The Shift Movie

I saw Jane Goodall speak recently. She greeted the audience with chimpanzee vocalizations and took us through the adventures of her life. Her message, however, was not about chimps or Africa, it was about peace. Achieving peace is central to stopping the environmental degradation that is destroying native species and polluting our planet.

In 2005 I left a cubicle in corporate America to work for myself. I had no idea if I’d make it but I needed to do meaningful work. I wanted to feel like I was part of the solution instead of the problem. Now I find myself serving nonprofit organizations. Back in 2004 I didn’t know where I was going, but it seems that I’ve arrived!

And, I’m not alone. When I look at the dozen nonprofits I work with and their hundreds of volunteers and staff serving thousands of people I KNOW that we are all part of a wave of change. Now, that change has inspired a documentary:

Check out the preview for The Shift Movie

We all have the choice to be part of a better future or do nothing out of despair. What will YOU do with this unique moment in time?

Engineer’s Guide to Cats

This is hysterical!

Nim’s Island Animal Jukebox

The website for Jodie Foster’s new film is pretty cool, if you have a few minutes to spare, strike up the band and even record your tropical creation. Who knew that lizards had such good rhythm?

Refreshing Example of E-commerce

Need a Burqa? Now there’s a stylish and affordable place to shop from home! It’s HijibGirl and she’s got moxy. Check out the new styles! American-born HijabGirl admits to challenges. “Unfortunately, some people do not want to live in a multi-cultural world. They are determined to maintain their level of ignorance and are eager to eliminate any lifestyle that doesn’t correspond with their world view. Anti-hijab regimes, bigots, and many others fall into this category.” In a post-feminist, post-9/11 world, lots of people have opinions about the veil. What if we all swapped judgment for acceptance a little more often? You go HijabGirl! Plus your Yahoo store is nicely done.

From the Bizarre Gadgets Department: Blood Vial Jewelry

This vaguely disturbing DIY memento hit my radar today. Maybe it’s the celebrity cache of Billy Bob & Angelina’s lovestruck jewelry, or perhaps it’s another step towards mass customization. Now that we’re buying and selling body parts, maybe we’re just intrigued with the value (sentimental or cash) of our physical bodies? Either way, it’s quite a conversation piece whether filled with synthetic blood, tears (extra yucky if you ask me), or the real deal. I like how the video sales dude suggests adding anti-coagulant. Thanks for the tip!

I hate to think of the marketing opportunities - would you buy Elvis blood if you could? Okay, but what about Paris? I think she could sell a few. Who can forget the vial of biological ABBA treasure purchased in Priscilla Queen of the Desert? Shudder.

Gmail’s Excellent New Custom Time Service!

I LOVE the new service from Gmail.

With Custom Time I’ll never miss another birthday, even if I forget to send a card until AFTER I get the photos of the party! Gmail has really outdone themselves on this one. I already sent a bid this morning that arrived before the Bid Closing announcement through which I heard about it. Cool! Thanks Custom Time. Google, what would we do without you?

P.S. This is almost as cool as Copernicus Center!