The Straw That Can Save Lives
Danish water purification company Vestergaard Frandsen’s latest development could very possibly save millions of lives of those who struggle to find and produce clean water.
Their invention is the LifeStraw, a low-tech, low-hassle personal water filter that enables the user to simply stick one end into a water source of questionable cleanliness, such as a river, and suck. Several layers within the straw manage to filter out 99% of bacteria and viruses. Previously, people of areas with little clean water would be forced to boil water to ensure its safety, using up other resources in the process. With this invention, little maintenance would be required, and it could last for a year or two.
In addition to the personal filter, the company has developed a LifeStraw Family, which uses gravity rather than suction to filter water. By hanging this up in their homes and filling it with water, families would be able to open the bottom for clean, safe water.
These products do, however, have their limitations. While 99% of pathogens are removed, the filter is unable to prevent Giardia Lamblia from entering the filtered water, as this particular parasite is too small for the filters. The company is diligently working on a solution to this problem. Another potential problem is availability, since Vestergaard Frandsen is a small, struggling company that cannot quite afford to give out too many handouts.
Hopefully these problems can be overcome, as this product, in its current state, and especially once perfected, has the potential for aiding many who need it most.
Endangered missing since Nov 29th: 5 month old Ke’Mello Warfield (MI) http://bit.ly/yyQsix
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children classified a 5-month-old Saginaw baby as endangered and missing.
The baby, Ke’Mello Warfield, has been missing since Nov. 29, according to the group’s website.
Authorities say Ke’Mello may be in the company of his mother and may have travelled to Flint or out of the state.
The baby is described as a black male, about 2’ tall and weighing 15 pounds with black hair and brown eyes.
Anyone with information on Ke’Mello’s whereabouts is asked to contact the national hotline at 1-800-843-5678.
Missing: 13-year-old Darcie Hudson (OH) http://bit.ly/w0pFbi
The East Cleveland Police Department is asking for the public’s help in finding a missing teen girl.
Darcie P. Hudson, 13, was last seen at Heritage Middle School on Terrace Road Thursday. Police say Darcie’s father picks her up every day from school, and that he became concerned when she did not come out of the school Thursday.
Darcie is described as being 5’2”, 115 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a brown, puffy jacket with wool sleeves, pink hoodie and her school uniform which consists of a white shirt, black pants and black boots.
According to the ECPD, the missing persons report is not being handled as a runaway case, as Darcie has no prior history of doing so. In addition, her father told police he wasn’t aware of anything that would prompt her to stay away from home.
The FBI is also investigating the case due to the duration of her disappearance.
Anyone with information on Darcie Hudson’s whereabouts is asked to call the East Cleveland Police Department at (216) 451-1234 or (216) 681-2368.
Missing: Darnell (11) and Chelsea Williams (13) - NY: http://bit.ly/zN8XEl
Police are asking for the public’s help in locating two Laurelton children they say went missing yesterday.
Darnell, 11, and Chelsea Williams, 13, were last seen on 234th Road in Laurelton on Thursday, January 26.
Darnell, described as approximately 4-feet-10-inches tall, 80 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes, was last seen wearing a red Old Navy Hooded sweatshirt, black Air Jordan sneakers and blue jeans.
Chelsea, described as approximately 5-feet-3-inches tall, 155 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes, was last seen wearing a black Pea coat, dark sweat pants, brown Polo boots and a grey scarf.
Anyone with information in regards to this missing is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS (8477). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto Crime Stoppers website at WWW.NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.COM or by texting their tips to CRIMES (274637), then enter TIP577.
Between Two Worlds
Photo and caption by Tara Garner
A mother gives birth to her son. This photograph captured a momentous introduction of a mother and baby’s first exchange. The baby is suspended in time, half way inside his mother and the world; being guided out by his mother’s own hands. Photograph was captured by friend and doula of the mother.
Location: Summertown, Tennessee
