What better way to start the day than with some positive news stories?
Copenhagen Harbour
Thirty years ago, the Copenhagen's harbour was polluted with industrial waste and sewage. Then the government decided to clean it up, an effort spearheaded by a sewage system modernisation programme that cost an estimated €125 million. The benefits for hygiene, health, and daily life are clear, as today the harbour is swimmable and a playground for everyone, the Outdoor Swimming Society happily reports.
The Rock House
There is a real life ‘Flintstones’ home built around a giant 200 million-year-old red rock. The two bedroom house in Larkspur, Colorado, has a unique style, with the boulder incorporated into the interior of the home - perfect for a geology (or Flintstones) fan. The home, which is on the market for just under $1m, is integrated with nature, nestled around a 45-foot-high section of one of Colorado’s ancient red rocks. The 2 bedroom-2 bath property boasts “Garden of the Gods” like surroundings, a picnic area, Milky Way views from the private hot tub, and all the peace and serenity a homeowner could wish for.
The Goldilocks Nap
No matter where you fall on the siesta spectrum, it turns out there are right and wrong ways to nap. “We know it’s an easy, helpful way to quickly boost your alertness, your concentration, your productivity, your creativity, and your mood. It’s a royal flush,” James Maas, a sleep scientist, author, and researcher, told the Associated Press. To reap those benefits, timing is everything. The ideal “power nap” is less than 30 minutes, to prevent post-snooze grogginess and issues falling asleep later. Experts also recommend such siestas be taken consistently and about six to seven hours after waking up. Think of this combination as the Goldilocks of naps. “It’s like putting yourself into low-power mode just for a little bit and letting your body recuperate,” said Sara Mednick, a sleep researcher and co-author of Take a Nap! Change Your Life.
Released Into The Wild
The last elephant in South Africa’s national zoo was just released back into the wild after 40 years in captivity. Captured in 1984 when he was just two years old, Charlie the elephant was taken to a circus in South Africa and trained to perform tricks until the early 2000s when he was moved to the country’s national zoo. Out of concern for his health at the zoo, animal welfare groups have been advocating for his release back into the wild - and in an “historic event,” after 40 years in captivity, he was just released at the Shambala Private Reserve in South Africa. The reserve is famous for reintegrating animals back into the wild, has a thriving population of elephants, and has veterinarian and behavioral experts who will closely monitor Charlie. In further good news, he is reportedly already showing signs of a successful release.
Rescued Elephant Returns: Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Kenya rescued an orphaned elephant calf they named Icholta, reared her, and then released her into the wild. Two decades later she returned to show off her new baby.
Spain's 1950s Supercar
The decade immediately following World War II gave birth to some of the most exciting sports cars ever made. It was a fertile period for invention and discovery. Few enthusiasts, however, are familiar with Pegaso, builder of Spain’s “supercar” of the 1950s. Gooding & Company’s London Auction at Hampton Court Palace tomorrow features some notable European automotive rarities, and a highlight of the sale is this 1955 Pegaso Z-102 Series II Berlinetta. The Z-102 was built without regard to expense, so it’s little wonder that only 84 examples were produced between 1951 and 1958. It's expected to sell for around $1 million.
World's Oldest Road-Going Ferrari is Still Being Driven: It's the fourth road car ever made by Ferrari and is still being driven around in a rather unexpected place. Story, plus video.
Autoflow-Road
Japan is spearheading an ambitious project to construct a 310-mile long conveyor belt system named the Autoflow-Road, aimed at revolutionising cargo transport between Tokyo and Osaka. The $25 billion project (scheduled to be completed by 2034) aims to tackle the logistics crisis by substituting up to 25,000 trucks with an automated conveyor system. This innovative system will autonomously transport one-ton pallets of various goods, including food, agricultural products, and medications. The conveyor belts, powered by clean energy, will operate alongside highways and through tunnels beneath roads, offering a zero-emissions alternative to traditional trucking.
“Hands up if you’re ready to do something you’ll regret this weekend. Go forth! You have my blessing.” Florence Welch
On This Day
29 August 1893: American businessman and inventor Whitcomb L. Judson was granted a U.S. patent for a “clasp locker,” which evolved into the modern zipper.
Today's Articles
Telegraph Cottage: President Eisenhower’s secret London hideaway, where he lived in the run up to D-Day, up for sale.
Texas: Major new solar panel recycling plant opens - with plenty of positive environmental benefits and impacts.
Mood Boosting Video
Origami: Award winning CGI animated short film.
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