Two interesting items from today's paper

I have two things I read in today's Sunday paper I found interesting that I'd like to highlight.

First is a story that points out some good to come from the downturn in the housing market (unless you are a builder, I suppose). Here in New Jersey there were a couple of planned suburban developments (exurb developments?) being fought over in the courts. The builders had plans of big housing developments with larger-than-one-acre lots. The residents and environmentalists had plans of keeping some green space out in the country. Many long community meetings and lawsuits ensued, but the economic downturn has put an end to some of these by having the builders willing to give up some of their spec building (with long commutes for homeowners), and prices dropping low enough that townships can purchase the property themselves to keep as preservations. Now before you decry my joy as being bad for the economy and unfair to builders who employ many people, the story says that many of these companies are now looking inward into the cities to redevelop urban areas. Which to me sounds like a much better plan. For New Jersey (or any state for that matter), redeveloping current deteriorated urban areas helps save our beautiful natural resources - once they get paved over we can never get them back.

The second story can be seen here. In a nutshell, there is a church in Atlanta that once a week becomes a sort of spa for the homeless. Christ's washing of his diciples' feet is a Bible story often replicated in churches, but this minister takes it a step further. Homeless folks can come in on Monday afternoons and have pedicures, pumicing, and just pampering for their feet. While you can have a knee jerk reaction of "what a useless thing for a homeless person," keep in mind that the homeless are apparently afflicted at a much higher percentage than the general population with foot problems that can develop into serious health issues. Plus it can be a little boost of self esteem to help these poor people make it another week. Now I don't think I'LL be volunteering for this particular job, I find it wonderful that there are selfless people out there that will do this.

Happy Sunday, everyone!