Global collection of positive news stories to brighten up the day.
Good News For Elton Fans
Word is out that a new album of "incredibly personal" songs from Sir Elton John, and his long-term songwriting partner Bernie Taupin, is likely to be released before Christmas. "It's a pretty amazing project, very cool...it tells a lot of stories and it's incredibly personal, but it's certainly not final," says Taupin. Few details are known about what fans can expect from Sir Elton's new music, but the legendary lyricist says it won't be their final album. So, that's even more good news.
Library of Things
A new retail phenomenon is addressing consumers who want to escape spending for waste creation by developing a concept called a “library of things” (LoT) where people can come and rent just about anything, from baby clothes to air fryers. There are over 2,000 LoTs located in the English-speaking world and Central Europe, and some have been in operation since 1976. Half of them though only sprang up in the last five years. “In summer we see a lot more garden items being used: strimmers, hedge trimmers, lawn mowers, tents for adventuring, ice cream makers, and gazebos for barbecues,” Rebecca Trevalyan, co-founder of an LoT in London, told The Guardian. “We really want to make rental go mainstream, make it more affordable, convenient and socially rewarding than buying something from Amazon.”
Feather Record
A feather from a long-extinct New Zealand bird has set a record after selling for $46,521 NZD (about $28,400 USD). The huia was last officially spotted in the early 20th century and one of its feathers was expected to sell for up to $3,000 NZD ($1,830) but smashed the estimate to become the world’s most expensive feather ever sold. “This rare huia feather is a beautiful example of Aotearoa’s natural history and reminds us of the fragility of our ecosystem,” Leah Morris, head of decorative arts at Webb’s Auction House auction house, said in a statement.
A member of the wattle-bird family, the huia was prized by many people - ultimately proving fatal for the species. For Maori, the bird’s feathers were a mark of high status and the distinctive, white-tipped plumage were used for ceremonial headdresses. Only those of chiefly rank were permitted to wear huia feathers in their hair and the feathers were often traded for other valuable goods or given as gifts to demonstrate friendship and respect.
Masterpiece on Display
A rare Caravaggio painting, which was once misattributed with a shockingly low price tag of $1,800, and was successfully 'saved' by the Spanish authorities, will go on display at the Prado Museum in Madrid from today. Experts say that its real worth is at least $50 million. “Since its reappearance at an auction three years ago, Ecce Homo has represented one of the greatest discoveries in the history of art,” the Prado says in a statement. “Four of the most authoritative experts on Caravaggio and Baroque painting...all share the same passionate certainty: that Ecce Homo is a masterpiece by the Italian artist.”
Timeless Love
In a heartwarming celebration that beautifully illustrated the timeless nature of love, Bernie Littman, 100, and Marjorie Fiterman, 102, exchanged vows last weekend in Philadelphia. This unique ceremony took place at the senior living facility where their love story began, marking a momentous occasion filled with joy, laughter, and cherished memories. Surrounded by friends, family, and fellow residents, Littman and Fiterman exchanged vows, sealing their commitment to one another. It's a poignant reminder that love can blossom at any age.
3 Mile Deep Well
The world’s largest enclosed botanical garden was heated by deep geothermal energy this winter in a first for the UK in almost four decades. The Eden Project in south-west England sunk a 3 mile (5km) deep well to generate heat for its offices and famous biomes. It’s the UK’s first operational deep geothermal well since 1986, and should take the Eden Project almost entirely off gas, while saving 500 tonnes of CO2 a year. The attraction’s new nursery will also benefit from geothermal heat, enabling its horticulture team to propagate and take care of one million plants per year.
“I would love to live like a river flows, carried by the surprise of its own unfolding.” John O'Donohue
On This Day
28 May 1961: Dedicated to informing public opinion about human rights and to securing the release of political prisoners, Amnesty International was founded in London.
Today's Articles
$100 Million Xprize: Finalists selected to advance breakthrough solutions for CO2 removal in competition for the largest incentive prize in history.
Sleep Well: The brain depends on a complex array of nutrients to ensure peaceful, uninterrupted slumber. Here are the foods to eat.
Mood Boosting Video
Here's how a variety of different animals survive freezing winters.