globalbriefs


News and resources to inspire concerned citizens to work together in building a healthier, stronger society that benefits all.


Loving Local Small Retailers Gaining Force


While online mega-shopping malls have decimated many types of small businesses around the country, the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies notes that independent bookstores are doing sur- prisingly well. For the last four years, their number and


total sales have grown, despite the recent recession. In 2009, citizens patronized 1,651 independent bookstores in the United States; today their number exceeds 1,900. In addition, local coffee shops have grown faster than the largest chain’s storefronts. Bakers and specialty food purveyors, independent pharmacies and pet, fabric and stationery stores are growing, too.


One reason for the good news is the “buy local” ethic promoted by groups


such as the American Independent Business Alliance. Last year, sales at indepen- dent businesses in cities benefitting from these campaigns grew 8.6 percent; those without them still increased 3.4 percent. Independents are winning customer loyalty in part by hosting and sponsor-


ing events that enrich the community. The public is realizing that buying local supports area families, keeps more dollars circulating locally and strengthens a healthy sense of community that benefits everyone.


Source: YesMagazine.org


The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched—they must be felt with the heart. ~Helen Keller


Wild Valentines Many Animals Mate for Life


Humans like to think of themselves as unique when it comes to taking vows of togetherness. But a surprising number of other species in the animal kingdom provide sterling examples of fidelity, monogamy and lifelong pairing. Gibbons, of the ape family, are the


nearest relatives to humans that mate for life. They form extremely strong pairings and both sexes are on relative- ly equal footing in their relationships. Bald eagles, our national emblem,


typically mate for life, except in the event of a partner’s inability to procreate. Wolves, often portrayed as tricksters


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in folklore, conduct a family life more loyal than many human relationships. Wolf packs typically comprise a male, a female and their offspring, making them akin to a human nuclear family. Swans form monogamous pair bonds that last for many years or even for life. Their loyalty is so storied that the image of two swans swimming with their necks entwined in the shape of a heart has become a universal symbol of true love. French angelfish are seldom


found far from their mate, because they live, travel and even hunt in pairs. The fish form monogamous relationships that often last as long as both individuals are alive. In fact, they act as a team to vigorously de- fend their territory against neighbor- ing pairs.


Other examples include albatross-


es, African antelopes, black vultures, Malagasy giant rats, prairie voles, sandhill cranes, termites and, of course, turtle doves.


763-433-1100 • AnokaRamsey.edu A member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System. An Affirmative Action/Equal opportunity educator and employer. 10 NA Twin Cities Edition natwincities.com


To view images, visit Tinyurl.com/ AnimalMatePics and Tinyurl.com/ AnimalMatesSlideshow.


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