ONLY GOOD NEWS
JUNE/SEPTEMBER 2007 / VOLUME FIFTEEN - NUMBER TWO / published: 31 may 2007 - updated: 6 jun 2007

ONLY GOOD NEWS INDEX: ENCYCLOPEDIA OF LIFE ~ THE NRDC IN CHINA ~ PEACE-ACTION.ORG ~ THE INSTITUTE FOR POLITICS, DEMOCRACY & THE INTERNET (IPDI) ~ GREEN LIVING X & HEALTHY SOLUTIONS ~ GREEN CITIES & URBAN ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS ~ CONSERVATION INTERNATIONAL ~ THE GREAT BEAR RAINFOREST AGREEMENT - SAVE YELLOWSTONE'S GRIZZLIES! - SAVE THE RED SNAPPER! - SAVE THE COOK INLET BELUGA WHALE! - SAVE HAPPY FEET! - THE MARINE MAMMAL CENTER - MONTEREY BAY SANCTUARY FOUNDATION ~ SEAFLOOR MAPPING LAB (SFML) ~ CALIFORNIA COASTAL CONSERVANCY X ~ FUGRO PELAGOS ~ AQUABITS ~ SUPPORT WATER FOR THE POOR ~ PROTECT WILDLIFE ON PRIVATE LANDS! ~ THE ASPCA >> TAKE ACTION ON A VARIETY OF IMPORTANT ISSUES ~ TAYLOR GUITARS & GREENPEACE SINGING A NEW TUNE ABOUT SITKA SPRUCE ~ THE ST. PETERSBURG ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH CENTER (SPERC) ~ GREEN MOUNTAIN COFFEE ROASTERS® ~ PATRIOTISM IS A GLOBAL IDEAL ~ INBLOOM STICKERS - OLD GUYS RULE - THE SANTA CRUZ COMIC NEWS - ENERGY ART PHOTOGRAPHY - GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS 

ROPER WISDOM: 'let not human density ~ impede humane destiny'...

1) what it is - 5:24
2) who gives a funk? - 4:48
3) what time is it? - 0:46
4) where is jim? - 28:53
5) the new vast ineptitude
(southern northeast western BBQ dinner dance
@ the hyper dimensional space-time boundary north of heaven -
magnetic signature of a higher level state space) - 15:34
6) what is it? - 2:15
7) space-time continuum (continued) - 5:33
8) in and of itself - 3:05
9) going to santa cruz - 3:41
10) alma street - 4:42
11) amy 1 (remix) - 1:10

LIK ROPER – percussion and vocals
JAMES PATRICK FINLEY - guitar
MICHAEL WAITE FINLEY - bass guitar

all songs written, performed and produced by lik roper - *except for what it is - written by lik roper, james patrick finley and michael waite finley - and who gives a funk? - written by lik roper and michael waite finley / and where is jim? written and performed by james patrick finley / all tracks engineered by lik roper - *except for what it is & who gives a funk? - engineered by tom giatron, mark yamamoto and lik roper / all tracks copyright 2004 lik roper *except for what it is copyright 2004 lik roper, james patrick finley and michael waite finley / and who gives a funk? copyright 2004 lik roper and michael waite finley / where is jim? copyright 2004 james patrick finley / amy 1 copyright 2003 lik roper / all songs published 2004 lik roper/bmi *except for what it is published 2004 lik roper, james patrick finley and michael waite finley/bmi - who gives a funk? published 2004 lik roper and michael waite finley/bmi - where is jim? published 2005 james patrick finley/bmi & amy 1 published 2003 lik roper/bmi ~ all roads lead to lik roper...

ENCYCLOPEDIA OF LIFE - Many of the world’s leading scientific institutions announced the launch of the Encyclopedia of Life, an unprecedented global effort to document all 1.8 million named species of animals, plants, and other forms of life on Earth. For the first time in the history of the planet, scientists, students, and citizens will have multi-media access to all known living species, even those that have just been discovered - The Field Museum of Natural History, Harvard University, Marine Biological Laboratory, Smithsonian Institution, and Biodiversity Heritage Library joined together to initiate the project, bringing together species and software experts from across the world. The Missouri Botanical Garden has become a full partner, and discussions are taking place this week with leaders of the new Atlas of Living Australia. The Encyclopedia today also announced the initial membership of its Institutional Council, which spans the globe, and whose members will play key roles in realizing this immense project. An international advisory board of distinguished individuals will also help guide the Encyclopedia - The effort is spurred by a $10 million grant from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and $2.5 million from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, and will ultimately serve as a global beacon for biodiversity and conservation - check out: http://www.eol.org/

THE NRDC IN CHINA ~ has become the leading environmental advisor to China on energy-related issues. With their guidance, China has launched a national energy efficiency campaign and is investing in clean burning vehicles, green buildings and coal gasification/carbon capture. Given the size of China's growing economy, which is currently powered primarily by coal-fired power plants — a major contributor both to global warming and to water and soil pollution around the world — there is perhaps no more important role the NRDC could take -  read more @ http://www.nrdc.org/firsthand/

PEACE-ACTION.ORG [a merger of SANE and The Nuclear Freeze] has effectively mobilized for peace and disarmament for fifty years -  As the nation’s largest grassroots peace and justice group, they get results: from the 1963 treaty to ban above ground nuclear testing, to the 1996 signing of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, from ending the war in Vietnam, to blocking weapons sales to human rights abusing countries, and eliminating funding for new nuclear weapons, Peace Action and its more than 100,000 members have been, and continue to be, at the forefront of the international movement for peace - check out: http://www.peace-action.org/

THE INSTITUTE FOR POLITICS, DEMOCRACY & THE INTERNET (IPDI)  is part of the Graduate School of Political Management of The George Washington University. Its mission is to promote the use of the Internet and new communication technologies in politics to enhance democratic values, encourage citizen participation and improve governance, at home and abroad; in short, to “democratize democracy” - IPDI conducts research that anticipates and interprets trends; publishes studies and guidelines that that show candidates, public officials and activists how to make the best use of the new communication tools; and holds seminars and conferences that advocate best practices, teach new skills and allow for the national and international exchange of ideas on the democratizing uses of the Internet and other new technologies -  check out: http://www.ipdi.org/

GREEN LIVING X & HEALTHY SOLUTIONS ~ REAL IMPACT » Building Materials / Crafts & Projects / Eco-Building Design / Energy Saving / Feng Shui / Green Home Decor / Health & Safety / Household Hints / Natural Fabrics / Nontoxic Cleaning / Pest Control / Quizzes / Recycling & Reuse / Smart Shopping » check out: CARE2.COM GREEN LIVING @ http://www.care2.com/greenliving - HEALTHY HOME @ http://www.care2.com/greenliving/healthy-home - or go to: http://www.care2.com/ - ALSO! check out: NRDC GREEN LIVING @ http://nrdc.org/greenliving/

GREEN CITIES & URBAN ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS @ http://usinfo.state.gov/journals/itgic/0300/ijge/ijge0300.htm

CONSERVATION INTERNATIONAL ~ Conservation poses complex and ever-changing challenges involving politics, cultures, and economies, and Conservation International's (CI) programs combine scientific knowledge with expertise in specialized fields to achieve conservation solutions. Their programs work to demonstrate the value of partnerships, lend advice on best practices, and guide implementation of conservation solutions in the field. Some of CI's programs also provide financial support to conservation efforts run by local conservationists. Learn more about CI @ http://www.conservation.org/

THE GREAT BEAR RAINFOREST AGREEMENT ~ The Great Bear Rainforest Agreement, an historic moment which protected five million acres of pristine forests from logging, received the final commitment of funding in January from the government of British Columbia--completing a groundbreaking conservation management and economic development initiative - We now start the task of turning promises into policy and transforming agreements into on-the-ground change. And, we need your help to create a lasting change in the Great Bear Rainforest -- Can you contribute $15, $35, or $50 to help us put to rest old ideas that environmental protection is bad for business? - read more

SAVE YELLOWSTONE'S GRIZZLIES! ~ The NRDC is preparing to fight the bush administration in court over their reckless decision to remove Yellowstone's 500 or so grizzly bears from the endangered species list - you can help advance the NRDC's ongoing fight to ensure a future for Yellowstone grizzlies by speaking out against a new proposal that would open the door to destructive gas drilling in Montana's Beartooth Mountain region @ take action

   

SAVE THE RED SNAPPER! ~ You can tell the Fish Management Council to work aggressively to end overfishing of red snapper @ http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/762444758 - SAVE THE COOK INLET BELUGA WHALE! ~ Care2 and their partner Defenders of Wildlife recently deluged the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) with over 26,000 comments urging federal officials to protect the imperiled Cook Inlet beluga whale, NMFS proposed listing the rare species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) - you can view the petition @ http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/385057140?z00m=9425993 & SAVE HAPPY FEET! @ http://www.savehappyfeet.com/

 

THE MARINE MAMMAL CENTER recognizes human interdependence with marine mammals and their importance as sentinels of the ocean environment, the health of which is essential for all life - It is thier responsibility to use our awareness, compassion and intelligence to foster marine mammal survival and the conservation of their habitat - The Marine Mammal Center works toward this end: Through rescue and humane treatment of ill, injured, or orphaned marine mammals, to return healthy animals to the wild - read more @ http://www.marinemammalcenter.org/about_us/about_us.asp

MONTEREY BAY SANCTUARY FOUNDATION is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to advance the understanding and protection of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and other national marine sanctuaries in California - check out: http://www.mbnmsf.org/

SEAFLOOR MAPPING LAB (SFML) is within the Division of Science and Environmental Policy at California State University Monterey Bay, and it specializes in high-resolution acoustic remote sensing for coastal habitats. Combining research and education with state-of-the-art geospatial technology, the SFML offers unique hands-on, field-to-finish experience to students while conducting professional habitat mapping surveys for resource management and basic research along the continental margins - check out: http://seafloor.csumb.edu/

CALIFORNIA COASTAL CONSERVANCY X ~ The Coastal Conservancy acts with others to preserve, protect and restore the resources of the California Coast. Our vision is of a beautiful, restored and accessible coastline - check out: http://www.coastalconservancy.ca.gov/ & click here 

FUGRO PELAGOS specializes in offshore survey services, and provides innovative solutions that redefine the manner and quality in which the seafloor can be mapped and displayed. They integrate and enhance advanced technologies, such as multibeam bathymetry, multibeam backscatter "snippets" imagery, Lidar bathymetry and GIS. Fugro Pelagos takes pride in their ability to provide you the personalized attention, innovation and rapid response of a small company while drawing on the resources of their worldwide offices - check out: http://www.fugro-pelagos.com/

AQUABITS is a quarterly newsletter of Sip-Size Updates on the Bottled Water Industry - so get a tall glass of tap water, sit back, and read the latest issue of Aqua Bits, a consumer information newsletter from Food & Water Watch - AQUABITS is proud to feature stories correcting (mis)information from the bottled water industry about their product being safer and healthier than most tap water in the United States, focusing on stories about bottled water health, contaminants, filtration, and interesting facts about water - read more @ http://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/water/bottled

SUPPORT WATER FOR THE POOR ~ Lack of enough clean water is the leading cause of preventable death in the world today. Right now, more than 1 billion people lack enough clean water to meet their daily needs, and even more people lack adequate sanitation. Global warming is projected to worsen this crisis, unless we step up now. Thanks to your support, in 2005 Congress took the first steps to ending this crisis by passing the Water for the Poor Act, which prioritizes clean water programs in the world's neediest communities. Now, we need Congress to actually make money available for this urgent work. Our representatives are dragging their feet. You can be part of the solution by telling them that it's time to put their money where their mouth is and make clean water a reality for the poor - Can you send an email to your member of Congress right now, asking him or her to support the Water for the Poor Act? - Tell Congress: Support Water for the Poor @ http://www.democracyinaction.org/dia/organizationsORG/fwwatch/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=11280

PROTECT WILDLIFE ON PRIVATE LANDS! ~ New legislation introduced last month by Rep. Dennis Cardoza (D-CA) would help private landowners to continue their vital stewardship of lands essential for our nation’s wildlife -- but only if your Member of Congress hears from you! - You can urge your Representative to support efforts to protect wildlife on private land - take action

THEN TAKE ACTION ON A VARIETY OF IMPORTANT ISSUES - http://www.savebiogems.org/ ~ http://www.nrdc.org/action ~ http://www.nrdcactionfund.org/action/ ~ http://www.environmentaldefense.org/page.cfm?tagID=820 ~ http://www.thepetitionsite.com/browse-petitions ~ http://forestethics.org/article.php?list=type&type=12 ~ http://action.defenders.org/site/PageServer?pagename=savewolves_takeaction ~ http://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/take-action ~ http://action.aclu.org/site/PageServer?pagename=AP_action_homepage ~ http://www.oceana.org/index.php?id=1507 ~ https://gateway.hsus.org/tafa/ ~ http://www.citizen.org/action/ ~ http://www.stage1.org/petition.asp ~ http://action.defenders.org/site/PageServer?pagename=act_homepage ~ http://cu.convio.net/site/PageServer?pagename=ActNow ~ http://stopthedrugwar.org/alerts ~ http://www.commoncause.org/site/pp.asp?c=dkLNK1MQIwG&b=189958 ~ https://www.environmentcalifornia.org/how-you-can-help ~ http://ufw.org/_board.php?b_code=take_action ~ http://www.peace-action.org/action/ ~ http://www2.democracyinaction.org/tools ~ http://www.stopthemoneychase.org/ & http://www.getitstraightby2008.org/

THE ASPCA is calling for the Texas legislature to reject any amendment that would overturn the ban on horse slaughter for human consumption - read more & take action 

TAYLOR GUITARS & GREENPEACE SINGING A NEW TUNE ABOUT SITKA SPRUCE ~ If the top industries posing the greatest threat to the environment — in particular, deforestation — were compiled into a list, musical instrument manufacturers wouldn’t make the cut - So it’s newsworthy that environmental activist group Greenpeace is teaming up with Taylor Guitars in El Cajon to help condemn certain logging practices - read more

THE ST. PETERSBURG ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH CENTER (SPERC) is a small business that serves both government and private corporations. Working with strategic partners we bring the best of both the physical and social science to environmental research with an emphasis on natural disasters. Many natural disasters from hurricanes, typhoons, tornadoes, fires, tsunamis, earthquakes, wildfires, drought and disease etc. need not be disasters at all with preparation and prevention plans in place. SPERC can help with this prevention, preparation, and mitigation. When natural disasters do occur quick analysis of the situation and sound recovering plans will need to be put in place. SPERC is ready to assist following a disaster with analysis and recovery programs - check out: http://www.sperc.us/about.php

GREEN MOUNTAIN COFFEE ROASTERS® ~ To help protect the Gombe chimps and their dwindling habitat, the Jane Goodall Institute introduced Green Mountain Coffee Roasters® to a community of farmers growing extraordinary coffee near the border of Gombe National Park - This coffee thrives under the shade of a forest canopy, so it grows in harmony with the chimps. It gives farmers an incentive to preserve the forest, and a chance at economic stability. And now it gives you a chance to protect chimp habitat while enjoying a coffee with incredible flavor and aroma - Learn more or order yours today @ http://www.greenmountaincoffee.com/cstm_gombe-reserve.aspx?kbid=2108&sub=JGI

PATRIOTISM IS A GLOBAL IDEAL ~ Patriotism is not a national, but a global ideal. We must think and feel as citizens of the planet, not just one nation; We owe future generations our best effort to leave them a healthy viable planet. Or as one commenter beautifully put it: "We are patriots when we act not on our own behalf, but on behalf of future generations yet unborn" - Every generation confronts a unique challenge that tests its collective mettle -- and for us, that challenge is global warming. Help us draft a declaration for signature by all Americans who are committed to stopping global warming. Be one of the first to add your ideas to the Declaration >> offer new language, edits and ideas @ http://environmentaldefense.blogspot.com/2007/05/second-draft-of-declaration.html

INBLOOM STICKERS can be used on just about any smooth, hard surface. They look great on windows, mirrors, mailboxes, or just about anywhere you want to decorate the surroundings in your daily life. Inbloom stickers are available in 4 different sizes and come in a variety of colors, and all of their stickers can be purchased online - check out: http://www.inbloomstickers.com/

OLD GUYS RULE @ http://oldguysrule.com/

THE SANTA CRUZ COMIC NEWS @ http://thecomicnews.com/ 

ENERGY ART PHOTOGRAPHY @ http://www.energyartphotography.com/

GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS @ http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com

 

'there are no mistakes ~ only lessons'...