Running for Safer Streets

I am not a runner. Never have been, never will be. Despite this fact, I continue to engage in the sport and deceive myself into believing it's a good way to improve my health. Every time I jog over the Brooklyn Bridge or run through Prospect Park, I see "fast people." These are the "real" runners - I am just getting exercise.

Succeeding in the Global Economy

Students from around the U.S. and Canada are gathering in Boston this weekend for the first Junior Achievement North American Company of the Year Competition. Twenty JA student "Companies" are presenting their business enterprise before a panel of judges, vying for the highly contested title of North American Student Company of the Year. FedEx is sponsoring the JA Competition because it teaches students around the world valuable business skills, free enterprise, and how they can succeed in a global economy.

Re-Thinking the School Bus

Three Cheers for the bus driver, the bus driver, the bus driver... It's iconic and a staple of many children's school days. From the hippie bus driver in the front to the elite section in the back, school buses have been an essential part of many people's educational experience. However, communities from as far as Italy to cities here in the U.S. are re-thinking the bus (or car) as the only way to get to school. Is the school bus going the way of lunchroom soda machines?

Goin' Green Apple

Two years ago, I never would have considered myself an environmentalist. I took long showers, threw most everything in the trash and found fuel efficiency to be secondary to speed. Now I haven't given up red meet or bought a Terra Pass, but I do make a more conscious effort to be good to my planet. Since I have moved to New York City, I ride public transit almost 95% of the time, recycle half of my trash and have shortened my showers. All small steps to lessen my impact. But, is there more I can do?

Teach For America Week 2009

Most of us remember our favorite teacher. You know, the one who opened our eyes to a whole new world, gave us the confidence to explore new ideas or motivated us to rise to the challenge. Through his or her dedication and commitment to education, doors were opened for hundreds, if not thousands of students.