Global round up of positive news stories to brighten the day.
Record Breaker
Tara Dower, 31, has made history by achieving the fastest known time to complete the 2,200 mile Appalachian Trail - beating records for both men and women. Over 40 days, 18 hours, and 6 minutes, Dower covered one of the most difficult and world-renowned trails faster than anyone had before, averaging a mind-boggling 56.4 miles per day. The overall fastest known time (FKT) on the Appalachian Trail is one of - if not the most - coveted records in the endurance world. Like with Dower’s effort, most often the record has been set in a supported style with varying levels of assistance with shelter, food, pacing, gear, medical expertise, and moral support. And it’s captured the imagination of some of ultra-running’s greatest athletes ever. Talking of super heroes...
Holy Smokes, Batman!
Batman has been around for more than 85 years - long enough to earn a historic star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. As of late last week, Batman became the first superhero to make it on the iconic sidewalk display (he’s not the first fictional figure, though; that would be Mickey Mouse in 1978).
Ambiphone
A lovely website that lets you combine more than 50 different sounds, from nature sounds to ambient music. It’s great for relaxing, meditating or studying.
New Shark Species
Scientists have discovered a new species of hammerhead shark that’s been hiding in plain sight among the bonnetheads. These sharks were already notable for their shovel-like shape, but this new-to-science species really hits the nail on the head for being just so exceptionally shaped like a shovel. Bonnethead sharks are found in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and were previously believed to represent one species, Sphyrna tiburo. They have unusual lifestyles as well as appearances, being one of just a few omnivorous sharks due to their penchant for seagrass. They’re also the smallest of the hammerheads, sharing the characteristic lateral expansion of the head in a structure that’s known to science folk as the cephalofoil.
For Sale
The English estate where the Magna Carta was signed is up for sale for £4.5 million ($6 million). Even though this Victorian estate on the idyllic River Thames was completed in 1834, the property has a history that dates back much further. Its biggest claim to fame is that it was built on the same site where King John is believed to have signed the Magna Carta in June 1215. Today, the Grade II-listed home in Runnymede includes a specially commissioned Charter Room that holds the stone slab on which the famous document was sealed. The property sits on its own private island, aptly named Magna Carta Island. Want to see some more photos? Click here to see the agency listing.
Cyprus Leads The Way
An early adopter of solar energy, Cyprus has now outpaced all other EU members in implementing hot-water solar systems, with almost all households and hotels on the island now relying on it to meet domestic energy needs. With over 360 days of sunlight a year, solar energy has proven to be a reliable, cost-effective way of supplying both electricity and hot water to remote areas. Following installation, residents enjoy free hot water and drastically reduced energy bills.
“We have to inspire our children and grandchildren to take on challenges and risks that at first may seem to be overwhelming, or even impossible. They need to understand that the only failure is not trying.” Jimmy Carter
On This Day
2 October 1836: Naturalist Charles Darwin returned to England this day in 1836 after a five-year journey on the HMS Beagle, on which he gathered the specimens and observations that led to his theory of evolution by natural selection.
Today's Articles
Lengthy Absence: Britain's Morgan Motor Company is finally bringing its Plus Four Roadster to the US.
Mood Boosting Video
Gladiator II: New official trailer for Ridley Scott's new movie - out in November.
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