As I was thinking about what to focus on today in Lofty Matters it would have been very easy to write something about earthquakes, or tornadoes, or hurricane-force winds, or food shortages, or sinking economy…I could go on and on. It needs to be read about and ignorance of these things is not a good thing.

BUT…

We’re human and hearing all of the bad news day after day can get depressing and disheartening. So…I went in search of a few GOOD things to share. Here is what I found.

Tornado Victims Pay It Forward

• A middle school teacher in Greensburg, Kansas (was flattened by a tornado last year) organized a coin drive with his students and raised over $5,000 to help tornado victims in another state

Airlines Slow Down Flights to Save on Fuel

• Airlines are slowing their planes down to save on fuel. Southwest Air began this a few months ago. They have added 2 minutes to each of its flights and they estimate this will save $42 million this year on fuel costs. Other air carriers are using software to help determine the best routes to extend flight times.

Electric Car for the Masses to Hit US Market Next Year

• A low-priced electric car that will appeal to the general public will be introduced in the U.S. by the end of next year. The battery-powered Think City will be able to travel at speeds of up to 110 miles on a single charge and its top speed will be about 65 mph. It will be priced by its Norwegian automaker below $25,000.

There! I feel better now, how about you?