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Street Level - Rising Fuel Costs

The cost of fuel continues to rise internationally, doubling and even tripling in price in the last few years in many countries. For those whose commute is significant, the fuel costs are an impressive hit to the wallet.

 
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Check out this article for tips on how you can save 10% on gas.

Street-Level

The Dark Knight

The Dark KnightThe Dark Knight, the next in the Batman franchise of movies, opened this Friday. This movie was so anticipated that presale tickets were snapped up, selling out many 12am showings, with some theatres even holding 3am and 6am screenings across the US. Much of the hype surrounds the late actor Heath Ledger, who portrays the Joker, and who tragically passed away earlier this year. There is already an Oscar buzz surrounding the film, with co-star Michael Caine raving that Ledger was “ the most amazing thing in the picture”. (Read the full article at cnn.com)

The Dark Knight is the second Batman film directed by Christopher Nolan, who also directed Batman Begins. Nolan’s films have revived interest in the franchise, which had waned since the first film of this series back in 1989 starring Michael Keaton as Batman and Jack Nicholson as the Joker. Nolan’s darker take on Batman is considerably different from the original Batman television series of the 60’s, which was more comedy than drama.

A stellar supporting cast with the likes of Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman, and Gary Oldman, along with Christian Bale reprising his role as Batman, makes The Dark Knight a must see this summer. Just one note of caution – although the film is based on a DC Comics character, it is probably not appropriate for younger children.

Will you see this new Batman movie? What appeals to you about the Batman story, style, or mythos?

Street Level - Causes that Drive You

You don’t need to look far in our world to see all the needs that exist within our broken world. Causes that drive people range from humanitarian crises to issues of global warming. There are a myriad of ways to get involved in creating a better world, and many of them do not require much more than a bit of effort and a heart of compassion.

 
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Check out these 10 Easy Steps to take action in changing the world.

What cause are you passionate about?

Street Level - Rising Food Costs

Rising food costs have recently become a uncomfortable reality for many people hoping to watch their budgets. As the economy continues to shift it seems food shortages are no longer a matter only of third world countries. How has your community reacted and have you noticed a change in your recent grocery bills?

 
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Check out this article on the issue:
Global Food Crisis Hits Home

How to get involved:
GAiN Network

Books that changed geeks’ lives

Girl reading a bookRecently geek weblog Lifehacker asked its visitors What books have changed your life? The results included typical (and great) geek favorites from authors like Douglas Adams (The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy), J.R.R. Tolkien (Lord of the Rings), and George Orwell (1984). However, perhaps surprisingly, the most popular vote-getter was The Bible.

The New Yorker magazine remarks regarding the ongoing popularity of the Bible:

The Bible is the best-selling book of the year, every year. Calculating how many Bibles are sold in the United States is a virtually impossible task, but a conservative estimate is that in 2005 Americans purchased some twenty-five million Bibles—twice as many as the most recent Harry Potter book.

It’s impossible to ignore the incredible impact of the Bible on the world. It seems like it’d be silly to ignore it, considering its pervasive influence on our lives. Why would people bother reading such an old book? There’s a couple good reasons discussed in that short article, besides the Bible’s huge social influence. To better understand how it fits into and has shaped your world, you can also take an online tour through the Bible.

Which books have changed your life? Let us know!

(Image credit: Celeste)

Street Level - Summertime

The summer is finally here, and it is time to head outside and have some fun! Check out these interviews to see what others are up to this sunny time of the year!

 
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Articles on summer fun:
Simply Ways to Energize your Summer
Affordable Summer Dates
Decked Out for Summer

In Other Words - Best Summer Books

Summer is here, and Claire gives us her list of best books to read for a relaxing escape.

 
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Related:

Life For Sale

For saleIan Usher is selling his life. Everything. All of it.

His existence in Perth, Australia is up for auction and will go to the highest bidder midday on June 29th. The listing includes his 3-bedroom house, jet-ski, kite-surfing gear, backyard spa, cameras, rugs, BBQ, bicycle and vacuum cleaner; everything down to the forks and spoons sitting in the drawers. On top of all that, the winning bidder will get a two-week shot at his job as a rug-store assistant and an introduction to his friends.

The obvious question: Why? Why would you want to sell your whole life?

For the past year, he’s been living in a world of mementos left behind after the end of his marriage. And now he wants out. He wants to move on and start a new life.

“Upon completion and settlement I will walk out of my home for the last time in just the clothes I am wearing, and carrying only my wallet and passport.

My current thoughts are to then head to the airport, and ask at the flight desk where the next flight with an available seat goes to, and to get on that and see where life takes me from there!” (Source: BBC News)

By putting his life up for auction, do you believe Ian’s going to find what he’s looking for? Will he be satisfied and end his emotional pain? What do you think about the idea of selling your life?

(Image credit: PhotoDu.de)

Street Level - Internet Identity Theft

Identity Theft is an evolution in crime. Just consider how quickly the myriad of mediums through which it is perpetrated continues to grow in number. This week we decided to take the issue of this criminal epidemic to the streets.

 
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To read more:
Avoiding Credit Card Traps - Smart tips on recognizing and avoiding poor credit card offers
At All Costs: When Success isn’t Enough - One woman’s story of pursuing success

To learn more:
Crown Financial - A ministry desiring to see people find financial freedom in light of an eternal perspective