In a fairy-tale community in Russia, orphans thrive. The founders of the orphanage, called Kitezh, hope their village can be a model of reform for Russia's deplorable child welfare system, little changed since Soviet days. Though perhaps hard to replicate on a large scale, Kitezh still stands as one of the few largely successful alternatives here to institutional care for orphans.
http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/10/02/europe/02russia.php
"Hats off to the visionaries behind Kitezh. Russia's apalling orphanages are one of the few things that didn't change after the downfall of Soviet communism. Now, at least, some Russian orphans have a shot at happiness and success they wouldn't otherwise get unless they were adopted by rich Americans." - David Smith, Commander, Creative Ops, LinkedIn
Your thoughts?
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is asking ice cream makers to begin using human breast milk in its products instead of cow's milk, saying it would reduce the suffering of cows and give ice cream lovers a healthier product.
http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1844721,00.html
"As a mother, who breastfed two babies, you couldn't pay me to eat ice cream made with another mom's milk. You couldn't pay me to eat ice cream made with my own breast milk. What a disgusting idea." -Jacqueline Stevenson, Corporal, Copy Specialist
Your thoughts?
A company has developed a water bottle that purifies even the filthiest water in seconds, due to an extremely advanced filtration system that kills deadly viruses and bacteria on contact and reduces heavy metals like lead. Among its many commercial uses, it stands to revolutionize humanitarian aid. It could be the first weapon in the fight against disease in countries around the world, especially vital after natural disasters.
Follow the rest of the story here.
"I don't have to pay $2 for a bottle of clean water anymore…?" -Robert West, Commander in Chief, LinkedIn
Your thoughts?
GM introduced its Volt, an extended-range electric car. The company hopes the Volt will become the first mass-produced, plug-in electric car in 2010. Unlike a regular gasoline car engine, the Volt's 1.4 liter won't be connected to the wheels. Instead, it will power a generator to make electricity for the car's motor.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/biztech/10/01/volt.car.nascar/index.html
"A step in the right direction? Remains to be seen. There was a 100% electric car 12 years ago. And where are they now? Probably used for steel in hummers." -Brady Bone, Captain, Visual Specialist, Receptor Squad
Your thoughts?
Record labels sign on to sell albums on memory cards. Called "slotMusic," some record labels say this memory card will replace CDs because it's more versatile than CDs and offers more connectivity options for consumers.
Follow it further below:
http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-10047311-93.html
&
http://www.slotmusic.org
"Given the fact that many multimedia players already support this technology and several record companies are on board, CD's days seem numbered." Jacqueline Stevenson, Corporal, Copy Specialist
What have you heard?
©Linda Stewart/istockphoto.com
A new company has found a way to produce polymers from genetically engineered microbes that feed on sugars, replacing fossil-fuel based processes. Ecoli goes from bad to good and good for the environment.
http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=turning-bacteria-into-plastic-factories-replacing-fossil-fuels
"Whats next? Environmentally-safe implants?" -Dwayne Fry, Commander, Strategic Ops
Your thoughts?
"DNA studies suggest that all humans today descend from a group of African ancestors who - about 60,000 years ago - began a remarkable journey.The Genographic Project is seeking to chart new knowledge about the migratory history of the human species by using sophisticated laboratory and computer analysis of DNA contributed by hundreds of thousands of people from around the world. In this unprecendented and real-time research effort, the Genographic Project is closing the gaps of what science knows today about humankind's ancient migration stories."
https://www3.nationalgeographic.com/genographic/index.html
"There are no limits one should abide by in getting something right. Why hypothesize about a path when hard work and innovative thinking can lead you to the actual answer?" Mike Randall, Captain, Strategic Specialist
Where are you coming from? We'd like to hear from you.
Scientists have made a breakthrough discovery in the bizarre properties of glass, which behaves at times like both a solid and a liquid.This discovery could lead to a new building material, capable of revolutionizing the aircraft industry.
Follow the story here.
"The revolution is at hand. Wonder Woman's invisible plane is no longer a pipe dream." -Gerard Blanton, Sergeant, Visual Specialist
Your pipe dreams are welcome here:
From Thomas Edison's first commercially viable light bulb to the first X-ray machines, GE presents a timeline of innovation that changed the world.
http://www.ge.com/innovation/timeline/index.html
"And some people think that one person can't make a difference. Edison was single-handedly one of America's best change agents." Ryan Cuthriell, Lieutenant, Interactive Specialist
Tell us about your favorite agents of change:
The newest designs in concept cars include an entry that folds and is capable of fitting into tight spots. But it’s also intended to be “green.” The concept car’s powered by electricity or hydrogen, in effect solving what many consider to be the two main problems of the city of the future: pollution and overpopulation. Check out this and other cool concept cars at:
http://www.toxel.com/inspiration/2008/08/18/creative-concept-car-designs/
“Folding electric cars for hire is an intriguing idea at best. Given the history of concept cars, I remain skeptical on this one.” -Brady Bone, Captain, Visual Specialist, Receptor Squad
Your thoughts:
