GOOD ENOUGH

GOOD ENOUGH...TO TURN OFF THE LIGHTS

2010-03-26T14:21:00.000-05:00

From https://www.myearthhour.org/print/77

On Earth Hour hundreds of millions of people, organizations, corporations and governments around the world will come together to make a bold statement about their concern for climate change by doing something quite simple—turning off their lights for one hour. In the U.S. where we are already feeling the impacts of climate change, Earth Hour sends a clear message that Americans care about this issue and want to turn the lights out on dirty air, dangerous dependency on foreign oil and costly climate change impacts, and make the switch to cleaner air, a strong economic future and a more secure nation.

Participation is easy. By flipping off your lights on March 27th at 8:30 p.m. local time you will be making the switch to a cleaner, more secure nation and prosperous America. View the toolkits, to find out what else you can do to get involved including leading the Earth Hour movement in your community.

Set Your Clock

On Saturday, March 27, 2010 at 8:30 p.m. local time, Earth Hour will once again cascade around the globe, from New Zealand to Hawaii

Sparking a Movement

Since its inception three years ago, Earth Hour’s non-partisan approach has captured the world’s imagination and became a global phenomenon. Nearly one billion people turned out for Earth Hour 2009 – involving 4,100 cities in 87 countries on seven continents.

Last year, 80 million Americans and 318 U.S. cities officially voted for action with their light switch, joining iconic landmarks from around the world that went dark for Earth Hour, including:

Empire State Building
Brooklyn Bridge
Broadway Theater Marquees
Las Vegas Strip
United Nations Headquarters
Golden Gate Bridge
Seattle’s Space Needle
Church of Latter-Day Saints Temple
Gateway Arch in St. Louis
Great Pyramids of Giza
Acropolis and Parthenon in Athens
Christ the Redeemer Statue in Rio de Janeiro
St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City
Big Ben and Houses of Parliament in London
Elysee Palace and Eiffel Tower in Paris
Beijing’s Birds Nest and Water Cube
Symphony of Lights in Hong Kong
Sydney’s Opera House

GOOD ENOUGH...TO DESIGN

2009-09-10T14:34:00.001-05:00

I found out about Project H Design through a New York Times article, and was automatically impressed. This company is "a charitable organization that supports, creates, and delivers life-improving humanitarian product design solutions." In some of their projects, they have utilized common resources to become valuable and useful sources of entertainment and education. For example, they have used tires to set up playground grids that are used for both basic math skills and a fun, outdoor learning environment. Tires can be found just about anywhere-and are extremely abundant in developing countries that export rubber products. Search their website for other projects that they've completed or plan to implement, and see if you can help out!

http://projecthdesign.org/index.html
-submitted by Lydia Simmons

GOOD ENOUGH...TO PLAY FOR CHANGE

2009-08-13T12:20:00.007-05:00

"Inspire each other. Come together as a human race. Music is the best way to do this. We can do a lot more to this world if we come together than we ever can apart." - Mark Johnson, Producer of Playing For Change

Music does it for me. Every time. Whether I'm driving on a winding road, windows rolled down blasting my favorite tunes or have earphones on and sitting on the subway, listening to music can and always does make my day. Playing For Change kicks it up a notch for me, combining musicians from all over the world into one song with such strong lyrics...I highly recommend taking some time to listen to what Mark Johnson has produced. A sample:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Us-TVg40ExM&feature=channel

To learn more about Playing For Change visit their website at: http://www.playingforchange.com/
To learn about their foundation, go to http://www.playingforchange.org/

GOOD ENOUGH...TO LISTEN TO

2009-07-15T15:50:00.002-05:00

Looking for new sites to listen to music for free? I absolutely love pandora, but its nice at times to be able to create your own playlist to listen to at work, home, in the kitchen, you name it. Grooveshark does just this. Search a song, artist, album, genre, etc. and simply add it to your playlist, email the song to a friend, share the link and its yours to listen to whenever you are on the grooveshark website.
Grooveshark is free although requires you to sign up, which takes less than one minute but after that the music is yours to listen to!
www.grooveshark.com

GOOD ENOUGH...TO MAKE LOANS. TELL STORIES. CHANGE THE WORLD!

2009-05-29T11:20:00.003-05:00

Epic Change believes that people's stories are assets that can be used as resources to improve their lives. We help people in need share their "epic" true stories in innovative, creative and profitable ways to help them acquire the financial resources they need to create positive "change" in their communities.

EPIC CHANGE is in 1st place to win $10,000 from IdeaBlob to fund a technology classroom in Tanzania, Africa. Vote TODAY (until May 31) and help Epic Change make a difference in Tanzania.

Click here to quickly sign in (its FAST and EASY) and vote for Epic Change!

To learn more about Epic Change visit their website: Epic Change

spread the word. spread the love.

GOOD ENOUGH...TO VOLUNTEER ONLINE

2009-05-26T15:42:00.001-05:00

Nabuur.com is an online volunteering platform that links Neighbours (online volunteers) with Villages (local communities) in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Connected through Nabuur.com, Neighbours and local communities learn about each other, share ideas and find solutions to local issues.

Everybody has something to offer, and everything is done online.

Do you have a little spare time and the desire to make a difference?

Go to http://www.nabuur.com/

GOOD ENOUGH...TO WRAP

2009-04-30T07:57:00.003-05:00

A Peace Treaty

Started by a Pakistani Muslim and a Libyan Jew, A Peace Treaty's goal is to create employment for skilled artisans working in places of socio-political strife, supporting their craft work while leading their scarf products to be pieces in high fashion internationally. A Peace Treaty donates to Counterparts International and this season the funds will be directed toward reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan.
"A Peace Treaty is an evolving collection aimed at creating ethically-produced artisan level accessories and apparel for the luxury fashion marketplace."
To see their collection, visit their website: http://www.apeacetreaty.com/

GOOD ENOUGH...TO TURN OUT THE LIGHTS, HOUSTON

2009-04-22T09:44:00.005-05:00

Houston, Texas-- The "Energy Capital of the World" has committed to tagging the name "The Energy Conservation Capital" by turning off the lights on April 24, 2009. In its second year, Houston hopes to move from 104.8 Million SqFt in 2008! — 73,308,610 SqFt and counting for 2009! Starting at 10pm on April 24th, all Class A, B and C office buildings in downtown and all government-owned buildings will be turning off their lights to raise awareness and establish a sustained reduction in the use of non-essential electricity in commercial buildings.
To have your company sign the pledge or learn more about Lights Out Houston, send an email to: lightsout@houston.org
For more information on Lights Out Houston visit their website at http://www.houston.org/lights-out-houston/index.asp
It not only has to be your company building, let it be your home, your restaurant, your shop, etc. TOGETHER we will turn off our lights!

GOOD ENOUGH...TO SUPPORT THE CAUSE

2009-04-19T20:50:00.003-05:00

April 25th, 2009 is World Malaria Day. How can you participate and help end malaria deaths?
MALARIA NO MORE, a nonprofit organization, announces World Malaria Day:

This year's timely World Malaria Day theme, "Counting Malaria Out", keeps the pressure on to reach our goal and save lives from this preventable and treatable disease.

Every second counts. The world needs to intensify its efforts in the months to come, building on the momentum of the accomplishments of recent years: significant reductions in deaths, growing political will in Africa and abroad, and unprecedented public awareness. We're in a race to end malaria deaths... and we need your help to get there.

Malaria kills a child in Africa every 30 seconds and costs the continent $12 billion every year in lost productivity. It doesn't have to be this way. We have the tools and the programs in place to end malaria deaths—help us support Africa in its efforts to break the cycle of sickness and poverty.

This World Malaria Day, Malaria No More is urging US leadership for continued support in the winning battle against malaria. Malaria offers an incredible opportunity for return-on-investment—exactly what the world is looking for in this economic climate. Help President Obama keep his campaign promise of joining with the global malaria community to end malaria deaths by 2015.

For more information, visit www.malarianomore.org

GOOD ENOUGH...TO GO BAREFOOT

2009-04-02T17:56:00.002-05:00

On April 16th, try doing something you probably would not do otherwise (or maybe you would!): GO BAREFOOT.
TOMS shoes has chosen April 16th to raise awareness about the impact of what shoes can do to a child.

Fact #1: In some developing nations, children must walk for miles to food, clean water and to seek medical help.
Fact #2: Cuts and sores on feet can lead to serious infection.
Fact #3: Often, children cannot attend school barefoot.
Fact #4: In Ethiopia, approximately one million people are suffering from Podoconiosis, a debilitating and disfiguring disease caused by walking barefoot in volcanic soil.
Fact #5: Podoconiosis is 100% preventable by wearing shoes.

To learn more about One Day Without Shoes: April 16th go to http://media.tomsshoes.com/oneday

GOOD ENOUGH...TO WATCH

2009-04-02T15:35:00.004-05:00

CNBC's The Entrepreneurs highlights business moguls who are daring to push boundaries with their new ideas. We think TOMS One for One business model is making a huge impact on how people think about consumer buying AND giving. Host Donny Deutsch will be interviewing Blake about how he came up with his simple idea and where it’s taken the company.
Watch TONIGHT 9pm Eastern Standard Time on CNBC!

GOOD ENOUGH...TO STEP FORWARD AND SERVE

2009-01-12T14:22:00.003-06:00

On Monday, January 19th, 2009 is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. A national holiday and a day of service. Why not spend a few hours this coming Monday and join others to help serve our country.
Visit this website to help you figure out where you can be an extra hand in your city and state.
http://www.usaservice.org/content/home/

"Be the change you wish to see in the world." -Gandhi

GOOD ENOUGH...TO FUNDRAISE

2008-12-22T12:04:00.000-06:00

This holiday season I wanted to help put all of our efforts together to make a difference and I decided to pick a non profit whose mission is very important, to get clean water to people in developing nations. Charity: Water does just this! I have set up a fundraising page through Charity: Water and am very excited to see how we can all come together and through our donations we will be providing funds to help build wells and funding sustainable clean water solutions in areas of greatest need. If you are interested in joining me on this holiday goal and to learn more about what Charity: Water does, please visit the site below.

https://www.charitywater.org/pages/emmasimmons/

All online donations generate a tax-deductable receipt at time of transaction.

In two years, charity: water has raised over $7 million and funded over 800 water projects.

Unsafe water and lack of basic sanitation cause 80% of all sickness and disease, and kill more people every year than all forms of violence, including war. Many people in the developing world, usually women and children, walk more than three hours every day to fetch water that is likely to make them sick. Those hours are crucial, preventing many from working or attending school. Additionally, collecting water puts them at greater risk of sexual harassment and assault. Children are especially vulnerable to the consequences of unsafe water. Of the 42,000 deaths that occur every week from unsafe water and a lack of basic sanitation, 90% are children under 5 years old.

GOOD ENOUGH...TO BOOKMARK

2008-12-09T13:38:00.000-06:00

My sister, Lydia, has created a blog dedicated "to the beauty of music," because as she sees it, music is the one thing that unites us all. It's sound is universal, it's dialect fluent to all, though everybody may have their own niche if they so desire. Everyday she adds different songs and videos that sample music that you would not hear on the radio and may not find on your own, but that are unique. The songs typically blend different types of music to create a fresh and enjoyable sound. Do your ears a favor and bookmark her page!

lydiasimmons.tumblr.com
-submitted by Lydia Simmons

GOOD ENOUGH...TO BUY AND GIVE

2008-12-02T12:31:00.013-06:00

This holiday season TOMS shoes is hoping to give away 30,000 shoes to children in Ethiopa suffering from podoconiosis. Podoconiosis is a soil transmitted disease caused by walking, running, farming, playing, working, etc. barefoot in silica-rich soil. Silica is ancient volcanic glass that penetrates the skin and makes its way into the lymphatic system, causing the feel and lower legs to swell.
How can you help? One way is to buy yourself or someone you love a pair of TOMS shoes or Tiny TOMS for your children, nieces or nephews or friends children. For each pair you purchase, TOMS donates a pair to a child on your behalf. Help make this goal a reality and enjoy wearing the most comfortable shoes you'll own!
Discount code: Peytoni
to view their holiday video, go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqrFG7xrE1I&eurl=http://www.tomsshoes.com/shoes.aspx

GOOD ENOUGH...TO USE AND STAY CONNECTED

2008-11-24T09:59:00.006-06:00

YellowPin
launching TODAY!

YellowPin is a location based application that allows the users of social networks (e.g. Facebook, Myspace) to connect with their friends in real time. YellowPin is the new way to find where people are hanging out. Want to find out the places where your friends are getting together tonight? Text into YellowPin, and YellowPin will text you back the answers, ranked by the number of YOUR friends at each place.

There's a ton more that you can do with YellowPin through both your Facebook account and text messaging on your mobile phone, and updating your whereabouts is entirely up to you. Find out more and add the application by following this link:

Click here to check out YellowPin.

The initial platform for launch is Facebook U.S. I am not sure how familiar you are with Facebook, but it is an online social network (and the 5th most viewed website), the primary use of which is for people to make connections by adding "Friends" to their account, essentially re-creating their own social spheres in this online community. Facebook is most popular with highschool and college age users, which is our target user base as well; active users spend countless hours building up their Friends lists and exchanging messages and virtual gifts with them.

However, once people are away from their computers, the utility of Facebook is severely limited, which is where YellowPin comes in. Think of it as a personalized application that combines the utility of Google Maps and the personalized connections of Facebook. We provide a service through which users can access and share information about their Friends when not at ther computer (i.e. through their mobile device). If you are out in a city, or specific part of a city, and want to see where your Friends are, you can send a simple text to YellowPin querying, among other features, where a specific Friend is, where are the most popular places in your area (as based on Friends at that place); you can also push invites to your Friends and inform them of your location to have them join you. Since the information is only shared between a user and his/her Friends that he/he has previously spent time cultivating through Facebook, the information maintains both relevancy and privacy. Also, since a user gets increasing utility from the application as more of his/her Friends are also users of the application, there is an inherent virality to the application that incentivizes users to get their Friends to join.

Potential users of YellowPin sign up for the service through their Facebook account and pay a modest subscription fee (99 cents per month) that is billed directly to their mobile phones.

Go to www.yellowpin.com and sign up today! The first month is free and see how you can stay connected and let your friends know where you are (when you want) and to see where your friends are throughout your city or town.

GOOD ENOUGH...TO BAG IT

2008-11-07T10:03:00.004-06:00

Many places are eliminating plastic bags in grocery stores and stores across the USA, brining in a whole new fashion for reusable bags. I have posted the FEED bag, which profits go towards feeding hungry school children in Rwanda. Just this morning I saw on the Today show the Its-laS-tik bags, made in New Orleans, LA. Different from all other canvas and cotton bags, these bags are elastic and every aspect of the product is outsourced from New Orleans.
To learn more about these bags visit their website:
http://www.whatsurbag-usa.com/index.html

GOOD ENOUGH...TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

2008-09-21T21:31:00.004-05:00

Yéle Haiti is a foundation started by Grammy-Award winning musician, producer, social entrepreneur and Haitian Goodwill Ambassador Wyclef Jean that is changing thousands of lives in this poor but optimistic nation. Through Yéle Haiti, Wyclef supports projects that are making a difference in education, health, environment and community development.

Yéle's mission is to create small-scale, manageable and replicable projects to contribute to Haiti’s long-term progress. Whether utilizing local hip-hop musicians to deliver awareness messages in forgotten neighborhoods or bringing Wyclef's famous friends to Haiti to support the movement, what Wyclef radiates is profound wishes for the country.

Each of Yéle’s projects is conceived to renew hope for Haitians to rebuild their nation. Yéle Haiti wants to project a new forward-thinking image that accurately reflects Haiti’s youthful population and their unique and irrepressible spirit, which is an integral part of their culture.

Recently Haiti has experienced natural disasters, while hurricanes and tropical storms have pounded the island. Donate through Yéle Haiti's website for the Haiti Storm Relief Fund and to learn more about the wonderful projects Yéle has completed and the projects that are active right now, at www.yele.org

GOOD ENOUGH...TO SUPPORT

2008-09-10T21:04:00.003-05:00

I was just watching the Big Idea with Donny Deutch and a great segment came up, something good enough for everyone to support!
Grahamtastic is a non-profit organization offering free computers and Internet access to children with cancer and other serious illnesses for educational purposes. Their "lending library" makes laptops available for children to borrow while hospitalized or bed ridden.

"We concentrate on supporting very ill children who are too sick to leave their hospital room or bed. The child's Social Worker (or medical contact) makes the request and we ship the laptop to them for a determined length of time.

When the child is finished with it, the Social worker mails the laptop computer back to us and we prepare it for another child to check out. We provide this service in order for the child to continue their education; this enables the child to connect with their teachers and classrooms, enabling homework assignments."

To learn more about Grahamtastic or to make a donation, go to their website www.grahamtastic.org

GOOD ENOUGH...TO SPEND AN ARM AND A LEG ON

2008-09-04T19:36:00.003-05:00

Everyone has a loved one who always insists that they don't want a gift. COPE Laos has the perfect solution for you. Mike Boddington founded COPE (Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise) 11 years ago in Vientiane, Laos with the mission to provide health care services, counseling and prosthetic limbs to those in need. During the nine years of the Vietnam War the United States dropped 580,000 bombs, making it the most bombed country in the history of the world. That equals two tons of bombs for every man, woman and child! Of the hundreds of thousands of bombs that were dropped, most of them were insidious cluster bombs. Cluster bombs, which do not explode upon impact, are still buried beneath the Laotian more than thirty years later. This makes farming dangerous, which contributes to poverty and hunger, and has claimed the lives of hundreds since. Those who survive a run-in with UXO (Unexploded Ordinance) are often badly maimed, including losing their limbs. Often these accidents happen in isolated rural farming villages, so there is often little or no health care for these amputees, not to mention prosthetic limbs. COPE is the only organization that provides these types services for these victims, including counseling, health care rehabilitation and prosthetic limbs. While over 40 percent of the victims they help are UXO victims, they help others too such as those who have suffered from polio or leprosy. In recent years COPE Laos set up a special program on how you can help someone who has suffered through such a debilitating and life-changing event by purchasing them a new prosthetic limb. It also makes a great gift for the socially-conscious person in your family.
Facts and figures. As you can see, there are ways you can help no matter what budget you are working with.
Amount needed to run the service for one year at current levels - $500,000 per year
Amount needed to build a new dormitory for patients to stay in - $40,000
1 Tricycle - $110
Oven to heat polypropylene and make it workable - $8,000
To treat a new born baby with club foot - $22
To provide a mechanical prosthetic arm - $140
To provide a below knee prosthesis - $ 50
An artificial leg $50
Psysiotherapy $30
Provide crutches - $7
An x-ray $5
A walking frame $22
Daily food allowance for a patient receiving COPE's services - $1.20 ($12 for a week)
-submitted by Leigh McCormick

GOOD ENOUGH...TO POST-IT

2008-09-02T11:24:00.004-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BCL4SSXoXY

Created during a recent trip to Tanzania, children who attend a school were looking for a memorable way to say "thanks" to hundreds of people across the globe who've supported efforts to rebuild their school after it was nearly closed last year.

We chose Post-it® Notes because they were colorful and could be easily personalized by the children for each donor/supporter. If the video is selected as a winner of the Post-it Notes "One Million Uses and Counting" Contest, any prizes will be donated to help the school continue their efforts to rebuild and expand.

The school serves over 200 local children, including those featured in the video.For more information about the school, check out http://www.epicchange.org./

You can also check out more videos from the school on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/epicchange. If you're interested in learning more about Pius, the little boy who says the Post-it® tagline at the end of the video, there's a short video about him and his mother at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZLEOYHyWx8

Check out the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BCL4SSXoXY . You can comment on the video, give it five stars, add it as your favorite and spread the word!

GOOD ENOUGH...TO INSPIRE CHANGE

2008-08-25T18:47:00.005-05:00

Alan Winslow and Morrigan McCarthy are two young people on a mission: to find people in small towns around America who are doing good things for the environment and record their stories. How are they doing it? By bicycle, of course! Starting in October they'll ride over 10,000 miles around the country lugging their cameras and audio equipment to produce a multimedia piece for the web and a traveling gallery show. You can read more about their project, their partnerships with schools around the country and help them out by donating at www.projecttandem.org. You can also follow their planning and soon their journey at their blog: http://www.projecttandem.blogspot.com/.
Check out their youtube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OV5hpcqiVWQ

-submitted by Moriggan McCarthy

GOOD ENOUGH...TO GLOBALLY VOLUNTEER

2008-08-08T09:50:00.001-05:00

Do you like teaching, playing soccer, or hanging out with 9 year-olds? Interested in traveling to Buenos Aires and volunteering? Then Club ACORN is for you! Club ACORN is an afterschol program in the La Boca neighborhood that was started by 2 American ex-pats living in Buenos Aires. In the past 6 months, the program has grown enormously, and needs more volunteers to keep up with its expansion! The program has a very diverse volunteer staff ranging from Argentineans to Australians, theater majors to biologists. If you have a passion or a talent, Club ACORN is even looking for people to teach a weekly class. It truly is a program as much for the volunteers as it is for the students, and has become a true global melting pot armed with volunteers from across the world. Please see Club ACORN's blog at http://clubacornargentina.blogspot.com or contact clubacorn@gmail.com.
SUBMITTED BY ALI MORRIS

GOOD ENOUGH...TO STYLE YOUR SOLE

2008-06-06T13:22:00.003-05:00

JUNE 11, 2008 if you live in Houston you can style your own TOMS shoe at the Whole Foods on Kirby Drive. The event is from 3:00-7:00pm
Check out the TOMS SHOES website to see what a Style your Sole party looks like and get some ideas how you want to style your shoe. By purchasing a pair of TOMS (that you also get to paint, decorate, etc) TOMS shoes is giving a child in need a pair of TOMS shoes on your behalf.
http://styleyoursole.tomsshoes.com/gall1.html

Whole Foods will now be carrying TOMS shoes! read below about the event:
Style Your Sole
3:00–7:00 p.m. Free
Kick off the summer Styling your Sole at our Toms Shoe kick off party. Grab a pair of Toms Shoes and we will provide the eco-friendly art Supplies to Style your Sole. The Old Fashion Milk Paint Co. is providing the milk paints that are all natural and will not harm the environment nor your Sole. The blue grass tunes will be swinging with our local fan fave The Side Show Tramps. Enjoy a glass of wine while a local artist paints your sole for a donation to Art Bridge Houston. (Art Bridge Houston is a non profit that brings the expressive arts into the lives of children in Homeless Shelters.)

GOOD ENOUGH...TO BE INFORMED

2008-04-26T14:47:00.005-05:00

A FEW TIPS AND SUGGESTIONS TO LIVING GREEN

90% of the energy used by your washing machine goes to heat water. *Try the cold cycle instead
Producing and disposing all of the junk mail and extra catalogues you receive in the US each year releases as much CO2 as 2.8 million cars. A service like GreenDimes (www.greendimes.com) and Catalog Choice (from previous post) can help you cut off junk mail almost completely.
If Americans used one less package of non-recycled paper napkins for every home in the country, it would save 1 million trees.
Americans throw away about 40 billion disposable coffee cups each year. Buy yourself a reusable cup and help change the "on the go" look.
Unplug chargers (cell phone chargers, iPod chargers, computer chargers, etc.) when they're not charging. This will reduce about 100 pounds of carbon emissions per year per charger.
Many people love long hot showers. Its a luxury. Speed up your shower. By spending just two minutes less in the shower each day could prevent about 400 pounds of CO2 (in the form of energy used to heat and treat the water) from entering the atmosphere each year)
Check your water heaters temperature. Hot water heaters are the third largest expense on your home. By lowering the thermostat to 120 degrees F, you will still maintain extremely warm water, just not factory setting temperatures!
Plastic shopping bags can last up to over a thousand years in a land fill once disposed of. This might not seem to affect you, until you break it down. Once thrown away, they "decompose" into tiny, toxic particles that become part of the soil and water. Thankfully, cities and stores across the U.S. are banning the option of "Paper or Plastic." When you go out shopping (groceries, clothes, etc.) bring your own bag(s)! Many grocery stores are now selling for a low cost, great sturdy bags. Check out a previous post and buy a FEED bag!

GOOD ENOUGH...TO DINE OUT

2008-04-22T16:48:00.004-05:00

DINE OUT. FIGHT AIDS.
Dining out for Life is an annual fund raising event in support of fighting the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
If you live in Houston, this Thursday, April 24, 2008 you can participate in Dining out for Life and be a part of the fight to cure HIV/AIDS. Its simple. Go online to www.dininglifeforlife.com/houston and find out where you can eat breakfast, lunch and/or dinner. Each restaurant listed on the website will donate 33% of food bills all day long to Dining out for Life.

Check out online to see which other cities are participating in Dining out for Life and when you can participate in the fundraiser!

GOOD ENOUGH...TO BIKE

2008-04-15T23:02:00.006-05:00

We've all had our own issues with traffic: sitting in a car on the highway stuck in bumper to bumper, anxious to get to where youre going; on the bus late to school; in a cab late to a meeting; the subway is too crowded to get on, etc. For now its inevitable and in cities where "on time" means ON TIME, we need a solution.
Thanks to Clear Channel and the District Department of Transportation, Washington D.C. will be the first self-service public bike rental program in the U.S. Structured to enhance the city's public transportation system,Smart Bike D.C. , located in the central business district, will have bike rental kiosks throughout the area.
By joining the bike share program, you have access to the 120 bikes provided in DC at 10 locations throughout the downtown area. The four-speed, one-size-fits-all bike are available for up to three hours, where you return the bike to any Smart Bike kiosk.
Bike share programs have flourished in European cities such as Barcelona, Paris, Copenhagen, Stockholm and Oslo. Hopefully in the next few months we can see great progress with the Smart Bike D.C. and other cities will adapt to this new public transportation system!
to learn more click click on Smart Bike D.C. or go to www.smartbikedc.com

GOOD ENOUGH...TO TURN OFF THE LIGHTS

2008-03-28T15:00:00.002-05:00

March 29, 2008 EARTH HOUR

Interested in taking action on climate change? Be a part of Earth Hour. On March 31, 2007, 2.2 million people and 2100 Sydney businesses turned off their lights for one hour. This year, March 29, 2008 many major global cities are joining the effort and are participating in EARTH HOUR.

Go to their website to learn more. From 8-9 pm on March 29, 2008 do yourself and the Earth a favor. Turn off the lights.

http://www10.earthhourus.org/

GOOD ENOUGH...TO UNSUBSCRIBE (TO)

2008-03-17T17:32:00.006-05:00

Feel like your mail is 90% catalogs, 9% junk, and 1% real? I can't help you with the junk, but thanks to Catalog Choice, a free service that eliminates unwanted catalogs, you can get rid of that 90% with a simple click of a button. Go online, sign up for free, type in the catalog name and your customer i.d. number (if you have it) and the rest, along with your unwanted stack of catalogs, is history!
www.catalogchoice.org

GOOD ENOUGH...TO WATCH

2008-03-04T10:29:00.001-06:00

Please help a friend out and click on the youtube link below. It's a music video by a fellow Lamar Redskin and Austinite, Katherine Edmonson. She is quite talented and this is a creatively simple video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RyS3NasuRk

submitted by Marc Feder

GOOD ENOUGH...TO SEND

2008-02-04T10:37:00.000-06:00

Are you tired of sending cheesy, prefabricated Hallmark cards to friends and loved ones? Why not support an independent artist and great friend!
"Global images...universal messages..." MUNDO IMAGES offers greeting cards, notecards and signed photographs taken by the artist herself, Ann Peterson. "Ann has lived in several different countries and has traveled the world, often as a volunteer or teacher educating young people about the fragile balance of the Earth's biodiversity.
MUNDO IMAGES uses ancient forest friendly paper that is 100% recycled, processed chlorine free, and manufactured with wind power.
A percentage of the profit from the sale of the greeting cards, note cards and photographs will be donated to the organizations that benefit the world's natural environment and its creatures- all of us!"
check out their website http://www.mundoimages.com/ to see a variety of beautiful photographs made into great greeting cards with universal messages!!

GOOD ENOUGH...TO READ

2008-01-22T14:58:00.000-06:00

www.prisonproxy.blogspot.com is the blogumentary of a young man incarcerated with a life sentence in the Texas State Penitentiary. Prison Proxy covers everything from daily happenings to philosophical revelations, such as the paradox of freedom.

It’s your looking glass in to the absurdity of prison life. You will learn of its political, logistical and sociocultural aspects. You will meet the kinds of people who dwell in prison. From the evil and corrupted, to the few who don’t belong, and especially the majority who turn into products of their environment.

You will learn about how one particular prisoner, the author, is trying to circumvent the absurdities of his situation by taking college courses, investing in the stock market and planning for a future beyond his confinement.

It’s captivating. Educating. Enlightening. Frightening. And truly eccentric.

www.prisonproxy.blogspot.com

submitted by Marc Feder

GOOD ENOUGH...TO SIGN UP FOR

2008-01-21T17:16:00.000-06:00

Interested in the idea of becoming eco-friendly, but not sure how to transition your life style to a more "green" way of living? Sign up for free "eco-tips" online to learn daily tips on everything from recycling, food and drinks, personal care, travel, home and garden and many more.
Check out their website and sign up for the daily bite at www.idealbite.com

GOOD ENOUGH...TO WATCH

2008-01-18T16:04:00.000-06:00

The band, Five for Fighting, is generously donating $0.49 to Autism
Speaks each time this video is viewed. The funding goes toward
research studies to help find a cure. When you have a moment, please
visit the link below to watch the video and pass it along. They are
aiming for 10,000 hits, but hopefully we can help them to surpass this
goal.

http://www.whatkindofworlddoyouwant.com/videos/view/id/408214

GOOD ENOUGH...TO SIGN

2008-01-18T10:59:00.000-06:00

On December 27th, 2007 Kenya, one of the more developed and stable countries in Africa, became a country of political violence, ethnic cleansing and has left over 250,000 people homeless due to their political elections that ended up being rigged. My youngest sister Lydia was living in Nairobi, the capitol of Kenya, where most of the violence is occurring, for the past four months, studying health and development as a human rights major at Duke. Just a week before this violence my parents and I and a great friend of mine were in Nairobi. People were living their daily lives, stores were open, businesses running and people walking peacefully in the street, or as Lydia calls is "cheza dancing in the streets." Exactly a week after we left, the violence started. Over 600 people had been killed, people hiding in churches were burned, businesses and shopping centers completely demolished, due to political differences and the rigged presidential election. The small market my sister took us to for lunch, where we sat in the Miracle Cafe, and saw where she ate daily and shopped for small goods, those today do not exist, everything was burnt down. It hit me hard when I was looking through some of my pictures and saw one of Lydia and I at the table inside Miracle Cafe, a very local spot that serves whatever they cooked for the day. A few days later, Lydia emailed me a photo she had received of the market. Everything was leveled and the place was still in flames. This affects everyone. This was peoples only income. People didn't leave their homes in fear of being killed by machetes, stones, or being burned. Businesses closed in this fear. Lydia has been in contact with her host family and they expressed their need of food and water. No one could get any of this for the first week of the violence.
Thankfully, things have started to slow down, but are definitely not over. I ask you to please keep Kenya in your thoughts and just add your name to the petition below, where a pre-typed note (if you don't have time to write your own) will be sent to Condoleezza Rice. The number of messages sent to our government will be an ad in a Kenyan newspaper.
Kenya relies on tourism. This violence has hurt their economy and not only in Kenya but in Tanzania as well. I have been in touch with my great friend Simbo (in Tanzania), who was my guide for Kilimanjaro and he has expressed that all of the clients he had for the next few climbs up Kilimanjaro have all canceled due to Kenya's violence. No clients, no pay check, no food. Lets try and do something as we sit half a world away and the first and easiest thing is to sign this petition.

The site is:

http://www.avaaz.org/en/kenya_free_and_fair/5.php

GOOD ENOUGH...TO SUPPORT

2008-01-16T17:39:00.000-06:00

Their mission statement says it all: "WE HELP HOPEFUL PEOPLE IN NEED SHARE THEIR STORIES TO ACQUIRE RESOURCES THAT WILL IMPROVE THEIR LIVES."
Their approach to making an epic change in our world is a "4 step" process:
1. Raise capitol by accepting donations
2. Use donations to make loans to organizations to fund efforts that will promote positive change in the communities they serve.
3. Facilitate loan repayment by working with these organizations to develop creative income-generating projects that share the stories of the organizations themselves and the people they serve.
4. Recycle the repaid loans to help fun epic change in other communities.
Their first project which they are currently working on, is to rebuild Shepherds Junior Academy, a pre and primary school located in Arusha, Tanzania. The school was started in September 2003 and has quickly grown from a class of 10 students to now 110 students.

Epic Change is participating in America's Giving Challenge. If Epic Change can get the most donors by Jan. 31,2008 they will be rewarded $50,000 which will go into rebuilding Shepherds Junior Academy.
Take a few minutes from your day and donate to help make this dream a reality!!! Its quick and easy:
go to their website:
www.epicchange.org
click on the right hand side where it says America's Giving Challenge. Donate your desired amount. Know that you are making a difference out there and others do appreciate it!

Epic Change is a 501(c)(3)non-profit

enjoy this video about Epic Change and see the children whose lives you've just improved by not only donating, but spreading the word.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afqPXlsHdvc

GOOD ENOUGH...TO CARRY

2008-01-14T10:39:00.000-06:00

FEED.

Need a new bag to go grocery shopping to help eliminate plastic bags or a bag to carry your school books in? The FEED bag was designed by Lauren Bush and Ellen Gustafson, a former United Nations World Food Program (WFP) communication officer, to raise awareness and funds for children living in hunger to get an education and out of living in hunger. Each FEED bag sold will feed a child for one school year. The FEED bags are made with sustainable materials and are designed to be used as an alternative to using plastic bags and disposable paper.
The numbers:
There are 400 million hungry children in the world
There are 115 million school aged children who do not go to school
There are 62 million girls who do not attend school
There are 50 million hungry children who do not receive any form of assistance

$20 is the annual cost for WFP's Food for Education program per child
10 US cents is the average cost of buying a school meal for a child in a developing country

Shocked by the numbers? Do something about it. Buy a FEED bag, donate to the UN World Food Program, Volunteer your time, get out there and see for yourself. Together we CAN make a difference.

Purchase your FEED bag through Amazon.com

GOOD ENOUGH...TO VOTE

2008-01-13T10:37:00.000-06:00

Its the countdown again, when all of the media is covering the presidential candidates for the 2008 election. You've heard the names, watched part of the debates, but are unsure of where you stand and which candidate best fits your views? Go to www.electoralcompass.com
Take a few minutes to answer some key questions and in moments you will be given your position and where you stand among the presidential candidates.

GOOD ENOUGH...TO JOIN

2007-12-21T07:47:00.000-06:00

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

2007-12-09T11:17:00.000-06:00

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

2007-11-30T11:04:00.000-06:00

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)

2007-11-30T08:34:00.000-06:00

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

2007-11-20T09:43:00.000-06:00

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

2007-11-15T17:44:00.000-06:00

(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

2007-11-13T17:00:00.000-06:00

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

2007-11-12T08:31:00.000-06:00

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

2007-11-11T12:34:00.000-06:00

"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

2007-11-09T17:35:00.000-06:00

"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

2007-11-07T21:25:00.001-06:00

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)

2007-11-06T18:12:00.000-06:00

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)

2007-11-05T11:53:00.000-06:00

-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

2007-11-04T09:55:00.000-06:00

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

2007-11-03T16:08:00.000-05:00

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

2007-11-02T12:41:00.000-05:00

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

2007-11-01T18:55:00.000-05:00

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

2007-10-31T22:56:00.000-05:00

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

2007-10-31T18:09:00.001-05:00

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

2007-10-31T08:29:00.000-05:00

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

2007-10-30T13:26:00.001-05:00

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

2007-10-29T14:24:00.001-05:00

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

2007-10-29T13:00:00.000-05:00

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

2007-10-28T10:45:00.000-05:00

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

2007-10-27T19:02:00.000-05:00

"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

2007-10-26T17:22:00.000-05:00

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

2007-10-26T14:53:00.001-05:00

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)

2007-10-25T23:32:00.001-05:00

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

2007-10-25T12:41:00.000-05:00

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

2007-10-24T23:13:00.000-05:00

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.