Chatterbox

What can we learn from the Fort Hood Rampage?

vmartir — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:25:19 -0600

As the country comes to grips with the violent tragedy that took the lives of 13 and injured 30, we at DoSomething.org are taking this opportunity to focus on the mental health crisis that plagues our nation’s armed forces. The issue can no longer be ignored.

The background

The man suspected of a deadly rampage Thursday at Fort Hood was a military psychiatrist whose had turned against the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan but was about to be sent overseas, his cousin told Fox News.

Tragedy rocks Texas army base

jsteers — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:17:28 -0600

Tragedy struck a Texas army base today, as at least one gunman opened fire at the U.S. Army’s largest base, Fort Hood.

Army officials confirmed up to 12 people dead, and at least 31 wounded. The shooter was a U.S. soldier and was shot several times but is reportedly in stable condition. Eyewitnesses at the scene said there may have been more than one shooter and the Army has apprehended two other soldiers that are possibly suspects.

Obama addressed the nation to issue his condolences to the families of the victims and more news is expected in the coming hours.

Maine says no

vmartir — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:46:24 -0600

Six months ago Maine became the sixth state in the country to allow gay and lesbian couples to marry. This week, voters rejected the law, and the state becomes the 31st state to oppose the unions in a popular vote.

Ten9Eight: A film that teaches you to shoot for the moon

vmartir — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:46:34 -0600

In America, a kid drops out of high school every 9 seconds. Imagine if they didn’t.

This is the compelling question behind award-winning filmmaker Mary Mazzio's newest project TEN9EIGHT, a thought provoking film which tells the inspirational stories of several inner city teens (of differing race, religion, and ethnicity) from Harlem to Compton and all points in between, as they compete in an annual business plan competition run by the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE).

The film includes students such as:

11 years old and a political junkie... Really!

vmartir — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:03:39 -0600

Fifth grader Lorenzo Rivera may only be 11 years old, but the Chicago tyke knows more about politics than many adults.

He proves just how much in the new documentary "By the People: The Election of Barack Obama," where he is filmed making campaign calls on Obama's behalf in 2008.

The movie debuting Tuesday on HBO shows captures Lorenzo, only 9 at the time, talking to a confused voter on the phone with a calm and grace beyond his years.

Obama admin says up to a million new jobs created

jsteers — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:25:34 -0500

The White House released a report this morning, stating that the Obama administration’s economic stimulus program, the biggest in the country’s history, has created or saved at least 650,000 jobs nationwide.

After rolling out the $787 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the government has so far spent $339 billion and says the actual number of jobs created by the measure is probably closer to 1 million because today’s job creation report only focuses on $150 billion of the $339 billion spent so far.

House Dems unveil new health care bill

jsteers — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:25:25 -0500

House Democrats disclosed a 2,000 page health care bill today, in another attempt to propose an overhaul of the current health care system in America.

This most recent bill is a combination of three versions passed by different sub committees of the House of Representatives. It would cost $894 billion over 10 years and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said today that it will cover 36 million Americans who do not have health insurance currently.

The World Series... of good

vmartir — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 13:27:29 -0500

In the spirit of the World Series, we’ve decided to hold our own competition of sorts to see which of the teams in the running for the coveted championship, New York Yankees and Philadelphia Phillies, rates highest in volunteerism. I mean, it is what we at DoSomething.org are all about, right?

We’re happy to announce that both teams are committed to making a difference in their communities. Both have an extensive list of outreach programs. Here are a few highlights for your viewing pleasure.

October 28: Lung Health Day

vmartir — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 10:18:30 -0500

This day was created to bring attention to, duh, the health of your lungs. DoSomething has decided to focus on indoor air pollution. Why? Because the air quality in your home and school can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air. Scary stuff, huh? But don’t fret, all hope isn’t lost.

Just the Facts

First you should know the dangers. The three most common and dangerous indoor air pollutants are:

Young Global Leaders wants YOU!

vmartir — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:38:35 -0500

The Young Global Leaders has started a campaign to get you in on shaping the future. I mean, you will inherit the world, right?

What is it?

The Youth Task Force involves a campaign to solicit feedback from young people under 25 around the globe. The focus is to get you to provide input to the Global Redesign Initiative of the World Economic Forum. So how do you offer this feedback?