Lifestyle
Going Green in Your Community
Community Efforts
(Family Features) Preserving your community for future generations can take many forms. It might mean volunteering with local organizations and participating in community improvement initiatives. Taking steps to protect the environment is another critical way to ensure your community remains safe and livable for generations to come.
These ideas show that going green can be as simple as making small modifications to everyday actions you already take.
Donating Unwanted Goods
Landfills are overflowing with items that still have plenty of useful life. Often, those discarded items could be repurposed to provide an affordable option to those who can’t afford new, full-price versions. Before loading up your trash can, consider donating things like household goods and clothing that could still serve a purpose. Numerous organizations accept gently used goods that they either distribute directly to those in need or sell to the general public, with proceeds benefiting a specific cause or population. Look into the options in your area to find the best fit for items you have that can be donated.
Rethinking Transportation
Pollution from transportation accounts for 29% of the United States’ emissions, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). That’s a higher percentage than any other category measured by the EPA. Carpooling, public transportation and even carefully planning your route are ways you can take personal accountability to help reduce the problem.
Another way to improve transportation emissions is by talking to your school district about its school bus choices. Diesel school buses are not only expensive to operate, but they are harmful to children’s health, the community and the climate, according to data compiled by the Propane Education & Research Council. Conversely, propane reduces harmful emissions that impact student health and air quality in the community. By advocating for your district to convert to a more environmentally friendly transportation option, such as propane, you can help further reduce harmful emissions in your community.
Find more information about propane-powered buses at BetterOurBuses.com.
Recycling and Composting
Another way to reduce landfill waste is recycling and composting. Many of the items you throw away can be recycled into all-new materials. For example, recycled plastic can be used in a wide range of products, from sleeping bags and backpacks to dishes and reusable water bottles. Food waste represents a large share of landfills, too. Eventually it will biodegrade, but composting what you can at home gives you nutrient-rich material you can use to support your garden or lawn with healthier soil and less need for pesticides.
Cleaning with Natural Products
Keeping your home clean takes more than a little elbow grease, but the harsh chemicals found in many household cleaners are actually quite damaging. The chemicals can be poisonous or contain allergens that negatively impact your home’s air quality. Natural cleaners are often more cost-efficient, so you can enjoy cleaner air and minimize your impact on the environment.
Taking Advantage of Natural Light
If you’re in the habit of flipping on a light switch as you walk in a room, next time pause and consider whether you really need additional light. During daylight hours, many rooms offer more than enough natural light. Sunlight can also help warm spaces naturally when it’s cool outdoors, so throw open the curtains and let those warm, bright rays shine. If you do need additional light, consider relying on task lighting to illuminate your project rather than an overhead light that consumes more electricity.
Benefits of Propane School Buses
Over the last several decades, there have been many advances in student transportation. However, one area that could still use improvement is the number of students who ride to school on diesel buses that pollute the air. Today, there are two meaningful energy choices for clean student transportation: propane and electric. While both can achieve clean transportation, propane buses cost one-third the price of electric, allowing districts to replace their aging diesel fleet faster.
As an affordable, available and clean energy source, propane buses make practical sense. The buses reduce harmful emissions by 96% compared to diesel. They can also meet school districts’ needs with a range of up to 400 miles and the resiliency to continue operating across all terrains and in any weather. In fact, more than 1,000 school districts have already made the switch. Every day, 1.3 million children ride to school in 22,000 propane school buses across the country.
In 2022, the EPA introduced the Clean School Bus Program, which provides $5 billion over five years (2022-26) to replace existing diesel school buses with zero-emission and low-emission models.
Through three rounds of funding, the EPA program has allocated more than $2.8 billion for 8,427 electric school buses and 440 low-emissions propane buses. However, for the same amount of money that was distributed for the electric buses (about $2.77 billion), the program could have helped fund as many as 92,635 propane buses, assuming each propane bus received the $30,000 incentive.
When considering full lifecycle emissions, replacing 92,635 diesel buses with propane buses would have reduced harmful nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by 24,664 metric tons over the three years the program has funded buses. By comparison, replacing just 8,427 diesel buses with electric buses will reduce NOx emissions by just 2,379 metric tons over the three years.
SOURCE:
Propane Education & Research Council
Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.
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Lifestyle
A college course that’s a history of the future
The course “Science Fiction as Intellectual History” explores how sci-fi reflects cultural thoughts and anxieties, using stories to analyze technology, future predictions, and evolving societal ideas.
Adam Jortner, Auburn University
Uncommon Courses is an occasional series from The Conversation U.S. highlighting unconventional approaches to teaching.
Title of course:
Science Fiction as Intellectual History
What prompted the idea for the course?
For most of its history, science fiction was a disreputable, throwaway genre. But sources of culture and thought aren’t just found in classic literature or in the writings of the great thinkers. They’re also in popular entertainment: movies, comics, pulp magazines, TV.
Big thoughts often come in chunks with labels like “The Future” or “Technology” or “Freedom.” And most ideas about these things are shaped by science fiction.
So in this class, my students explore how the theories of Charles Darwin, for example, are reflected in science fiction like “Jurassic Park,” “The Island of Dr. Moreau,” “X-Men” and “The Wrath of Khan.”
I’m lucky to be the third generation of professors teaching this course at Auburn. It’s an old staple here that I inherited.
What does the course explore?
I usually pick three big plot ideas from sci-fi: alien encounters, time travel and superhuman abilities. Then we trace the development of those ideas, primarily through American fiction.
Students might read H.G. Wells’ “The Time Machine,” which was written in the 1890s and tells the story of the Eloi and Morlocks, post-human races from 800,000 years in the future; C.L. Moore’s secret visitors from the future in the 1953 novella “Vintage Season”; and Steven Spielberg’s 1985 escape to an idealized 1950s in “Back to the Future.”
These works all include mind-bending theories about what time travel might look like. But students also see how each of them tells a different story about the anxieties and obsessions of the times in which they were created.
For example, Wells’ novel is a vision of how thousands of years of Victorian class divisions lead to the evolution of a group of cannibalistic underground humans. In “Back to the Future,” Marty McFly leaves the dingy, broken-down 1980s for a clean and shiny version of the 1950s, one that looks much more promising than 1985. The film taps into the 1980s political and cultural nostalgia for so-called “simpler” times. (Of course, in their version of 1955, Biff and Marty never deal with segregation or Cold War nuclear panic.)
Science fiction offers a kind of film negative of history – a back door into what made people worried or scared rather than what was heroic. Sci-fi captures that fear and anxiety.
Rod Serling’s 1960 “Twilight Zone” episode “The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street” is the story of how neighbors turn on each other when they suspect an alien invasion is taking place. It parallels the American crisis over desegregation and communist subversion.
As Serling concluded, “For the record, prejudices can kill and suspicion can destroy, and a thoughtless, frightened search for a scapegoat has a fallout of its own – for the children, and the children unborn. And the pity of it is that such things cannot be confined to the Twilight Zone.”
Why is this course relevant now?
New technology, along with endless predictions and prophecies about the future, bombard students.
It’s important to take a moment to step back. How is the way we talk about and use technology influenced by the way we’re trained to think about technology and the future? And how much do past visions of the future dictate the choices of the present?
What’s a critical lesson from the course?
Students often think technology has rules and it will follow those rules. But technology doesn’t work like that.
That’s both terrifying and uplifting, because it means that we can still create and imagine our future as we see fit.
What materials does the course feature?
I anchor the course with a series of novels; the list changes, but it always includes “The Time Machine” and Ursula K. Le Guin’s 1971 novel “The Lathe of Heaven.”
Beyond that, I try to pepper in a mix of pulp stories, TV shows, radio dramas, comic books and films. I assign the 1970s avant-garde sci-fi stories of Brian Aldiss and Joanna Russ, and underground literature from the 1980s, such as the graphic novel “Ed the Happy Clown.”
I shape the course like a traditional “great books” course – those that feature the works of intellectual and literary giants – by assigning a different work every week. I just have a different idea about what makes a great book.
We also spend a delightful week examining the economic and cultural history of “so-bad-its-good” B movies and late-night features, where I have them watch an episode of the Canadian sci-fi show “The Starlost,” considered one of the worst shows in television history. Sometimes you have to learn what not to do.
What will the course prepare students to do?
They learn to read and think. They learn that all stories have ideas and philosophies, whether simple or complex, wise or foolish.
I hope they learn to watch for nonsense in public debates about technology and the future – like how some people assume computer modeling for human language is the same thing as language – and keep an eye out for ideologies masquerading as action films.
I hope they learn to love an author they’ve never read before – and learn to appreciate how much reading and stories make life worth living.
Adam Jortner, Goodwin Philpott Eminent Professor of Religion, Auburn University
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.
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Consumer Corner
PMI to Introduce Booksy: New Patented Collectible Toys That Spark a Love for Reading & Play
PMI Kids World launches ‘Booksy’ this fall, collectible toys featuring miniature books from Monster Tales, PAW Patrol, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to inspire reading.
This fall, families can collect toys with tiny books inside, featuring characters from Paramount’s PAW Patrol™, Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and PMI’s very own Monster Tales!
Booksy’ collectible toy line
TEL AVIV, Israel, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ – Uniting the exciting world of toys with the imaginative world of books is the brand new patented and trademarked ‘Booksy’ collectible toy line by renowned global toy company, PMI Kids World. In an era where screens dominate, this collectible toy line offers children and families a unique way to foster a love for play and reading. Featuring tiny books cleverly housed inside unique collectible figures, Booksy engages children in the tactile and imaginative experience of play and reading, one Booksy at a time. The line will launch in October with PMI’s original Monster Tales at Amazon, followed by an expansion in November with licensed character versions from the hugely popular worlds of PAW Patrol, produced by Spin Master Entertainment and airing on Nickelodeon, and Paramount+ original series Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, at Walmart.
Designed, written, and illustrated for children and families, Booksy collectible figures are the perfect steppingstone to nurturing children’s literacy through the excitement of collecting both books and appealing figures. The core Booksy collection, titled Monster Tales, introduces a series of original characters, stories, and a special Monster Tales bookcase for young readers to place and display their growing mini book collections. Characters from mega popular franchises, such as Chase and Skye, pups from PAW Patrol, and Raphael and Michelangelo from Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, will also bring familiar faces to the world of Booksy, making reading even more exciting for young fans of the beloved franchises.
Patented and trademarked, the Booksy toy line and the Monster Tales brand are PMI’s very own intellectual properties that introduces an innovative story-focused product variety featuring the talents of Christian Tremblay, branding specialist and a titan of the family entertainment industry with over 30 years of experience.
“As a parent and lifelong reader, I understand the importance of encouraging children to discover a love for reading and play that truly ignites their imaginations,” says Omer Dekel, CEO at PMI Kids’ World. “Booksy is particularly special to me because it’s an IP we’ve developed in-house and patented, blending the excitement of toys with the educational value of relatable life lessons and adventures in collectible books. I’m incredibly excited to see how Booksy will inspire and nurture the next generation.”
In October 2024, the Booksy Monster Tales Six Pack, featuring Monster Tales Dome figures, will launch on Amazon in the USA. This collection offers six unique characters for children aged 3-8 to collect. Additionally, the Booksy Monster Tales Bookshelf Collector Set, including a Monster Tales Booksy figure and a Collector’s Bookshelf, will also be available on Amazon. The first licensed version will be launched November 2024, introducing Booksy One Pack PAW Patrol and Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Dome figures at Walmart, and offering 12 beloved characters for young fans. Globally, the Booksy Monster Tales toy line is set for a Fall 2024 release, with key markets including the United States, United Kingdom (exclusively distributed by Character Options), France (exclusively distributed by Bandai France), the Middle East (exclusively distributed by iBrands), Canada (exclusively distributed by Red Planet), and more. The Booksy PAW Patrol and Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles toy lines will be sold exclusively at 3,000 Walmart stores across the USA.
Renowned for turning trending IPs into must-have toys, PMI Kids World is excited to introduce their very own brand and line of Booksy toys, right in time for the holidays.
About PMI Kids World
Established in 1995, PMI Kids World is a leading gaming-sector toy manufacturer focused on licensing consumer products in over 170 countries. PMI Kids World gives licensed intellectual properties (IPs) a vibrant existence by creating high-quality, innovative, affordable toys and collectibles. We’re here to bring the mega children’s brands and the coolest lines to kids worldwide. Our lineup includes esteemed names like Sonic Prime, Pudgy Penguins, Brawl Stars, and many others. Rooted in our purpose is the aspiration to ensure that every child can partake in the delight of play, irrespective of their circumstances.
For more information on PMI Kids’ World, follow PMI on:
About Booksy
Patented and trademarked by PMI Kids World, Booksy is the global toy company’s newest innovation in collectible toys and storytelling. Launching with PMI’s very own Monster Tales IP in October 2024, each Booksy character figure houses a miniature, full-colored storybook that empowers kids’ imagination by merging engaging play patterns with storytelling. Following Monster Tales, Booksy will also release versions based on popular kids licenses such as PAW Patrol and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in November 2024. Designed for boys and girls ages 3 to 8, each story introduces kid-relatable life lessons that children, families, and teachers will love and enjoy.
About Paramount Consumer Products
Paramount Consumer Products oversees all licensing and merchandising for Paramount (Nasdaq: PARA, PARAA), a leading global media and entertainment company that creates premium content and experiences for audiences worldwide. Driven by a diverse slate of consumer brands, Paramount Consumer Products’ portfolio is based on content from platforms including Paramount+, CBS (including CBS Television Studios and CBS Television Distribution), cable networks (including MTV, Nickelodeon and Showtime), and Paramount Pictures. Additionally, the division operates Paramount Game Studios. With properties spanning animation, live-action, preschool, youth and adult, Paramount Consumer Products is committed to creating the highest quality product for some of the world’s most beloved, iconic franchises. To view our range of consumer products and Paramount branded apparel, visit ParamountShop.com.
SOURCE PMI Kid’s World
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Join us at Looking for an entertainment experience that transcends the ordinary? Look no further than STM Daily News Blog’s vibrant Entertainment section. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of indie films, streaming and podcasts, movie reviews, music, expos, venues, and theme and amusement parks.
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FDA CDC News
Important Recall Alert: Milo’s Poultry Farms and Tony’s Fresh Market Eggs Potentially Contaminated with Salmonella
Milo’s Poultry Farms, LLC has recalled eggs under the “Milo’s Poultry Farms” and “Tony’s Fresh Market” labels in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan due to Salmonella contamination, advising consumers to discard or return products.
As of September 6, 2024, Milo’s Poultry Farms, LLC, headquartered in Bonduel, Wisconsin, has issued a voluntary recall of all its egg products due to possible contamination with Salmonella. This recall applies to both “Milo’s Poultry Farms” and “Tony’s Fresh Market” branded eggs, spanning across various retail stores and foodservice distributors in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan.
What You Need to Know
Salmonella is a bacteria that can cause serious and occasionally fatal infections, particularly in young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Healthy individuals infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (potentially bloody), nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, the infection can result in the bacteria entering the bloodstream and causing more critical conditions such as infected aneurysms, endocarditis, and arthritis.
Scope of the Recall
The recall encompasses:
- All carton sizes and types of eggs under the “Milo’s Poultry Farms” label, across all expiration dates.
- All carton sizes of “Tony’s Fresh Market” branded eggs, applicable to all expiration dates.
- All cases of eggs intended for retail foodservice distribution, regardless of expiration dates.
Reason for the Recall
The recall was triggered after environmental samples collected by the FDA tested positive for Salmonella. Further investigations through whole genome sequencing linked these samples to an ongoing outbreak of Salmonella, prompting immediate action by Milo’s Poultry Farms.
Consumer Safety Measures
Milo’s Poultry Farms, LLC has temporarily halted production and distribution of the affected products to conduct necessary testing and sanitization processes at their facilities.
What Should Consumers Do?
Customers who have purchased any of the recalled eggs are strongly advised not to consume them. These products should be discarded immediately or returned to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Consumers with additional questions or concerns can reach out directly to Milo’s Poultry Farms, LLC at (715) 758-6709 for further guidance and support.
Stay Informed
Salmonella is an ongoing risk in uncooked poultry and eggs. Consumers are reminded to cook eggs thoroughly before consumption to kill bacteria and prevent illness. Stay updated with food recall alerts and safety guidelines to ensure the health and safety of you and your family.
Remember, food safety is paramount. Keep abreast of the latest FDA warnings and manufacturer recalls to safely navigate any potential health risks associated with contaminated products.
About the FDA
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is a U.S. federal agency responsible for protecting public health by ensuring the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, and medical devices. The FDA also regulates the nation’s food supply to safeguard against contamination and prevent foodborne illnesses. One of its key functions is monitoring and managing food recalls when potential risks are identified, ensuring that hazardous foods are quickly and effectively removed from the market. The FDA issues alerts to inform the public about foodborne illness outbreaks, working collaboratively with manufacturers to recall affected products and maintain the safety and integrity of the food supply chain.
Follow FDA
- Follow@US_FDA on X
- FollowFDAon Facebook
- Follow@FDArecallson X
- Recent Recalled Product Photos on FDA’s Flickr Photostream
Read the FDA release here: https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/milos-poultry-farms-llc-recalls-eggs-because-possible-health-risk
Source: FDA
Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.
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