Rio de Janeiro, 1992 UN conference

Today (Dec. 7th) the most important conference of the 21st century is underway. Given the track record of UN conferences like the video you are about to see from the Rio conference or Kyoto (ratified July, 1997) do we see promise in the current conference? This impassioned speech delivered at Rio de Janeiro by a young girl always makes me think of how we 'adults' of the world are failing to deliver a better world. Let's hope hope the needed action takes shape.  Here is the video. 

Amazing Display of Bicycle talent

Ok, I know this isn't the usual stuff i deal with but if you need a 5 minute eye opener check this out. This young person on a bike is doing things that I thought would be impossible .... until now.

Children and Armed Conflict

You know I rant all the time against war as a means of conflict resolution...as it DOES NOT WORK! Yet, what's more appalling to me is the use of children in the fight for whatever the cause is conjured up to be. The images you'll see of these children are not what children at this age should experience. The trauma they must go through on a daily basis and long after the conflict is over, has to be hard to overcome. Thank goodness there are people out there that care and are trying to do something about this. For it's faults, and the UN has many, it also tries to do its best in helping end the use of child soldiers. This link contains pictures but also a powerful short video, if you get a chance please view, we'll take this up as we will be doing the UN in class in about a week. Click here.

If only Republicans held power...duh they did...

...and what did they do with their power when they controlled the Presidency and the House? According to this short rant by Senator Hatch the following would happen: Hatch predicted that if Republicans had 60 votes and control of all three branches of government, they would “get this country under control” Incredible that there is no sense of responsibility for the mess Obama inherited (crumbling economy, wars etc.) but only if republicans ruled again...excuse me I gotta find my barf bucket...view this 35 sec. rant at own risk. 

Water, water, everywhere???

Sometimes a picture as they say is worth a thousand words, how about a picture? This picture is disturbing, especially when you look at China in 1995 and then again in 2025. Of course climate change is not issue. Take a peek.

Cap and Trade - Solution ot Climate Change?

As I've suggested before we are a few days away from the most important environmental conference (Dec.7 Copenhagen) since Kyoto. My question: Will it be a search for real solutions or as this short thoughtful video suggests or with bogus solutions that are 'distractions' not concrete steps to save this planet from climate change impacts. You be the judge, take a look.
 I don't know about you but I think the answers to the Climate Change crisis lies in sustainability. Or as those who advocate an green economy that:
1 sets out to meet human needs, whilst also protecting the capacity of natural systems to support life.
2 does not use natural resources faster than they can be replenished by the planet;
3 does not deposit wastes faster than they can be absorbed.
Seems pretty simple to me but do we have the will to travel this path? 

Ban approves Obama's Plan ????

I am torn on this one. 30,000 more troops (and 10,000 more from allies) is being approved by the UN General Secretary Ban Ki-moon. On one hand I agree that Afghanistan needs to develop it's own security plan and as such the troop deployment can help with that. On the other hand, I'm doubtful on success of this plan as the people see this is a military occupation and hence will not submit. Tough one to call but I've always believed that more violence benefits no one but defense contractors. One pager on Ban's perspective here.

Charter for Compassion

While on a social studies PD at Jasper Place School, I viewed a very powerful video presented to us by JP's principal, Jean Stiles. The video is an outgrowth of a NGO movement that is promoting a CHARTER FOR COMPASSION.  It is I believe worth viewing and you can sign on if you'd like...I did. Here it is.