Kick-starting the week with an eclectic global round up of positive news nuggets.
Braille on Planes
United Airlines has become the first US airline to add Braille markings to the interior of its planes. So far, about a dozen have been equipped with the signage, which conveys information about rows, seat numbers and lavatories. The rest of the fleet are expected to be updated by the end of 2026.
You Only Live Once
10 years ago, east London resident Hilary Oxley was preparing to turn 80 years old, and her family got the outrageous idea of buying the octagenarian a ticket to go skydiving. Grandmother Oxley had a blast, but this year it was once again time to think of something to get her as she neared the ninth decade of life. Figuring it went alright before, her two granddaughters decided to run it back - and challenge their evergreen granny to take the plunge a second time. “You only live once,” she said after the skydive.
Free Lunches
A new millionaire’s tax in Massachusetts is paying for free school lunches for all children. The new 4 percent tax on the state's wealthiest residents will generate $1 billion, a portion of which will provide all public-school students with free weekday meals.
Coral Can Acclimatise
Data collected over the last 40 years at a remote Pacific coral reef within the territorial waters of Palau has shown that corals are more adaptable to warming oceans than previously thought. In fact, they’ve already adapted - potentially at a rate of 0.18°F per decade, and the researchers say that established models for coral bleaching events should be updated to presume an enhanced capacity for these stunning underwater ecosystems to sustain themselves over the decades.
Raise a Glass to...
Dominik Černý and Hana Burzalova, who got engaged at the most romantic place on Earth: the race walking events at the World Athletic Championships in Budapest, Hungary! The two Slovakian athletes were there to represent their country in the men's and women's race walking events, which took place simultaneously. Černý finished 19th in the men’s race with a personal-best time of 2:32:56, but he was eyeing a completely different prize. When Burzalova crossed the line later with her season-best time of 3:02:47, Černý got down on one knee and popped the question. Burzalova said yes, of course, but not before stopping the timer on her watch.
India Electric Buses
India’s federal government has just approved nearly $7 billion for a nationwide plan to equip the biggest cities in the country with electric buses. In a public / private partnership the aim is to put 10,000 electric buses across 170 cities. The objective is to help cut down on the country's notorious air pollution from vehicle exhaust - a major factor in Indian cities’ poor air quality. It’s also designed to help lower national carbon emissions.
"There are many opportunities in every single day, and Monday is the perfect day to seize them all." Isabella Koldras
On this Day
28 August 1963: Some 200,000 people marched on Washington, D.C., in an event that became a high point of the civil rights movement, especially remembered for the famous “I Have a Dream” speech of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Teen fisherman reeled in a lost wallet containing $2,000 in cash and kindly reunited it with its grateful owner. Kindness...
Recently, OGN showcased half a dozen hilarious signs outside the (increasingly famous) El Arroyo restaurant in Texas. Here's half a dozen more...
Late Night Snacks for Better Sleep: The best foods and drinks to enjoy before bed to enhance your quality of sleep. Top 6...
Mood Booster
André Rieu, Mirusia and The Johann Strauss Orchestra performing Ave Maria live in Maastricht.