Happy Saturday, dear friends. I hope you are all indulging in a day where pajamas can stay on and laziness is the goal.
Of course, if you have some wonderful plans, then I encourage you to get out and enjoy them. Taking time for self is so important when we have the opportunity. It can really recharge the soul.
For me, that means a blanket, PJ’s, my family, and some classic movies, but it can be anything that brings you a feeling of peace and contentment.
So, excuse me if I am in my pajamas this fine morning, as we fly around the world for the news! We begin with some pieces on future international energy infrastructure and we move forward from there.
The US Keystone oil pipeline vote has passed the House of Representatives.
On Friday, the Republican-controlled US House of Representatives passed a bill that would give the green-light to the XL Keystone pipeline. This pipeline would bring Canadian crude oil across the continental US to refineries in Gulf states.
The legislation now goes to the Senate for voting, and the bill’s sponsor, Democrat Mary Landrieu of Louisiana, is working overtime to secure support. President Obama has stated that he will not sign the bill if the implementation of the pipeline will increase the amount of greenhouse gases in the environment. Many US citizens do not support the pipeline, due to its possible future impact on the environment.
Mary Landrieu Is One Vote Short on Keystone—for Now by Clare Foran for National Journal
The Isle of Man looks to wind and water for its future energy supply.
The Isle of Man, located in the Irish Sea, is aiming to develop a number of sustainable energy projects by 2023. They recently announced that they would be working with Denmark-based Dong Energy to develop an offshore wind-farm.
They are also working with a number of other companies to investigate the use of tidal turbine energy. The leasing of the sea bed in the area to developers could generate as much as $5 Million pounds for the government, along with providing a sustainable energy source for future generations.
Isle of Man Picks Dong to Build 700-MW Offshore Wind Farm by Alex Morales on Bloomberg News
Moving on…
Former BBC DJ pleads guilty to additional sex crimes.
When we speak, on the Golden Age of Gaia, of ending gender violence, we are not focusing solely on women. Many forms of gender violence occur against both sexes, and eradicating them all is the ultimate goal.
Former BBC DJ, Chris Denning, has already spent two stints in jail for sex abuse against young boys. This week, in light of overwhelming evidence, he pleaded guilty on all charges brought against him by UK officials in the most recent case. There is a possibility that future charges will be brought against him as well.
Officials said the move would allow the young victims, who bravely came forward during the investigation, to remain out of court for testimony and hopefully begin to move on with their lives. Denning is charged with at least 20 counts of sexual contact with minors and these cases spans two decades.
Chris Denning convicted again of sex abuse against boys on BBC News UK
Researchers note a spontaneous cure for HIV based on a genetic mutation.
Researchers at France’s Institute of Health and Medical Research are studying two men who were spontaneously cured of HIV/AIDs in an effort to understand how this process occurred.
The men remain infected with the disease, but medical tests cannot find any traces of the virus in their systems. Scientists believe the process, which they term endogenisation, involves a genetic mutation that forces evolution between human cells and the virus.
The mutation creates an environment where the virus cannot attack the immune cells of the host, and researchers say that this mutation is not specific to the two men they are studying. Many in the general population are exhibiting the same mutation. Researchers are hoping to figure out a cure based on this exciting information.
Many US retailers are balking at opening their doors on Thanksgiving Day.
If you do not live in the US and celebrate Thanksgiving, know that it is a day centered around gratitude, family, and a big meal. As the years have gone by, the focus seems to have shifted from the family and holiday aspect onto the day-after-Thanksgiving sales called Black Friday.
Black Friday is the beginning of the holiday shopping season, and retailers try to lure customers into the stores by having big sales on that day. In recent years, many retailers have opened earlier and earlier on Friday, and now many are open on Thanksgiving.
A number of retailers are bucking the trend this year, as more employees complain that they are no longer getting a paid holiday to be with their families. Being closed on Thanksgiving, and advertising that fact, is a direct jab at competitors who are portrayed as “anti-family.” It is still nice to see businesses honor the essence of Thanksgiving by remaining closed on that day.
And finally…
Pope Francis shares 10 tips for a happy life.
Regardless of feelings about structured religion, it is always wonderful to hear supportive and loving thoughts on leading a happy life. Pope Francis, head of the Roman Catholic Church, was interviewed by a magazine in his native Argentina, and they asked him about leading a happy life.
The Pope said people should turn off the TV, calm down, and stop trying to convert people to their religion. He said we should all “live and let live,” among other pertinent points on creating a more heart-centered life.
Pope Francis issues top 10 tips for happiness by Adam Withnall for the UK Independent
That’s the news for today. Have a relaxing day. I hope to see you back here tomorrow for Feel Good News.
Be Well. Be Joy. Be Love!
Alex