Today's global round up of positive news nuggets.
Wild Pandas
China’s efforts to protect panda habitats are paying off, with the wild population of giant pandas increasing from 1,100 in the 1980s to 1,900 today. The Giant Panda National Park, established in 2021, is home to around three quarters of the wild giant panda population, securing a status change for the species from 'endangered' to 'vulnerable,' reports Straits Times.
US Jobs
Job creation in the US surged in January, as the economy continued to defy predictions of a slowdown. This extends a streak of job gains that has surprised economists. "The US employment data provided a shock, beating expectations by miles, with earnings much higher than expected as well," said Neil Birrell from Premier Miton Investors.
Hilarious Typo
A Pizza Hut in Canada unwittingly became the subject of much mirth and merriment when a seemingly innocent sign turned into an unexpected source of social media entertainment. The sign, displayed on the front door, intended to convey a message about unforeseen circumstances affecting the store's operations. However, a tiny typo transformed the message into something entirely different and unintentionally comical.
Somali Women TV
It’s one of the world’s most gender unequal countries, so the launch of a current affairs show led by women is both good news and a big deal in Somalia. The panel show will tour the east African nation, inviting guests to engage in numerous (sometimes contentious) issues. The show, due to air from March, will be produced by Bilan, an all-women media team that launched last year to provide a female perspective on the country.
Workers' Rights
A working-class victory is on the horizon in Colombia, after a labour reform law advanced to a second round of legislative debates. According to inequality.org, the bill will not only restore labour rights that were rescinded two decades ago by a far-right government, it will go a step further and expand these rights, increasing overtime pay, expanding social security for delivery workers, and strengthening workplace rights.
Fawlty Towers Reboot
In good news for fans of the 1970s sitcom Fawlty Towers, a stage show based on the TV series is to launch in London's West End later this year. The play has been adapted by writer and creator John Cleese using material from three episodes of the BBC series - The Hotel Inspectors, The Germans and Communication Problems. Cleese said it was a "thrill" to be bringing Fawlty Towers to the West End for the first time. The show will premiere at London's Apollo Theatre on 4 May.
Needle in a Haystack
In a remarkable display of dedication and teamwork in Greenville, South Carolina, workers at the recycling centre proved that finding a needle in a haystack might be hard, but locating a diamond wedding band is not impossible! Responding to a call for help from the distraught owner, crew members decided to go above and beyond their regular recycling duties. "Let's dump it on the ground and look for it," one suggested. Sure enough, several hours later, the wedding band was re-united with its absolutely delighted owner.
“There is always in February one day, at least, when one smells the yet distant, but surely coming summer.” Gertrude Jekyll
On This Day
6 February 1952: Elizabeth II ascended the throne of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, following the death of her father, King George VI.
In 2007 a retired Canadian doctor paid $14,256 for one of the most influential books in history. Just sold for 156 times that amount. Magnum opus...
Women's football in the UK is set for a revolution as the two top divisions will be owned and run by the clubs themselves. Seismic shift...
Hilarious Road Signs: A handful of funny signs from the tiny Colorado town of Indian Hills. Ha ha ha...
Mood Booster
Beautiful collection of time-lapse videos of flowers blooming.