Renewable Energy And India's Small Businesses

A poster for a workshop on using renewable energy.

Sometimes it takes just a bit extra, besides technical background, to enable a project to be adopted and spread. Take for instance the technical skill that Poornima B Joshi has already attained while working in the family business at Green Thumb, a waste management business located in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India. Besides her experience, Poornima has an M.S. degree in Environment and Development, which she completed in the UK.

Green Thumb's client list includes such small enterprises as canteen owners, orphanages, catering companies, charity hospitals, rural schools, etc. These are small businesses with owners and employees who lack technical skills, but have a great deal of energy and enthusiasm. When Poornima was developing her idea of converting biomass to biogas and gasifier types of fuels, she ran into the problem of banks being unwilling to finance these changes with the small-time client base with which Green Thumb was working.



When she thought about this issue more deeply, she came up with the idea of developing THINC, a social enterprise, which would back her basic concept of renewable energy. Basically, Thinc takes on the financial risks and provides the technical support to the small business owners, who are willing to adopt the technologies that enable the biomass conversion. Then, the monetary savings that result are funneled back to Thinc to pay back the costs of providing the services.

Some of the advantages of utilizing biomass technologies include reducing the stench generated by collected garbage, having cleaner air by decreasing methane emissions, preventing the spread of illnesses, saving money on electricity charges, and decreasing use of nonrenewable energy. Thinc lists the small businesses which desire the biomass conversion technology and offers investors investment plans so they can provide the monetary support to those enterprises and also receive a modest return. Thinc also continues to recruit those small businesses which have an interest in adding the technology.

The entrance to Thinc's office.

Thinc does partner with Green Thumb, where Poornima gained much of her experience in renewable energy. In turn, Green Thumb continues to develop new technologies and has added biofertilizers to their product mix.

Poornima has always had the support of family and friends.

Thanks to this article from Pollination Project: https://thepollinationproject.org/grants-awarded/poornima-joshi-thinc/; and the above link.

Click here to view more details

Click here: 30 SUPER HEALTHY KIDS ICE CREAM TREATS

United In Kindness

Stephen Humphris (left) and Faris Khalifa.

It was a regular day on the run of the 86 Arriva bus through Liverpool city center. Thirty-three year-old Stephen Humphris, an ex-serviceman, was driving the bus on Tuesday. Along the route, the bus stopped at a spot that wasn't a regular stop. The driver handed a £5 note to one of the passengers, whom he asked to give it to an elderly man struggling along in the pouring rain.

The passenger who assisted bus driver Mr. Humphris with his gift happened to be Faris Khalifa, who said, "He called me over, handed me a £5 note, and asked me to give it to an elderly homeless man across the street. It was the most amazing thing." Mr. Khalifa and the rest of the passengers were very impressed with the spontaneous gift. Mr. Khalifa continued, "There are people out there who are infinitely less fortunate. He [the driver] made mine and many other people's day."




The driver's kind act took only a few moments, but Faris couldn't get what happened out of his mind. So, he made a decision that would end up with giving back a reward to the bus driver in gratitude for his actions. It ended up involving requests from business acquaintances and friends in the center of the city.

Mr. Khalifa reported, "Everyone I spoke to, without hesitation, donated the coolest things ever. A bottle of rum from The Jacaranda; a basket of cheese from the Liverpool Cheese Company; two membership cards and a bar tab from Independent Liverpool; a voucher for a dinner for two from Mr. Myagi's. People have come forward offering all kinds to do their bit."

The gifts were gathered and arranged in an attractive hamper. Then came tracking down Mr. Humphris, under the guise of presenting him with a thank you card. Finally the two men met again and Mr. Khalifa was able to give him the Christmas hamper. 

Obviously, Stephen was very surprised. He said, "It's amazing to be noticed for little deeds, but the main message is to help people less fortunate than us. I'd like to say a big thanks to Faris, who is an amazing man. As an ex-soldier, homelessness is a subject very close to me. A massive amount of servicemen come out of the army with mental health problems and end up on the streets. It's about getting more people to recognize these issues."

It turns out that Mr. Khalifa has had his own set of experiences. He was a refugee from The Sudan, who is also a musician and writer. He shared, "I came here as an asylum seeker and lived in children's homes, so charity has played a massive part in my upbringing, mostly on the receiving end."

Faris Khalifa at home.

Two men, on the same bus, with kind thoughts and behaviors that followed, may have come from two different places in the world, but found out they could be brought together through acts of kindness. What could be better than that? By the way, Stephen had another act of kindness up his sleeve. He had brought his army sleeping bag to work and handed it over to Faris to give it to someone in need when he got to city center.

Some of the gift items that Mr. Khalifa collected.

Thanks to this article from Good News Network: http://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/community-rewards-bus-driver-who-stopped-to-give-homeless-man-some-money/; and this article from the Daily Mail.com: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3353068/Bus-driver-stopped-homeless-man-5-tracked-passenger-rewarded-presents.html.

Click here to view more details

Click here: DENTAL PRO 7 EXTRA STRENGTH SOLUTION - 7 MONTH SUPPLY KIT

Managing Baltimore's Properties

Company logo.

Whenever you notice, or even live in an apartment complex, you find that there is some sort of management company that runs the show, collects the rent, makes sure the complex is in top condition. That type of service fall under the label of property management, and there are a number of companies that provide that type of service. WPM REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT, based in Owings Mills, MD, has a portfolio of properties that it manages, many of which are multi-family dwellings. WPM also manages some commercial properties, like Mount Vernon Marketplace.

Recently, the company has added two new multi-family residential properties to its management portfolio. Crofton Mews Condominium No. 1, located in Crofton, MD, is comprised of 390 townhouse units, built in 1975. Some of the dwellings have only one level, while others have three. In addition to the homes, the property contains a pond with fountain near the entrance, two playgrounds, dog walking areas, and benches, in an atmosphere that is park-like. The WPM team, Manager Troy Painter and Assistant Kadie McKay-Troutman, took over property management on September 1.



The other property is Jennifer Ridge Homeowners Association, a luxury home community in the Lutherville-Timonium area of Baltimore County. There are 93 homes, of which 77 are large single-family homes and the rest are semi-detached patio homes. The WPM team, Manager Sallie Foster and Assistant Leigh-Anna Brown, took over management on September 1. Previously, the Association had been self-managed.

In addition, the Maintenance & Construction Services Division is the Project Manager for a $600,000 renovation and makeover for the lobby and some amenities areas at Hopkins House, a multi-family high rise property across the street from Johns Hopkins University, just outside of the Roland Park section of Baltimore. Work started in April. New flooring has been installed in the first floor lobby and another restroom was added. The fitness center has been remade, with new flooring and a higher ceiling. There is a new flat-screen television and new equipment also in the fitness room. A new lounge with a kitchen area for residents was also added. The pool area received remodeled bathrooms, a new changing area, along with a new bar and grill area. A new children's play area was also added. Besides managing this project, WPM provided contracting services.

2 East Wells property.

All of this is just a small part of what the company does, providing improved living for the families it serves and keeping offices and retail buildings functioning at their best.

George Forrest (left) and Bill Wolf, who work in IT.

Thanks to this current issue of Threshold, Threshold-2015e2.pdf, which can be downloaded from the company's homepage.

Click here to view more details

Click here: EXPLOSIVE SPEED TRAINING PROGRAM

Artistically Flying High

A poster showcasing the fitness classes at their previous studio.

How many of you have seen artistic performances, combining body movement, strength, and grace, occurring in an aerial dimension? It's a fairly new art form that requires talent, conquering of fears, and a good deal of teamwork. It can be awe-inspiring for viewers.

But what about performers? Alexandria White has taken her talent in ballet, other dance forms, yoga, and pilates and formed CRESCENT CITY AERIAL ARTS (CCAA), based in New Orleans. This company performs at community events, festivals, corporation events, and in theatrical productions. But a large part of this organization's work is in instructing youth.



Alexandria has a particular passion for sharing her love of aerial performance. She sees this art form as a release from former ways of acting, a type of mindfulness training, and a way of developing trust in utilizing teamwork. For without teamwork, one could not engage in aerial performance.

As Alexandria explains, "Creative movement was my own personal escape from the heaviness of my own life. It has been my life work to develop [an] aerial practice that empowers youth emotionally, mentally, and physically. I want others to access their own power and challenge notions of their own capabilities." Soaring up in the skies among the props which help to maintain their upward plane against gravity, students and performers can leave their cares behind and focus in the moment, mind in the present and on the operations of their bodies.

The training provided to young people come in various classes, ranging from complete beginners to a mixed level class engaged in performance movements that utilize the skills learned in previous classes. Classes for children ages 7 to 13 are provided on Saturdays for 1 hour at a cost of $25 per class.

Since its start, CCAA has moved from its original location into a building with higher ceilings that allows more room for aerial movements. An additional class, Aerial Yoga, was added to the schedule. CCAA's services can also be engaged for one-to-one or one-to-more than one private lessons, as well as becoming a venue for birthday parties and other celebrations. This organization also has a performance troupe, De La Lune, which is available for weddings, parties, and other events. There was also the performance of Inverse Universe, an aerial performance held on November 21 at the Marigny in New Orleans.

One of the open gym days at the studio.

In all, CCAA has turned out to be a multi-faceted organization, providing exercise, transformation, mindful tranquility, and dynamic performances. This is definitely a positive addition to the New Orleans arts scene.

Photo accompanying Intro to Aerials class announcement.

Thanks to this article from Pollination Project: https://thepollinationproject.org/grants-awarded/alexandria-white-crescent-city-aerial-arts/.

Click here to view more details

Click here: HOW TO BUY LOW ON EBAY AND SELL HIGH ON AMAZON

Disappointed Children Get A Surprise

Santa's sleigh in a bay and receiving servicing.

Ah, the Christmas season! There's a veritable feast of Christmas advertising that comes along with the season. Although these advertisements are used to promote products and services, some do come with something a bit extra.

KWIK-FIT, an auto repair service center, created a little disappointment at their auto centers to launch a surprise for children from ten families, then used the clips to promote their services. But the real part was the children, who were expecting Christmas festivities of various types on the first weekend in December and found out their parents had to make an unexpected stop to get car servicing. Disappointment abounds; pouting child faces enter the waiting area, as parents set up the servicing; it's waiting room boredom.



But wait a minute; there is a sleigh in one of the service bays, packed with Christmas presents. A mechanic is underneath working on it, and there are reindeer enjoying a snack of straw. There's another customer in the waiting room, hiding behind a road map. He looks distinctly familiar, with a fat round belly, red pants held up with suspenders, black boots.

One of the customer service representatives summons "Mr. Claus" to the counter, where he starts conversing with the children, who, by this time, have stars in their eyes after they spotted the sleigh getting tuned up. Somehow, this man, who has a white beard and a jolly look in his eyes knows the name of the children with whom he is talking and tells them that his sleigh is carrying a present just for them.

One of the kids is a bit shocked and asks, "How does he know my name?" then answers himself with, "He's Santa Claus, that's why!" Another child is full of wonder, "You got me all I ever wanted!", while yet another asks, "How did you know?" as she opens her present. The commercial ends with "Have a free winter check on us. Merry Kwikmas."

Who's that man in the chair, studying that map so closely?

So far, this ad has received more than 300,000 views on YouTube on its first day. Considering that it got a relatively late start as a Christmas campaign, compared to other major advertisers, that's not too bad. It also brightened the day with a little fantasy for some young children, who never expected to see Santa Claus at the auto repair service, as well.

OMG, I recognize that man!

Thanks to this article from Daily Mail.com: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3322432/Children-surprise-lives-discover-Santa-getting-present-filled-sleigh-fixed-Kwik-Fit.html.

Click here to visit Office Expander.

Click here: FREEDOM LIFESTYLE INCOME PROGRAM

Micro-Loans And So Much More

Training program for the original thirty women.

Throughout the world, in just about every country, there are people who live at the margins, for whom poverty is their daily challenge. If it's happening in countries with all of the advantages, it takes an even bigger toll in countries that are still developing.

Not one to be deterred by challenges, Genesis Etali had a plan to address poverty issues in the rural area of the Ngie Subdivision in Cameroon. He helped start THE ASSOCIATION FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT LIVELIHOODS INITIATIVE (SUSTAIN). He started with thirty women and girls, who grew up with disadvantages, and provided them with skills and training in various income-generating activities. The women receive seed capital to establish small businesses that have the potential to provide an independent income source.

As the businesses grow and thrive, the program offers guidance to these successful women to develop their own micro-loan programs that would furnish startup funds to other women to do the same. SUSTAIN Cameroon would develop the curriculum to educate the women who come on board to develop their own small businesses.

Genesis talks about his inspiration behind the organization, "The struggle of all humans on earth is to live peaceful and secure lives, where their worries do not dominate their daily thoughts. A situation that can only be realized with the satisfaction and ability of every being to satisfy their livelihood needs."

Among those who have benefited from the work of SUSTAIN Cameroon are 11-year-old Samba and his sister Elizabeth, who lost both of their parents and subsequently went to live with their aunt on her farm. They had very little hope of being able to break out of the cycle of poverty because the family couldn't afford to send them to school. That's where this organization stepped in with funding, so both children could receive that education. Samba now has dreams of what his future could become, "I wish to become a doctor so that I can support children who do not have money to pay for their health treatment."

Obviously, the support provided to the community has expanded since SUSTAIN Cameroon started. Micro-loans are still a prominent part of the program, provided now without discrimination to men and women. This organization now has an advocacy campaign to prevent childhood sexual abuse by raising awareness and educating the public. There is education and vocational training support for orphans and other vulnerable children, just like Samba and Elizabeth, not only helping with monetary funding but by addressing other challenges in the children's lives. They also run an anti-stigma campaign and promote positive sexual values in order to address the issue of HIV/AIDS and have programs to promote handwashing and the provision of potable water. 

Checking out mushroom seeds in the micro-credit program.

SUSTAIN Cameroon can't do its work without financial support, so if you are moved by what this group does, you can check their website for ways to contribute. This is a growing organization that is trying to address some of the major issues that impact a small rural area of Cameroon.

Teaching child sexual abuse awareness to adults.

Thanks to this article by Pollination Project: https://thepollinationproject.org/grants-awarded/genesis-etali-association-sustainable-development-livelihoods-initiatives-sustain-cameroon/.

Click here to visit Office Expander.

Click here: MIRA HAIR OIL

Sometimes It's Those Simple Acts

David Rosenman giving a presentation at the GoldLab Symposium.

This is something that many parents do. It was a breakfast out, at a coffee shop, between a dad and his daughter. The dad, David Rosenman, a physician and assistant professor living in Rochester, MN, had taken his 9-year-old daughter out for breakfast. The plan was for him to catch up with emails and do a bit of online work while his daughter worked on a knitting project - you know, that distracted type of breakfast, where both family members catch up with another task and then are on their ways.

But that's not the way it turned out. Mr. Rosenman's daughter asked if they could just be together, you know, the old-fashioned talk to each other, while enjoying each other's company. Now, dad could have just continued with his plan, just gone on to catch up with work tasks, but he didn't. He decided to have a conversation with his daughter, complete with giggles, smiles, joking, stories about each others' experiences.

Mr. Rosenman continued, "So today we were together. She showed me her yarn project. I recalled the day she was born. We compared notes about whether or not couples at other tables were on 'dates' (she likes to impersonate people on dates - resting her smiling face on her hands and practicing a starry-eyed stare). She told me about her friends and their hamsters. I watched her chew her breakfast sandwich and melted a little bit as I thought about how much I love her." It's moments together like this, in which parents are able to discover the young child in formation, her interests, her personality. It's also a moment for a parent to show by doing, how important that youngster is, and the presence and availability of the parent.

However, these special moments between father and daughter did not go unnoticed. While dad David went up to pay the bill and order a take-out sandwich for his son, a note was left, by a mystery woman, at their table. The note said, "I work at a school where many daughters don't have fathers & those who do have never in their lives had him watch + listen + devote 100% of his attention to her for as long as you did on one Sunday morning. You have no idea what a gift you are giving to all the teachers who are responsible for educating her from now until she graduates."

Dad David was a bit remorseful that his daughter had to ask him to change his usual behavior, to pay attention and give his time to her. The note, after all, had drawn attention to this difference in his usual routine to the point that he posted online about it. He pleaded with other parents to give full attention to their children, "Please don't wait for your child or other loved one to plead for your attention like mine did - he or she might not. Expect that no one will leave a note for you - such beauty in the world is far too rare. I invite you to share the gift of this experience with me: choose to be present today - even for just a little while - for someone you love."

Being fully with your child means turning off that laptop and providing presence.

I couldn't have said it better. In the midst of this technology connected world, at this holiday season, this is one gift that costs nothing, but is worth so much more. Give fully of yourself to someone you love. Put that cell phone, that laptop down, and pay attention to those you love. Not only do you give to the someone you love, but you receive so much in return.

A dad enjoying his daughter's company.

Thanks to this article from Little Things.com: http://www.littlethings.com/dad-daughter-touching-note-v2/?utm_source=sungazing&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=inspiring.

Click here to view more details

Click here: VICTORIA JOHNSON'S THIN THIGHS PROGRAM