Monthly Archives: November 2013

GAMES FOR CHANGE – Catalyzing Social Impact Through Digital Games

by

Games for Change is the leading global advocate for supporting and making games for social impact.  Non-profit curators of 138 very cool, very innovative video games.  Their games?  Awesome.  Their mission?  Game changing.  

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING  “At least two generations of people have grown up with games and … it is part of their DNA to want to express themselves in that form. The bandwidth [of videogame emotion] is usually tension and competition—a sense of aggression. That’s changing.” Tracy Fullerton, professor at the University of Southern California

Mission Statement:

Catalyzing Social Impact Through Digital Games

What they do:

Founded in 2004, Games for Change facilitates the creation and distribution of social impact games that serve as critical tools in humanitarian and educational efforts.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE PLAYING

Neocolonialism_FeaturedImage

Ruin the world by manipulating parliaments and exploiting the working class. Also, the map isgame details
Dumbwaystodie2

“I solemnly swear to not do dumb stuff around trains.”game details
CodeFred

How do your body’s systems work? Learn by helping Fred survive a terrifying night in the woods.game details
ClimateDefense

Can you prevent global warming? “Let’s Pretend.”game details
ZombiesRun_Featured

Need motivation to exercise? Try outrunning the zombie apocalypse.game details
PlagueInc_Featured

Infect as many people as possible before humanity finds a cure.game details
SideKickCycle

Every 387 downloads of this bike racing game sends a bicycle to an impoverished community.game details
UpliftedFeature

Launch your character across challenging platforms in a quest to become happy.game details
SuperSightFeature

Battle against your fears to learn problem-solving strategies.game details
BioharmoniousFeature

Resolve the desolation of the balance between nature and machinery.game details
and many, many more…

1018 Thanks. And counting.

by

When I started the relaunch of Long Live Earth 6 weeks ago I didn’t know what to expect.  Yesterday the website broke a thousand views – many, many thanks to all that have taken the time in their busy days in this busy world to take a peak.  Only 5 days left to pre-order  – 10% of proceeds from all pre-orders to be donated to 350.0rg (working tirelessly to solve the climate crisis).  A happy and safe Thanksgiving to all.

Earth home stanz pic

AIRPOD – THE ADORABLE AIR POWERED CAR.

by

Less that $10,000, zero emissions, runs practically for free using compressed air and cute as a button.

Seriously?  WHERE DO I SIGN UP?

Why have I not heard about this amazing vehicle until now?  It has been in production for years but apparently several fits and starts have prevented it from getting to the US market thus far (though it is already in use in France and India).  I have a sneaky suspicion some of those big car corporations are none too happy to see this baby take off.  Well, tough beans because word is that the Airpod will be available stateside by the summer of 2014.

“Airpods for Everyone!” I say.  Get ready to drive the new People’s  Car.

All that’s left to do is pick your model and your color.

See all options here.

UN climate talks near end with money at issue. And so it goes.

by

 “We could have saved the Earth but we were too damned cheap.” – Kurt Vonnegut

Kurt Vonnegut LA Times

Kurt Vonnegut survived the WWII Allied firebombing of Dresden, Germany, when he was a prisoner of war. (Caption and photo Los Angeles Times)

U.N. Climate Talks Near End, With Money at Issue

By David Jolly

Published: November 22, 2013

WARSAW — The United Nations climate conference ambled toward a conclusion on Friday, with delegates

saying that the meeting would produce no more than a modest set of measures toward a new international

agreement two years from now. As usual, the biggest dispute was over money.  (Entire article here.)

Can’t See The Forest For the Trees…

by

In this case the trees are dollars and the forest is the future of our children.

images-2

I live in town where Helen Keller once lived.  The middle school is named for her and there are reminders of her peppered throughout the school and the town.  I think of her often.  It’s difficult to imagine the challenges she faced.  We all know her story.  She was both deaf and blind but that did not stop her from being able to see or from being able to hear.  Or from being able to speak her wisdom.

Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”  –  Helen Keller

All of you folks at the UN climate talks (that includes you, Australia, and you, America and Japan and Canada and the list goes on)… listen up.  Here is the latest report card on your progress (or lack thereof).

It’s not good enough. Not even close.

From the Voice of America
FINANCIAL DISPUTES HAMPER UN CLIMATE TALKS
Pamela Dockins

November 21, 2013

WASHINGTON — Disputes over finances have hampered progress at U.N. climate talks in Poland as delegates debate how to best provide aid to help developing countries fight global warming.
 
Meanwhile, a small group of protesters outside the talks expressed displeasure over how financial issues have bogged down efforts to prevent climate change.
 
Developing countries are challenging wealthy nations to follow through on a pledge to allocate $100 billion a year to help them deal with climate change. The commitment is supposed to be in place by 2020, yet there is concern that industrialized nations are not living up to that promise, according to Simon Bradshaw, a climate change spokesman at Oxfam.
 
“The worry is that developed countries just have not delivered fast enough on the finance commitments that were made right back in 2009. We have seen very little new money on the table this year and we have not seen strong, credible plans from any country on how they are going to scale up their contributions,” said Bradshaw.
 
The talks on climate change are taking place as the Philippines continues to reel after being devastated by Typhoon Haiyan.
 
The World Bank estimated that global economic losses causes by extreme weather — such as this storm — have risen to nearly $200 billion annually and could continue to rise as climate change worsens.
 
However, the talks have come at a time when many industrialized nations are trying to spur growth in their stagnant economies.
 
“We cannot have a system where there will be automatic compensation whenever severe weather events are happening in one place or other around the planet.  You can understand why this is not feasible,” said Connie Hedegaard, the European Commissioner for Climate Action.
 
Mary Sering, the Philippine representative at the talks, criticized the lack of an agreement on greenhouse gas emissions.
 
“If we are to review our progress, would it be right for me to conclude that we failed miserably?  Looking at science and how it manifested itself, not only at Typhoon Haiyan but also other events, like Katrina in the United States, the heat wave in France, the wildfires in Australia, and other extreme events occurring after observed increased warming, should we not be all ashamed being here?” asked Sering.
 
The conference continues through Friday. The group hopes to lay the groundwork for a 2015 climate agreement.

 

21st CENTURY HIPPIES

by

When my daughter was little we happened upon a documentary about hippies.  She was  4 or 5 at the time.  She was glued to this thing which was a painless and fascinating history lesson in 1960’s counter culture.  Some of the hippies did bad things (drugs), but most of them were really nice and did good things (made daisy chains). Right, mom? Right, sweetie.  Mom?  Yes?  I’m going to be a hippie.

Here’s to all the hippies, the old kind and the new 21st century kind,  a few of which Steve Davis has chronicled so beautifully in his recent photographic work Back to the Garden.Steve-DavisI am a mother of two babies. I cloth diaper, breastfeed and we do attachment parenting. I try to be as environmentally cautious as I can be with the resources we have today. If only I had a garden available, I would love to live off the land, and grow my own produce, and raise poultry/eggs. In my free time I like to crochet. —Melony, 20, Mother/Student

Steve_Davis_PhotographyI have a psychedelic spirituality, tan bare feet, long dreadlocked hair, have hitchhiked thousands and thousands of miles, chased the Dead when Jerry was still alive, dance under the stars at electronic music festivals, soak sky-clad in natural hot springs, live in my jeep wandering up and down the West Coast, and currently am camping at a communal village in Santa Cruz with a tribe of beautiful open-minded Free Spirits in Love with Life. —John, 37, Tattoo Artist

Steve_Davis_PhotographyI believe that the earth is alive, full of true wisdom, deserving of respect and love, and that we are completely lost if we don’t get to know her. —Jorie, 25, Natural Builder/Pizza Cook

Steve_Davis_PhotographyI don’t usually claim to be a hippie, though I hope others see it in me, because claiming it seems presumptuous, like claiming to be intelligent or enlightened. People might see me as a 21st century hippie because I care about the earth, animals, plants, people and social justice. I make important decisions primarily from my conscience rather than from my wallet, for convenience or for other reasons, and I try not to let others’ opinions of me affect me too much. —John, 40, Professor

Steve_Davis_PhotographyI’m a 21st century hippie because I fully support counter culture and gypsy life. —Eleanor, 28, Student/Artist

 

Steve_Davis_PhotographyHumanity is shadowed by looming insecurity, and a distortion of ideals, this leaves us scared and perpetually alone. I try not to let fear stifle my opinion of this beautiful planet that has graciously hosted us (and in turn we infect her like a plague of locust). I try not to let fear mast my smile. Spread your love like butter and we’ll all be golden. —Alex, 19, Fry Cook

Steve_Davis_PhotographyAs cliché as it sounds, I believe in love and peace above all else. —Laura, 22, Student/Tattoo Artist

Steve_Davis_PhotographyI have taken from the hippie ethic what I have found to be meaningful, and have incorporated my own values, influenced, of course, by growing up in the 21st century. Community building is one ethic I am passionate about sustaining into the future. 21st century technology gives us a river of tools and information that can help our generation achieve our goals, particularly by learning about what other people are doing all over the world. It gives communities a way to network with each other, especially, as I have found in my own endeavors, with regards to music and to food. Technologies like the Internet also allow people a platform to share their experiences and beliefs which helps create opportunities for understanding across social divides. —Paul, 22, Student/Musician

Steve_Davis_PhotographyI am a 21st century hippie, because I do my best to live my life within my truth while humbly learning from others. —Jackie, 26, Artist/Student/Barista

“This work represents people who self-identify as 21st century hippies.  This was my sole criterion for selecting subjects.  Several people I met and photographed do not usually reveal themselves as counter culture hippies in a very noticeable way, but they are all able to articulate their connection to the lifestyle, philosophies, or actions of contemporary hippie culture.  A group that is a joke to many, an anachronism to even more, is continually finding new members, more that 45 years after the Summer of Love.”

– Steve Davis 2013 , stevedavisphotography.com

LONG LIVE EARTH as featured on YOUR ORGANIC CHILD

by

Enter To Win A Signed Copy Of Long Live Earth by Meighan Morrison.

By KAT | Published: NOVEMBER 11, 2013

Enter to win a signed copy of LONG LIVE EARTH by Meigan Morrison. I was sent a advance copy of the book recently and my daughter loved the book. If your child loves nature he or she will love this book. Originally published 20 years ago by Scholastic, Long Live Earth’s brand new Anniversary edition is available for pre-order now through December 1st. Release date December 2nd. Here is your chance to win a signed copy. This book would also make a great gift and is available for preorder on Amazon.com and the authors website When you order from the authors website 10% of pre-order proceeds will be donated to 350.org, the global grassroots movement (co-founded by author/activist Bill McKibbon) working tirelessly to solve the climate crises.

This reflective tale is more timely, and more important, than ever…

Embark on a lyrical journey which begins at Earth’s very beginning, explores what people have done to our planet and charts a hopeful, united course towards the future. A must read now for budding environmentalists and anyone, young or old, who cares about the planet that we call home.

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

A big thank you to  YOUR ORGANIC CHILD for sharing LONG LIVE EARTH with it’s wonderful following.

THE WAR TO END ALL WARS. IMAGINE.

by

Veterans Day was formerly Armistice Day which was proclaimed by Woodrow Wilson in 1919.  It commemorated the end of World War I, “the war to end all wars”, which fell on the 11th hour of the 11th day of 11th month of 1918.

In 1938, Congress declared Armistice Day a legal holiday. It called it “a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as ‘Armistice Day’.”

In 1954, Congress changed the name of Armistice Day and designated November 11 henceforth as ‘Veterans Day’.

Imagine if the war to end all wars had actually ended all wars.  Today, on this Veteran’s Day, let’s try to imagine exactly that.

Imagine there is no heaven
It’s easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky

Imagine all the people
Living for today

Imagine there’s no countries
It isn’t hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion, too

Imagine all the people
Living life in peace

You, you may say I’m a dreamer
But I’m not the only one
I hope someday you will join us
And the world will be as one

Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man

Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world

You, you may say I’m a dreamer
But I’m not the only one
I hope someday you will join us
And the world will live as one

– John Lennon, 1940 -1980

CLIMATE CHANGE – “IF NOT US, WHO? IF NOT NOW, WHEN? IF NOT HERE, WHERE?”

by
TYPHOON HAIYAN:  WHAT REALLY ALARMS FILIPINOS IS THE RICH WORLD IGNORING CLIMATE CHANGE
 
As Haiyan batters the Phillipines, the political elites at the UN climate talks will again leave poor countries to go it alone

The Guardian – Friday 8 November 2013 09.31 EST

 
Philippines Haiyan
Super-typhoon Haiyan, an equivalent category 5 hurricane, hits the coastal area of Laguna de Bay. Photograph: Herman Lumanog/ Herman Lumanog/Demotix/Corbis

Friday 8 November 2013 09.31 EST

 I met Naderev Saño last year in Doha, when the world’s governments were meeting for the annual UN climate talks. The chief negotiator of the Filipino delegation was distraught. Typhoon Bopha, a category five “super-typhoon” with 175mph winds (282km/h) had just ripped through the island of Mindanao. It was the 16th major storm of the year, hundreds of thousands of people had lost their homes and more than 1,000 had died. Saño and his team knew well the places where it had hit the hardest.

“Each destructive typhoon season costs us 2% of our GDP, and the reconstruction costs a further 2%, which means we lose nearly 5% of our economy every year to storms. We have received no climate finance to adapt or to prepare ourselves for typhoons and other extreme weather we are now experiencing. We have not seen any money from the rich countries to help us to adapt … We cannot go on like this. It cannot be a way of life that we end up running always from storms,” he said. He later told the assembly: “Climate change negotiations cannot be based on the way we currently measure progress. It is a clear sign of planetary and economic and environmental dysfunction … The whole world, especially developing countries struggling to address poverty and achieve social and human development, confronts these same realities.

“I speak on behalf of 100 million Filipinos, not as a leader of my delegation, but as a Filipino …” At this point he broke down.

Saño was uncontactable today, because phone lines to Manila were down, but he was thought to be on his way to Warsaw for the UN talks, which resume on Monday. This time, with uncanny timing, his country has been battered by the even stronger super-typhoon Haiyan, one of the most powerful ever recorded anywhere – 25 miles (40km) wide and reaching astonishing speeds of possibly 200mph (322km/h).

We don’t yet know the death toll or damage done, but we do know that the strength of tropical storms such as Haiyan or Bopha is linked to sea temperature. As the oceans warm with climate change, there is extra energy in the system. Storms may not be increasing in frequency but Pacific ocean waters are warming faster than expected, and there is a broad scientific consensus that typhoons are now increasing in strength.

Typhoon Haiyan, like Bopha, will be seen widely in developing countries as a taste of what is to come, along with rising sea levels and water shortages. But what alarms the governments of vulnerable countries the most is that they believe rich countries have lost the political will to address climate change at the speed needed to avoid catastrophic change in years to come.

From being top of the global political agenda just four years ago, climate change is now barely mentioned by the political elites in London or Washington, Tokyo or Paris. Australia is not even sending a junior minister to Warsaw. The host, Poland, will be using the meeting to celebrate its coal industry. The pitifully small pledges of money made by rich countries to help countries such as the Philippines or Bangladesh to adapt to climate change have barely materialised. Meanwhile, fossil fuel subsidies are running at more than $500bn (£311bn) a year, and vested commercial interests are increasingly influencing the talks.

As the magnitude of the adverse impacts of human-induced climate change becomes apparent, the most vulnerable countries say they have no option but to go it alone. The good news is that places such as Bangladesh, Nepal, the small island states of the Pacific and Caribbean, and many African nations, are all starting to adapt their farming, fishing and cities.

But coping with major storms, as well as sea level rise and water shortages, is expected to cost poor countriues trillions of dollars, which they do not have. “Time is running out,” Saño told the world last year. “Please, let this year be remembered as the year the world found the courage to take responsibility for the future we want. I ask of all of us here, if not us, then who? If not now, then when?  If not here, then where?”