As traditional retailers fade in the era of Amazon, a vacant department store near Washington becomes a refuge for people struggling to find affordable places to live.
Source: A Macy’s Goes From Mall Mainstay to Homeless Shelter
A neat idea.
In Jerusalem, backgammon becomes peacemaker between Jews and Arabs
This is not a competition between enemies. We just want to come and play,
Source: In Jerusalem, backgammon becomes peacemaker between Jews and Arabs
How very, very, inspiring.
Family’s pit bull alerts them to house fire, tries to drag infant to safety
A California family’s dog is being credited with saving the lives of a woman and her infant daughter after their home caught fire late Sunday night.
Source: Family’s pit bull alerts them to house fire, tries to drag infant to safety
Good dog!
9-week-old Saint Bernard, Officer Donut, sworn in as police comfort dog
The Saint Bernard was originally breed to save people trapped in an avalanche of snow, we now believe they are perfect to save people trapped in an avalanche of anxiety.
Source: Introducing Officer Donut, the Greenfield Police Department’s new Comfort Dog! – Greenfield, Mass Police Department Facebook page (account not required)
Just looking at the picture is therapeutic.
This box sucks pure water out of dry desert air
For many of us, clean, drinkable water comes right out the tap. But for billions it’s not that simple, and all over the world researchers are looking into ways to fix that. Today brings work …
Source: This box sucks pure water out of dry desert air
Water out of thin air. Magic!
This French village is revolutionizing the way Alzheimer’s is treated.
“We wanted the patients to feel at home in an environment that could remind them of life in the good old days.”
Source: This French village is revolutionizing the way Alzheimer’s is treated.
Very cool idea. (The article also notes that there’s an earlier version in The Netherlands as well.)
Scientists develop material that could regenerate dental enamel
This is exciting because the simplicity and versatility of the mineralisation platform opens up opportunities to treat and regenerate dental tissues.
Source: Scientists develop material that could regenerate dental enamel – Queen Mary University of London
Very cool…
Doctors hail world first as woman’s advanced breast cancer is eradicated
Immune cells from the woman’s own body used to wipe out tumours
Source: Doctors hail world first as woman’s advanced breast cancer is eradicated
Wow. This is exciting.
Watch ‘Lunch Lady’s’ Ecstatic Reaction to Being Given a New Car by Adoring Students
‘Aunt Debbie’s’ reaction to being given a shiny new Mazda from her students is enough to bring a tear to the eye of any hard-hearted cynic.
Source: Watch ‘Lunch Lady’s’ Ecstatic Reaction to Being Given a New Car by Adoring Students
Many cool aspects beyond just getting the teacher a new car. Very nice.
Progress: the great untold story of our time
Steven Pinker says ‘we’re apt to mistake the harms around us for signs of how low the world has sunk rather than how high our standards have risen.’ What does the data say?
Source: Progress: the great untold story of our time
The article is based on Pinker’s book, Enlightenment Now: The Case for Reason, Science, Humanism, and Progress. All media “evidence” to the contrary the world really is getting better, in measurable ways. Highly recommend Pinker’s book and other writings.