Avoiding the Monday blues with a global collection of positive news nuggets.
The Bright Side
When Jean Calment, the world’s oldest human, was asked the secret to her long life, the French supercentenarian, who lived to 122, replied: “Always keep your smile.” Now science has shown that optimists really do live longer, with a sunny disposition adding an average of 4.4 years to lifespan, and increasing the chance of reaching 90. In fact, scientists at Harvard now believe that looking on the bright side may be better for adding years to life than exercise.
The Importance of Optimism: An optimist bounces back from a crisis and truly believes things will get better. Consequently, optimists experience many benefits that make them lead happier and more fulfilled lives. Such an attitude even improves the immune system and helps prevent chronic disease. Here's how can the rest of us can foster optimism. Read on...
Stroke of Luck
A man has been reunited with a ring he lost while picking fruit over 50 years ago in Leicestershire, central England. It was gifted by his late mother for his 21st birthday, but slipped off his finger as he picked strawberries in 1968. Dave Radley spent several distraught hours trying to locate the ring among the rows of bushes. However, in a stroke of luck last month, a metal detectorist who received a tip from the land-owner about the lost ring made the discovery. “The ring might not have changed but its owner has - so it’s a fairly tight fit,” Radley said.
Phosphenes
The sparkles of light and colours produced when you rub your eyes.
Monumental Victory
A South African court has revoked Shell’s licence to explore for oil and gas along the country’s east coast; a biodiverse region popular with whales. Judges also said that it failed to take relevant considerations into account, such as the impact on communities and nature. The case was brought by environmental groups and local communities. Greenpeace described the ruling as a “monumental victory for the planet”. Climate litigation is increasingly being used to halt fossil fuel projects. According to the London School of Economics, climate-related lawsuits have doubled since 2016.
Waste Not
California’s Governor Gavin Newsom has signed new legislation to reduce plastic waste in the state. The law requires all plastic packaging to be recyclable or compostable by 2032. Additionally, $5 billion will be raised from the plastic industry over ten years to mitigate the effects of plastic pollution on the environment and human health, mainly in low income communities, according to the New York Times.
Alaskan First
Democrat Mary Peltola will be the first Alaska Native in Congress after she won a special election that included GOP candidates Nick Begich and former Gov. Sarah Palin. Peltola
campaigned as “Alaska’s best shot at keeping an extremist from winning.” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi lauded Peltola for “making history as the first Alaska Native ever elected to the Congress.”
Food Forward
Also in California, a Los Angeles based non-profit is helping reroute perishing produce to communities in need of more fresh fruits and veggies all over the country. Since 2009, Food Forward has rerouted 250 million pounds of food from landfills and delivered over a billion servings of fresh produce to food insecure communities. Their operation is so tight that every $1 donated allows them to redirect 10 pounds of produce from restaurants, grocery stores, or farms before sending them to communities that rarely get to buy a bright red tomato or a crisp head of romaine. Keeping that perishing produce out of landfills also reduces methane gas emissions from its decomposition, helpfully reducing America’s methane emissions footprint. It's a win win!
Retail Reefer
American criminal records are filled with non-violent cannabis possession charges, but in New York, that could soon go from being an employment hinderance to a lucrative employment opportunity. New Yorkers with past cannabis conviction charges will be the first to have the opportunity to obtain a Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary licenses. Dispensary licenses are available now through 26 September for those with prior cannabis-related convictions, or who have a family member with the same. Is now your chance?
Quote of the Day
“I'm selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best.” Marilyn Monroe
On this Day
5 September 1976: Jim Henson's "The Muppet Show" premieres on television with Mia Farrow as the guest star.
Everyone lucky enough to have had a teacher that truly impacted, or even changed, their life will identify with this story. Read on...
Even if your morning routine is already jam-packed, there's one really simple thing you might like to consider adding: drinking a cup of lemon water. Read on...
Mood Booster
Eclectic mix of movie dance scenes with some Stormtroopers thrown in for fun!
Comments