|
|
Rudolph Rodriguez Profile and Articles
|
Display by:
Popularity |
Title |
1). Spiritual Web Site Sees Significant Growth
DailyWord, a 21st-century outgrowth of the Daily Word magazine, has grown from an initial user base of 150 to more than 30,000 since its launch in March 2005.
"Our goal was to make Daily Word conveniently available to as many people as possible at any time, day or night," said Tom Zender, president and chief executive officer of Unity, the publisher of the magazine.
2). Message On Crime Still Strong After 25 Years
It began as a simple idea. An animated dog in a rumpled trench coat, uttering the words, "You don't know me yet. But you will."
Twenty-five years and three generations later, people still recognize McGruff the Crime Dog as an American icon that is "taking a bite out of crime."
In the early 1970s, most people thought it was strictly up to law enforcement to prevent crime.
3). Military Family Scholarships
Treasure hunts are all the rage, from Disney's hit film, "National Treasure," to NBC's new show, "Treasure Hunters." This summer, everyone can participate in a treasure hunt and earn a chance to win prizes while donating to a cause: academic scholarships for the children and spouses of U.S. soldiers.
A desire to thank the troops motivated Rachel and Kelsi Okun, sisters from McLean, Va.
4). 'World Day of Prayer' Unites People of All Faiths
On Sept. 14, hundreds of thousands of people will come together in prayer during the 13th annual Unity World Day of Prayer. This interfaith event is open to people of all faiths and all walks of life.
Unity is a worldwide movement founded in 1889 that helps people of all faiths apply positive spiritual principles to their daily lives. It is best known for Daily Word, a monthly magazine of inspirational messages that is distributed to about 1 million people in 175 countries.
5). Energy Conservation Begins at Home
As Americans face rising fuel prices, many are looking for ways to save money and energy in their homes.
The pressure to reduce energy consumption and costs is inspiring homeowners to challenge the relevance of old heating and hot water solutions and consider other cost-effective options, such as wall-hung boiler technology.
Wall-hung boilers have been common in homes throughout Europe for the past three decades and are now emerging as a popular alternative for heating homes and businesses in North America.
6). 'Black Collar' Affair Honors Canine Heroes
The guests of honor wore black ties, arrived in limousines and walked the yellow carpet - on all fours.
In a "black collar" ceremony in New York City, professionally trained service dogs were honored for their contributions to the community through the Pedigree Paws to Recognize program, an annual tribute to canine heroes.
Jacko, an 8-year-old Belgian Malinois, took home top honors as the 2005 Canine of the Year for his work to protect America's borders.
7). Wood Floors Contribute To Better Air Quality
Allergy season is in full swing and an estimated 35 million Americans suffer from health problems as a result of allergens. In fact, statistics from the Allergy Consumer Review show that allergens account for 10 million missed workdays each year.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air quality is one of America's top environmental issues, with pollutants such as chemicals, mold, dust, dander and pollen contributing to various ailments.
8). Charity Commits $1M to Help Tsunami Survivors in Long Term
Heifer International, an organization working to end world hunger, has committed $1 million for programs that will help tsunami victims in South and Southeast Asia rebuild their lives over the long term.
"After the important relief efforts ensure the victims' immediate survival, Heifer International will reach out to help families in communities to rebuild their lives and livelihoods for the years to come," said Jo Luck, chief executive officer and president of Heifer International.
9). Changing Children's Lives: A Woman's Mission
Life changed for Dorothy Samson in an Indian orphanage. Seeing the incredible needs of the children there, the Colorado resident knew she could make a difference.
So started a journey that led her to Compassion International and its unique child sponsorship program. Now, after just five years working with the ministry, 25 children count on Samson for prayers, letters and support.
10). Online Banking Is Safer Than You Might Think
Online banking appeals to many because it's fast, easy and convenient. But some still shy away from it, and for all the wrong reasons, according to recent data.
The 2006 Identity Fraud Survey Report, released by the Council of Better Business Bureaus and Javelin Strategy & Research, provides new insight on how identity fraud occurs.
Bottom line? The Internet is safer than you might think.
11). New Tool Helps Protect Public From Identity Theft
Remember the days when protecting your personal and financial information meant watching out for pickpockets and purse-snatchers? In today's technology-driven world, thieves have developed much more cunning and sophisticated ways to steal your identity.
Despite severe penalties - those convicted face up to 20 years in prison - identity theft is now the nation's fastest-growing crime, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
12). Building or Remodeling a Home? Think Lock Security
During the exciting time of having your house built or remodeled, make sure to consider one of the most important features that will keep you and your family safe for years to come: security.
According to the National Crime Prevention Council, about six out of 10 completed burglaries take place without any sign of forced entry, suggesting that either a door or window was left unlocked or that a duplicate key was used to open one.
13). Cancer Patient Beats the Odds, Hopes to Inspire Others
James Nebus, 71, never expected to walk his daughter down the aisle or see the birth of his first grandson.
While the holiday time is supposed to joyful, that was not the case for the Nebus family. In December of 2000, they received the grim news that Nebus had a brain tumor and only had months to live. But with highly aggressive treatment, a fighting spirit and a supportive family, he is now a cancer survivor who is hoping to inspire other patients with his story.
14). R&D Funding Keeps U.S. At Forefront of Innovation
Federal support of science and technology, combined with the research and development conducted in private industry, has enabled Americans to explore the outer realms of space, create methods to control environmental pollution and develop powerful new medicines.
By making technology R&D a national priority, the U.S. federal government has played a major role in elevating America to a leadership position in innovation and industrial productivity during much of the last half century.
15). Tips on Flying the American Flag
Traditionally a symbol of liberty, the American flag has carried the message of freedom to many parts of the world.
Here in the United States, the flag is displayed daily in or near government buildings and schools and in many public areas. It is customary to fly the flag on Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, Labor Day and most other U.S. holidays.
16). New Web Site Helps Groups Stay Connected
Groups, clubs and organizations all face the same challenge - how to grow membership while increasing affinity and participation.
Whatever your passion, be it biking, documentary filmmaking, writing or photography, you can grow your group and drive activity by finding an audience at Gather.com.
Members of Gather Groups are connected through interactive, multidirectional communication that extends beyond the one-way communication inherent in today's Internet, according to founder Tom Gerace.
17). Art Competition Paints Picture of Cancer
A cancer diagnosis brings out many emotions that cannot always be expressed through words alone. Art, however, can bring them to life in a powerful way.
An international competition is giving cancer patients, survivors, their families, physicians and others affected by cancer a chance to share their experiences and inspire others through art. Entries for "Lilly Oncology on Canvas: Expressions of a Cancer Journey" are being accepted through July 31.
18). In Case of Disaster, Save Copies of Vital Documents
The impact of disasters like last year's Gulf Coast hurricanes is often long-term. As victims try to put their lives back in order, they frequently face the challenge of locating important documents that might have been lost or destroyed.
For many people, it takes a disaster to remind them of the importance of having copies of vital documents safely stored somewhere other than their homes.
19). Fire Risk Higher in Multifamily Buildings
Multifamily residential buildings are at a greater risk for fire because they contain more kitchens, furnaces, hot water heaters and other elements that can pose opportunities for a fire to start.
A "balanced" building design is necessary to protect multifamily units from fire, according to experts at the National Concrete Masonry Association. Fire.
20). How Safe Is Your Child's School?
As a parent, have you ever thought about whether your child's school was designed and built with security in mind?
To raise awareness of school safety and security issues, the National Crime Prevention Council - best known for its icon McGruff the Crime Dog - developed the "Be Safe and Sound" initiative. The initiative offers tools and tips on how schools can be made safer and more secure for students and staff.
21). Indoor Contamination Rises After Katrina
Researchers working under the direction of Dr. John Spengler of the Environmental Health and Engineering Department at the Harvard School of Public Health have found indoor contamination rates two and a half times greater than outdoor readings in New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.
"We are uncovering some particularly nasty varieties of molds that are highly allergenic," Spengler said.
22). Credit Unions Help Make Homes More Affordable
For first-time buyers of modest means, the goal of home ownership is more difficult to attain today. But a new initiative spearheaded by the nation's credit unions is helping more people qualify for home loans.
"Real estate prices are still high all over the country," said Daniel A. Mica, president and chief executive officer of the Credit Union National Association.
23). Drillers Hope to Strike It Rich With Old Oil Wells
Exploration firms are finding that reopening oil wells that have long been closed may help decrease the crude oil shortages.
For example, Desdemona, Texas, which was booming with oil production in the early 1900s, once was one of the largest oil producers in the region.
Unfortunately, the town's heyday ended almost as fast as it started due to some of the oil wells drying up.
24). Don't Have a Cow This Holiday Season -- Give One
Want to give a meaningful gift that won't be forgotten or stashed away after the holidays?
Heifer International, an organization working to fight hunger worldwide, has a solution: livestock.
By donating a sheep, cow or any other farm animal in honor of a loved one through Heifer International, you can help impoverished families get the resources they need to get out of poverty and become self-reliant.
25). Your New Uses for Popular Cleaning Tool Can Help Charity
Have you ever walked into your child's bedroom and found that she has turned the wall into a makeshift easel? Or invited your friends over for a barbecue and discovered that your patio furniture doesn't want to give up the dirt?
Savvy consumers already know the secret to cleaning these and other household mishaps with no mess and no fuss. It's called Mr.
26). Locking Doors Still Best Bet Against Burglaries
Not so long ago, people did not feel the need to lock their doors or windows. But times have changed, and so has the need to use locks for protection.
According to the National Crime Prevention Council, most individuals do not have the proper lock security. Only half of Americans have dead-bolt locks on all of the entry doors to their homes and nearly one in five have none at all.
27). Finding Guidance Through Prayer
More than 90 percent of Americans pray daily, according to a 2002 Gallup Poll. People seeking guidance and comfort through prayer often are led to Silent Unity, a nonprofit service dedicated to providing personal, confidential prayer support to all who seek it.
Silent Unity receives more than 2 million requests for prayer support each year from all over the world by telephone, mail and through the Internet.
28). Organization Helps Change The World With Coffee
You can make a difference in the world every day, simply by purchasing coffee.
Green Mountain Coffee Roasters of Vermont is introducing Heifer Hope Blend, a new organic coffee whose sales will help improve the lives of small-scale coffee farmers in Guatemala. Forty cents of every bag purchased will be given to Heifer International, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting hunger worldwide.
29). Concrete Masonry Stands Up to Hurricane Charley
Winds up to 145 miles per hour left thousands homeless after Hurricane Charley tore through Punta Gorda and surrounding cities in Southwest Florida.
This vicious storm claimed 17 lives and has estimated damages in the billions. In and around Punta Gorda, trailers lay toppled or blown apart. Shards of wood and metal lay scattered on lawns.
As tragic as this loss is, it could have been much worse if it were not for the residential building code changes that were instituted after Hurricane Andrew in 1992.
30). Rwanda's Children Emerge From Shadows of War
It's been 10 years now. Still, Rwanda's 100-day war casts a long shadow across the lives of its children. It is estimated that more than 1 million Rwandans were murdered during the 1994 war - most at the hands of machete-wielding neighbors, friends and fellow churchgoers - in a genocide rivaling the horrors of the Jewish holocaust and Cambodia's killing fields.
31). Excess Humidity Leads to Mold
Everyone's heard about the effect mold and mildew can have on a home, or more importantly, a homeowner's pocketbook. But, you say, how bad can it really be?
In 2002, insurers paid $2.5 billion in mold-related claims under homeowner policies, up $1.3 billion from the year before.
Moisture can damage carpets, wood flooring, furnishings, drywall and interior woodwork, causing mold, mildew and rot.
32). Women Fear They'll Have Little Gold in Their Golden Years
Nearly 40 percent of women aged 30 to 55 are worried about spending their retirement years at or near the poverty level because they cannot adequately save for retirement, according to a recent survey.
The National Women's 2005 Retirement Survey found that women of color are most concerned about their ability to save for retirement. While 53 percent of women of color report that they expect to live at or near the poverty level in their retirement years, just 33 percent of all men expect to face the same dilemma.
33). What You Can Do To Prevent Auto Theft
According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, auto theft costs consumers more than $8 billion annually.
Today's thieves typically are not teens out for a joy ride, but rather professionals involved with organized theft rings.
While car thieves do like luxury cars, they mainly focus on the more popular vehicles: Hondas, Toyotas and Chevy pickups.
34). New Lens Technology Provides Alternatives to LASIK
Although LASIK surgery has become increasingly popular as a 15-minute outpatient procedure that produces almost instant visual improvement in many patients, it is not a foolproof solution for long-term health, especially for those younger than 20.
Most eye prescriptions stabilize by age 18, but many continue to change throughout the 20s. Operating on developing eyes can result in poor outcomes.
35). Diversity Education Program
With prejudice and violence continuing to cause problems in schools and communities nationwide, studies show many young people have hate-related words used against them at school and are often exposed to hate-related graffiti.
While parents play a critical role in helping their children develop positive attitudes about diversity, they cannot do it alone.
36). Students On Path to Success
Parents and teachers at Lexington Elementary School in Monroe, La., feared their school was slipping into mediocrity or worse. Attendance rates and standardized test scores were dipping. Suspensions were rising.
So school administrators implemented Lions Quest, a life-skills program. After taking part in workshops, teachers worked with students on relationship skills and responsible decision-making.
37). Walking the Walk for AIDS
UNAIDS estimates that more than 37 million adults and 2 million children are infected with HIV worldwide. The AIDS epidemic has hit the hardest in sub-Saharan Africa, where 75 percent of the women ages 15 to 24 are infected.
Closer to home, 40,000 people per year in the U.S. are infected, more than half of whom are African-American women. The latter group by itself accounts for 72 percent of all new HIV diagnoses in women.
38). Company Aims to Ease 'Charitable Fatigue'
With so many recent natural disasters happening around the world, people are being asked for charitable donations like never before. Many who wish to help might find the donation process frustrating and confusing, but want to do more.
"'Charitable fatigue' is a buzz-phrase used to hide a real problem small and mid-sized charities are facing in the aftermath of a full year of natural disasters," says Robert Grosshandler of iGive.
39). Is the U.S. Facing an Impending Water Crisis?
In Los Angeles, scientists have found that 60 million gallons of ground water in the local watershed contain the environmentally harmful metal, chromium 6. The contamination is moving in the direction of the city's main drinking water supply and could pose a major health problem within 10 years.
More than 50 percent of Pennsylvania's streams are polluted as a result of decades of coal mining operations.
40). The Need to Honor Community Heroes Still Strong
Who are the country's most courageous people? In many people's minds, it's the heroes in their communities: firefighters, police officers and emergency response teams.
Firefighters and police officers were ranked among the country's most prestigious professions in a poll conducted by Harris Interactive. According to the survey, prestige is strongly associated with respect, public service and good work, and professions with high prestige are those that benefit society and the people they serve.
41). 'Buddy Bracelet' Spreads Awareness of Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer is 90 percent preventable and 90 percent treatable when detected early, yet it continues to be the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States.
To help spread the message about the importance of early detection, the Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation and its 54 partners have joined together to celebrate National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month by introducing the "Buddy Bracelet," a unique and powerful way to promote public awareness of the disease.
42). Lions Clubs Help Communities Thrive
Do you ever tell yourself, "Someday I'm going to get involved in my community"? Now is your chance. By joining an organization such as Lions Clubs International, you can help people within your community or on the other side of the world.
As a Lions volunteer, you can become involved in projects such as building community playgrounds, assisting in vision screenings at schools, aiding seniors, improving the environment, building homes for the disabled, supporting diabetes education and conducting hearing screenings.
43). Tornado Rips Building; 150 Live to Tell the Story
About 150 employees at Parsons Manufacturing Co. in Illinois were shocked to see their company's building turned into a pile of mangled steel beams and other rubble as an F-4 tornado ripped through the area. But what's even more shocking is that they were inside the building when the storm hit.
Thanks to reinforced concrete masonry shelters, all 150 people walked away from the disaster without a scratch.
44). People Seek Help Through Prayer
People throughout the world are searching - for God, for answers, for meaning. Thousands of these seekers are led to Silent Unity, the prayer ministry of Unity. Silent Unity receives more than 2 million requests for prayer support each year from all over the world - by telephone, mail and the Internet.
The following requests reflect issues that many of us deal with in our own lives.
45). Men say, 'No More Violence Against Women'
The statistics are startling. According to a Commonwealth Fund survey, nearly one-third of American women report being physically or sexually abused by a husband or boyfriend at some point in their lives.
While the mere thought of this is overwhelming, there is good news. By educating yourself and those around you about violence against women, you can make a difference to those currently experiencing it and to the generations to come.
46). Coal May Be the Energy Of the Future
What will be the dominant energy source in the future? Trends are indicating that much of our energy in the future will come from a source you are already familiar with - coal.
According to U.S. Energy Information Administration forecasts, the consumption of coal worldwide will climb by almost 50 percent during the next 24 years.
In fact, coal may become an important source of hydrogen.
47). Is Your School Prepared For Weather Disasters?
Metal detectors. Surveillance cameras. Security guards. School systems throughout the U.S. are becoming more and more vigilant in preventing crime and violence on school property. But are school officials doing all they can when it comes to communications to staff, parents and emergency responders?
Earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, tornadoes and other severe weather conditions pose a significant danger to students, staff and school buildings.
48). New Service Reduces Impact Of School Emergencies
It's a disturbing reality that some gunmen, criminals and sexual predators have been able to slip into U.S. schools. Consequently, parents, as well as school and community leaders, are demanding action to prevent further tragic results.
Schools, in concert with police and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, are focusing on communication as one of their top priorities.
49). Dog Bites Increase in Summer Months
They're called the "dog days of summer" for good reason. According to the Emergency Nurses Association, dog bites increase dramatically during the months of March through September.
Every year, 4.7 million Americans are bitten by dogs and 60 percent of those affected are children, with the most severe injuries occurring in children younger than 10 years old.
50). Tips on Saving Dollars on Energy in Your Home
A typical U.S. family spends more than $1,600 a year on home utility bills, yet making some simple changes around the home can save money and make heating and cooling systems more efficient, according to World Energy Solutions, a publicly traded energy services company based in St. Petersburg, Fla.
By evaluating facilities and equipment, World Energy Solutions (symbol: WEGY) helps businesses lower their utility consumption and maintenance costs and extend the life of their equipment.
Browse Pages: 1 [2] [3]
|
|
|
