Happy Thursday, dear friends! The weather has turned stormy here on Paumanok, and the beautiful fall leaves are falling as fast as the rain, and swirling in the brisk wind! I love a good storm, to stir up the energy. As a child, I once rode out a hurricane on a sailboat, in a tiny island harbor, spinning around at anchor. I think that is when I truly learned to go with the flow.
I am very happy we have this time together today to share the news, before we all run off in different directions, so let’s get to it.
Our focus today is on the Ebola situation around the world, which is showing many small shifts in a positive direction, and we can be of great help, by flowing our love to all beings who are affected by it. We then jump around a bit from there.
A beautiful statement of thanks from Ashoka Mukpo, who recovered from Ebola in a Nebraska Hospital.
There is plenty of news, about the Ebola situation, flooding the internet, but I was moved to share this message of extreme gratitude, from a patient that has recovered from the illness. My thoughts are, to send loving energy to all those who are going through the situation on a very human level, so that we can hear more good news on this front. The feelings he shares, about his care givers, remind me that spirit is working even in the darkest of situations.
Nigeria completely contains Ebola outbreak, and other countries can learn through their actions.
Forty two days have passed,, since an ill young man entered the country from Monrovia, and started a chain reaction of medical, media and local action to contain the virus. This article details the situation, and shows how doctors in the country, and from other African nations, who had seen Ebola outbreaks before, came together to create a plan for treatment. There is also a good amount of information that other countries can use, to learn from this successful outcome.
Additionally, an editorial in the New York Times details many of the positive shifts in the Ebola situation, including the news that Senegal was also declared virus-free this past Friday.
Some Good News on the Ebola Front Editorial for the New York Times on Omnifeed
Finally, some common sense from the Associated Press, on the handling of suspected Ebola cases in the news. It has issued a directive, explaining why it has not been moving on every single suspected case, saying that most turn out to be negative, and, without hard evidence, they simply want to take a wait-and-see attitude. I feel this is wonderful news, as it decreases public fear around the subject, and keeps things on a factual basis.
Why AP isn’t moving stories for every suspected Ebola case by Kristen Hare for Poynter
Moving on…
Nike questions its promotional tie-in with the NFL after abuse cases.
Nike, is the official apparel line sponsor of the US National Football League. The league has come under fire recently, for its handling of domestic abuse cases among players and their families. Nike CEO, Mark Parker, told the NFL that their company is unhappy with the level of response to these serious issues within the league. Nike has also been reaching out more strongly to female purchasers, and believes a strong stance regarding domestic abuse is important for all it’s customers. The company has severed promotional ties with two NFL players, suspected of abuse, in 2014. Like it or not, sports stars are role models for young kids, and their behavior should be exemplary, both on and off the field. Companies, who pay players to promote their products, should expect that high level of conduct, and so should the public, if we wish to see positive behavior changes in the world.
Nike CEO Says His Company Took NFL to Task for Domestic Violence by Matt Townsend for Bloomberg News
Another case of consumer pocket books affecting company policy.
If you don’t think that you vote with your pocket book, think again. Many large companies, are being pinched by consumer choices, and they are actively trying to find out what it is that drives customers into and out of their stores. McDonalds, one of the largest international franchise chains, has seen its worst quarter in years, with sales down 30%, and weak numbers all over the world. They are completely rethinking their menu and service protocol to be more responsive to customer choice. The company is even considering offering more organic options. They realize, that while consumers have less money to spend, they are more savvy now. Consumers will spend where they feel they are getting quality and value, not just cheap quantity. Keep on voting with your pocket books, and we will certainly push business in the direction of a world that works for everyone!
McDonald’s Vows Fresh Thinking by Julie Jargon for WSJ Online
And finally, a little deep-sea diving…
Researchers and treasure hunters uncover the Titanic of the ancient world.
In the early 1900’s, a ship wreck was discovered, off the coast of a remote Greek island, but the technology available for divers at the time, did not allow for extensive exploration. Please, fast forward to modern times, with amazing advances in underwater exploration, and marine archeologists at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, have excavated the biggest ancient underwater discovery in recent history. The 2,000 year old shipwreck of the Antikythera, was visited by Jacques Cousteau during his career as well. When the wreck was first discovered by sponge divers, their haul included a mystery metal device, that has been termed the Antikythera Mechanism, which researchers believe, is a complex astrological computer. I love hearing about more wonderful secrets of the past, brought to the surface for all to see!
Buried Treasures Pulled from ‘Titanic of Ancient World’ by Megan Gannon for Live Science
That’s the news for today! I hope you have a spectacular day, and come back to join me for more news tomorrow!
Be Well. Be Joy. Be Love!
Alex