GOOD ENOUGH...TO JOIN

Do you want to recommend a book to someone or see what your friends are reading? Goodreads.com is a site where you can join and list all of the books you have read, rating them from one to five stars and can let others know what you are currently reading. Sign up on their website and see what recent reviews friends have written, "top shelf books," friends popular books and join in on book discussions.
www.goodreads.com

GOOD ENOUGH...TO WEAR

Fallen Arrows is here to stay and creating the world we deserve. We're not just here to make money. We're here to gain the power to make positive changes in the world. Oppression and inequality are not accidents. We are dedicated to empowering people, from providing our artists with sustainable income to providing our employees with a platform to realize their own goals and dreams.

It's true: we're opening a couple days late. But considering how much we've managed to pull off, we're still very proud of our team. We've launched the site, built a business, given our artists a platform, and we're making some dope custom clothing with amazing designs you can't find anywhere else. But we're not content with stopping there.

We want to provide our artists with more options, more power and more exposure. So our grand opening here at Fallen Arrows is more like a Reinvestment Fundraiser: every dollar we make off the gear you see on the site will be going right back into more equipment, supplies and tools. We're very grateful for the support and love we've been getting from all over the country, and we promise to keep building bigger and pushing harder in 2008.

check out their gear on their website at www.fallenarrows.com

submitted by Tito Sands

GOOD ENOUGH...TO PLAY

This morning on the Today Show I watched a segment about a very inspiring 13 year old American who has started the biggest basketball shoot-a-thon in the world! What motivated this kid to do this? While watching a video on AIDS in Africa, he realized the kids werent any different from him other than their suffering. He decided to shoot free throws on World AIDS Day, Dec. 1, to raise money which helped orphan 8 children. Since 2004, he has started shoot-a-thons to raise enough money to build a school in Zambia, AFRICA, which was the regions first high school, which will someday hold 1,000 students and house orphaned students. His next goal for this years shoot-a-thon? To build a medical lab in Zambia.
Learn more on his website www.hoopsofhope.org

GOOD ENOUGH...TO GIVE (TO)

The Marine Toys for Tots is a program whose mission is deliver Christmas presents to needy children in the community. During the months of October, November and December, Toys for Tots collects unwrapped gifts for children to help motivate them to grow into responsible leaders. Gifts are collected until December 22 and then brought to a warehouse where coordinators then compile the gifts into age groups and genders.
So, while shopping for the holidays think about how you can make a child's Christmas by giving a gift to Toys for Tots.
To find out where the nearest drop off location near you is, check out their website:
www.toysfortots.org/donate/toys

GOOD ENOUGH...TO EAT AT

If you are in Houston and wanting to branch away from the routine of going out to eat Mexican food, BBQ or Houston's great Italian restaurants and are adventurous to try tofu fries, a vegan B.B.Q. sandwich or a tempeh Caesar salad, Field of Greens is a must! Located on West Alabama, near Whole Foods, this cafe style restaurant has everything to offer, in its most healthy forms. To look at the menu or see exactly where they are located check out their website: www.fieldofgreenshouston.com

GOOD ENOUGH...TO SUPPORT

(PRODUCT) RED is an "economic initiative designed to create awareness and a sustainable flow of money from the private sector into the Global Fund, to fight the AIDS pandemic in Africa" set up by Bono and Bobby Shriver. A portion of profits from (PRODUCT)RED that are sold go directly to the Global Fund. Brands that are involved so far are: American Express, Converse, Gap, Emporio Armani, Motorola, Apple and Hallmark (the latest to join the roster).
Other than raising money, it raises awareness of the issue. So far, people in Swaziland, Rwanda and Ghana have benefited from (PRODUCT)RED.
Designed not for consumers to buy things just because it is behind a good cause, (PRODUCT)RED but because of the idea that someone was going to buy it anyway. (ie. iPods, Gap clothes, cell phones, holiday cards)
So when the holidays are just around the corner and you are purchasing your Hallmark cards for the corporate holiday parties, your significant other wanting that iPod or a new shirt for a relative, keep in mind the (PRODUCT)RED label and where that percentage of your money will go.

GOOD ENOUGH...TO SHOP AT

If you live in Houston and are wanting to break away from the corporate chain stores and need a local bookstore, make Brazos Bookstore your new location. Located on Bissonnet between Kirby and Greenbriar, Brazos Bookstore is a small bookstore that has plenty to offer! Look online to find out about upcoming events and author appearances and if you are stripped for time, order your books online. http://brazos.booksense.com

GOOD ENOUGH...TO WEAR

SIMPLE SHOES has made a line of shoes that are GOOD ENOUGH...TO WEAR, bringing in sustainable sneakers. Made from organic cotton, melted down plastic bottles (to create the laces and pedbeds), used car tires, bamboo, cork and water based glue (to name a few), these ecoSNEAKS are 100% sustainable.
SIMPLE is doing a lot to keep their products and their company planet-friendly. Check out their products and what they are doing to move in the right direction at www.simpleshoes.com

"If hybrid cars get to use the carpool lane, don't you think people wearing sustainable shoes get cuts in the beer line? Its worth a shot." - Simple

GOOD ENOUGH...TO WATCH

"What Happens When Demand for Oil Outstrips Supply?...And There's NO Plan B?"

GOOD ENOUGH...TO WATCH, Filmmaker Martin Kent's new documentary on the Oil Apocalypse will be aired on the HISTORY CHANNEL on Tuesday night, November 13th, 2007 (9pm EST/PST, 8pm Central).
"Oil Apocalypse presents a terrifying set of scenarios. The worst case scenario, says experts in the film, is a world wide depression, which could lead to a world war. Its not too late, but we need to ACT FAST!"

GOOD ENOUGH...TO TRY OUT

"Passed on by the blogger herself, www.imagini.net is a great site that presents a truthful representation of yourself and your personality through a visual DNA. It's worth your few minutes, and fun to see how accurate a website may be. Open your eyes (pun slightly intended) to the known...or maybe unknown."
-submitted by Lydia Simmons

GOOD ENOUGH...TO READ

Add another book to the list that is GOOD ENOUGH...TO READ! Problem from Hell by Samantha Power
Become informed about multiple genocides and America's standstill reactions. Learn possible ways to react and help. Particularly pertinent today, as Darfur, Somalia and other countries are in dire need of help.
-submitted by Lydia Simmons

GOOD ENOUGH...TO GIVE (TO)

GOOD ENOUGH...TO GIVE (TO) and even better to make sure that EVERY pediatric practice in your city has this FREE Program....

REACH OUT AND READ : A National Pediatric Literacy Program.

Doctors prescribing that parents read to their young children, and give each child a book at each of the ten prescribed well child visits from birth to age 5 years.

In Texas, call 713 500-3836 or check out the website www.reachoutandread.org

-submitted by Susan C. King

GOOD ENOUGH...TO VOLUNTEER (AT)

-25 % of Houston families with children live in poverty.

-61% of low-income 8th graders can not perform basic math problems

-Children living in poverty typically score BELOW the 35th percentile on National Achievement Tests

In August 2002, Yellowstone Academy opened in the Third Ward in Houston, Texas as a high quality private Christian school to serve exclusively the very low-income children growing up in difficult family circumstances. The school starts with Pre-K and goes up to the 4th grade. Each year the school hopes to add a grade, going all the way up to 8th grade.

Each classroom door has a sign that announces their graduating class year, which gives the children a vision and a goal. Each classroom has one teacher and one teacher's assistant and many volunteers come through out the week to help students one-on-one.

Yellowstone Academy is a great place to volunteer! You quickly fall in love with the children as they truly appreciate your time for them. Last spring I volunteered in the classrooms twice a week, being in each classroom for an hour with Pre-K, Kindergarten and 1st grade and absolutely fell in love with the children. I also went on their field trip to the Rodeo, which was so enjoyable. There are many different volunteering opportunities: as a classroom volunteer, helping out with field trips, after school programs or in the library. These kids made my day, and I am positive they will make yours too.

If you are interested learning more about Yellowstone Academy go to their website www.yellowstoneacademy.org

GOOD ENOUGH...TO PRACTICE

Lets be honest. Studying vocabulary was never fun in school and many of the words you saw on the SAT, you saw for the first time. But, it is never too late to broaden your vocabulary and there is a way that I think is GOOD ENOUGH...TO PRACTICE.
At www.freerice.com you can see how well you know your vocabulary for free and for every word you get correct, the UN donates 10 grains of rice to help end world hunger. The website is just shy of a month old, and the UN has already donated 680,991,930 grains of rice!

* (Nov. 15, 2007) FREE RICE was aired on the CBS evening news with Katie Couric.

GOOD ENOUGH...TO SUBSCRIBE TO

Tired of the junk magazines you see at the front of the line at the grocery store? Need a quick read while commuting? There is one answer to your problem that I think is GOOD ENOUGH...TO SUBSCRIBE TO! GOOD is a magazine "for people who give a damn". GOOD's intentions are to bring GOOD news to all of us, instead of what we are hearing daily through the media. Articles are interesting, educational and aren't dragged out through a few spreadsheets. Learn about companies and people doing good things and how you can participate as well. Interested in knowing where your money goes after subscribing to GOOD? Subscribe for a year subscription and 100% of your money goes to the organization of your choice out of the 12 organizations they have offered! Check out an issue at your local bookstore. If they don't have it, ask them to start selling it. Subscribe online at http://www.goodmagazine.com/

GOOD ENOUGH...TO WATCH

LUMO is a feature length documentary film about a Congolese woman recovering as a rape victim in a war torn country. In Eastern Congo rape is a weapon of terror. Many young women are attacked and left with nothing. There is one health center in the region to operate and repair this condition. Filmmakers, Brent-Jorgen Perlmutt, Nelson Walker III, Louis Abelman and Lynn True take you on LUMO's journey of recovering.
LUMO will be featured on CNN International's "Inside Africa" THIS WEEKEND, Saturday Nov. 3 at 12.30 Eastern Standard Time and Sunday Nov. 4 at 19.30 Eastern Standard Time.
Check out their website to purchase the DVD, view upcoming festival screenings and see other projects these great filmmakers are working on and have produced. http://www.gomafilmproject.org/

GOOD ENOUGH...TO COOK FROM

For someone who absolutely loves food, reading recipes, and the art of cooking, I believe this is the "bible" of cookbooks. Recipes call for organic food, if accessible, and the title of the book speaks for itself, you ARE eating Food to Live By. Many recipes are ones you have seen before but with a different twist, such as using whole wheat penne and edamame pesto rather than penne with a pesto sauce. Recipes are easy and definitely fun. If you live by the idea of "judging a book by its cover" each page should reel you in through their photographs of each dish and short cuts if you are pressed for time. Check your local bookstore for a copy of what I believe to be a great cookbook to have in the kitchen at all times!

GOOD ENOUGH...TO READ

Just finished a great book and looking for another? Need a little inspiration this fall? Read about the quest Dr. Paul Farmer had to cure the world from disease. Travel beside him as he puts himself on a 24 hour 7 days a week journey that lasts a lifetime to help others. Mountains Beyond Mountains is the book that will have you wondering why you didn't get into medicine to put yourself on Farmer's quest.

GOOD ENOUGH...TO GRILL

BROKEN ARROW RANCH


Craving some free range Texas venison, antelope or wild boar? Located in the heart of Texas Hill Country, this family owned and operated since 1983 offers some of the best, high quality game meats in the country to restaurants all over the U.S. and can be delivered right to your grill. Harvested and processed right at the ranch, this local ranch ships only in the U.S. Check out how to start serving Texas antelope hamburger patties, axis venison loin, and many other great cuts of meat at www.brokenarrowranch.com
They offer great combination packages and have recipes online too!
DELICIOUS!

GOOD ENOUGH...TO LISTEN TO

PANDORA

Pandora (www.pandora.com). Pandora is an online site that acts like a radio station, however you are able to input an artist or song, then Pandora takes that artist/song and compiles your own radio station from it. You are able to do all sorts of different things on the site like check out other peoples 'stations' and bookmark songs and such. It is a really good way to hear new music. Pandora is definitely worth the title of 'good enough'.
-submitted by Padgett Hoke

GOOD ENOUGH...TO GO

Do you live in New York City or frequently visit? Interested in trying a traditional Japanese meal other than sushi? Head to Shabu-Tatsu! (216 East 10Th Street between 1st and 2nd) Shabu-shabu and Sukiyaki are two traditional meals that I highly recommend trying! Especially great for a group of friends. Decide if you want paper thin slices of beef, chicken or shrimp and your food comes to you uncooked, for you to cook with your friends at your table. Shabu-shabu is cooking the meat and vegetables in boiling water and then eating your meal with different sauces they have for you. Sukiyaki (my personal favorite, with the paper thin slices of beef) is cooked on a hot pot with a teriyaki flavored liquid.
Shabu-tatsu is small, so call ahead and make reservations. 212.477.2972

GOOD ENOUGH...TO EAT

FARRO

Farro, now popping up in natural food stores, high-end restaurants and in your pantry is a grain high in protein and low in gluten, imported from northern Italy. Rich in fiber, magnesium and vitamins A,B,C, and E, FARRO been found in many "healthy recipes." You can find FARRO in the pasta section at Whole Foods. Its delicious, try it!

GOOD ENOUGH...TO HELP

KITUMUSOTE...
TO ENSURE THE SUSTAINABILITY OF THE MAASAI PEOPLE'S WAY OF LIFE During my time in Tanzania I had the opportunity to get to know an amazing young man named Kesuma Ole Kasi Kasi, who happens to be a Maasai warrior. Kesuma started an organization called Kitumusote with the help from a couple in Los Angeles and a great friend I met while volunteering, Golnaz Mindell. Kitumusote is a registered NGO (non-governmental organization) that benefits the Maasai people of Tanzania, to provide education combined with research, initiatives and activities to relieve ignorance and poverty of the Maasai to implement locally sustainable community based projects.
The Maasai are an indigenous semi-nomadic tribe in Kenya and Northern Tanzania. Known for their beautiful robes and beaded jewelry.
One way to help support Kitumusote is to go on a Maasai cultural safari, which we were fortunate enough to do. This entailed of going to the village where Kesuma grew up and spend two full days with the Maasai tribe, immersing ourselves in their daily life and customs. We went on a traditional medicinal hike, experienced the sacrificing of a goat, listened to oral histories told by an elder, watched and participated in warrior dances, visited families in their bomas (dung huts) and learned the art of bead work, which the Maasai are known for. An over night trip, where you have the opportunity to sleep in a boma, which was extremely interesting, gives you the perfect impression of Maasai life.
There are many ways to get involved with Kitumusote, even if you are half a world away from Tanzania. On their website there is a list of ways you can help, (donate a certain amount of money and you could help plant trees, build a permanent water supply, or sponsor a women's literacy class. Learn more about Kitumusote and read about volunteering your time with the Maasai community!

http://kitumusote.org/

GOOD ENOUGH...TO COOK

In New York this past week, when the two days of rain cleared, it finally became the chilly, brisk weather we’ve been anticipating all fall. This called for the added enjoyment of fall comfort food. Experimenting, a neighbor and I raided what was left in my fridge from last week’s grocery run. What we found (suitable) was: Three tomatoes, bacon, cream cheese, squash, Parmesan cheese, and basil. In the cupboard was the last of a loaf of sourdough bread and some garlic. We had both been craving a greasy slice of New York pizza all day long, which would have been made all the better by the Pinot Noir we were indulging in (A to Z Pinot Noir, delish!). Instead, we decided to use our energy and save a few bucks (and calories) by creating something out of what we had. What we created, we’ll call fettunta pancetta.

Halve squash lengthwise, and remove seeds and fiber. Place in oven and heat to 350 degrees for 30 minutes before preparing the rest of the ingredients. Drizzle olive oil on a few thin slices of bakery fresh sourdough bread and throw in the oven along with the squash. Chop tomatoes, garlic, and basil, and allow to heat in a pan for ten minutes with the heat medium to low. When squash is tender, remove from oven, dice and combine with tomatoes, garlic and basil (as well as some oregano or other herbs you enjoy) in a small Cuisinart (or blender, whatever is handy works!). Scoop a couple spoonfuls of cream cheese in as well. Blend on low for a few seconds so combination becomes smooth enough to be spread. Before pulling the sourdough from the oven, place a few slices of bacon in the microwave and heat til crisp. Pull the sourdough (now toasted) from the oven, spread tomato/squash paste onto bread, sprinkle chopped bacon on top, and grate a generous amount of Parmesan on top mimicking a pizza slice. Allow to cool before biting in and melting your taste buds on your comfy creation! It makes that chilly fall wind much more tolerable if not enjoyable!

submitted by Erin Kinsella

GOOD ENOUGH...TO BUY

"Make a difference. Help light the world."

Recently, Mark Brent (CEO and President) designed a solar powered flashlight. When he was working in Eritrea, he discovered that there are 2 billion people around the world without affordable access to light. So he invented this cool flashlight. For every flashlight someone purchases on the Internet, he will donate one to a nonprofit. (Tanzanian Childrens Fund is one of the charitable donations you can choose from their list). http://www.bogolight.com/ BoGo means— Buy One, Give One. I have several of these flashlights and they really work!! I am going to give them out to lot’s of people on my Christmas list!!!

BoGo is a Houston, Texas based firm.

-submitted by Nano Chatfield

GOOD ENOUGH....TO CONTRIBUTE

I would absolutely love if people have things GOOD ENOUGH to contribute! The best way I think to share all this good information is if you leave a comment on THIS POST. Type up what you want to share as GOOD ENOUGH...(create your own) and I will copy and paste it as a regular posting and will take it off the comment site.
You can also navigate it by the right hand side of the site and clicking on GOOD ENOUGH...TO CONTRIBUTE and it will take you right to that post.
Share the good words!!

Thanks!
EMMA

GOOD ENOUGH...TO WEAR

Need a new pair of comfortable shoes? How about buying a pair that once you buy one you are automatically donating another pair to someone in need in a developing country?

TOMS shoes is doing just that! Modeled after an Argentinian shoe, founder Blake Mycoskie decided to start a shoe company to help others. When they reach their goal of donated shoes, they go on a shoe drop, delivering around 50,000 shoes in a certain country. Check it out on Youtube here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=kJ8c5QWsCRQ The shoes come in all different colors and fabric styles. Learn more about TOMS shoes at their website: http://www.tomsshoes.com/

GOOD ENOUGH...TO GIVE (TO)

I spent last fall volunteering and traveling throughout Tanzania, in East Africa. I was informed of a "Children's Village" that was in a remote village just south of the Ngorongoro Crater from a neighbor of mine who happens to be the Chairman of the Board. The Children's Village is in fact an orphanage started by an American, India Howell.
We arrived at the Rift Valley Children's Village not knowing what to expect, and when we arrived, we both saw life, love, happiness, care, and community. The Children's Village was a dream turned reality, to aid the orphaned children of Tanzania.
When a child comes to the Children's Village they move into one of the six new houses. Each house houses twelve children, who then become your new family, with two live in housemothers. This is your new family for the rest of your life. The children are all best friends and it feels like one giant sleepover. The houses also have a room for two volunteers.
Not everyone has the time to travel over to Tanzania to volunteer at the Children's Village, to see the smiles on the children's faces and experience making breakfast for twelve adorable little kids, but there are many other options for you to be a part of this family.
Check out their website, look at the photos of the children, read how you can help and hopefully plan your next vacation time to go over and see for yourself how inspiring this village is.
Especially great for gifts, you can sponsor a child or make a donation in someones name!
Since my time at the Children's Village, which was one year ago, I have constantly thought about these children. I am always thinking of ways to get back there and while it isn't always possible, I make sure I give to them as much as I can. Clean out your closet and donate clothes, spread the word, anything you do makes a difference in their lives! Asante sana (thank you very much)
http://www.tanzanianchildrensfund.org/

GOOD ENOUGH...TO EAT

Love fish? Love sushi? Love it cooked or RAW? Definitely try and get your hands on Kona Kampachi, a sushi grade Hawaiian yellow tale, raised sustainably off the coast of Hawaii. Known as one of the healthiest fish on the market, Kona Kampachi is extremely rich in Omega 3 fish oils (what salmon is known for) and has no detectable levels of mercury or PCBs because it is nurtured from hatch to harvest in some of the cleanest water on Earth.
Check out their website to find where you can purchase Kona Kampachi either in the grocery store or a restaurant in your city! www.kona-blue.com

GOOD ENOUGH...TO READ

This past summer I found the book "Three Cups of Tea" at the local bookstore in Maine, The Owl and Turtle. Curious about the title, I bought it and found myself glued to the book minutes following my purchase. Greg Mortenson quickly becomes your inspiration and a great reminder that one person does make a difference and can change the world. After failing his attempt of climbing K2 in 1993, Mortenson places himself in northern Pakistan and Afghanistan to this day, building schools in Taliban territory, while making trips back home to Montana to be with his family.


Putting the book down and finishing it is quite difficult. You feel like you are right next to Mortenson throughout his journey and once you finish the book you are questioning what to do next. Spread the word, donate money and help make a difference in your town!

Purchase the book from the website http://www.threecupsoftea.com/ which will then transfer you to Amazon and 7% of the proceeds will go to the Central Asia Institute (CAI), the non-profit Greg Mortenson is co-founder of! CAI promotes and provides community based education, especially for girls, in the northern regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan.