The most hopeful courtroom in the world
The European Court of Human Rights shows how justice can cross borders. Is it a model for the whole planet? Jay Walljasper

The subversive art of Zhimin "Mona" Tang
Artist Zhimin "Mona" Tang is seen as a threat by China Najiba Abdellaoui

Greenwood
EcoLeo is a Brazilian lumber company helping to save the rainforest Patricía Peña

A man with balls
On skates he won four Olympic gold medals and broke 11 world records. Now, using sports and games, he's dedicating himself to helping ensure children in poor areas have safe and healthy futures. Ode speaks with Johann Olav Koss. Marco Visscher

Can soap operas save lives?
Steamy tales of sex, betrayal and suspense can carry important social messages Kim Ridley

How to tell a great story
Seth Godin

Let peace and justice ring
In Africa, cell phones call for social change Andi McDaniel

One last thing...
"Shopping defines who you are" Marco Visscher

School for respect
Dina Abdel Wahab pioneered education where kids with special needs and "normal" kids learn from each other Tijn Touber

Stories that shake the world
Anyone who wants to save the world must understand the power of marketing to make things better--or worse Seth Godin

What the world needs now are better stories
We think the world is in trouble. But the reality is that every day all over the world at every moment, people are solving problems. That's why all of us should try to spread those stories that make the world a more beautiful place. Jurriaan Kamp

When one plus one equals one
A wedding gift guides a young couple towards the discovery of true love. Michael Datcher

Flu fears
The panic over bird flu raises questions about public-health policies and conventional medical treatments Tijn Touber

Into the wind
An artwork that sails into the wind Anne Berk

Water, water everywhere
New technology lowers the cost of making salt water drinkable Tijn Touber

A bridge not too far
The path to peace runs right past our enemies Jay Walljasper

Editor's letter
Contagious enthusiasm is what creates progress Jurriaan Kamp

Just do it
It is a misconception that meditation is difficult Tijn Touber

Fashion sense
Each year Ode honours the top organic companies and products that are helping to make the world a cleaner, more sustainable and healthier place. Our November cover story ("Everyday toxins") looked at the thousands of chemicals that enter our bodies every day as a result of our food, cosmetics, clothing and appliances. We also announced the Organic Top 40, a list of friendly products that don't pose chemical threats to our bodies. Our readers then voted on which of them should claim top honours. They chose Imps&Elfs as the top organic company of the year for its fun, hip clothes--which, as a bonus, are produced under fair-labour conditions. - The editors Marco Visscher

Hidden Tibet
The beauty of this place will overwhelm you. The sky is radiant blue, the clouds are white, the breeze is gentle, the flowers are fragrant. Welcome to Wuxuhai Lake. Ling Jinghua and Huang Yanhong

Oh Africa
Simple rules in writing about the dark Zulu Binyavanga Wainaina