Advocacy

Unmasking the Catalytic Converter Theft Ring: An Ongoing Battle against Criminal Networks. Content Warning.
In recent years, a surge in catalytic converter thefts has plagued communities around the world, leaving car owners frustrated and authorities scrambling to combat this rampant criminal activity. Catalytic converters, vital components of vehicle exhaust systems, contain valuable metals such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium, making them an enticing target for organized crime. In this narrative, we delve into the world of catalytic converter theft rings, exploring their methods, impacts, and the ongoing battle to dismantle these criminal networks.
By Azeem Taj3 years ago in Earth
Colleen Hoover. Content Warning.
I write because I have to I think it's my therapy it feeds my soul I think I would be riding whether anyone read what I wrote or not author Colleen Hoover says she didn't set out for fame but her love of writing helped Fame find her Hoover dominates the New York Times bestsellers list once claiming eight of the top 10 paperback spots simultaneously she sold more than 16 million books last year alone even outselling the Bible her Legions of fans so dedicated so passionate they call themselves cohorts I have read almost every single book written by Colleen Hooper it's currently 1 11 in the morning I just finished hopeless take me back to your childhood when did you know you wanted to write um since I can remember my sister who is about three years older than me learned how to read and write before I could and I was so jealous because I'm like oh my gosh you know how to do that I want to know how to do that because I just had all these stories I wanted to tell and I was just super excited to learn the alphabet I was very disappointed that I didn't get to write my first story the first day of kindergarten years later when she attended Texas A M University com Commerce she was already married with Children she put her dreams of writing aside to study social work a more practical career to help support her three sons we were very poor we lived in a single wide trailer house we didn't have a front door knob but we lived a great life we just struggled a little bit financially Colleen never let go of her passion and began writing again just for fun but then at Christmas in 2012 a beautiful accident changed everything we bought my grandmother a Kindle for Christmas I was researching how to get a document onto a Kindle and came across Amazon's self-publishing platform and I was like oh I could just load it up here and then she can download it four months later slammed the story she planned to share just with her family landed her on the New York Times bestsellers list were you surprised yes astonished now with 25 titles to her name including Verity and ugly love Hoover's romances and psychological thrillers are emotionally gripping her most popular novel it ends with us centers on domestic violence and is Loosely based on her mother's life my mother and father divorced when I was two and one of my earliest memories was him throwing a TV at her she was able to get out of that relationship and then from then on I just remember growing up with a mother who was so strong and independent it's a book that people really care about yeah I think people that maybe have been in hard situations feel seen it's been very heartwarming to read how my mother's story has actually given strength to other women to be able to leave that their situations the story is now being adapted into a movie starring Blake Lively the cohorts yeah are having a lot of opinions about them please wear it did that surprise you it does it really does when I wrote the book it wasn't about the age of the characters it wasn't about what they were wearing it was about the message that I wanted to get across and I think the people that are doing the movie are doing such a phenomenal job shine in a light on domestic violence is one way Hoover uses her Fame for good [Music] she also hosts her annual book Bonanza charity event in our home state of Texas but Bonanza is wild it's so wild how can you explain it to somebody that's never been here before Comic-Con Disney World the lines were insane this morning thousands of readers from all over the country come to meet more than 200 authors of the sold out event Hoover started a non-profit back in 2018 it has since raised more than one million dollars for different charities that little girl who was mad she can learn the whole alphabet on day one of kindergarten you could say one thing to her about what life is like now what would you say you are going to be so happy so happy oh wow that's nice oh okay I know she's from a little town in Texas which I've actually been to um right outside of Sulfur Springs and she just has really done some things for publishing that you wouldn't believe but now she's like okay it's not just okay for me to have this she wants to lift up other writers and by the way book Bonanza raised 220 000 split between the Michael J fox foundation and reach out and read and we have to mention and all the cohorts already know this Colleen's latest suspense novel too late is out this week oh she's amazing a Powerhouse hey thanks for watching don't miss the Today show every weekday at 11 A.M Eastern 8 Pacific on our streaming Channel today all day to watch head to today.com all day or click the link right here
By Azeem Taj3 years ago in Earth
Affirmative action. Content Warning.
Foreign some breaking news this morning the Supreme Court has just issued a major ruling on affirmative action in a 6-3 decision the Justice's rule that the consideration of race and college admissions is unconstitutional we want to bring in Derek Johnson now he's the president and the CEO of the NAACP Derek thanks so much for joining us I know it's going to be a very busy day for you uh let me just ask you for your reaction on this decision it is an unfortunate day for America that this court would decide that diversity has no value uh the worst thing about affirmative action is it created Clarence Thomas he would not be serving on the Supreme Court but for affirmative action we are a nation who should celebrate diversity who should recognize the harms of the past institutions corporations and other entities were not able to uh uh apply a diverse opportunity for so many individuals affirmative actions created a pathway and this course decision is a chilling effect on the future of diverse settings for African-Americans and other individuals moving forward it is unfortunate that we are here today so we have a little bit of an example of what could happen right because we know in California and I believe also Michigan they have banned the use of affirmative action when it comes to missions and Cal in California they're still struggling to get those numbers back up and that's the reality that we're confronted with here you have many individuals who were born and grew up in ZIP codes that denied quality K2 through 12 funding and education who was somehow able to still overcome that be situated to get to institution of higher learnings and now the doors are closed that should not be the way for America are we going to be a country that Embrace diversity for a global economy looking into the future or we're going to be a country that's always looking to try to remake 1950s in the 1950s is not a workable solution for this nation and this is a supreme court that's looking to create that apartheid reality and we should not stand for it it is the responsibilities of Corporations it's the responsibilities of institutional higher learnings to figure out now that they're in the wilderness what they must do to ensure diversity because in diversity is gross if we don't have diverse settings this country cannot grow into a future that's competitive with other nations so Derek let me ask you what others uh who don't share that opinion have said which is that if we celebrate diversity in this country but uh these uh um these laws that have been put into place over the course of many many years have then prejudiced the acceptance of the emissions of other students for example Asian Americans uh or even some white Americans who say look just on the basis of my Merit alone I deserve a seat at that University but because of these laws I am now disenfranchised so thus the equal protection under the law that the 14th Amendment affords all Americans is not being applied to me I'm being disadvantaged by this how do you respond to people who say that let's be clear Merit has not been the primary fact Factor Why individuals are able to advance in the way they have done individuals are advancing because of Legacy uh emissions individuals are advancing because of wealth in the creation of wealth in the zip code that they have was born into individuals are advancing because of a level of white privilege that you I and all of us here have been denied so those arguments fall flat and a few Decades of trying to affirmatively repair the intentional harm based on race that took place for centuries is is is inadequate to address the necessity of providing opportunities so this is not a merit conversation because Clarence Thomas would be on the Supreme Court we have far more African-Americans much more qualified in their academic settings in their performance than he was he's there because of affirmative action so the Merit argument Falls flat on his face and then what about the other argument that we heard is that race can no longer be a shortcut to make assumptions about the life that someone has lived the challenges that they have faced that in fact you know we have very wealthy African-Americans and Hispanics and so on and so forth and so you cannot assume that the individual based on their race would need assistance to get into a certain School but that's our point exactly why people should not use race to as a need to get into school they should not use the white race uh category to advance themselves so let's remove that as their accelerator and open up opportunities for more individuals of diverse backgrounds that's our argument and that but we we fail to recognize for the centuries that race and gender because white males have had a lead up because of their gender because of their race and been able to get in Season they were not qualified for because there were other individuals who were more qualified and affirmative action was to remedy that it is a solution to a long-standing problem it isn't the problem yeah and Derek uh just to Echo what you are saying let me just read for our audience uh a bit of what Justice uh katanji Brown Jackson um has written uh having so detached itself from this country's actual past and present experiences the court has now been lured into interfering with the crucial work that UNC and other institutions of Higher Learning are doing to solve America's real world problems going on uh with the dissent no one benefits from ignorance although formal race legal barriers are gone race still matters to the lived experience of all Americans in innumerable ways and today's ruling makes things worse not better the best that can be said are the majority's perspective is that it precedes ostrich-like from the hope that preventing consideration of race will end racism uh absolutely through this country and why affirmative action programs are so crucial to create opportunities diversity and to allow this nation to move into a future of inclusion as opposed to an exclusionary past she personifies the the essence of of academic excellence and a x an outstanding jurist but the real question here is for the majority of the Court what type of America they're trying to create are they truly trying to create an apartheid reality in the United States we've lived that experience it is a diminishing return and there is nothing we can do to go back there so it's important for institutional for higher learnings it's important for corporations and other employers to do all what is possible to ensure diversity in their spaces in order for this nation to live up to his Creed in order for this nation to have a functioning democracy
By Azeem Taj3 years ago in Earth
Colleen Ballinger: From Internet Stardom to Empowering Creativity. Content Warning.
Colleen Ballinger, known by her online persona Miranda Sings, is a multi-talented performer who has captivated audiences around the world. From her humble beginnings on YouTube to her impressive accomplishments in acting, singing, and comedy, Colleen has become a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry. In this narrative, we delve into the journey of Colleen Ballinger, exploring her rise to fame, her commitment to creativity, and her enduring impact on fans.
By Azeem Taj3 years ago in Earth
BEYOND THE SURVIVAL
In the shadows of domestic violence, the scars run deep, and wide tearing at the very fabric of a woman's being. Amidst this darkness, there exists an awe-inspiring journey of resilience, healing, and the triumphant reclamation of identity. Like a rollercoaster, this article takes you on a journey of profound exploration of the path from victim to victor, brokenness to wholeness and finding strength right in the storm where pain evolves into strength with shattered souls finding the courage and will to bear the torch to thrive.
By Juliet Chinye3 years ago in Earth
Empowering Africa through Climate Education and Awareness
Climate change poses significant challenges to Africa, affecting ecosystems, livelihoods, and economic stability. To address these challenges and build a sustainable future, climate education and awareness are crucial. By equipping individuals with knowledge, fostering environmental consciousness, and promoting sustainable practices, Africa can empower its citizens to take informed action towards climate resilience and sustainable development. In this article, we explore the importance of climate education and awareness in Africa and the ways in which it can drive positive change.
By Chela Kikwai3 years ago in Earth
Engaging Communities for Climate Action: Empowering Change at the Local Level
Addressing the complex challenges of climate change requires the active participation and engagement of communities at all levels. Community engagement and empowerment play a pivotal role in driving climate action, fostering ownership, and catalyzing sustainable change. By involving individuals, grassroots organizations, and local stakeholders, we can mobilize collective efforts towards a more resilient and sustainable future. In this article, we delve into the importance of community engagement and empowerment for climate action and explore strategies that foster meaningful participation and collaboration.
By Chela Kikwai3 years ago in Earth
Climate Change and Human Health
Climate change is not just an environmental crisis; it is also a significant threat to human health. The impacts of a changing climate, such as extreme weather events, rising temperatures, and shifting disease patterns, pose a range of challenges to public health systems worldwide. However, the health sector, including healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers, plays a pivotal role in bringing these challenges to the forefront and providing effective solutions. In this article, we explore the impacts of climate change on human health, discuss adaptation strategies, and highlight the crucial role of key players in the health sector in addressing these issues.
By Chela Kikwai3 years ago in Earth
Climate Finance for Climate Innovation Startups in Africa
Africa is home to some of the most pressing climate challenges, ranging from increasing temperatures and extreme weather events to water scarcity and food insecurity. However, amidst these challenges lie immense opportunities for climate innovation startups to develop and implement localized solutions. Climate finance plays a vital role in supporting these startups, enabling them to scale their operations, address pressing environmental issues, and create sustainable impact. However, these startups face various challenges, including stringent requirements imposed by large international funding organizations. In this article, we explore the importance of climate finance for climate innovation startups in Africa, delve into the challenges they encounter, and suggest potential ways to overcome these obstacles.
By Chela Kikwai3 years ago in Earth
Health Impacts: Heat waves pose significant health risks
In a bustling city neighbourhood, nestled amidst the tall buildings and bustling streets, lived an elderly woman named Mrs. Thompson. She had spent most of her life in this community, watching it evolve and change with the passing years. Her home, a cozy apartment on the top floor, held cherished memories of family gatherings and moments of quiet solitude.
By Omotayo Adisa3 years ago in Earth
Unity and Community: Ties That Bind
Some time ago, in an unassuming community settled in the midst of moving slopes, the air hummed with expectation. Juneteenth had shown up, enchanting of solidarity that encompassed the local area. It was a day that rose above limits, welcoming everybody to participate in the dynamic embroidery of shared stories and aggregate recuperating.
By zumar irshad3 years ago in Earth
Climate and Environment change
The sun had just begun its descent below the horizon, casting a golden hue across the tranquil landscape. Sarah stood on the hill overlooking her family's farm, her heart heavy with a mixture of sorrow and determination. The farm, once a thriving oasis of green, had succumbed to the harsh realities of climate change.
By charlotte filipinas3 years ago in Earth