This week the survival status of polar bears was brought to federal courts in order to decide what type of protections should be granted to the species. Previously polar bears were considered threatened which meant that some significant protections were being provided and the federal judge overseeing the hearing decided this week that the protection should continue and as a result extended the threatened status.

According to the judge the primary reason for polar bears being listed as threatened is the quickly disappearing ecosystems which the polar bears live in. Because of the speed at which the ice is melting in many areas polar bears are struggling to adapt or survive and are being granted some special protections by the government in order to help them survive in some way.

The exact details of what protections are offered are somewhat difficult to understand though the basis is that environmental damage is restricted in areas with polar bear populations. Some polar bear activists hoped that they would be upgraded to endangered in order to create even stricter environmental rules in the area but for now they are happy to see that the threatened status has been retained. The current policy for polar bear protection does explicitly state that certain power plants and other planned improvements cannot be stopped but otherwise environmental activists are hopeful that the polar bear’s current state of protection will eventually help to prevent further damage to various areas in which they often reside.

Remember that old expression about walking a mile in someone’s shoes? Well, some caring men in Anchorage, Alaska, have done precisely that in an attempt to raise awareness for violence against women. They literally made the effort to walk a mile in women’s high heels to raise money for a local, nonprofit organization that supports sexual assault victims.

The fourth annual march to support women began on Friday, April 8, 2011, in Anchorage, Alaska. More than thirty men walked in unison through a lengthy corridor at the University of Alaska at Anchorage. This procession is aptly known as “Walk A Mile In Her Shoes.” Participants came from all walks of life and among them was the head of Alaska State Troopers, Col. Keith Mallard, who did his best to complete the walk despite temporarily losing one of his red suede, peep-toe pumps.

The men were more than good sports as they tripped over stilettos and wobbled along the mile-long route, reminding one of that famous line in the movie, Some like It Hot, when Jack Lemmon watching Marilyn Monroe jiggle her way along a train platform says to Tony Curtis, “ I tell you, Jerry, it’s a whole other sex.”

The men carried signs that belied the event’s amusement factor. Messages read: No Means No! Got Consent?, Shatter the Silence, and Alaskans Can End Sexual Violence.

Donations received from this most unusual event will go to an organization known as Standing Together Against Rape. The support of these men for their sisters, wives, daughters, girl friends and mothers reflects a growing concern on the part of men about women and sexual assault.

Taking a stand may be a wobbly effort, as it is in this case, but it counts nevertheless. More power to these guys for their clean hearts and noble spirits.

Hats (or should we say, shoes) off to you!