The positive only thread ( Archived) (20)

Thanks Paws

Great thread Rider, what can you find us for today?

Blind gym teacher carries the torch in Italy
Fifty-year-old Steven Sloan inspires his students daily


NEW YORK - Steven Sloan is a 50-year-old blind man who pushes himself in the gym every day so he can push the kids he teaches. He's an impossible-to-ignore example that even in a tough New York neighborhood, you can do what you set your mind and body to do.

It's the lesson Sloan says he learned as a teenager. An orphan and blind since birth, he bounced around a dozen public schools that didn't know what to do with him, before finally landing in a specialized school and giving himself what he calls "the talk."

"I said to myself, 'you know what? Nobody going to be able to help you but you, so you've got to make a choice,'" says Sloan.

Sloan's choice was to achieve, physically, because he loved sports, and also mentally, so he could find a career. His kids at P.S. 102, every one of them with a cherished nickname from their gym teacher — like "Scooter," "Baby Diesel," "Tractor Trailer" — get it.

"He taught us to accomplish our dreams and never give up," says the boy Sloan calls 'Baby Diesel.' "He set an example for us."

"Sportsmanship, teamwork, how to respect people," says 'Tractor Trailer' when asked what he's learned from his teacher.

And if it all sounds a bit like the Olympic ideal — "a sound mind and a sound body" — then it shouldn't be surprising that Steven Sloan was in Italy last week. Not as an everyday tourist, but along with his assistant Lorenzo Caldwell, he was selected as one of the torchbearers for the upcoming Torino Olympics. A celebrity on his first-ever trip overseas, Sloan proudly ran his leg with the torch raised aloft.

It was an extraordinary journey for a man who in merely trying to catch up to the sighted world, has touched and molded or even saved so many kids over the years — the kids who come closest to seeing the limitless world that he sees.


Have a great day
Paul

I Thought so to.. A very inspiring man

Perfect story...I like to see people reach all of their potential

Erich Fromm:
Infantile love follows the principle: "I love because I am loved."
Mature love follows the principle: "I am loved because I love."
Immature love says: "I love you because I need you."
Mature love says: "I need you because I love you."

Miracle Tree


GAMBIA - The Neem Tree grows in abundance throughout Asia and Africa. It has a remarkable number of uses that, for centuries, have provided villagers in India with a myriad resource. Referred to locally as "the village pharmacy", the Neem's bark, leaves, flowers, seeds and fruit pulp can all be used to treat a range of diseases such as leprosy, diabetes, ulcers and skin disorders.

It can also be used as protection against malaria and as a natural pesticide, effective against about 200 insects, including locusts, Colorado beetles and boll weevils. In Gambia, although surrounded by neem trees, villagers have little knowledge of its potential, according to Sandi Bellaart, UK environmentalist.

She is currently fundraising to set up an information centre where they can receive training in how to utilise its benefits. She also wants to work with school children to teach them about taking care of the trees throughout their seven year growth to maturity. "The aim is to gather and document the
understanding they have, then to offer the knowledge gathered from the 5,000 years of use in India," says Sandi.

"The result is to empower people by giving them access to information and change their lives for the better." A few years ago, knowledge of the Neem's medicinal uses spurred some major pharmaceutical companies to try to patent the tree. Vandana Shiva, Indian activist, launched a successful campaign against the companies to ensure the tree will always remain a natural resource for the people.

A friend of mine has shared a very intimate part of herself and her life with me. she has changed my life in ways she cannot even imagine. she has not only brought an awesome friendship, but a special and wonderous love...the love the "dreamer" has searched for. to do what she has done not only shows her love and respect for me but also took some measure of self sacrifice. i will forever be thankful for each minute i get to spend knowing her and him.


there truly are wonderful people still out and about in this world...


thanks for letting me share Wind