Some tasty bite-sized chunks of positive news to help perk up the day.
Bond of the Deep
"A mother humpback whale and her calf glide gracefully through the sunlit waters off Tahiti. The sun’s rays pierce through the depths, illuminating the vastness of the ocean and the gentle giants swimming within it. The contrast between the mother’s immense size and the calf’s smaller form is a testament to the beauty of their timeless bond. Once hunted to near extinction, these majestic creatures now symbolize survival and grace in the tranquil waters of French Polynesia." This shot was one of the winners of the 2024 HIPA photography awards. Like to see more? Click here.
Werewolf Statute
With a full moon coming up tomorrow night, it's apposite to report that Argentina plans to scrap a curious law that permits the president to become the godparent of a couple's seventh consecutive son or daughter, to prevent them from becoming werewolves. The law, passed as recently as 1974, is the result of a myth, with "deep roots" in Argentina's rural areas, that a family's seventh son becomes a werewolf during the full moon, said Argentina Reports. But president Javier Milei plans to take a "chainsaw" to the legislation as part of his new project, Ley Hojarasca, which aims to cut red tape and remove obsolete laws.
You're Never Too Old
88-year-old Ploutarchos Pourliakas crossed the finish line at the 41st Athens Marathon on Sunday, proving once again that age is no match for determination. This marathon, known as "The Authentic," was completed by Pourliakas in 6 hours and 31 minutes - a personal best, finishing 18 minutes faster than last year. Pourliakas’ journey as a marathon runner began at the age of 73, inspired by his son, an ultramarathon runner. Since then, he has defied expectations and surprised many who find it hard to believe that an octogenarian could still be racing. "Why wouldn’t you believe it?" he asks with a smile. "We all can do it - as long as we want to."
Big Day
A vast collaboration of birding organizations has organized the largest citizen science project in the history of ornithology - a ‘Big Day’ with 201 countries participating. Documenting 7,800 species in a single day - there are around 11,000 species known in the world - the October 12th Big Day succeeded in recruiting 748,000 birders for the job, and producing 66,000 photos for a scientific library. The Big Day was organized by eBird, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, the birding app Merlin, and dozens of continental and national birding groups. Data from birdwatching events like this can help inform the conservation status of birds year after year. Along with being free of cost to science, citizen science initiatives like the Big Day create a greater picture of overall bird diversity and abundance. The next Big Day is on May 10th.
Cannabinol
For the first time, there's scientific evidence that a smaller, lesser known component of the cannabis plant – cannabinol – delivers better quality and longer sleep. It paves the way for finally having an effective sleep aid sourced from medical cannabis that's comparable to existing medications, but without the side effects. Researchers from the University of Sydney's Lambert Initiative have provided much-needed scientific evidence that backs anecdotal claims that an accumulation of cannabinol (CBN) in older plants has a sleep-inducing effect. It's a minor compound in the plant, and far less understood and studied than tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). “Our research encourages further basic and clinical research on CBN as a new treatment strategy for sleep disorders, including insomnia."
UK Ups Ambitions
At the COP29 United Nations Climate Conference, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that the United Kingdom would slash greenhouse gas emissions 81 percent by 2035, in comparison with 1990 levels.
Amazon's Amelia
Amazon is preparing a pair of smart glasses for its delivery drivers. Last-mile delivery is considered the most difficult and costly part of shipping, as drivers have to navigate through neighborhoods and apartment complexes to complete orders. By putting navigation and logistics info literally on their faces, Amazon could shave valuable time off deliveries. Codenamed “Amelia,” the glasses are built on Amazon’s Echo Frames, which has the smart assistant Alexa baked in. Amelia would provide turn-by-turn navigation, route information (the elevator is around the corner, watch out for that dog, etc.), and the ability to take photos of packages when dropped off… all on a small display embedded in the lenses. And it allows drivers to carry more packages since they no longer need a free hand to carry GPS devices.
“Measure your wealth not by the things you can buy but by the things no money can buy.” Kevin Kelly
On This Day
14 November 1889: American journalist Nellie Bly began her around-the-world race against the record of Phileas Fogg, hero of Jules Verne's Around the World in Eighty Days; she completed the journey in slightly more than 72 days.
Today's Articles
Reasons For Optimism: mRNA technology and artificial intelligence are set to make a huge difference in the fight against cancer.
Are We Alone? Congress has started a hearing to revisit the topic of UFOs in attempt to "pull back curtain".
What's This Button For? Knowing when to use your car's air recirculation button can significantly impact your driving comfort and vehicle efficiency.
Intellectual Achievement: The Aztecs’ hieroglyphic writing system was one of the most sophisticated scripts that humanity has ever produced.
Mood Boosting Video
Uyuni Salt Flats: Bolivia is home to the largest mirror on Earth.