What better way to start the week than with a global selection of upbeat news nuggets?
Minted
Founded during the reign of Alfred the Great, the Royal Mint has been producing coinage since 886AD. Indeed, it's the UK's oldest company. Now, it has just produced a new 50 pence coin which Brits will start noticing in their pockets this week. Five million of the coins, celebrating Charles’s coronation earlier this year, feature the king's portrait in profile on one side and, on the flip side, is the King’s official cypher, representing him at Westminster Abbey being crowned.
What Happens to Everything With the Queen's Image on it? Cash, passports, stamps... introducing new royal iconography is going to take a very long time. But it will be important for Charles III, as new iconography is arguably even more crucial for him than for his predecessor. Read on...
Beach Accessibility
Known for its brilliant blue waters, sandy beaches, and picturesque islands, the country of Greece is a popular vacation destination. For people in wheelchairs, though, a trip to the beach is typically dependent on the support of others, not as relaxing or straightforward. Thanks to an accessibility project, this is changing, and more people will be able to soak in the country's beautiful beach ambiance. A moveable track system is being installed in 287 beaches across the country, 147 of which are already completed, according the Greek Reporter.
Why Your Skin Delays The Tanning Process: Most pale-skinned people are well aware of the disappointing indignity of spending the first few days of a sunshine break with stubbornly pasty limbs. But, actually, it should be considered good news, not a disappointment...
Strange But True
A waste-incinerator facility in Plymouth, south west England, opened its doors to families at the weekend for what was billed as an “unforgettable day of excitement and entertainment”. It promised “engaging games and activities” designed to let the “inner child run wild”, as well as a selection of “delightful” food stalls. “Don’t miss this chance to explore our facility, witness our cutting-edge processes, and gain valuable knowledge about waste management and sustainability,” it said. Unmissable?
Habitat Preservation
An NGO in Brazil has created the first protected area for the elusive Kaempfer’s woodpecker after purchasing land in the Cerrado savanna. The bird was believed to be extinct for over a century until it was ‘rediscovered’ in the mid-2000s. The private reserve is part of an increasingly popular trend of buying land to preserve habitats, reports Mongabay. "Our conservation efforts for the woodpecker and the first reserve have paved the way for all the protected areas we manage today and the biodiversity they support. For us, this bird is the living symbol of our work, and seeing it out in the forest is the ultimate reward," says George Georgiadis, co-founder of the Araguaia Institute.
UK Breaks Record
Over the weekend of 15/16 July, renewable energy sources provided 67 percent of the country's electricity supply, with wind power providing the lion's share, reports Energy Live News. No coal power was required.
Robotaxis
It's finally happened: California regulators have voted to allow self-driving car companies Waymo (owned by Google) and Cruise (owned by GM) to launch 24/7 paid driverless services in San Francisco. The decision removes most limits on operating and charging for rides for the two companies and marks a major step forward for the autonomous vehicle industry.
"You have to believe in the long term plan you have but you need the short term goals to motivate and inspire you." Roger Federer
On this Day
14 August 2016: Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt won the 100-metres at the Rio de Janeiro Games, becoming the first person to win the event in three consecutive Olympics; he later claimed an unprecedented third straight gold medal in the 200-metres.
Few call Monday their favourite day of the week, so here are a dozen upbeat quotes about the first day of the week that may give you a new perspective. Get started...
For decades, people worldwide believed morality is/was declining but, remarkably, new research shows this is not the case. Cognitive illusion...
Mood Booster
Hilarious: Polar bear wrecks BBC spy camera.