Power to the People in Egypt!!

I think it is good news anytime people stand up for their rights. In Egypt right now people are doing just that - taking to the streets to stand up for their rights. Amnesty International is calling for us all to lend our support

The number one request made by Egyptian activists of allies in other countries is to have their voice heard in solidarity at various Egyptian embassies and consulates. It’s pretty hard to do when the Egyptian government has shut down the Internet in Egypt and its US embassy public email address isn’t functioning.

This is a chance for us all to make a difference. Get the details here:

http://blog.amnestyusa.org/middle-east/take-action-and-support-the-egyptian-people/

Call today to the Egyptian embassy.  Emails sent to its public address are bouncing back, but telephone is working. The address is 3521 International Ct. NW Washington DC 20008. Phone: 202.895.5400.  Fax: 202.244.4319.

Health - WARNING About Resistant Starch

So what is all this buzz about resistant starch? Resistant starch is starch that acts like fiber! Great - carbs are not bad after all and resistant starch is going to make us all super slim? Not so fast! This is one of those times it is good to read the fine print. Before you go out to the potato bar and fill your plate with steaming potatoes topped with everything, read this. POTATOES MUST BE SERVED COLD for the starch to become resistant. That also goes for pasta. And yes bananas made the list but they must be very firm - the ripe mushy ones do not count either. This is true because not all resistant starch is the same. There are also chemically modified starches not found in nature and are labeled as "modified food starch."

Foods to look for:

Bananas - very firm, raw
Oatmeal
White beans
Lentils
Potatoes - served cold only
Plantains
Garbanzo beans
Pearl barley
Whole-wheat pasta - served cold
Brown rice

For more information try these links:

http://www.resistantstarch.com/ResistantStarch/About+RS/   

http://www.dietbites.com/Weight-Maintenance-Journal/Jun-01-2008.html

http://www.kcby.com/news/health/100449559.html

Thoughts On Thoughts and some words on the passing of Sargent Shriver

A few words on the power of positive. I won't even say positive thinking because my actual thoughts in recent days have not always been so much positive thoughts as they are spoken of in the positive motivational books. They have not been a repetition of positive affirmations. What I have been doing is trying to find these rays of hope. Words of encouragement that go beyond telling people what a great job they are doing (and they are) or how important they are in my life (and they are) to this simple act of searching for good news to pass along. No, I don't write a lot of original content - mostly because I think it has been said well enough already and I want the attention on the story being cited. And I want the source I got it from to have the credit, because that is where it belongs. But this small,  seemingly insignificant thing happened to me and I just want to share it because I think if you look at your own life through this particular lens, you will find that good things do happen - when you fix your mind on good and positive things. They may be small, but its the small things that add up and get us down sometimes and it can be the accumulation of small things that bring us up as well.

For some time, I have been dealing with an aging vehicle that is in the chronic state of repair. For the last year I have had a problem that required me to disconnect the battery at times to get everything to shut off. That problem has gotten worse and worse till now it is constant. I had reached the point of accepting that the repair had to be made, and ordered the parts. At first the part could not be found, then a used one was found and then lastly a way was found to just disconnect the offending part and it won't cost much at all. Now I had actually asked about this option before and been told it could not be done. Is it really a coincidence that when I was thinking about my problems and how hopeless they were that what I got was hopeless answers and then once I accepted the "bad news" and just moved on and kept my mind on what good news I could find and trying to uplift other people - my own problems melted away and the simple (and inexpensive) answers appeared? I'm not sure but it sure didn't hurt!

 Let's face it. Not all news is good and there are times when even being as positive as we know how to be, some things do sadden us. But here is the thing. Accepting that sadness and then moving on and finding the light in the darkness is what life is all about. I was sad, for instance, to hear that Sargent Shriver had died, but then I thought about that for a minute. He was 95 years old and had Alzheimer's. He had lived a full life - one of service, and his works lives on. Even in his death, he was serving his fellow man, by drawing attention to this disease. Knowing as I do that life continues even when this body passes away, perhaps I should be glad that he truly is now in a better place. I give thanks for the life he led and the example he gave us all. He and his wife were both true givers who left a legacy of hope. All of the important things about this man - remain with us. I was touched by the video of Bono's performance at the funeral. Sometimes there is more power to be had in simple things and this performance was that. Simple, sincere and very moving. And that's what it is about isn't it? Living life - sincerely.  You don't need me to give you this link – it has been widely published – but here it is
anyway.

Song from Bono  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bf14XBbcVZg

Tribute by Maria Shriver http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ral11VD-5kA&NR=1&feature=fvwp

Autistic Photographer Gives New Perspective

"I want to see the hidden light."  Forrest Sargent spells out on a finger board . That light of hope shines through the photographs of this 19 year old autistic artist. The exhibit is in Olympia, Washington USA but the world can see some of these stunning images at the following links.

news story:

http://news.yahoo.com/video/health-15749655/23829767#video=23928376

website:

http://sargentstudios.org/

Music - Woman gives the gift of music to the deaf

This is one of those feel good stories about one person making a difference. I promote music and poetry in the virtual world of second life where many hearing impaired people find communication easier because of course, chat is text and so there is no difference in the hearing and the non hearing - up until people like me come along promoting live music and spoken word performances. I do attend events where what is spoken is transcribed into text and some events pass out the text of poems on note cards so that everyone can participate. The other day, at a music event, I was singing along by typing some of the words into text and was surprised by a private message from someone in the audience thanking me for giving them the words. Apparently, nobody knew this person was deaf. I have been haunted by that and trying to think of ways to open the door of music and spoken word to the deaf. I myself am a spoken word poet and understand that my poetry does not go over well just in type alone. I also not to mention - I do a lot of improv poetry, so it is totally lost - unless someone translates for me. This video shows me new possibilities. A big thanks to ABC news person of the week Allyson Townsend. 

http://news.yahoo.com/video/us-15749625/23928119

Targeted Cancer Treatment

Wow, there are so many advances being made in the treatment of cancer I can't even keep up with them all. Much of the progress seems to stem from advances made regarding genes. One new test enables doctors to pin point the mutations in genes that cause cancer. This allows treatment with targeted drugs.

http://www.acr.org/SecondaryMainMenuCategories/NewsPublications/FeaturedCategories/CurrentHealthCareNews/More/Technologycapturestumors%e2%80%99geneticprofile,guidescancertreatmentDoc348.aspx

http://www.nature.com/news/2010/101012/full/467766a.html

Hospital Visitation Rights

The rights of two people who love each other to make a legal commitment in the form of marriage vows may still be hotly debated in many places, but at least now hospitals can not deny visitation rights based on sexual orientation, gender identity. It may be only a step, but it is a very important one. 

On January 18, 2011, new hospital visitation regulations go into effect that require all hospitals participating in Medicaid and Medicare programs to permit patients to designate visitors of their choosing and prohibit discrimination in visitation based on a number of factors, including sexual orientation and gender identity.

http://www.legalout.com/tag/lgbt-estate-planning/

There has been a lot of talk about the healing power of love and the importance of being surrounded by supportive family and friends. Many have attributed congresswoman Giffords speedy recovery to the presence of loved ones. How could we ever have thought of denying that possibility to anyone? Finally, this law opens that door to the LBGT community.

Health Care Bill Delima Solved

Well here it is. Proof of not only the intent of our founding fathers regarding health care, but a law written and enacted by them that is still in existence. This is nothing short of a precedent for the currently much maligned and debated health care law. Is this good news? For me, anything that helps clear up this debate is good news.

http://blogs.forbes.com/rickungar/2011/01/17/congress-passes-socialized-medicine-and-mandates-health-insurance-in-1798/

Tips for a Happy Life

1) Start each day with something positive and uplifting. My personal positive thing is to go look for good news to put on this blog, but it could be anything that you find uplifting.

2) Say something positive and uplifting to somebody else, and mean it. "Good morning, and what a fine day it is too!" Will work, if you don't have any idea what to say. "My you look nice today." or any other compliment to let them know you have noticed will work, as long as you really mean it.

3) Get out of the house and find something enjoyable to do, even if it is only for an hour. No, being stuck in traffic on your way to and from work does not count. Go for a walk. Go to the library. Go see some blooming plants or sit for awhile in a park (or mall). I don't think it matters so much what you do as long as it is enjoyable and of a non work nature.

4) Give thanks. This could be in the form of prayer or meditation to what ever higher being you believe in, or it could just be a moment to think about the things you do have to be thankful for. If you are reading this blog, the very fact that you are able to see and are well enough educated to read and have the means of getting online are all things to be thankful for.

5) Tell everyone you know that there are good and wonderful things happening in this world. Certainly, I would hope you tell them about this blog, but thank goodness - this is not the only source of good news in the world. I believe in the value of spreading good news any way you can from any source you can find. In fact - please add your comments or posts of your own . There is never too much good news!

Healthier Affordable Foods Coming From - WalMart

OK, I admit I am a WalMart shopper and I think this is great news! I know lots of you are just like me - we want to buy whole wheat bread and low sodium products and things with really really zero trans fats and fresh fruits and veggies but .. the wallet does not agree. Thanks to Michele Obama's push for healthier foods and her goal to reduce obesity in children, the nations number one seller of groceries has made a pledge to make their store brand foods healthier without raising costs. They are also encouraging other suppliers, such as Kraft, to do the same thing.


http://finance.yahoo.com/news/WalMart-Takes-a-Healthy-nytimes-2153254849.html?x=0&.v=1

If you know of places to buy healthy affordable food, please .. let the rest of us know.

There is good news everywhere - even at the airport!

A pilot and an airline go the extra mile. This story made me cry - but they are also tears of joy. There is sadness of course for the tragic loss of a child, but tears of joy that there are people in the world who can understand and do something to help. I often look up at the sky and see the silver streaks across it from an airplane, and I have seen the silver lining around the darkest clouds - in this case, that is the same thing.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/time/20110116/us_time/httpnewsfeedtimecom20110113pilotwhocaresthemostheartwarmingairlinestoryof2011xidrssfullnationyahoo

Good News on Politics, Health, the Economy and the Environment

Good Morning & Good News 

Wow! Some days good news is a bit difficult to dig up, not because it isn't happening, it just isn't always well reported. Today however, there is so much good news that instead of picking one to talk about I will give a quick summary.

Politics

Congresswoman Giffords continues to improve and now estimates are that she will be able to leave the hospital in weeks or even days.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/CRIME/01/18/arizona.shooting/index.html?eref=mrss_igoogle_cnn

In a related story, one of the positive outcomes of the Arizona shooting is a new focus on civility amongst our elected officials. Now that is a novel idea - civil civics.  More and more politicians are calling for working together in a calm and rational manner.

Senator Mark Udall, a Democrat from Colorado, has suggested ending the traditional "our side, their side" set up, and have Republicans and Democrats sit together as a symbol of their commitment to work together.

http://www.wtnh.com/dpp/news/politics/democrats--republicans-to-sit-together-at-state-of-the-union

On the health scene

Another topic being addressed after the Arizona shootings is the matter of mental health.  Laws and services for mental health vary from state to state. One good place to look for help is the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

http://www.nami.org/


Progress has been made on the treatment of Alzheimer's disease for those in the early stages. This study is also a huge step in understanding how the disease works and offers hope for more progess in the future.

http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/01/08/alzheimer.drink.scan/index.html

The Economy

It was the search for a piece of economic good news that had scrolled off the headline list that started this blog and today there is so much good economic news it almost needs a blog of its own.


European stocks rally
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/European-stocks-rally-on-apf-2698206300.html?x=0

New tax breaks thanks to the health care bill and the small business jobs act

http://money.cnn.com/2011/01/17/smallbusiness/small_business_new_tax_credits/index.htm?cnn=yes


Anytime a company that was in such danger it had to turn to a government bailout makes a turn around and starts to be profitable - it is good news indeed.  Citigroup posts profit!

 Citigroup has largely recovered from the losses that drove it into the government's arms during the financial crisis and has shed most of the resulting government ownership.

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Citigroup-set-to-post-fourth-rb-160914000.html?x=0

The Environment

 Coral Reefs Thriving Off Puerto Rico

The reef's existence means that struggling, shallow ecosystems in the U.S. Caribbean territory may have a better-than-believed chance at survival, because fish species thriving at a deeper level can help replenish stocks in more shallow reefs, said Appeldoorn and Ernesto Diaz, director of Puerto Rico's Coastal Zone Management Program.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/01/14/tech/main7246333.shtml


That's my good news for the morning - what's yours?

Cancer? Now there is an app for that!

Cancer survivor Marty Tenenbaum believes he only survived melanoma because of personal connections that guided him through the maze of treatment options. In order to make this kind of information available to everyone, he is launching a Web application to bring together patients, physicians and scientists.

"I'm just trying to pull together all the pieces that are needed to do a real, rational attack on cancer," Tenenbaum says. The way to do that, he says, is to pull people out of their individual labs, offices and hospitals to collaborate in a way not possible before the Web and mobile technologies made it easy to pool vast amounts of information."

"How much of cancer could be turned into a manageable disease if we only knew what we knew?"

Please comment on this article, buzz it up, tweet and pass it on to let people know about this effort to save lives through shared information!

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Cancer-survivor-aims-to-raze-apf-3470732376.html?x=0

If you are a cancer survivor or undergoing treatment that is working ... please comment here - let people know THERE IS HOPE!

Economic Recovery

Things are getting better, day by day - and here is proof! If you are still out of work, don't give up - new jobs are being added all the time. I truly believe the economy has turned around now and is headed up, not only in the US but world wide. I not only think that the industry we do have left in this country will continue to grow, I believe the current administration sees it as an important part of a healthy economy and will help it to grow and expand. As companies start to become profitable again new industry will emerge. As new industries are established and old ones expand there will be more jobs and the more people make the more they spend and the more people spend the more jobs there are in other areas, etc. etc. etc. Wow, it's just like an economic snow ball - that's it! An avalanche made of money!

Jeffrey Lacker, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, said in a speech Friday that recent economic activity suggests the economic recovery is through its soft patch. He said he expects stronger growth this year, between 3.5 percent and 4 percent.

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Industrial-production-rises-apf-3507608521.html?x=0


 As always with news links, there are negative comments, but I am asking you all to add a positive comment. Do not let the nay sayers and doom talkers keep people from hearing all the good and positive news out there.

Often, when I tell somebody about these good news articles and get responses like "Really? I didn't see that." or "Wow, why didn't someone tell me that?" or "Gosh, I wish I had known that earlier, that really makes me feel better."  And I agree with all of that. Just hearing that good things are happening does make us all feel better.  Ever since I started this little project of actively going out looking for what good news I could find and passing it on, I have felt better myself. So many people I meet online suffer from depression. No wonder people are depressed when all they see and hear is bad news. If you see good news like this or any other positive news or if you have good news of your own to share, please let people know.

Giffords Improvement Attributed In Part To The Healing Power Of Love

It is great news indeed that congresswoman Giffords is making rapid progress in her recovery. She is constantly surrounded by family and friends and doctors attribute her progress, in part, to the healing power of love. In the fascinating video link below several points are made regarding this effect.


It is believed that social support reduces levels of stress hormones. Reducing stress allows the body to focus on healing. It is a document fact that social isolation in heart patients is as unhealthy as smoking. Many say that simply having supportive relationships in a persons life can help them recover, even if those persons are not physically present.

This report reminded me not only of my many online friends and what I consider to be the healing power of the arts in general, but a specific SL project. Emile Sands and Seth Stratten run a project on Galaxy Isle to reach out to those in the hospital or nursing home who need social interaction but are not able to go out in real. They are brought, with the help of a mentor, to specific areas of SL to benefit from the visual stimulus and social interaction. This project benefits a wide range of individuals .. from critically ill children to Alzheimer's patients. Perhaps it can even be said that the social support they gain through this project helps in the healing process. Certainly it makes their days more enjoyable.

May we all touch the lives of others in a positive, uplifting and perhaps  even healing way.



http://news.yahoo.com/video/health-15749655/23843802#video=23843802

Tender Moment at a Hockey Game

This is just one of those feel good stories that restores faith in humanity. A little girl is singing the national anthem at a hockey game, and doing a beautiful job of it, when her microphone cuts out. I have listened to this a couple of times and there is an audible bang at the moment the mic cuts out so I think in addition to being embarrassed and confused the child singer was perhaps also a bit frightened. Now hockey games are usually more noted for fights breaking out than tender moments and sure enough you can hear some woman laughing. But this is where the story changes from one of a rough and tumble hockey crowd to a tender moment as the crowd rises to the challenge to finish the song. Not only is it a tender and touching thing for the crowd to come to the rescue, this little girl has a wonderful voice and we will certainly be hearing a lot from her in the future.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/Video-Hockey-crowd-sings-after-8-year-old-s-nat?urn=nhl-306789

Good news about animals, including humans

I have always been told - It ain't over till the fat lady sings and maybe not even then. The link below shows photos of nine species previously thought extinct that have reappeared.


http://www.treehugger.com/galleries/2010/12/9-species-that-returned-from-extinction-in-2010.php?page=1


and good news about humans

There were attacks on the Coptic Christians in Egypt on New Years but a few days later these Muslims gathered at the Coptic Church Christmas service and formed a human shield to protect them. What a wonderful sign of hope that people of all faiths can live together peacefully and stand united against fanatics who would resort to violence. It is not how we are different that is important - but how we are similar. For those other fanatics, who think of Muslims only as terrorists, may they see the brave actions of these people and understand that extremists really are in the minority and only win when we allow them to make us distrustful and fearful.


http://thinkprogress.org/2011/01/08/thousands-muslims-human-shields/

Here's My Good News - What's Yours?? (jobs, economy, weather and football)

Wow! Another snowy morning and the Auburn Tigers are the National Champs! Two very rare things! This is the first time since 1957 that Auburn has held the title. I was around for that one too, but a bit young to remember. I was born in 1956 to a pair of Auburn students. I suppose timing just a tad different I would have been born on campus. OK, so it isn't world peace or the end of hunger on the planet, or the discovery of life on another one - but it is nice, and it feels good. So I sit here looking out my window at the snow, sipping coffee, knowing my team is No 1, and this time - I will be able to remember it!! What I want to know is, what made you smile today? What small (or large) thing happened, either to you or something you heard about, that made you smile? 

http://www.timesdaily.com/article/20110111/news/110119970&tc=yahoo

A word about the snow. It is pretty and great to watch grown ups acting like children again. For a little while, life stops, worries or forgotten and everybody just goes out to - play. It is also very rare here. I grew up in a town about 30 miles away and remember 2 large snows like this as a child and had heard of only 1 since then - which turns out to have been in  1988.

http://www.timesdaily.com/article/20110111/news/110119974&tc=yahoo

I also saw this nice little article about ways to make money. These are ideas not companies trying to sign people up. Maybe one of these ideas will work for you or some one you know.

http://finance.yahoo.com/career-work/article/111747/ways-to-make-extra-money-in-2011?mod=oneclick

daily note on the economy

Wow! More names popping up on the ever growing list of companies performing better than expected.

Alcoa, Tiffany and Sears  all caught my eye this morning as posting unexpected good news

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Earnings-season-starts-with-apf-3722984097.html?x=0&sec=topStories&pos=2&asset=&ccode=

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Tiffany-amp-Co-lifts-fullyear-apf-1268019266.html?x=0

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Sears-expects-4Q-fullyear-apf-3217053523.html?x=0

That's my good news - what's yours?

Good News about Jobs and the economy!!!

who hooooo Things are getting better! Ford announces it will add 7,000 new jobs by 2012. Everybody please when you see these positive signs... tell people, bump up the article - lets keep the good news visible so people see that things are indeed improving!

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Ford-plans-to-hire-7000-apf-4046494665.html?x=0

alcoa also headed up showing profits -- this will mean future jobs

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Alcoa-posts-4Q-profit-as-apf-1351275758.html?x=0

Chrysler coming back up

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Chrysler-hopes-to-refinance-apf-1357795217.html?x=0

The light of hope in the darkness of the Arizona shootings

There is good news in every tragedy and we can all help make this particular tragic  event the point on which we turn around and go in a new and better direction, as a nation, as a people, as individuals. Congresswoman Giffords may well survive this event and go on to do great things, that will take time to know, but each of us can act NOW.

To me the most tragic part of this event was the loss of a little girl only 9 years old, Christina Green. It is the nature of my faith not to morn death but to celebrate the life what was lived. This little girl had great ambitions, to help people, to go into politics and to become the first female to play major league baseball.  She was attending this political event in order to learn, but has instead become our teacher.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110110/ap_on_re_us/us_congresswoman_shot_girl

"The girl already had told her parents she wanted to attend Penn State and have a career that involved helping those less fortunate than her."

Let us help at least some of that to still come true. We can help her help people by not letting her be forgotten. By using her young example to also aspire to help those less fortunate than ourselves.  It is well and good to meditate and calm our minds and perhaps that peace does reach beyond ourselves, but it is also good to take quiet but firm positive action.

I invite people to comment or post ideas on how we can be a positive force for change. Please write to your elected officials at all levels of government and let them know that we need them to work together peacefully, without hateful rhetoric, to come to a better understanding of each others ideas and find solutions that unite rather than divide them.

In her greater life.. the one that is no longer limited by a mortal clay vessel, this child might be a greater force for helping people than she ever dreamed, if we let her story inspire us to do those physical things that she no longer can.  I believe that is happening. I can sense a great positive energy. Is that you I feel? Is that your heart being stirred? Your mind reaching out for ways to .. help those less fortune?

Two Cool Cats - relaxing and hopeful news on the economy

now here is a cool cat that is really relaxed

http://comedy.video.yahoo.com/?l=3774740&v=8695371

Ok, so he is the prez and supposed to hype the good news - but he is also a pretty cool cat and  there are some very good points made

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Obama-says-economy-moving-in-apf-1510078430.html?x=0

Meditation for surviving the tragic shooting in Arizona

A terrible tragedy occurred in Arizona when people allowed political rhetoric to move them to violence. One of those killed was a 9 year old child. I can only hope that this senseless  loss of life will convince our politicians to work together in a peaceful and calm manner instead of resorting to rhetoric aimed at stirring up emotions. We can all help by speaking of positive aspects of all things and working to be calming influences in the world.

Meditation

Let the words of our mouth and
the meditations of our hearts be
not only acceptable but soothing.

I tired to calm an angry crowd
by sitting quiet and still
and holding thoughts of pleasant hills
and fields of daffodils.

The masses did not hear me.
The anger still raged on.
And only one was saved today
by my peaceful thoughts.

That one was me
and me alone
but tomorrow I will try -

To calm again the angry crowds
My peaceful thoughts and I .

They still may not be quieted. 
They still may shout and rage.

But I will not be among the crowd
trapped in angers cage.

Please please please – still your anger. Do not respond to this tragic event with hate.

Serene Bechir (aka Juliana Marie) Jan. 8, 2011

Welcome

Welcome to In Sharp Contrast - The Good News Blog

OK, so most news is bad the good thing about that is that bad - is still news. But I do think it is time we heard some good news, passed on those rays of hope, lifted each other up. To that ends I am going to place on this blog those things I find good and hopeful and uplifting and ask you all to do the same. Please comment, please pass on this link, please post any good news you can find as well as any bit of humor, because we all do need a laugh. There will be times when I mention bad news but always in the context of finding something good in it. Please note any posts I find to be hateful or negative will simply be deleted - I hope you understand. There are many places on the world wide web for posting anger - this is not one of them.

New Years Poem

I have nailed my darkness to the walls
with its sharp contrast to the light

I've made the pledge, and made a plan
to be that small, small bit of  bright

In the dark and fitful dreams
of my fellow man
to be the star, though it be faint

to show a light light
in darkest lands

And in that pitch black chasm
may I be the laughter heard
in the midnight dreams of those
who never hear a happy word

May the new year bring a joyful shout -

Where life is - there is hope!

Where the darkness overtakes,
still shines the faintest star.

serene bechir Dec. 31, 2010