Designing Toys for Refugees No Child’s Play

GUELPH, Ontario November 28, 2011 - University of Guelph News Release

Some 370 University of Guelph engineering students are using design ideas to make toys for refugee children around the world. The students will show more than 60 new toys in the new Thornbrough Building atrium late this month and will talk about their projects made for a first-year engineering design course on campus.

Taught by engineering professors Khosrow Farahbakhsh and David Lubitz, the course includes a design project. Last year, students made games to help teach math and science.

Farahbakhsh said this year

“we decided on toys for children in refugee camps as something that could make a positive impact in the world. Our students were asked to consider what the world would be like if we designed for the 90 per cent of the population that is not affluent.”

Groups of six Guelph students designed and built educational toys for children living in a refugee camp. Each group chose one camp from about 700 around the globe listed on the Internet.

They developed ideas and designs based on safety, functionality, materials and cost (no more than $50 to make the toy).

After reviewing foam prototypes, the students made toys that were shown to visiting high school students and families during science and engineering day held on campus earlier this month.

“Most people, at some point, think about how cool it would be if a toy did this or that. This project offers the students an opportunity to think about designing a cool toy, but not for themselves this time,” Farahbakhsh said. “In our field, it is important to be able to understand and design for the needs of others. It is quite demanding to understand the needs of people living in completely different circumstances and lacking our resources.”

The toys will be judged by two panels of non-engineers, one a group of students. The other panel will comprise U of G president Alastair Summerlee, a member of the Right to Play organization, a representative from Novus Environmental (a Guelph based company specializing in the fields of atmospheric sciences, acoustics, and human health with a goal of harmonizing the built and natural environments), and possibly an epidemiologist.

The toys for refugee children will be on display Nov. 30, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., along with promotional materials, assembly instructions and user manuals.

Millions Face Potential Food Crisis in West Africa

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, November. 26, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - World Vision staff in West Africa are warning that the countries of Niger, Mauritania and Mali are on the brink of major food shortages.

A number of international agencies, including the United States Agency for International Development and the European Commission's humanitarian relief organization, are reporing that inadequate rainfalls, combined with reports of grasshopper infestations, are causing major production shortfalls in rice and grain crops. This could lead to food shortfalls in West Africa in early 2012.

"The combination of problems affecting the region is reducing the likelihood of a successful harvest," warns David Mbugua, World Vision's Agriculture and Food Security Specialist. Mbugua adds that many of World Vision's Area Development Programs (ADPs) in the southern region of Mauritania are affected by the current situation.

World Vision staff in West Africa are working with the World Food Programme to develop a number of cash-for-work and food-for-work programs. These programs, which would provide support for nearly 65,000 people, are also being supplemented by increasing clinical support to assist a stream of mothers with malnourished children.

"World Vision is urging the international community to provide help for children and their families in the affected countries in West Africa," says Caroline Riseboro, Vice President, Marketing and Public Affairs for World Vision Canada. "By acting now, we can avoid a repeat of the humanitarian crisis that has occurred in Horn of Africa in 2011."

For more information about World Vision Canada, visit www.worldvision.ca

World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender. Visit our News Centre at worldvision.ca

United Church Urges Caution with Regard to Omnibus Crime Bill

TORONTO, November 24, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - In a letter to Prime Minister Stephen Harper, The United Church of Canada has urged the government

"to reconsider the provisions of Bill C-10 dealing with the imposition of minimum sentences; and to separate the provisions of the omnibus bill to allow for consideration of the potential impacts of its component parts."

The church's letter notes its appreciation for improvements to certain aspects of the criminal legislation but also expresses grave concern with some parts of the bill—particularly its impact on Canada's Aboriginal peoples.

"The Government of Canada shares culpability with The United Church of Canada and other historic mission churches for the legacy of residential schools and the lasting effects this legacy continues to have on Canada's Aboriginal peoples," writes the church.

Part of the lasting and damaging impact of the legacy of Canada's residential schools lives on in the disproportionate representation of Aboriginal people in our country's prisons, explains the church.

Echoing concerns raised by other organizations about the proposed legislation, the United Church's letter highlights curtailing conditional sentencing and imposing mandatory minimum sentences as two aspects of Bill C-10 that would have a particularly negative impact on Aboriginal offenders.

The full text of The United Church of Canada's letter to the Prime Minister is posted on the United Church's website: www.united-church.ca/communications/news/releases/111124.

Religious Leaders Gather in Toronto to Review Commitment to HIV

"As a religious leader, I am convinced that my faith must be more visible and active to halt the spread of HIV and reverse this pandemic."

TORONTO, November 23, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - This is the opening line of the personal commitment to action signed by over 450 religious leaders in the past twenty months. In the commitment (www.hivcommitment.net) the leaders outline specific ways they will commit to breaking the silence that surrounds HIV and AIDS and to overcome stigma and discrimination.

Next week, leading up to World AIDS Day on December 1, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jewish and Muslim leaders from around the world will meet at the national office of The Presbyterian Church in Canada in Toronto to assess progress in fulfilling this commitment.

The fifteen leaders, including religious leaders living with HIV, will be joined by people living with HIV, and representatives of organizations active in the response to HIV, including UNAIDS, World AIDS Campaign, United Nations Population Fund and Global Network of People Living with HIV (GNP+). They will be assessing efforts to implement the recommendations of the Summit of High Level Religious Leaders in Response to HIV, held in the Netherlands in March 2010 and discussing ways to strengthening religious leadership in the response to HIV.

A report, highlighting how these religious leaders and their faith communities are fulfilling this commitment and recommendations for future actions, will be released for World AIDS Day.

The meeting will be held November 29-30 and is organized by the Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance (www.e-alliance.ch), based in Geneva, Switzerland, and is hosted at the national office of The Presbyterian Church in Canada (www.presbyterian.ca).

Climate Change Requires Global Solutions, Say Faith Leaders

TORONTO, November 22, 2011 - United Church of Canada

Later this month, Mardi Tindal, the Moderator of The United Church of Canada, will join faith leaders from around the world as they gather to bear witness at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Durban, South Africa.

Tindal will be attending the conference as part of a World Council of Churches delegation. She and the Rev. Willard Metzger, General Secretary of the Mennonite Church Canada , will be representing a diverse group of Canadian faith leaders from many different religious traditions and faith-based organizations. The message they will carry with them to Durban is an interfaith call of solidarity for leadership and action on climate change.

“Climate change is a planetary crisis that knows no borders,” says Tindal. “There is one human family and one Earth that is our common homeland.”

Tindal explains that the teachings of our faiths tell us that the best interests of one group or nation are served by pursuing the best interests of all. Climate change is a global crisis and requires global solutions that put the well-being of all people first—especially the most vulnerable.

“The world’s religious traditions teach us to look beyond ourselves—individually and collectively—now and for future generations, as we confront the crisis of ocean and climate change,” comments Tindal.

She says that at its root the unprecedented human contribution to climate change is symptomatic of a spiritual deficit: excessive self-interest, destructive competition, and greed have given rise to unsustainable patterns of production and consumption.

She adds that the Canadian Interfaith Call for Leadership and Action on Climate Change [PDF: 6 pp/102 KB] argues that the foundations for a sustainable economy must include the values of restraint, cooperation, and reciprocity.

“As religious leaders, we see people as more than consumers with unlimited appetites,” says Tindal. “We believe we must work together in transforming cultures of self-interest and unprecedented consumption into cultures of justice for all.”

Tindal believes the November 28–December 9, 2011, 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in South Africa has the potential to be a transition point where we, as a global community, change how we think about and act to address climate change.

“Our environment is the natural source of our wealth and the home of millions of species for which we are planetary stewards,” says Tindal. “How long can we barter this priceless inheritance for the promise of growing economic returns?”

Tindal explains that Canadian faith leaders are calling for leadership to put the long-term interest of humanity and the planet ahead of short-term economic and national concerns.

She says some countries are far more adversely affected by climate change than others as they experience major changes in weather patterns. They know the impact of rising seas and erosion of lands, leading to drought or flooding. These countries are most often among the poorest and least equipped to respond.

Tindal says it is time for all of humanity to take stock of our collective behaviour and to transform cultures of consumerism and waste into cultures of sustainability.

“Our everyday choices about food, transportation, clothing, and entertainment are all practical expressions of what we value,” says Tindal.

At the same time, disconnections between our professed beliefs and our daily actions indicate our need for personal and collective awareness and transformation.

Tindal explains we need to seek coherence between our beliefs and our actions, so that our lives and consumption habits reflect our relationship with the rest of humanity and Earth itself.

“Humanity’s relationship with the environment has become distorted by actions that compromise the welfare of future generations of life,” she says. “We have a moral imperative to act.”

Former United Church Moderator Bill Phipps Fasts for Courage at Climate Change Conference

CALGARY, November 22, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - On Sunday, November 27, 2011, former United Church Moderator, the Very Rev. Dr. Bill Phipps, will begin a 10-day fast in support of the political, religious, and civil society leaders who will be gathering in Durban, South Africa, for the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP17).

"My fast is a prayer of hope, encouragement, and solidarity for the leaders who gather there," explains Phipps. "Giving up food is my offering, an embodiment of the struggle to save our fragile world."

Phipps conducted a similar fast in 2009 when the UN climate change talks were held in Copenhagen. He says he believes that bold decisions at COP17 are even more urgently needed than they were two years ago.

"Since the meetings in Copenhagen, climate change has accelerated. I feel that humanity's future is in grave peril," says Phipps. "For the healthy future of our earthly home, I believe the Durban meetings are a critical moment in human history."

Phipps, an outspoken activist, says his fast is a form of prayer, not a protest. He explains that fasting is part of many ancient spiritual and religious traditions. It is used by people who want to clear the mind and body and focus on Spirit.

"I believe that a sustainable tomorrow is a spiritual question," he says. "Each and all of us bear responsibility for the ecological legacy we leave for future generations."

Throughout his fast, Phipps will be inviting members of churches, other faiths, and the general public to offer their own prayers for the planet during the meetings in Durban, November 28-December 9, 2011.

In particular, Phipps says he will be holding The United Church of Canada's current Moderator, Mardi Tindal, in his prayers. Tindal will be attending COP17 as part of a World Council of Churches delegation.

During his fast, Phipps also plans to visit the constituency offices of various political leaders, including those of Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Alberta Premier Alison Redford. The schedule of those visits can be found at http://www.billphipps.ca/fast-for-courage.html.

The Heart of Christmas (Official Music Video) - Matthew West

Last Christmas, Matthew West released a touching video, One Last Christmas inspired by the true story of the Locke Family and their quest to make one final Christmas wish for their son come true.

This year, Matthew delivers yet again another heart-warming and beautiful song, The Heart of Christmas as the title song from the GMC movie The Heart of Christmas based on this incredible story of the Locke family and the community that gave this little boy one last Christmas.

This is truly a Christmas must-see!!

Canadians Give a Darn by Giving A Day

TORONTO, November 15, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - In support of The Stephen Lewis Foundation and Dignitas International, Give a Day celebrates its 8th year. A simple yet powerful way to make a real difference in the struggle against AIDS in Africa, the Give a Day initiative encourages Canadians to respond to the HIV/AIDS pandemic by giving one day's pay on World AIDS Day, December 1, to either The Stephen Lewis Foundation or Dignitas International or both. To date, Canadians have raised over $3,000,000 through Give a Day.

"The AIDS pandemic will be halted when we assert that the current situation is intolerable and the solutions are within our grasp. Be part of the answer. Please, give a day." - Dr. Jane Philpott, Founder of Give A Day

2011 Give a Day Campaign

The 2011 campaign is well underway. This year, ten law firms, hundreds of articling students, healthcare professionals from more than twelve hospitals, and several communities are running Give a Day events.

How it Works

Give a Day recommends participants donate to two excellent recipient organizations: the Stephen Lewis Foundation ( www.stephenlewisfoundation.org) which provides funding to grassroots organizations that are turning the tide of HIV/AIDS in Africa, and/or Dignitas International ( www.dignitasinternational.org), a medical humanitarian organization working to increase access to life-saving treatment and prevention.

The money raised helps keep children in school where both nutrition and education are provided; helps provide community support for those attempting to deal with the tremendous losses they've suffered; and provides treatment, care and support to children and adults who are dealing with HIV/AIDS in Africa on a daily basis.

What You Can Do

Host a Give a Day Harambee: "a party with a purpose" to raise funds and awareness about HIV/AIDS. Make it a fun theme party or just because!

Join the challenge and donate a day's pay !

New Documentary Chronicles the Nativity Story through the Eyes of Five Canadians

Must See TV Series of the Christmas Season

TORONTO, November 16, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - What happens when the paths of five strangers intersect in the Middle East on a search for the truth about Christmas?

Tricord Media, Crossroads Television System (CTS), Aboriginal People's Television Network (APTN) and Windborne Productions are proud to present Journey to Christmas; a 21st Century meets the 1st Century television experience.

The four part documentary series follows the epic voyage five diverse Canadians take to Israel and Palestine and their examination of the hype and history surrounding the virgin birth of Christ.

Renowned scholar and television commentator Nazir Shaheen guides an unusual cast of characters, which includes an agnostic, an artist, a skeptical radio talk-show host, a native youth worker, and a singer-songwriter on their nativity quest. Highlighted by breathtaking high definition cinematography, Shaheen takes this group of modern day 'wisemen' to fascinating historical and archeological sites.

Journey to Christmas also includes appearances by Canadian astrophysicist Hugh Ross who examines the science behind the star of Bethlehem, and Paul Maier, Professor of Ancient History at the University of Western Michigan.

Journey to Christmas premieres December 3rd and 4th on CTS and repeats December 19th on APTN.

A pre-screening of Journey to Christmas will take place November 22nd at 3:00pm at the National Film Board of Canada Mediatheque studios in Toronto.

JOURNEY TO CHRISTMAS has an interactive website www.journeytochristmas.com The website features extra scenes from the production, blogs from the participants, expanded commentary on aspects of the story from the experts, location information and insights from the makers of the documentary.

ABOUT TRICORD MEDIA

Tricord Media is an international distributor of faith and family values entertainment content, based in the Greater Toronto Area, Ontario, Canada. It is a non-profit corporation that supports content that has a positive moral message, to inspire people to transform lives and communities. Tricord Media strives to bring spiritually uplifting and wholesome programs for all family members to enjoy. www.tricordmedia.ca

Recycled Plastic Bottle House Built in Nigeria

photo credit: © Andreas Froese/ECOTEC

from TreeHugger.com
by Jennifer Hattam - Design / Green Architecture

Thousands of pieces of trash that would otherwise be clogging waterways and landfills in Nigeria have been turned into sturdy, and surprisingly attractive, construction materials in the village of Yelwa, where the country's first plastic-bottle house is drawing curious visitors and plenty of press.

"Hundreds of people -- including government officials and traditional leaders -- have been coming to see how the [house's] walls are built in the round architectural shape popular in northern Nigeria," the BBC reported this week.

Stronger Than Conventional Construction

The bottles are actually filled with dry soil or construction waste, not sand (an "unnecessary expense"), John Haley of ECOTEC, the firm that is training local masons in the technique, told TreeHugger.com in an email. They are then laid in rows like bricks and bound together with mud, producing a sturdy, well-insulated, and inexpensive three-room structure that is resistant to both bullets and earthquakes.

"In Nigeria millions of plastic bottles are dumped into waterways and landfill each year causing pollution, erosion, irrigation blockages, and health problems. Bottle houses take this dangerous waste out of the environment and make it useful," the environmental blog Eco Nigeria wrote earlier this year as the construction was in progress.

Bottle House To Be Energy Self-Sufficient

Used plastic bottles were collected from hotels, restaurants, homes, and embassies starting in December 2010 to accumulate the estimated 7,800 needed to build the inaugural home in Yelwa following applications of the technique in India and Central and South America.

According to Eco Nigeria, the bottle house will be "solar powered, with a fuel-efficient clean cook stove, urine filtration fertilization systems, and water purification tanks, thereby making it energy autonomous." Next up: A 220,000-bottle school.

read the full story at TreeHugger.com

Controversy over that Viral 'Murmuration' Video

© Screenshot of 'Murmuration' on Vimeo

from TreeHugger.com
by Jeff Kart - Science / Natural Sciences

Here's a new word for some of us: Murmuration. See the video for a view. It's a sight to behold. A river of nature. A flock of starlings flying together above the water in Ireland.

What does the term mean? Murmuration is a collective noun for starlings. Like a murder of crows, just less well known.

The Vimeo video, posted by Sophie Windsor Clive, is two minutes long, with some still shots mixed in. It has close to 600 comments so far, most of them a variation on "Wow!"

Murmuration from Sophie Windsor Clive on Vimeo.

Just like the birds, this video has taken flight on the Internet. MSNBC notes that Liberty Smith also was part of the experience, and that the film, taken on Ireland's Shannon River, was submitted to a World Wildlife Fund competition.

But ... there's a question as to its chances of winning.

The WWF competition is called "Life. Nature. You. Make the Connection." The contest is now closed, but entries can be found on WWF's Vimeo site.

A discussion on the Vimeo site revolves around the possibility that the murmuration video was edited to meet a 2-minute time limit for the contest. A longer version of a video, also by Clive and Smith, and also called "Murmuration," was submitted to other contests, which appears to break the WWF contest rules requiring original content.

So it's being speculated that the magical starlings won't win the prize (at least in this case). An 8-minute "Murmuration" video by Clive and Smith was part of the London Short Film Festival in 2010, among other contests.

read more story at TreeHugger.com

U of G Environmental Learning Hub Officially Opens, Honours Lincoln Alexander

GUELPH, Ontario November 10, 2011 - University of Guelph News Release

The University of Guelph today officially opened Alexander Hall, a cutting-edge, $33.6-million environmental teaching and learning hub that honours the University’s chancellor emeritus, Lincoln Alexander.

Alexander, who served an unprecedented five terms as U of G’s chancellor, attended the event along with government and University representatives.

“I am honoured to have this building named for me and very proud to be a member of the University of Guelph community,” Alexander said.

President Alastair Summerlee said naming the building after Alexander is a fitting tribute.

“He has devoted his life to making a difference and to being an advocate for education, and this building will stand as a symbol of his contributions and dedication,” he said.

“It’s the perfect name for a facility that is all about innovation, change and world improvement.”

Alexander Hall brings together the University’s expertise in environmental research and teaching. Construction started in 2009 with retrofitting and renovation of the Axelrod Building. Federal and provincial funding was provided under the Knowledge Infrastructure Program, intended to enhance post-secondary infrastructure.

The revamped 130,000-square-foot building houses faculty and students from a variety of campus departments, including the School of Environmental Sciences, the School of Engineering, the School of Fine Art and Music, and the School of Environmental Design and Rural Development.

The building showcases innovations and green technologies, and will support research to improve air, water and soil quality. By replacing many units currently housed in portables or older greenhouses, the building will help reduce the University’s deferred-maintenance costs and improve energy efficiency.

Alexander, a former lieutenant-governor of Ontario, was appointed U of G chancellor in 1991 and served for five terms, a record among Canadian universities. In 2007, he was named chancellor emeritus to recognize his years of dedication to the University.

Alexander was first elected MP for Hamilton West in 1968. He was Canada’s first black MP, the first black chair of the Workers’ Compensation Board and the first visible minority to hold the post of lieutenant-governor.

Ontario schools and buildings and a highway have been named after him. Three U of G awards also carry his name: the Lincoln Alexander Outstanding Leadership Award, the Lincoln Alexander Medal of Distinguished Service and the Lincoln Alexander Chancellor’s Scholarship.

Royal Society of Canada Expert Panel • End-of-Life Decision Making

OTTAWA, November 9, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - End-of-Life Decision Making constitutes one the most serious social and ethical issues facing all developed countries.

On October 27, 2009, the Royal Society of Canada (RSC) announced the commissioning of an Expert Panel, consisting of eminent scholars and chaired by Prof. Udo Schuklenk, Professor of Philosophy and Ontario Research Chair in Bioethics, Queen's University. The Panel was given a mandate to consider the large body of medical science evidence that, if summarized for the public, would be helpful to their consideration of the issue. The panel was also requested to review the evidence and experience from the various jurisdictions that permit physician-assisted death.

While the RSC itself does not have an opinion on these matters, the panel was struck as a service to Canadians, who would benefit greatly from having a careful, balanced review of various pros and cons of the decriminalization of physician-assisted death from well-reasoned ethical and legal standpoints.

On November 15, 2011, the Expert Panel will release its report at a press conference in Ottawa, Ontario. Also on November 15, the report will become publicly and freely available for download on the website of the Royal Society of Canada at: www.rsc-src.ca/expertpanels_reports.php


The main messages that are elaborated upon in the report include:

...What are the principal challenges facing Canadians with respect to End-of-Life Decision Making?

...How does Canada perform in terms of ensuring access to high quality palliative care?

...What are some of the primary legal questions that would benefit from clarification?

...Does the evidence support claims that decriminalization of assisted dying will result in vulnerable persons being subject to abuse, or to a slippery slope from voluntary to non-voluntary euthanasia?

...Should assisted suicide and voluntary euthanasia be legal? Why or why not?

Canada's Bay of Fundy in line for New7Wonders of Nature list, and there's still time to vote

VANCOUVER, November 9, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - Home to the highest tides in the world, Canada's Bay of Fundy, located between the provinces of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, sees 100 billion tons of seawater flow in and out of the bay twice a day, creating tides that reach the height of a four-storey building. That's huge, huge enough to land it a spot amongst the 28 prestigious global finalists competing to be a New7Wonder of Nature. There is still 1 day left to vote for the Bay of Fundy.

Vote here New7Wonder of Nature

Faith in the Workplace: Exploring Canada's Rapidly Changing Employment Landscape

-- First-of-its-Kind Conference Brings Together Leading Authorities on Faith and Economic Growth --

TORONTO, November 8, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - On November 9th, Canada's foremost experts on immigration, economic development and faith-related issues converge in Toronto for a dynamic conference surrounding culture and faith in the workplace. Hosted by KPMG and presented by leading not-for-profit organization, Skills for Change -- a specialist in employment success for internationally educated professionals -- the conference features a keynote address by Senator Don Meredith, a provocative panel discussion and an opportunity to speak with prominent Canadian employers invested in diversity hiring, including Scotiabank, Home Depot and the University of Toronto.

Faith and culture is now emerging as one of the most pressing issues for Canadian companies. In fact, the Conference Board of Canada forecasts that by 2015, 100% of Canada's workforce will be replaced through immigration. Employers embracing the explosive benefits of diversity hiring will be better positioned for success. The diversity@work conference presents an opportunity to hear from a distinct group of thought-leaders on the front lines of support and integration of new Canadians into society and the workplace.

About Skills for Change

For thirty years, Canadian not-for-profit, Skills for Change, has been providing strategic support and employment solutions to internationally educated professionals, helping people arriving in Canada connect with companies invested in diversity hiring. Courses are developed to assist professionals in obtaining the certification needed to meet Canadian employment standards. Career transitioning for international medical doctors and engineers, technical skills certification for tradespeople and specialized English-as-a-second-language studies are just some of the programs offered. For more information, please visit skillsforchange.org

Coping with Occupy London Proves Tough: St. Paul's Cathedral Loses 3 Senior Church Officials

B. Alter/ CC BY 2.0

from TreeHugger.com
Bonnie Alter
Corporate Responsibility

Occupy London, which is taking place mainly in front of St. Paul's Cathedral, has been on a roller coaster ride.

In the past week, three senior St. Paul's Cathedral officials have quit, eviction has been threatened and withdrawn and now the Bishop of London supports their stay. How did it all go so wrong and then so right?

First the Canon of St. Paul's, Giles Fraser resigned last week. He had publicly stated to the protesters that they could stay on the grounds in front of the Church. Then the Church threatened to take legal action to remove the 220 tents in the encampment, so he quit. Then the Dean, the Right Reverend Graeme Knowles, resigned because it had been his (bad) idea to close the church for "health and safety" reasons last week. It was the first time that the Church had been closed since World War II and things looked really bad for the Church, in the public's eyes.

The Church threatened immediate legal action to evict the protesters. The lawyers were lined up: Occupy London had a prominent lawyer who had agreed to argue their case for free.

Then the Church withdrew the threat of legal action. Embarrassed by the uproar in response to this suggestion, they backed down and the Bishop of London has now stated that "the symbolism of the closed door was the wrong symbol." The Bishop has also asked a former investment banker to help "reconnect the financial with the ethical."

In the meantime, the campaign Occupy London continues and has opened another branch near the Tate Modern museum, far from the action in the central part of London.

As for the camp itself, reports vary. Newspapers on the right are reporting that the atmosphere has deteriorated, with lots of sex and drugs, whilst The Guardian is delighted that celebrities such as Vivienne Westwood have visited.

The sad part is that the whole focus on the important issues has been sidelined in the face of the drama between the church and the organizers. The two sides have now pledged to work together with the Bishop calling the activists "people with admirable passion as well as people in some distress." The activists have agreed to possibly reduce the size of the camp and limit their impact on the cathedral during busy times.

Read the full story here

U of G Business Professor's Research on Millennial Generation Makes Headlines

GUELPH, Ontario November 02, 2011 - University of Guelph - In the News

University of Guelph business professor Sean Lyons appears today in the Globe and Mail and in Maclean’s magazine online. The articles discuss the results of his three-year study on career and wage expectations of “millennial students” born in 1980 or later.

The study by Lyons, Linda Schweitzer of Carleton University and Eddy Ng of Dalhousie University was released this week on the researchers’ website, www.gencareershift.ca.

The study looked at 3,000 Canadians who were working or seeking employment. The researchers found that millennial students expect average first-year salaries of $48,860 for men and $42,060 for women. Those figures match actual earnings of current university graduates.

But asked what salary they expect after five years, women said they expect to make an average of $67,766, and men said $84,868. That would require salaries to increase by between 12 per cent and nearly 15 per cent a year, compared with the actual average increase of three per cent.

Millennials also believe that six-figure incomes are normal, although only about four per cent of Canadians earn more than $100,000.

They also consider it acceptable to change jobs often, citing reasons such as time off for travel and family time.

Lyons says parents, teachers and employers perpetuate students’ misperceptions about opportunities and high salaries after graduation.

The complete findings are available online.

Lyons studies workplace demographics, especially the challenges of managing diverse employees varying from twentysomethings to seniors. People are especially interested in the millennial generation, he says.

In an article in U of G’s Portico magazine in 2008 — the year he joined the College of Management and Economics — Lyons said: “I knew this was going to happen because, as a professor, I’ve seen some of these same changes in the classroom in terms of attitude and values. I knew this tsunami was going to eventually hit the workplace.” Read more

Raffi Releases "Letter to a Nation"

Raffi produced “Letter To A Nation” on Salt Spring Island where he lives. The recording blends Raffi’s acoustic guitar with piano (Patrick Godfrey), violin (Sharon Stanis) & orchestral sounds. His local friends form a vocal chorus featuring 14 year old Eliza Moat, a student at Salt Spring Secondary School.

Raffi Releases "Letter to a Nation" - Inspired by Jack Layton (1950 - 2011) - Like so many Canadians across the country and across party lines, Raffi was deeply saddened by the loss of Canadian New Democratic Party leader Jack Layton.

“In his last letter to Canadians, Jack Layton expressed a spirit of cooperation and positivity that resonated strongly with me and with many Canadians. This message was so widely shared immediately after his passing, I wanted to capture its wisdom in song to help us remember,” says Raffi, who in recent years has written songs inspired by the likes of Nelson Mandela, Jane Goodall, and the Dalai Lama.

“Layton’s last words gave Canada a historic moment. His message of love, hope, and optimism transcend politics—these are enduring values for young and old to embrace.”

Raffi recorded “Letter To A Nation” on Salt Spring Island where he lives, after sharing the song demo with Olivia Chow (Layton’s wife) who gave the song her blessing and expressed her support for its sharing.

"This song really touched me, as I'm sure it will touch countless people. Jack believed so deeply in the ability of young people to change the world. I hope today's children are as inspired by this song and by Jack's legacy."
Olivia Chow, MP

Click to download the song, and please Share!

Download lyrics and sheet music for piano (with guitar chords).

Watch on YouTube

“LETTER TO A NATION”
SONG CREDITS

Raffi ~ guitar & vocals / Patrick Godfrey ~ piano
Sharon Stanis ~ violin / Eliza Moat ~ supporting vocal
Vocal chorus ~ Jack Woodward, Glenda Woodward,
Alisa Stanton, Blaise Selby, Eliza Moat

Recorded by Ken Burke and Patrick Godfrey
Produced by Raffi on Salt Spring Island

Canadian interfaith leaders call for climate change action

from Embassy Magazine
By Fred Hiltz
Published Oct 31, 2011

As governments throughout the world prepare for the next global climate change summit, COP 17, later this month, Canadian faith leaders urge them to take collective action by signing and implementing a binding international agreement to replace the Kyoto Protocol that commits nations to slash carbon emissions.

The following is an excerpt of an open letter from 26 Canadian leaders of faith community and faith-based organizations, released earlier this week.

Signatories include representatives of the: Anglican Church of Canada (Most Rev. Fred Hiltz), Association of Progressive Muslims of Canada, Canadian Council of Imams, Quakers, Ethiopian Orthodox Church of Canada, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, Federation of Hindu Temples of Canada, Mennonite Church Canada, Bahá'ís, Presbyterian Church in Canada, United Church of Canada, Citizens for Public Justice, Faith and the Common Good, and KAIROS.

We, representatives of Canadian faith communities, are united in our conviction that the growing crisis of climate change needs to be met by solutions that draw upon the moral and spiritual resources of the world’s religious traditions.

We recognize that at its root the unprecedented human contribution to climate change is symptomatic of a spiritual deficit: excessive self-interest, destructive competition, and greed have given rise to unsustainable patterns of production and consumption. Humanity’s relationship with the environment has become distorted by actions that compromise the welfare of future generations of life.

Our faith traditions and sacred texts call upon us all—individuals, civil society, businesses, industry, and governments—to consider the spiritual dimensions of the crisis of ocean and climate change; to take stock of our collective behaviour; to transform cultures of consumerism and waste into cultures of sustainability; and to respect the balance between economic activity and environmental stewardship.

The Nov. 29-Dec. 9 17th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 17) conference in South Africa has the potential to be a transition point—where we, as a global community, change how we think and act.

The challenge of climate justice

Climate change is a planetary crisis that knows no borders. Some countries are far more adversely affected by climate change than others. They are experiencing major changes in weather patterns. They know the impact of rising seas and erosion of lands, leading to drought or flooding. These countries are most often among the poorest and least equipped to respond.

Many countries are suffering from the long-term consequences of unrestrained carbon emissions that damage the atmosphere. We believe all nations need to adopt energy policies that result in actual emission reductions to a fair and safe global level. Organizations, businesses, and individuals have similar duties to reduce their emissions.

For high-income nations such as Canada, justice demands that our governments shoulder a greater share of the economic burden of adaptation and mitigation—first and foremost, because of access to greater means, but also because of an historic role in contributing to its causes. We have a moral imperative to act.

A call for leadership and action

We call for leadership to put the long-term interest of humanity and the planet ahead of short-term economic and national concerns.

The teachings of our faiths tell us that the best interests of one group or nation are served by pursuing the best interests of all people. There is one human family and one Earth that is our common homeland. Climate change is a global crisis and requires global solutions that put the well-being of all people first—especially the most vulnerable.

Furthermore, our environment is the natural source of our wealth and the home of millions of species for which we are planetary stewards. How long can we barter this priceless inheritance for the promise of growing economic returns?

In our neighbourhoods and communities, and in businesses and organizations, we need to change wasteful patterns of production and consumption. This calls for a cultural transformation that brings the values of sustainability to the forefront of public consciousness—and into more responsible practices. We cannot wait for others to act but instead must lead by example.

Religious organizations, public institutions and businesses all have important roles to play in promoting ethical consumption and more sustainable lifestyles and practices in their everyday operations.

We speak respectfully to our political leaders, who have been entrusted with authority by Canadians. We ask that you act with due regard for the values of both religion and science, looking objectively on the problems confronting our planet. Climate science points to a future of greater instability and unpredictability, problems that can be addressed by action today. We stand ready to work alongside you to promote a future of security, prosperity, and justice—for humankind, and the whole of creation.

As you carry out your responsibilities at COP 17, we urge you to honour the values we have described and adopt the following policy goals:

- in the spirit of global solidarity, take collective action by signing and implementing a binding international agreement replacing the Kyoto Protocol that commits nations to reduce carbon emissions and set fair and clear targets that ensure global average temperatures stay below a 2 C increase from pre-industrial levels;

- demonstrate national responsibility by committing to national carbon emission targets and a national renewable energy policy designed to achieve sustainability;

- implement climate justice, by playing a constructive role in the design of the Green Climate Fund under United Nations governance, and by contributing public funds to assist the poorest and most affected countries to adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change.

We believe these to be practical and critical measures necessary to secure the well-being of the planet for future generations of life.

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