I bought an XO for my kids. (One Laptop Per Child) They benefit by having a great tool; they learn about the effort to help kids across the world from them; a child across the globe gets one too. And I get to teach my values to my kids in a way that SHOWS them rather than tells them. A child across the world gets to be part of a revolution--the development of mesh networks! Power to the edges!

To reduce my GHG emissions, I recently "divorced" my car - it was re-painted as a petition to our provincial government, asking that they spend more on transit and bike lanes, and stop spending on "car culture".)

Jean Russell said:

I bought an XO for my kids.

Great news Jean - a deed well done!

I've been thinking about joining the "Give One Get One" effort myself.

Thanks Jon. The car is GORGEOUS! That is so incredibly awesome. What a brilliant idea--making our own advertising space for our causes--what about making a vehicle into a petition for your favorite cause? Kenny Scharf

promoted the idea that we should customize everything we own. Take that a step further and use it to promote your message. We can do the same thing with our bikes and our computers (I already have my computer covered in cause stickers).

{smile} - wonderful image, Jean, and a great idea!

I'd love to see a photo of your laptop - please post if you can!

I suspect it looks like my fridge (I'll take a pic and post ASAP). And I think my bike has a few decals affixed...

Hmm, I sense a serendipitous theme emerging here...!

As promised - a picture of (the most interesting part) of my fridge:

[Edited by Jon A - typo]

Very nice.

I dig the old Hair album cover magnet.

{laugh} - yes, I'm a product of my parents' musical tastes! Thanks Mark!

My deed today (actually this past week-end) - we had a big snowstorm and low temps (-15 deg C with the wind-chill factor) - a housing-advocacy group I work with, is trying to get the city government to live up to its promise of declaring alerts and providing additional resources for the homeless in extreme weather.

We issued a press release asking why they took so long - storm was known about Friday and began on Saturday, but alert was only declared on Sunday.

And I went and checked on the folks I know in my neighbourhood, including one guy who needed a hand taking his medicine.

(You can read about my housing group at www.tdrc.net)

[Edited by Jon A - typo]

Heh. Yeah, I remember when my parents got back from seeing Hair when on its first national tour thru the US.

Not sure if this counts as a good deed, but made a few more small Kiva loans

Sure that counts, Mark - well done!

Speaking of micro-loans (a la Kiva), I've had several recent chats with colleagues recently week-end about conceptualising a local micro-credit program, as a CED and anti-poverty initiative.

More in these pages when I know.

[Edited by Jon A - typo]

I don't know if my deed is in the same vein as other's listed as it does not directly benefit a "stranger". My husband received the Idea of the Year award from his employer which is worth $500. Before I tell you my deed, let me put it in context. An unexpected $500 received in December in a single income family with three little girls under the age of 10 is no small thing, even when you follow through on your threat to only give socks, underpants and books as gifts. (Have you noticed how expensive books are?!)

My deed was to suggest to my extremely selfless husband that he use it for the Syrius (sp?) radio subrsciption that he has been lusting for and then use the money I received as a gift from my parents to buy a receiver so he can't say no.

Dawn - in my books, that counts! One of the key things I look for in a story about a good deed (certainly not a requirement here, just my own observation) is that it warms your heart.

You've certainly done that! Many thanks, and all the best of the season to you and your family. And not to forget - congratulations to your husband on his award!

[Edited by Jon A - typos]

Very small good deed--let people with fewer items go ahead of me at the grocery store. Brought a smile to my face as a small act of NOT rushing or being selfish.

Kudos Jean - that's a great good deed!

You guys are the coolest! My older siblings delight in telling me I'm a dweeb because I think nice rocks. How lovely to unexpectedly find other do-good-nuts to celebrate and cultivate my dweebiness with!

My youngest daughter and I were about to leave the house this AM when we noticed our elderly neighbor's trash can had spilled out all over her yard. We picked most of it up for her but she did come out to help.

I still had some gift money left so I made a Kiva loan this PM (I never would have heard of Kiva if Mark had not provided the link in his Dec 17 message. Bravo, Mark!)

Not a specific action to report on, but rather a reminder my six year old daughter gave me today. She showed me how easy it is to become so focused on the needs of the world that we miss oportunites at home. I forgot how far the ripples from a local act of compassion can travel. Happy New Year, yall!

Dawn - excellent point, thanks for reminding us of that during the holiday season.

Happy New Year to you, too!

[Edited by Jon A. for clarity - what was I thinking?]

I was waiting on line in a store when a new checkout line opened up. A young woman ahead of me in line only had one item and the cashier in the newly opened line was beckoning to her as she was next in line. Instead, she turned to me and let my five year old and I take her place, even though I had many things in my shopping cart. She smiled and said she was in no hurry.

I found this unexpected role reversal stunning and invigorating. I am giddy with anticipation of my next opportunity to "do good" to share the gift I received!

This thread appears to have cooled - let me try to re-energise it:

I've just added myself to the list of Acting Correspondants, for my area, as part of the World Connectory Project, a very worthwhile endeavour started by David Bale.

I want to issue a challenge to all ned members to do the same, as it really only commits you to helping kick things off, and you can bow out any time.

Find your WWC area, and then add yourself to the AC list.