Good News Tuesday for Sept. 15, 2020: Firefighters, Canada’s Progress, Dog Rescue, Water from Air, and Music for Plants

Seeking Balance One Tuesday at a Time

California Legislature Passes Bill to Allow Ex-Inmates to Become Firefighters

California lawmakers passed a bill last month that would allow former inmates to pursue careers as firefighters after their incarcerations…….The bill gives nonviolent offenders who have spent time fighting fires the opportunity to have their records expunged so they can become firefighters….inmates are only paid between $2 – $5 a day, and an additional $1 per hour while fighting fires. (Source)

 The bill now heads to the desk of Gov. Gavin Newsom to be signed. 

Here’s more from Spectrum News.

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Canada Reported No New Covid Deaths

In Canada, deaths from COVID started to plateau after July. This article from CBS reports on a day of no new deaths and Canada’s progress in fighting the coronavirus. Good job, Canada!

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Oil Rig Worker Rescues Dog from Ocean

Vitisak Payalaw was first to spot a dog swimming 135 miles off the coast of Thailand. He and his coworkers rescued the exhausted dog who was later transported to a shelter. Vitiskak had to work ten more days on the rig, then went back to adopt the dog they named Boonrod. The Good News Network has the story with a sweet video.

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Water From Air

In Arizona, solar-powered hydropanels are getting water from the air for 15 Navajo households who previously had no basic access to water. According Zero Mass Water CEO who manages the demonstration project with Navajo Power and Public Benefit Corporation, “A standard, two-panel array, produces 4-10 liters of water each day…” Read more from The Good News Network.

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Music for Plants

When Spain lifted it’s state of emergency, they still weren’t ready for large gatherings, so a Barcelona opera house opened with a concert for plants. Over 2000 plants were brought in with each plant having its own seat to listen to a string quartet. After the concert, the plants were given in gratitude to health care workers.

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Good News Tuesday 3/17/20: Benefits of Slowing Down, Compassionate Utility Companies, Nuns Create Urban Wetlands, and Singing in Italy

Seeking Balance One Tuesday at a Time

How the Coronavirus Offers a Chance to Slow Down and Shift Values

“The recent pictures of the air above China showed how two months without production cleared the skies and allowed people to breathe again,” she said, referring to the fact that carbon emissions and pollution from Chinese industry have declined since the virus first hit the country.     Li Edelkoort.

This article explores how the coronavirus provides opportunities for new beginnings.

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Keeping the Water On

Due to the importance of handwashing, many utility companies are keeping the water on regardless of payment.  My own city announced last week that no one’s water will be shut off due to delinquent fees. Even the electric company is suspending shut offs.

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Nuns Create Urban Wetlands in New Orleans

The sisters of St. Joseph are turning their New Orleans convent into urban wetlands.

“When complete, the Mirabeau Water Garden will be one of the country’s largest urban wetlands, managing stormwater and easing the workload of the city’s current drainage system. …The Mirabeau Water Garden will have the capacity to store 10 million gallons of water, diverting a deluge of stormwater from hitting the city’s drainage system all at once.”

Here’s the story and photos from Fast Company. 

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When Life Gives You Lemons, Sing!

Italians are singing from balconies during the nationwide “lockdown”. Listen to their beautiful voices and encouragement from people in China.

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Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!

For my Star Trek friends, it’s Happy St. Patrick Stewart Day on BBC America!

 

Good News Tuesday 2/11/20: Fighting the Coronavirus, Plastic Recycling, Chef of the Poor, and a High School Student Surprises His Teacher

Seeking Balance One Tuesday at a Time

Fighting the Coronavirus

Doctors in Bangkok, Thailand have able to treat severe cases of the coronavirus with success using a combination  HIV and flu medications. A 70 year old woman who tested positive for 10 days showed vast improvement within 48 hours of treatment. Here’s more of the story from Ecowatch.

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Recycling Plastic into Building Material

Goodwood Plastic Products Ltd of Halifax, Nova Scotia is turning 80% of the area’s collected plastic into lumber. The remaining 20% is transported to other parts of Canada for recycling.

“The plastic lumber can be drilled, nailed, glued, and handled the same way as wooden lumber—but without any of the same deterioration.” Good News Network

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Chef of the Poor

Ninety-year-old Dino Impagliazzo cooks for the poor in the city of Rome. He and other volunteers of RomAmoR (RomeLove) collect donated food, cook, and serve the poor and homeless. I hope you enjoy reading about Mr. Impagliazzo and RomAmoR in this story from the NY Post.

 

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Student Surprises Teacher with College Acceptance

Max Pacheco surprised his favorite teacher, Dr. Gloria Green, who teaches AP Spanish. Last month he brought her a  bouquet and the announcement that he got into the Georgia Institute of Technology. This video will make you smile.

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