Topics

Apr

Guns and Boston Bombs: Is There Safety in Numbers?

by Sheron Long on April 18, 2013

Spectators and runners, like those at the Boston Marathon, seek ways of staying safe from terror attacks

Can we find the “safety pin” that keeps crowds and marathon runners together on our streets?
© Thinkstock (pins, runners); © Ingram Publishing (crowd)

This Week’s “Oh, I See” News Moment

The no vote on gun violence legislation collided with the terror attack at the Boston Marathon. Their coincidence tore at my sense of staying safe and left a rip waiting to be mended by something more than safety pins.

Playing the Odds on Terror Attacks

It used to be that we could step out in the world and expect to stay safe. But now there are questions: Read more...

Sheron Long Comments

Making a Difference

Apr

Landfill Harmonic: Sounds of Life-Changing Experiences

by Janine Boylan on April 8, 2013

Landfill Harmonic orchestra, illustrating life-changing experiences

Recycled Orchestra members Maria, Nohelia, and Tania
© Landfill Harmonic

A Story That Goes Beyond Film

Last fall, a documentary trailer about the Paraguayan children’s Recycled Orchestra went viral. The musical group is made up of youth who were raised on the Cateura city landfill; their music teacher is using brilliantly-designed recycled instruments to provide them with life-changing experiences.

If you haven’t seen this trailer, you must take a few minutes to do so. If you have seen it, it is worth watching again.

If video does not display, watch it here.

Without Favio Chávez, the orchestra leader, these children might be caught up in a continuous whirlwind of alcoholism, drugs, and crime on a garbage heap. Instead, these talented, devoted children have a chance to rise from their bleak backgrounds and travel the world to share their skills. Read more...

Janine Boylan 1 Comment

Making a Difference/On the World Stage/Paraguay/The World's Music

Mar

Seeing Things Differently: The Homeless Woman

by Janine Boylan on March 18, 2013

Smiling homeless woman helping us see things differently

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

World Views: