Earth’s very future leaves no alternative but to pursue nuclear disarmament

This is the first sentence of a Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon plea for nuclear disarmament. He praises the Russian and American initiatives to proceed on this course and believes our future depends on the successful removal of these weapons of mass destruction. It's a short article but a very big idea who I believe who's time has come. Article can be found here.

Ahhh the good ole days, pay the doc with chickens

Yes indeed there was a time when we 'bartered' for our care. Maybe we should do that again! How do people who run for office even think of this as a possibility? Will the suppliers, nurses, secretary's, etc. accept a few as payment from the doctor? Hmmm, maybe this is the solution to the growing burden of health care costs in Canada? I would like to use a couple of colorful metaphors about now but I'll hold off...for now! Maybe I'm just being too hard on this political wanna be click here to be uh hum amazed!

Government accountably .... what an idea????

In this article from Democracy Watch, there is criticism against Steven Harper's conservatives as not being as transparent on how funds and patronage is handled. Our Prime Minister in part pushed honesty as part of the new agenda in government. The results according the article as not as good as expected (surprise, surprise...groan) or promised. And people wonder why there is so much cynicism about politics...I DON'T! 

Economic Revival, it's time to revisit what we do...

Oh joy another way to spend hours and hours learning about economics. Ok not the most interesting thing to do on a Friday night (ok you know I do cause I have NO life) but for those of you who need a hopeful sign it's comforting to know that there are many working on solutions to the global meltdown and how to create an economic system that is more meaningful and fair for all. Check out this website and if so inclined get involved as there is a way you can, just look at the side bar.

Using Lego to shape ideas ... of hope

In this short video Hans Rosling uses lego to chart population growth and trends. What I appreciated most was his message of hope for a better future. Take a look, let me know what you think!

"Yes we can" cut nuclear stockpiles...good news!

I was sent this link from a student (J.K) who said, 'maybe there is hope'. As a peace activist (him and I) this news made my day. Russia and the United States committed to reduce nuclear weapons to 30% less then currently allowed (see article here). This news is hopeful in that we can work towards the elimination of these weapons which the world court pronounced as illegal in 1996 (mentioned in previous post) as they go against the Geneva Conventions. Keeping my fingers crossed that this deal goes through and that other states continue to pressure each other to one day soon, eliminate these weapons.

Michael Moore on health care reform

Is Moore being too tough on the insurance companies? After all don't they have to make a buck? He further believes that the rates will go up and up until a 'real' public option take place. Your thoughts on this? You can find the short video here. In the meanwhile I plan to watch Michael Moore's film Capitalism during spring break...the review will be forthcoming.

War over oil...opps scratch that, soon war over water

As fresh water resources shrink we could find ourselves embroiled in war over the remaining amount of water in the world. Take a look at the short video contained in this link. For more information on water issues in Canada, I invite you to take a look at an organization I belong to, the Council of Canadians, their web site is here.As an aside, take a look at this short flash video on water bottles...should we engage in action????
Late addition, as I started to look around at water issues I came across this article, the first a couple of lines grabbed my eyes..as well as my heart, here they are: "As we drink water straight from the faucet, it's hard to believe that one in six people around the world lack clean drinking water, and every 15 seconds another child dies because of it." Makes one look at water consumption a bit differently, doesn't it?