Hey everyone,
So, I'm still talking about the William J. Clinton Foundation and all the work it does around the world and in the United States. However, this branch focuses on Africa and achieving sustainable growth there. In Africa, 325 million residents live on a one dollar a day or less and don't have access to clean water, quality health care, and other goods needed for survival. Also, this branch is focusing on agriculture because two thirds of Africans depend upon it to survive, but many lack markets that offer fair prices as well as fertilizer, disease resistant seeds, and other farming implements.
Currently, this initiative is working in Rwanda and Malawi to change these problems in a way that is locally sustainable. So far, $100 million will invested over ten years, but I'm sure they could always use more money or people.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Clinton Global Initiative (CGI)
Hey everyone,
I'm finally going to return to the William J. Clinton Foundation. This another branch of the foundation which was established in 2005. This uses the non-government sector to improve specific problems around the world, and, by so doing, it helps to build a more integrated global community of shared benefits, responsibilities, and values. Members of the CGI create pragmatic solutions to various problems around the globe. These problems are then solved through "commitments to action". So far, there have been 1700 of these which has raised $57 billion and helped 200 million people in over 170 countries. Examples of these commitments to action include the access to clean, safe drinking water for 12 million people, more than 10 million children have gained better access to education, and 33 million acres of forest have been protected or restored, just to name a few. There are many more, and this organization is doing a lot of good in the world.
As a side note, all information comes from http://www.clintonfoundation.org/what-we-do/clinton-global-initiative/, and ten percent of proceeds from this blog go to this foundation (hopefully more someday).
I'm finally going to return to the William J. Clinton Foundation. This another branch of the foundation which was established in 2005. This uses the non-government sector to improve specific problems around the world, and, by so doing, it helps to build a more integrated global community of shared benefits, responsibilities, and values. Members of the CGI create pragmatic solutions to various problems around the globe. These problems are then solved through "commitments to action". So far, there have been 1700 of these which has raised $57 billion and helped 200 million people in over 170 countries. Examples of these commitments to action include the access to clean, safe drinking water for 12 million people, more than 10 million children have gained better access to education, and 33 million acres of forest have been protected or restored, just to name a few. There are many more, and this organization is doing a lot of good in the world.
As a side note, all information comes from http://www.clintonfoundation.org/what-we-do/clinton-global-initiative/, and ten percent of proceeds from this blog go to this foundation (hopefully more someday).
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Health diary: post 7
Hey everyone,
I've followed my diet with a strict adherence, but I need to drink less pop still and eat more vegetables. I'm doing better with the pop situation, but I still consume way too much. My running has also fallen off a little bit (I missed two days) but that will bounce back soon enough. Other than those issues, I am steadily losing weight and quickly approaching 300 lbs. I know that's still a lot, but it's been over four years since I've weighed less than that. One other thing, I need to lift more weights and consume more protein. I don't feel like I've lost muscle mass, but it's inevitable. I need to start hitting the local weight room and do a half hour workout three days a week. However, eating less, not eating after 8, and focusing on eating better have yielded an awesome result. When I stepped on the scale this morning, I weighed 307.7 lbs. Actually, I had weighed quite a bit less yesterday, but I didn't run or walk yesterday. This is still an excellent loss, and I really can't wait until that 3 is a 2.
I've followed my diet with a strict adherence, but I need to drink less pop still and eat more vegetables. I'm doing better with the pop situation, but I still consume way too much. My running has also fallen off a little bit (I missed two days) but that will bounce back soon enough. Other than those issues, I am steadily losing weight and quickly approaching 300 lbs. I know that's still a lot, but it's been over four years since I've weighed less than that. One other thing, I need to lift more weights and consume more protein. I don't feel like I've lost muscle mass, but it's inevitable. I need to start hitting the local weight room and do a half hour workout three days a week. However, eating less, not eating after 8, and focusing on eating better have yielded an awesome result. When I stepped on the scale this morning, I weighed 307.7 lbs. Actually, I had weighed quite a bit less yesterday, but I didn't run or walk yesterday. This is still an excellent loss, and I really can't wait until that 3 is a 2.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Stephen Colbert and conservapedia.com
Hey all,
On October 7th, 2009, Stephen Colbert presented a story about the website conservapedia.com which is a conservative version of wikipedia. Apparently, wikipedia is liberal, anti-christian, and anti-American. However, I don't see it. Well, they also think that the bible is too liberal and have set about changing it to coincide with conservative values. This is a fairly simple process. They remove the liberal parts. However, this has lead to criticism (of course) even from conservatives. Well, Dr. Stephen T. Colbert D.F.A. discussed this topic on his show and told his fans that he wished to be included in the bible as an historical figure. His fans promptly replied and did just that. However, the overflow from the fans crashed the site for an extended period of time which was considered mass vandalism by conservapedia.com. However, as a fairly liberal person, I love this site and love the Colbert Report, yet I am disheartened by a group which would go to such extremes to present their views. As a side note, I recommend that, if you go to the site, read about Stephen Colbert. It's a hoot.
On October 7th, 2009, Stephen Colbert presented a story about the website conservapedia.com which is a conservative version of wikipedia. Apparently, wikipedia is liberal, anti-christian, and anti-American. However, I don't see it. Well, they also think that the bible is too liberal and have set about changing it to coincide with conservative values. This is a fairly simple process. They remove the liberal parts. However, this has lead to criticism (of course) even from conservatives. Well, Dr. Stephen T. Colbert D.F.A. discussed this topic on his show and told his fans that he wished to be included in the bible as an historical figure. His fans promptly replied and did just that. However, the overflow from the fans crashed the site for an extended period of time which was considered mass vandalism by conservapedia.com. However, as a fairly liberal person, I love this site and love the Colbert Report, yet I am disheartened by a group which would go to such extremes to present their views. As a side note, I recommend that, if you go to the site, read about Stephen Colbert. It's a hoot.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Alliance for a Healthier Generation
Hey all,
This arm of the William J. Clinton Foundation focuses on fighting childhood obesity. Clearly, this is a problem in this country. As I've expressed in previous posts, I agree that this is a major problem, and something needs to be done about it immediately. With increasing rates of type 2 diabetes, the United States is a facing an emerging epidemic, yet there are many other problems relating to obesity (heart disease, certain cancers, etc.). Children and teenagers present an excellent opportunity to reverse chronic health problems because they are more likely to permanently change health behaviors. The approach taken by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation is a four pronged one. School is the first one, and, while it is obvious, the Alliance for a Healthier Generation focuses on teaching parents, teachers, and principles about health promotion, healthy eating, and physical activity to decrease obesity and improve health of children. The second prong is children themselves. They use children and popular names or outlets for children to educate, engage, and activate healthy lifestyles. The third prong is healthcare; consequently, prevention, treatment, and the diagnosis of obesity by these agencies is the main goal here. The final prong is by working with industries to provide healthier food for children. They are, in my opinion, moving in the right direction towards solving this problem. If we don't fix it now, the solutions in the future will cost much more.
This arm of the William J. Clinton Foundation focuses on fighting childhood obesity. Clearly, this is a problem in this country. As I've expressed in previous posts, I agree that this is a major problem, and something needs to be done about it immediately. With increasing rates of type 2 diabetes, the United States is a facing an emerging epidemic, yet there are many other problems relating to obesity (heart disease, certain cancers, etc.). Children and teenagers present an excellent opportunity to reverse chronic health problems because they are more likely to permanently change health behaviors. The approach taken by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation is a four pronged one. School is the first one, and, while it is obvious, the Alliance for a Healthier Generation focuses on teaching parents, teachers, and principles about health promotion, healthy eating, and physical activity to decrease obesity and improve health of children. The second prong is children themselves. They use children and popular names or outlets for children to educate, engage, and activate healthy lifestyles. The third prong is healthcare; consequently, prevention, treatment, and the diagnosis of obesity by these agencies is the main goal here. The final prong is by working with industries to provide healthier food for children. They are, in my opinion, moving in the right direction towards solving this problem. If we don't fix it now, the solutions in the future will cost much more.
Monday, October 19, 2009
William J. Clinton Foundation
Hey everyone,
This is one of many excellent organizations that is focusing on major problems facing the world today. While there are also many other charities that I will talk about in upcoming posts, I want to focus on this one because it trying to improve many of the issues facing the world today (which are also important issues for me). This organization was started by former President Clinton after he left the White House to tackle the many issues facing the world today. He felt limited in government and thought a private organization could achieve the things he wanted to in office. Currently, the William J. Clinton Foundation is focusing on global climate change, HIV/AIDS in the developing world, childhood obesity and economic opportunity in the United States, and economic development in Africa and Latin America. Now, I doubt that there is anyone who can say that any of these issues are not important. However, if you feel that one or some are not important or that one is more important than the rest, you can choose to which area you want to give. Donations start at just $25, but you can make monthly contributions or volunteer if you are that committed. In later blogs, I will outline the areas of giving, but I encourage you to look for yourself at www.clintonfoundation.org. Also, 95.9% of the money donated goes directly to the programs. If you look at these problems and think that your donation won't help much or that the problems are insurmountable, well, $25 dollars can provide clean water for a person for life in underdeveloped countries. Now, imagine if just a dozen people gave $25 a month for 30 years. This group of people could provide a lifetime supply of clean water for 4320 people. That's two of my hometowns. Everyone can make a difference, we just have to believe it and act.
P.S. Ten percent of proceeds from this blog will go to charity (I get paid by the click).
This is one of many excellent organizations that is focusing on major problems facing the world today. While there are also many other charities that I will talk about in upcoming posts, I want to focus on this one because it trying to improve many of the issues facing the world today (which are also important issues for me). This organization was started by former President Clinton after he left the White House to tackle the many issues facing the world today. He felt limited in government and thought a private organization could achieve the things he wanted to in office. Currently, the William J. Clinton Foundation is focusing on global climate change, HIV/AIDS in the developing world, childhood obesity and economic opportunity in the United States, and economic development in Africa and Latin America. Now, I doubt that there is anyone who can say that any of these issues are not important. However, if you feel that one or some are not important or that one is more important than the rest, you can choose to which area you want to give. Donations start at just $25, but you can make monthly contributions or volunteer if you are that committed. In later blogs, I will outline the areas of giving, but I encourage you to look for yourself at www.clintonfoundation.org. Also, 95.9% of the money donated goes directly to the programs. If you look at these problems and think that your donation won't help much or that the problems are insurmountable, well, $25 dollars can provide clean water for a person for life in underdeveloped countries. Now, imagine if just a dozen people gave $25 a month for 30 years. This group of people could provide a lifetime supply of clean water for 4320 people. That's two of my hometowns. Everyone can make a difference, we just have to believe it and act.
P.S. Ten percent of proceeds from this blog will go to charity (I get paid by the click).
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Where the Wild Things Are
Hey all,
Last night, I saw this movie (it's also a book), and I was blown away. The story was fantastic. It was breathtaking, heartbreaking, heartwarming, and fun. The story centers around Max who just wants to play but no one wants to play with him. Eventually, he makes a scene around his mother and her boyfriend. She grabs him, and he bites her still trying to play. She berates him, so he runs away. At this point, he enters his fantasy world. Max hops into a sailboat and traverses the seas until he reaches an island. Once on the island, he encounters creatures who are an amalgam of different animals. There's Carol who is good at smashing and breaking things. Douglas who is Carol's best friend and a yes man. Alexander who no one listens to or even likes. There's Ira and Judith who are in love. Ira is good at making holes and Judith is a downer. Then, there's K.W. who Carol wants to be close to, but she has left. Eventually, they make Max king after he is able to lie about special powers and promises to take away all of the sadness. While the beginning is good, conflict erupts and things don't stay good. I won't spoil any more because it is worth seeing. I'll conclude by saying that this movie really affected me. I was on the brink of tears in the theater, and that almost never happens to me. Honestly, 10/10.
Last night, I saw this movie (it's also a book), and I was blown away. The story was fantastic. It was breathtaking, heartbreaking, heartwarming, and fun. The story centers around Max who just wants to play but no one wants to play with him. Eventually, he makes a scene around his mother and her boyfriend. She grabs him, and he bites her still trying to play. She berates him, so he runs away. At this point, he enters his fantasy world. Max hops into a sailboat and traverses the seas until he reaches an island. Once on the island, he encounters creatures who are an amalgam of different animals. There's Carol who is good at smashing and breaking things. Douglas who is Carol's best friend and a yes man. Alexander who no one listens to or even likes. There's Ira and Judith who are in love. Ira is good at making holes and Judith is a downer. Then, there's K.W. who Carol wants to be close to, but she has left. Eventually, they make Max king after he is able to lie about special powers and promises to take away all of the sadness. While the beginning is good, conflict erupts and things don't stay good. I won't spoil any more because it is worth seeing. I'll conclude by saying that this movie really affected me. I was on the brink of tears in the theater, and that almost never happens to me. Honestly, 10/10.
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