Not All News is Bad!

In 2018, what is left to explore in the world? It seems unlikely, say, that humans might find an untouched forest to study, someplace that hasn’t been bulldozed and burnt and exploited within an inch of its life for precious minerals or virgin timber. But that’s exactly what happened this past spring, when a Welsh researcher, Dr. Julian Bayliss, led a 28-person team that included scientists specially selected for their different talents as well as logistics experts, rock climbers, and filmmakers to the top of a mountain in Mozambique.

Source: How Google Earth led a team of scientists to discover a rainforest on Mount Lico – The Verge

I just found this fascinating. Gorgeous photos, of course, but that the combination of Google Earth, Drones, and some low-tech and serious rope climbing and legwork lead to this expedition and its results is pretty amazing. Somewhat lengthy article, but as I said, fascinating.

The dog, named Fly, was found by a coastguard helicopter struggling 200m (656ft) offshore.

Source: Blind dog saved in ‘dramatic’ rescue

Good humans…

MS is a debilitating disease that damages myelin, the sheaths protecting neurons in the nervous system, leading to impaired motor skills and cognition. Now, researchers at Melbourne University have developed a synthetic peptide that helps regenerate myelin, potentially slowing progression of MS.

Source: Synthetic peptide helps repair myelin damaged by MS

Promising progress for a devastating disease.

Fort Lauderdale police have even arrested a 90-year-old man and two ministers who were simply trying to share food with the homeless.

Source: Federal Court: First Amendment Protects Sharing Food With Homeless People

Carry on helping others….

Jason Rinaldi of Durham Region won a $35 million lotto jackpot in 2008 and grew the money through investments. He is now a philanthropist — and remains a hot rod enthusiast.

Source: Winning the lottery can be a curse. Not for Jason Rinaldi, who just donated $500,000 to a Ryerson kids’ camp | The Star

So cool to see an exception to what is apparently a rule.

If you’ve ever visited the Montana Club restaurants in Missoula to celebrate your birthday, you know that they offer a generous discount.

Source: Money Back: 109-year-old takes full advantage of Montana Club bi – ABC FOX Montana Local News, Weather, Sports KTMF | KWYB

Good on the restaurant owner. 🙂

This weekend, as many as 1000 truck drivers came together to celebrate the birthday of a teen truck enthusiast who is fighting serious health challenges.

Source: Hundreds of truckers turn out to make boy’s dreams come true | CDLLife

So cool.

Here are four conservation success stories to inspire you to keep fighting for change!

Source: 4 Conservation Success Stories: We Really Are Making a Difference | Care2 Causes

It’s great to hear some success stories.

The Vermont Lower Income Trust for Electricity have provided a $150,000 grant for 100 low-income electricity customers with significant need for reliable backup power due to health and mobility issues.

Source: Vulnerable at-home patients to get Tesla Powerwalls

I’ve often considered this “whole-home UPS” (uninterruptible power supply) and under-appreciated aspect of the Powerwall.

Some students at West Side High School in Newark, New Jersey, could not afford to wash their clothes. This school year opens with a new laundromat with free detergent and other supplies, just for them.

Source: When students were bullied because of dirty clothes, a principal installed a free laundromat at school

What a great idea.