7,000 Tax Credit for Purchasing Advanced Vehicles.
* Establish a National Low Carbon Fuel Standard.
* A “Use it or Lose It” Approach to Existing Oil and Gas Leases.
* Promote the Responsible Domestic Production of Oil and Natural Gas.
Create Millions of New Green Jobs
* Ensure 10 percent of Our Electricity Comes from Renewable Sources by 2012, and 25 percent by 2025.
* Deploy the Cheapest, Cleanest, Fastest Energy Source – Energy Efficiency.
* Weatherize One Million Homes Annually.
* Develop and Deploy Clean Coal Technology.
* Prioritize the Construction of the Alaska Natural Gas Pipeline.
Reduce our Greenhouse Gas Emissions 80 Percent by 2050
* Implement an economy-wide cap-and-trade program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 80 percent by 2050.
* Make the U.S. a Leader on Climate Change.
Now for some ideas of my own. Nothing too profound of course.
I could not be more ecstatic to have a President that is finally pushing our country to be more responsible in our energy consumption (both usage and types of energy). My only concern is that he is continuing our off-shore drilling of oil. Anyone can understand that no "energy snap of the fingers" will suddenly and without-consequence drag our oil addicted nation away from using such an unhealthy amount of petroleum. However, I think we can move our country to try. I thoroughly enjoy the plan to reduce our Greenhouse Gas Emissions 80 percent by 2050. This is unprecedented in our country, but what most excites me is the next point: "Make the U.S. a Leader on Climate Change."
If we take a leadership role, the world will finally feel able, supported, and willing to take environmentally responsible action in their own country-specific ways.
Do I believe we will accomplish these environmental and energy goals by the proposed dates? Yes. Yes, I do. It all starts with our own lives, our own conversations, and our own hope. Like most things in life, not much actually gets done when the people have no desire to get it done.
So, please enjoy these ideas and at the end I have included a few ideas of my own.
Energy Plan Overview
* Provide Short-term Relief to American Families Crack Down on Excessive Energy Speculation.
* Swap Oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to Cut Prices.
Eliminate Our Current Imports from the Middle East and Venezuela within 10 Years
* Increase Fuel Economy Standards.
* Get 1 Million Plug-In Hybrid Cars on the Road by 2015.
* Create a New $7,000 Tax Credit for Purchasing Advanced Vehicles.
* Establish a National Low Carbon Fuel Standard.
* A “Use it or Lose It” Approach to Existing Oil and Gas Leases.
* Promote the Responsible Domestic Production of Oil and Natural Gas.
Create Millions of New Green Jobs
* Ensure 10 percent of Our Electricity Comes from Renewable Sources by 2012, and 25 percent by 2025.
* Deploy the Cheapest, Cleanest, Fastest Energy Source – Energy Efficiency.
* Weatherize One Million Homes Annually.
* Develop and Deploy Clean Coal Technology.
* Prioritize the Construction of the Alaska Natural Gas Pipeline.
Reduce our Greenhouse Gas Emissions 80 Percent by 2050
* Implement an economy-wide cap-and-trade program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 80 percent by 2050.
* Make the U.S. a Leader on Climate Change.
Now for some ideas of my own. Nothing too profound of course.
I could not be more ecstatic to have a President that is finally pushing our country to be more responsible in our energy consumption (both usage and types of energy). My only concern is that he is continuing our off-shore drilling of oil. Anyone can understand that no "energy snap of the fingers" will suddenly and without-consequence drag our oil addicted nation away from using such an unhealthy amount of petroleum. However, I think we can move our country to try. I thoroughly enjoy the plan to reduce our Greenhouse Gas Emissions 80 percent by 2050. This is unprecedented in our country, but what most excites me is the next point: "Make the U.S. a Leader on Climate Change."
If we take a leadership role, the world will finally feel able, supported, and willing to take environmentally responsible action in their own country-specific ways.
Do I believe we will accomplish these environmental and energy goals by the proposed dates? Yes. Yes, I do. It all starts with our own lives, our own conversations, and our own hope. Like most things in life, not much actually gets done when the people have no desire to get it done.
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