June 29, 2008

Share Some Good Stuff

Do you get as sick of the daily news as I do? Wouldn’t you rather just ignore the ugly headlines for a little while and indulge in something uplifting instead? I would and sometimes I do. So do some of my readers, and they’re kind enough to Share the Good Stuff when they find it.

JenX named her blog Daily Mitzvah. It’s all about ways to make the world a better place and about people who are doing that in some innovative ways. Her story about To-Go Ware is a fine example of both. A female college student developed a creative solution for conserving recources, and her product provides employment for women living in marginal circumstances. It’s a winning idea all around - Good Stuff!

My pal Val knows everything and is a tireless champion for the disabled and developmentally challenged. I love her story about a man who created a browser for his autistic grandson and is now sharing it with the world - for free! While it was developed for children with special needs, it can be a great boon for all children. Hey Val - that’s Good Stuff!

You came across some Good Stuff recently, too, right? Why not share it so the rest of us can enjoy it? It can be from your local news sources, a website or even your own personal good news. Tell us about the neighborly thing that happened in your community, or the modern furniture you finally got to replace your old milk crate shelving. If it’s made you smile it’s stuff worthy of sharing. Write it up and send me your link. I’ll feature your post and give you a link-up the next time we get together to Share Some Good Stuff!

Technorati Tags: current events, good news, good stuff

June 26, 2008

Have you got some Good Stuff?

Have you been checking the back pages of your local paper lately? If you haven’t gotten around to it yet, there’s still time! Do me (and yourself!) a favor and make it a point to find the good news that probably won’t be the lead story at ten. Pick a news source anywhere in the world or something great you’ve found on the web. Better yet, share a heart-warming, first-person moment that gladdened your heart. Did you order your Halloween invitations already so you wouldn’t forget this year? Is Friday your last day of work before your long-awaited vacation? Maybe you finally figured out how to do that thing that makes your life so much easier?

Here’s a great example of Good Stuff from my pal Val: She dilignetly seeks out the good news, especially when it deals with the special needs community. She recently found an encouraging news story about teens who are bold enough to face their state legislators to lobby disability awareness in schools. Stories like this make me feel good about the leaders of tomorrow! Don’t you just have to smile when you see an uplifting story like that? Those little day-to-day moments that make us smile are the stuff of a happy life and worthy of sharing. Here’s your chance to recognize them for what they are and spread a little sunshine in the process. Post a link to your good news below. It can be a post on your own blog or to the source that made you grin. If you have a blog, invite your readers to share their happy moments, too. I’ll do a roundup of your stories later this week. Make sure you come back to read the good news when we SHARE THE GOOD STUFF!

Technorati Tags: good news, current events, local stories, meme

June 9, 2008

Sharing the Good Stuff

I held of on posting The Good Stuff on Thursday because I have some really great news to share and was waiting for some pictures to arrive. Friday and Saturday were crazy, yesterday was Table of Contents and I needed to blog about that and -Oh! My! - how did it get to be Monday already? I still don’t have the pictures, but I’ll share my news anyway, and I won’t delay us further by scouting the blogosphere looking for more Good Stuff to link you up with.

Welcome to the world, Lily Katherine! I’m your great-auntie skeet and I’m thrilled that you’ve made your debut. Congrats to Emily and Todd. Rumor has it that you’ve created the most beautiful baby ever and I can’t wait to have those photos so I can prove it to all of my readers. Congrats to Lily Katherine, too - you’ve picked the very best Mommie and Daddy to love you and nurture you and teach you everthing you’ll need to know about how life works. Auntie skeet loves you too, darling girl, and is sending ooodles and bunches of aloha your way!

I thought of my friend Val when I was watching So You Think You Can Dance last week. One of the contestants had a special message to deliver, and it’s the same message that Val shares every chance she gets, so I thought she might submit the story to Good Stuff. I was right! Go find out what Brett wants the world to know over at Val’s place. He just might be replacing Val as the best-ever ambassador for their cause!

I’ve always believed that every individual should consider leaving a legacy that somehow enchnaces life for others. The ways that we give are dependent on the talents we’ve been blessed with, but the obligation is the same for everyone who will acknowledge it. Brett knows that and so does Val. I know that Lily Katherine will understand the principal at an early age, because I know her father embraces it. (I’m not purposely excluding her mother’s influence - I just haven’t gotten a chance to know her yet. It’s a good bet that Todd chose a life-partner who shares his ideals, so Lily Katherine is likely to get good guidance from both of them.) Those who were blessed with extraordinary talents have the ability to make extraordinary contributions. It’s always gratifying to learn of someone who has taken up that challenge at an early age, and it’s news worthy of sharing. If you missed it last week, go read about three young people who are helping to shape our future and I think you’ll see what I mean.

Have you been checking the inside pages of your local paper lately? If you haven’t gotten around to it yet, today is a good day to start. Do me (and yourself!) a favor and make it a point to find the good news that probably won’t be the lead story at ten. Pick a news source anywhere in the world or something great you’ve found on the web. Better yet, share a heart-warming, first-person moment that gladdened your heart. Is there a Lily Katherine-like story you’d like to shout about? Is one of the offspring graduating this year - the one you thought might not make it all the way? Maybe you finally figured out how to do that thing that makes your life so much easier, or your liver cleanse finally kicked in and you’re feeling so much better? Those little day-to-day moments that make us smile are the stuff of a happy life and worthy of sharing. Here’s your chance to recognize them for what they are and spread a little sunshine in the process. Post a link to your good news below. It can be a post on your own blog or to the source that made you grin. If you have a blog, invite your readers to share their happy moments, too. Give me your links in the comments below this post. I’ll do a roundup of your stories later this week. And hey - don’t forget to come back to read the good news when we SHARE THE GOOD STUFF!

Technorati Tags: good news, current events, local stories, meme

June 7, 2008

Hawaii’s brightest kids

I wasn’t a big fan of science fairs when I was a kid. We were required to submit a project each year, but mine were always embarrassingly simple creations compared to the stuff some of my peers were doing. I remember distilling a tiny flask of grain alcohol one year from a massive quantity of ingredients. Science was never my best subject. It still isn’t, but I find myself looking on in admiration now whenever I find news about science fair winners. Today’s kids aren’t making pin-hole cameras and ping pong ball models of the solar system. They’re finding practical applications for some very sophisticated, very advanced science.

Lisa Mocz, of Mililani High School, will be paying her own way through college thanks to the scholarships she’s won at local, state and national science fairs the last few years. Her project this year in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in Atlanta is “A New Model of See-through Vision: Image Reconstruction in Scattering Media from Quantum Exit Probabilities for Aerial, Terrestrial and Underwater Robot Inspection.” Could someone explain to me what that means? The words are all familiar. Put together that way, though, they don’t quite track for me. I understand it has something to do with robotics. But See-through vision? Scattering media? Quantum Exit Probabilities? I confess total ignorance. Some of her scholarships are from the Office of Naval Research and the Department of Homeland Security. I do know what that means. It means that Lisa Mocz is shaping your future and mine. She’s applying her talents, education and intelligence towards building a better world.

Two young men from Hawaii who accompanied Lisa to Atlanta are both contributing to our store of knowlege about medicine and diseases. Nolan Kamitaki, a sophomore from Hilo, took a second place award for “Programming a Network Approach to Contain the Spread of Epidemics, Second Year Study.” A sophomore! At - what? - probably fifteen years old? - Nolan is creating the science that may help us control future epidemics. Micah Maetani, a Honolulu senior, contributed “Growth Inhibition of Metastatic Prostate Cancer: Effect of Methanolic Extracts from Various Nuts.” I understand that just fine. This young man may be helping to create a cure for prostate cancer from natural ingredients.

Are you impressed? I’m totally blown away by what these kids are doing. Congratulation Lisa, Nolan, and Micah, and mahalo. Mahalo nui loa for applying your gifts and your hard work towards improving life on this big blue marble for all of us.

Technorati Tags: education, Hawaii students, science fairs

June 4, 2008

Gathering up the Good Stuff

Did you remember this week? Have you been checking the back pages of your local paper lately? If you haven’t gotten around to it yet, there’s still time! Do me (and yourself!) a favor and make it a point to find the good news that probably won’t be the lead story at ten. Pick a news source anywhere in the world or something great you’ve found on the web. Better yet, share a heart-warming, first-person moment that gladdened your heart. Did you finally dig yourself out of the medigap and get yourself some health coverage? Is one of the offspring graduating this year - the one you thought might not make it all the way? Maybe you finally figured out how to do that thing that makes your life so much easier? Those little day-to-day moments that make us smile are the stuff of a happy life and worthy of sharing. Here’s your chance to recognize them for what they are and spread a little sunshine in the process. Post a link to your good news below. It can be a post on your own blog or to the source that made you grin. If you have a blog, invite your readers to share their happy moments, too. I’ll do a roundup of your stories later this week. Make sure you come back to read the good news when we SHARE THE GOOD STUFF!

Technorati Tags: good news, current events, local stories, meme

May 30, 2008

Sharing the Good Stuff

Sometimes we get so overwhelmed with the bad news that we forget that there are good things going on around us all the time. We can’t change the headlines, but we can seek out that which is good, that which is uplifting, that which shines with a positive radiance - the good stuff. I really appreciate it when my readers share the things that make them smile! Here are some things that I’m appreciating today:

Anne has a new family member this week and you know she’s smiling ear-to-ear. Her new grandson arrived on Tuesday. I’m not jealous - not me! Congrats Anne and family! Good health and a happy life to the littlest member of the zoo!

New reader John Tighe is feeling pretty good about a new family member, too:

We rescued a stray cat last week and it was so traumatised that she hasn’t really moved since.

She is sitting on my lap as I type, purring. What a great feeling.

Way to go, John! Why breed new pets when there are so many that need a loving home?

Regular contributor Val shared some news about a corporate giant giving back. Okay, I’m going back to Milkbones instead of the generic doggie biscuits I’ve been buying!

I’m happy about a corporate giant giving back this week, too. They didn’t have to sell a valuable parcel of land for $1.00, but they’re part of our community, too, and chose to do the right thing.

What’s making you smile today? Have you checked the back pages of your local paper lately? Do yourself a favor and make it a point to find the good news that never gets the bold headlines. Pick a news source anywhere in the world or something great you’ve found on the web. Better yet, share a heart-warming first-person moment that made you smile. Those little day-to-day moments that make us smile are the stuff of a happy life and worthy of sharing. Here’s your chance to recognize them for what they are and spread a little sunshine in the process. Make sure you send me a link when you’re moved to blog about something good going on. I’ll hook you up the next time we Share Some Good Stuff and then we can all feel a little better about what this world is coming to!

Technorati Tags: good news, current events, local stories, meme

May 29, 2008

Share a smile!

This old world is not a bad place, despite what you hear on the news. Have you checked the back pages of your local paper lately? Do me (and yourself!) a favor and make it a point to find the good news that never gets the bold headlines. Pick a news source anywhere in the world or something great you’ve found on the web. Better yet, share a heart-warming, first-person moment that gladdened your heart. Has an old friend been in touch? Did you finally conquer all of the challenges in your favorite game? What about that oh-so-cute thing your kid did the other day? Those little day-to-day moments that make us smile are the stuff of a happy life and worthy of sharing. Here’s your chance to recognize them for what they are and spread a little sunshine in the process. Post a link to your good news below. It can be a post on your own blog or to the source that made you grin. If you have a blog, invite your readers to share their happy moments, too. I’ll do a round-up later today (might be early tomorrow in your part of the world) when we SHARE THE GOOD STUFF!

Technorati Tags: good news, current events, local stories, meme

May 23, 2008

Sharing the Good Stuff

Sometimes we get so overwhelmed with the bad news that we forget that there are good things going on around us all the time. We can’t change the headlines, but we can seek out that which is good, that which is uplifting, that which shines with a positive radiance - the good stuff. I really appreciate it when my readers share the things that make them smile!

If you’ve ever struggled to lose weight, you know it can get discouraging sometimes. Our gal Angie is celebrating a four-pound weight loss this week, bringing her total to 27 pounds in twelve weeks. Way to go, Angie!

Val always keeps her eyes peeled for good news. I was really pleased with her submission this week about a Walgreen’s Distribution Center that is leading the way in providing employment for the disabled. Corporate giants have so much power to do good. It’s wonderful when they take up that challenge.

This week I’ve kept to my committment to make significant progress each day towards de-cluttering my life. I still need maybe one more day of hard labor to have my office organized, so I’m hoping to finish all of that today or tomorrow. I may also tackle the closet in the guest room today. I’ve been using the room for storage and it was a real disgrace, but it’s usable once again for its intended purpose. Last night I cleaned my pantry and I can actually find things in there now!

The really good news is that my friend is finally home. She picked up her girls yesterday, so Lance is a little lonely today, but he’ll perk up this afternooon when he gets his bath. He doesn’t like the bathing process itself, but always goes into high-energy mode afterwards.

What’s making you smile today? Have you checked the back pages of your local paper lately? Do yourself a favor and make it a point to find the good news that never gets the bold headlines. Pick a news source anywhere in the world or something great you’ve found on the web. Better yet, share a heart-warming first-person moment that made you smile. Those little day-to-day moments that make us smile are the stuff of a happy life and worthy of sharing. Here’s your chance to recognize them for what they are and spread a little sunshine in the process. Make sure you send me a link when you’re moved to blog about something good going on. I’ll hook you up the next time we Share Some Good Stuff and then we can all feel a little better about what this world is coming to!

Technorati Tags: good news, current events, local stories, meme

May 22, 2008

Got some Good Stuff?

If it’s Thursday, I’m looking for some Good Stuff! Have you checked the back pages of your local paper lately? Do me (and yourself!) a favor and make it a point to find the good news that never gets the bold headlines. Pick a news source anywhere in the world or something great you’ve found on the web. Better yet, share a heart-warming first-person moment that gladdened your heart. Did you finally make a perfect batch of your grandmother’s biscuits? Is your favorite kindergartener a blue-ribbon popsicle stick artist? Did the puppy finally go outside to piddle? Those little day-to-day moments that make us smile are the stuff of a happy life and worthy of sharing. Here’s your chance to recognize them for what they are and spread a little sunshine in the process. Post a link to your good news below. It can be a post on your own blog or to the source that made you grin. I’ll do a round-up later today (might be early tomorrow in your part of the world) when we SHARE THE GOOD STUFF!

Technorati Tags: good news, current events, local stories, meme

May 16, 2008

Sharing the Good Stuff

Sometimes we get so overwhelmed with the bad news that we forget that there are good things going on around us all the time. We can’t change the headlines, but we can seek out that which is good, that which is uplifting, that which shines with a positive radiance - the good stuff. Here’s some good stuff sent to me by my readers:

Toy’s-R-Us is the target of a lot of jokes in comedic routines, but we all shop there, don’t we? Val thinks we all should know that Toy’s-R-Us is aware that being a mega-corporation comes with mega-responsibility. Their Autism Speaks campaign recently raised $1.5 million dollars dedicated to autism research and advocacy. Did you know that they’ll help you out when you are shopping for toys for kids with special needs? I knew there was a reason I liked that place!

I love the malapropisms that pop innocently out of children’s mouths. John Tighe made me smile when he shared this one from his son, Charlie:

A few years I took my family on holiday to Spain. One evening we were all eating tapas, while watching the sunset over the Med. My son picked up a baby squid and asked what it was. “Squid” I replied.

Ah, good times.

Yep, that’s Good Stuff, John!

I recently found a blog that makes me smile every time I visit. Quiverfullfamily is well-written (something that always makes me happy!) and is chock-full of fun family stories. Y’all know I have a thing for bugs, right? I loved this recent post about kids and bugs and life and joy. Well done, my new friends!

Sometimes it only takes a small thing to bring a little sunsine into our days. Lisa, the Queen of Pith, had a happy little surprise at the gas station recently. Don’t you love it when people are nice for no reason at all?

I mentioned las tweek that I was finally “off of the couch” and starting to get involved in my own life again. I’ve kept momentum going, diggng my way out of the clutter a day at a time. It’s a good thing we have those big rubbish bins that are picked up by automated arms on the trash truck. My poor rubbish man would be worn out otherwise, with all of the stuff I’ve been getting rid of! Oh, and do check out Schwim, my big girl visitor for a free smile. Admit it, you can’t look at her without grinning, can you?

I hope you’ve had some uplifting moments in your life recently, too. Have you checked the back pages of your local paper lately? Do yourself a favor and make it a point to find the good news that never gets the bold headlines. Pick a news source anywhere in the world or something great you’ve found on the web. Better yet, share a heart-warming first-person moment that made you smile. Those little day-to-day moments that make us smile are the stuff of a happy life and worthy of sharing. Here’s your chance to recognize them for what they are and spread a little sunshine in the process. Make sure you send me a link when you’re moved to blog about something good going on. I’ll hook you up the next time we Share Some Good Stuff and then we can all feel a little better about what this world is coming to!

Technorati Tags: good news, current events, family stories, local stories, meme