In 2017, Anitoluwa Adewumi—aka,“Tani” – and his family were refugees from Nigeria. They came to the US and lived in a shelter in Manhattan. Tani learned to play chess in school. At ten years old, he has won the state championship becoming an official Chess National Master, Read more about Tani in this article from the Good News Network.
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Australia Commits $100 Million to Ocean Conservation
In April, Australia announced it will commit $100 million to protect oceans. The Good News Network reports: “Much of the funding will go towards ecosystems that involve seagrass and mangroves, which play a key role in drawing carbon out of the atmosphere.” This report from GNN specifies the benefits and distribution plans.
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Alabama Governor Signs Bill to Remove for Anti-LGBTQ Language from Curriculum
A new Alabama state law which goes into effect July 1, “removes the requirement that educators teach that homosexuality isn’t an acceptable lifestyle and that being a homosexual is a criminal offense in the state. The law also will require schools to notify parents about their intent to provide instruction about sexual education or human reproduction.” Here are details more from The Hill.
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Former Circus Elephants Get a New Home with Natural Habitat
Ten Asian elephants who were freed from the circus are settling in at their spacious, natural home in Florida. This is progress toward a more compassionate culture:
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After Years in Foster Care, 19 Year Old Monyay is Adopted
Monyay didn’t like her foster care caseworker at first. But over the years, they developed a special bond. The caseworker, Leah Paskalides, “gave her all the support her job would allow. When Monyay “aged out” of the foster care system, Leah found a way to adopt her proving, it’s never too late. This one brought tears to my eyes:
The United Kingdom starts it’s first wave of COVID 19 vaccines today with people over 80 and front-line health care workers. Here’s more from Good Morning America.
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Major US Businesses Support Rejoining Paris Agreement
Amazon, General Motors, and Walmart were among the 42 companies that signed a letter stating they “view climate action as a business imperative,” and urging President-elect Joe Biden and lawmakers to re-enter the US into the Paris Climate Agreement. Here’s more from Good Morning America
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Indigenous Leader Recognized for Work to Save Rainforests
Nemonte Nenquimo won the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize, also known as “The Green Nobel,” for her work in saving 500,000 acres in Ecuador’s rainforests from oil companies. Her leadership set a legal precedent for indigenous rights. Read more from the Good News Network.
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Restaurant Close to Zero Waste (Seven Months Trash Free)
I’m proud of my hometown restaurant, Sealevel City Vegan Diner for their commitment to reducing waste and recycling. They reopened with new owners right before the pandemic hit, but have stayed open doing lots of curbside take out. This article in Port City Daily reports Sealevel hadn’t emptied a trash bin in seven months.
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Lonely Elephant Rescued
Kaavan, a 36 year old Asian elephant spent years in a Islamabad “zoo,” where he “suffered from a lack of exercise as well as cracked and malformed nails due to living in an inappropriate structure.” After Kaavan’s partner died in 2012, he became known as the “world’s loneliest elephant.” Singer, Cher has been part of a social media campaign to save him. Kaavan has been transported to the Cambodia Elephant Sanctuary where he is slowly being introduced to new friends. You can read more about Kaavan in this article from CNN
Woman Sets Record as Oldest Person to Sail Around the World Solo
Jeanne Socrates, 77, of Great Britain, attempted the trip in 2017 but had to stop because she broke her neck and ribs as reported in this article from Good Morning America
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Most Ethical Pub
The Green Vic of London is setting out to become the world’s most ethical pub. They hire people who are vulnerable: the homeless, people coming out of prison, and veterans. Their menu is 100% plant based, and they donate abundantly. The video here is a little noisy, so you might want to check out the one on the Green Vic Website:
Denmark bought its country’s last four circus elephants to give them a proper retirement. The country is preparing to ban the use of normally wild animals in circuses. Here’s the story.
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High School Students Rise to Compassion and Generosity
A high school freshman in Memphis, TN was bullied for wearing the same clothes every day. Then these two classmates gave him some clothes including new shoes. The students’ share their thoughts and feelings in this video.
Our prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday was “soul/sole.” Linda said to use one, use both, use ’em any way you like and to Enjoy!
I’m reminded of that kid in high school English class who said, “Animals don’t have souls.” I have no idea how it came up. Maybe animal souls were in a poem. But it still makes me angry. How the hell does he know?
I thought about this soul issue back then in high school. Being all into science at the time, I developed a theory that the power of the soul corresponds to the conscious awareness of the individual. Or maybe that was in college when I took the psychology of consciousness. Anyway, how do we measure conscious awareness? We can only judge by human standards, unless we can somehow step outside those standards – open up to the possibility that beings who’ve lived in a very different environment, like dolphins and whales, would likely have a very different way of perceiving, or being aware of their own consciousness.
Elephants grieve for their dead. They stand watch for days or longer. I believe elephants have big old souls. There’s this video of an elephant saluting or waving (human/cultural perspectives) after one of the herd’s young was saved by some humans. I’m going to look for the video. Be right back! The video title is:
“Wild Elephant salutes the men who rescued their baby elephant from a ditch”
There are actually at least two salutes at the end of the video. It’s unmistakable. An expression of gratitude. The humans pushed dirt into the ditch for the baby to stand on and climb out. They’re trying to be careful. Notice the communication between species at the end. At the very least watch the last 2 minutes.
Quite a reunion! Makes me want to hoot and cheer and maybe get a little teary eyed. But then, I get teary eyed easily sometimes.
So does this mean elephants have souls? What difference does it make? But I believe that if humans have souls, elephants do, too. And dolphins, cats, and dogs. Anyone who doesn’t think dogs have souls can stay away from me to put it nicely. I bet if we spent a lot of time with elephants, we’d all believe in their souls. I mostly know about dogs. When you look in a dog’s eyes and see them smile, and they sleep on your bed with you, you know they have souls. Crazy souls some of them. But maybe bigger souls than some people. And that’s all I’m going to say about that. Except that it’s a good thing my soulmate loves dogs. If he didn’t, he wouldn’t be my soulmate. And it’s a good thing for him I love dogs because this crazy soul hound is my step-daughter.
And then there’s trees…. But that’s another post.
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To learn more about Stream of Consciousness Saturday or join in the fun, visit Linda Hill at:
1. Your post must be stream of consciousness writing, meaning no editing (typos can be fixed), and minimal planning on what you’re going to write.
2. Your post can be as long or as short as you want it to be. One sentence – one thousand words. Fact, fiction, poetry – it doesn’t matter. Just let the words carry you along until you’re ready to stop.
3. I will post the prompt here on my blog every Friday, along with a reminder for you to join in. The prompt will be one random thing, but it will not be a subject. For instance, I will not say “Write about dogs”; the prompt will be more like, “Make your first sentence a question,” “Begin with the word ‘The,’” or will simply be a single word to get you started.
4. Ping back! It’s important, so that I and other people can come and read your post! For example, in your post you can write “This post is part of SoCS:” and then copy and paste the URL found in your address bar at the top of this post into yours. Your link will show up in my comments for everyone to see. The most recent pingbacks will be found at the top. NOTE: Pingbacks only work from WordPress sites. If you’re self-hosted or are participating from another host, such as Blogger, please leave a link to your post in the comments below.
5. Read at least one other person’s blog who has linked back their post. Even better, read all of them! If you’re the first person to link back, you can check back later or go to the previous week by following my category, “Stream of Consciousness Saturday,” which you’ll find below the “Like” button on my post.
6. Copy and paste the rules (if you’d like to) in your post. The more people who join in, the more new bloggers you’ll meet and the bigger your community will get!
7. As a suggestion, tag your post “SoCS” and/or “#SoCS” for more exposure and more views.
Teen Works for 2 Years to Buy Friend an Electric Wheelchair
High School Student Tanner Wilson saved money from his part time job for two years to buy his friend Brandon an electric wheel chair. He’d heard that Brandon’s old self-propelled wheel chair tired him out, and Tanner wanted to help the friend who’s been there for him. A teacher helped decorate Brandon’s wheel chair and they recently surprised him with the gift. Here’s the inspiring video.
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Veteran Fixes Cars for Free
Former Paratrooper and helicopter pilot Adam Ely provides free labor to fix people’s cars. He helps them find good deals on parts and consults with a professional mechanic when needed. Adam is a disabled veteran who spent three years in Iraq and Afganistan. Now, he’s studying special education. Adam and his wife Toni started Hard Luck Automotive Services in 2017.
“I’ve never turned anyone away. It doesn’t matter about economic status, race, or creed. I don’t even care if people take advantage, I will help them, regardless,” he said. (bbc.com)
Trader Joe’s Joins Other Companies to Reduce Plastic Waste
More businesses are working to reduce single-use plastics. EcoWatch reports that Trader Joe’s has already “stopped offering single-use plastic carryout bags nationwide and is replacing plastic produce bags and Styrofoam meat trays with biodegradable and compostable options.” The move happened after a Greenpeace petition obtained almost 100,000 signatures. Thanks for listening, Trader Joe’s! This article from EcoWatch contains a link to other companies working to reduce plastic waste like ASDA in the UK, McDonalds, Costa Coffee, and Evian.
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India’s Hospital for Abused Elephants
India has it’s first hospital for abused elephants. The Good News Network reports that “Just months after India was given its first ever hospital for rescued elephants, the facility has already treated 26 recovering pachyderms.” The medical center was started in November by the non-profit group Wildlife SOS which has also rescued bears, leopards, turtles, and other endangered species.
After the elephants are treated they are taken to one of two sanctuaries in India.
“If you do something wrong to my animals, I will catch you.” ___Vimbai Kumire
A female anti-poaching unit protects elephants in Zimbabwe. Many of these women are single mothers or survivors of abuse. My heart cheers with hope for them, for their courage and dedication. In this video, you can see how important their work is to them.
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Fighting the monster of addiction also takes courage. It’s harder than most people realize. Crystal Champ gave her baby to a hero, but Crystal is a hero, too. In this video, she’s been sober six months.
I’m happy to re-blog these Awesome Stories from Brad. Listening to Lek Chailert gives me hope. Seeing the love she shares with elephants always brings me a big heart smile. She is a hero of compassion. The other stories are important, too. We need to focus on solutions to help planet Earth and a healthier flow for change.
This week Awesome Stories brings you climate solutions, compassionate care, and healthy change.
Climate Solutions
People need solutions. They don’t need more data, they need narrative. ..The only way we’re going to get out of this is to have a practical vision that we can all work towards. ~ Paul Hawken
I agree with Paul Hawken’s view that we need more focus on solutions, vision, and story, and less on the science and data. Too much information just locks in our paralysis and analysis. The world needs our actions, now! In reality, as Paul’s book Drawdown points out, we already have the technology to deal with climate change, but we need a shift in how we talk, write, and think about climate change. Currently, we’re locked into a mode of “fighting” climate change. As Paul points out, you can’t fight the climate. It is simply feedback from the planet giving us an…
Today, I’m honoring a woman with a big, beautiful heart. Lek Chailbert started an elephant rescue program in Thailand with donations and volunteers. Elephants are some of the most intelligent, social beings on the planet, but they are abused and exploited in many parts of the world. Lek Chailbert is working to save them, and other animals, with dedication, patience, and love.
Today’s prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is: “ta.” As Linda G. Hill, the promptress informed us, “The word, ‘ta,’ is British slang for thank you.” We are to use it this way, or find any other word that starts with those two letters.
Well, I would like to say, ta, as in thank you, to the makers of the film, The Jungle Book. I’ve never read the entire classic by Rudyard Kipling, but I sure did read the children’s book versions to my kids over and over again when they were little. And of course I saw the Disney cartoon version when I was a child, or maybe I was a teenager. Never mind. I can see from this new movie, why the story is a classic.
I was taken aback, many times while watching the movie yesterday. Hey did you notice I used a word that started with Ta and a phrase with the initials T and A? Well, I was just taken with this movie. There were the exciting jump-out-of-my-seat scenes when the tiger, Shere Khan, came out of nowhere. And there were scenes that made me tear up, like the one with Mowgli’s wolf mother telling him that he would always be her son.
And I was awed by the scenes with the elephants who had a very special role in the movie.
Is it possible for film makers to create a movie that makes you believe that computer generated talking animals are real?
Yes. There were moments. And not only did they feel real, they had/possessed/delivered characters of resonance, honor, and lightheartedness. Bill Murray as the voice of Baloo, the bear, was endearingly clever. I just can’t say enough about how much I liked this movie. Can you tell?
It was perfect for Earth Day, or for Earth Month!
Here’s a trailer I believe you will enjoy.
If you’d like to be taken (in a good way) with the Saturday Stream of Consciousness, visit Linda’s blog here:
1. Your post must be stream of consciousness writing, meaning no editing, (typos can be fixed) and minimal planning on what you’re going to write.
2. Your post can be as long or as short as you want it to be. One sentence – one thousand words. Fact, fiction, poetry – it doesn’t matter. Just let the words carry you along until you’re ready to stop.
3. There will be a prompt every week. I will post the prompt here on my blog on Friday, along with a reminder for you to join in. The prompt will be one random thing, but it will not be a subject. For instance, I will not say “Write about dogs”; the prompt will be more like, “Make your first sentence a question,” “Begin with the word ‘The’,” or simply a single word to get your started.
4. Ping back! It’s important, so that I and other people can come and read your post! For example, in your post you can write “This post is part of SoCS:” and then copy and paste the URL found in your address bar at the top of this post into yours. Your link will show up in my comments for everyone to see. The most recent pingbacks will be found at the top.
5. Read at least one other person’s blog who has linked back their post. Even better, read everyone’s! If you’re the first person to link back, you can check back later, or go to the previous week, by following my category, “Stream of Consciousness Saturday,” which you’ll find right below the “Like” button on my post.
6. Copy and paste the rules (if you’d like to) in your post. The more people who join in, the more new bloggers you’ll meet and the bigger your community will get!
7. As a suggestion, tag your post “SoCS” and/or “#SoCS” for more exposure and more views.
I’d always loved the circus – everything about it. The popcorn and cotton candy, the distorted and loud fanfare music, the smell of sawdust in the enormous tent, and the animals. I especially loved the animals, garishly dressed in sequined headpieces that matched the tacky attire of their human counterparts. The animals – especially the elephants – always made my heart race.
But last year, the elephants only made my heart break.
I’m not entirely sure how it happened, but I knew in my heart of hearts that it would be the very last circus I’d attend. I knew it for certain, because I couldn’t bear the pain on the animals’ faces. The elephants, in particular, with their intelligent eyes that don’t just reflect pain, but also the countenances of broken spirits. Listless, resigned, going through all…
Anything is Possible! 