Articles by Tag Feed

Greenpeace Declares Human Existence is 'Under Threat,' Climate Change to Blame

David DeFranza — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:09:00 GMT

Greenpeace has a new executive director. Kumi Naidoo, a veteran of the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa and a leading advocate in the battle against global poverty, is the first African, and first person from outside the organization, to be selected to head Greenpeace. His background is in defending human rights, particularly those of people made vulnerable by drought and natural disasters. Though his career has not focused solely on environmental activism, he argues that the division between human suffering and environmental degradation has been erased.

Fight Fear: 13 Optimistic Acts for Friday the 13th

David DeFranza — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:47:00 GMT

At least once, and as many as three times, every year, Friday falls on the 13th day of the month. If that makes you a bit nervous, you might have a case of paraskevidekatriaphobia, the fear of Friday the 13th. You could stay indoors all day, hoping you don't slip in the shower or start a fire with a forgotten tea kettle, or you could take matters into your own hands. Instead of cowering in fear, fight it by doing something that encourages optimism.

Vote for the Best Agent of Change in the BBC World Challenge '09

David DeFranza — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:10:00 GMT

Organized by the BBC with support from Newsweek and Shell, World Challenge '09 seeks to honor "projects or small businesses from around the world that have shown enterprise and innovation at a grass roots level." This year, the fifth that the competition has been held, the finalists represent the greatest diversity yet seen.

FIRST Robotics is the Varsity Sport of the Mind

David DeFranza — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:23:00 GMT

The participation is incredible: more than 200,000 students from across the country, locked in heated competition, working to build more 17,000 robots. With more than $11 million in university scholarships up for grabs, the stakes are high. Welcome to the world of FIRST Robotics.

What's in Season Where You Live? Show Us With Your Best Local Recipe

Team Planet Green — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:30:00 GMT

The world is a big place and that means your local diet is going to be different than someone from a, well, different locale. Knowing that no one knows what's local and in season in your community better than you, Planet Green is asking for your advice. We want to hear your best recipes utilizing what's locally grown and in season in your home town.

The Charter for Compassion Draws Strength from a Simple Idea

David DeFranza — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:20:00 GMT

Karen Armstrong's take on religion, motivated by her experience as a Catholic nun and inspired by the study of modern literature, is one that emphasizes similarities over differences and compassion over judgment. Her books commonly spark controversy—indeed, her views tend to be inconoclastic—but her desire is to align religious leaders along principles of "universal justice and respect."

Going Behind the American Chopper Green Build

David DeFranza — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:00:00 GMT

When Siemens decided they wanted an electric vehicle to showcase their wind energy systems, a custom motorcycle from Orange County Choppers was an obvious choice. Their stylized custom bikes are eye-catching masterpieces that still attract attention even after years of publicity on American Choppers. Sure, Orange County Choppers could create a beautiful motorcycle, but could they make it electric?

Homemade Restaurant Quality Flatbread in 4 Steps

Sara Novak — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 15:30:00 GMT

I was truly surprised at how easy it was to make flatbread. The only trick to the trade is that you need to watch it carefully or it will burn. But if it's not fully browned it will be under cooked and therefore chewy and doughy.

Dr. Brent Solves Your DIY Condundrums

Team Planet Green — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 14:33:00 GMT

Dr. Brent Ridge is a man of many talents. He's an assistant clinical professor at Mount Sinai School of Medicine and the vice president of healthy living at Martha Stewart Omnimedia. He is also one of the farmers calling Beekman Farms home. Submit a photo of your problem object or ingredient using the form below and Dr. Brent will draw on his diverse experience to help you find a DIY solution for it. But he won't do it alone.

Isn't it Time to Clean Up the Great Pacific Garbage Patch?

David DeFranza — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 17:15:00 GMT

We all know it's out there: a giant swirling mass of trash and scrap known as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. We have seen how the trash is killing birds and other wildlife. It's a twice-the-size-of-Texas problem, but what can we do to stop it?