Topics

Mar

Seeing Things Differently: The Homeless Woman

by Janine Boylan on March 18, 2013

Smiling homeless woman helping us see things differently

A woman from a shelter in Lynchburg, Virginia, where residents are trained,
encouraged, and educated.
© Kelly Reece

I have passed the homeless women in my community many times. I’m ashamed to say that I hadn’t thought much about them. That is, until I learned their stories. Read more...

A 77-year-old retired teacher. After educating our community’s children, when she could no longer work, she had nowhere left to go.
A 24-year-old new mom. If she can’t find a place to live, she will lose her baby.
A 70-year-old cancer victim. After chemotherapy, she crawls back into her tent in the park.

Janine Boylan 2 Comments

Making a Difference/Stereotypes

Mar

What Seeds Vertical Farms? Creative Problem Solving!

by Janine Boylan on March 11, 2013

Growing plants, illustrating creative problem solving at The Plant Chicago

Vegetables growing in water at The Plant, Chicago
© Plant Chicago, NFP/Rachel Swenie

How “The Plant” in Chicago Inspired Me

You may have heard that “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” Headed by John Edel, the team at The Plant in Chicago is putting this concept to work—in farming. Their creative problem solving is directed at achieving truly sustainable food production.

Housed in a former meatpacking plant building, The Plant is an indoor vertical farm with a closed-loop production model. How does it work? Read more...

Janine Boylan Comments

Clever Ideas/Innovations

Mar

10 Cultural Do’s and Taboos: Chatting Around the World

by Janine Boylan on March 4, 2013

surprised girl, illustrating cultural taboos in conversation

Hot (and Not So Hot) Topics

There are certain things you just shouldn’t talk about.

I’ve had a few Oh, I see moments around this—what is a culturally taboo topic in one place may not be in another. And, on the flip side, what is acceptable in one country, may be taboo in another. Sometimes it’s not until you’ve made the mistake that you learn the rules. Read more...

Janine Boylan 4 Comments

Crossing Cultures/Cultural Do's & Taboos/Language & Culture/Worldwide Sites

World Views: