New Class of Drugs Prevent Migraines and Offer Hope

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Jun 19, 2015

A new class of drugs shows promise in stopping migraines before they start. The drugs have cut the number of migraines in half among more than 50% of patients in clinical trials — and prevented all headaches for 10% of them.

The drugs target a particular chemical in the body — calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). The chemical helps control blood vessels and plays a role in transmitting pain signals to the brain. Scientists believe CGRP contributes to causing migraines.

The new drugs use something called monoclonal antibodies — made from proteins in the immune system — to reduce the levels of CGRP in the body. The idea is to disrupt the pain messages that CGRP carries to the brain.

CHECK Out: Asthma Could Be Cured Within 5 Years With This New Breakthrough

Four companies – Alder Pharmaceuticals, Amgen, Eli Lilly and Company, and Teva Pharmaceuticals – have been conducting separate trials and each have reported similar results.

CGRP-blocking drugs are already used to treat a migraine in progress, but these new drugs are the first that would prevent them by targeting the chemical before the headache begins.

“The potential of these new compounds is enormous and gives us real hope that effective specific treatments for migraine may be on the near horizon,” Dr. Peter Goadsby of the University of California, San Francisco, told NBC News.

Monoclonal antibodies can be expensive, and the researchers have no idea yet how much the drug will cost or how often patients may have to take it.

(READ more at NBC News) – Photo by allspice1

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Solar Panels in the Shape of a Heart Will Show Love for the Planet

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Terry Turner

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Jun 19, 2015

What better way to say you love the environment than by building a heart-shaped solar power plant?

This is what the “Heart of New Caledonia” plant will look like when it’s completed on the French island in the South Pacific. A local beverage company has contracted Conergy Australia to build it.

It was inspired by the nearby landmark, “Coeur de Voh”, or “Heart of Voh” — a naturally heart-shaped mangrove forest, pictured at right.

When finished, the plant will generate enough electricity for 750 homes and reduce carbon emissions by two million tons over it’s 25-year life expectancy.

(READ more at the Guardian) – Photos: Conergy Australia; Bananaflo, GNU

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Regulators Crack Down on Annoying Telemarketers, Robocalls, Spam Texts

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Terry Turner

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Jun 19, 2015

Anoying phone call 2 CC hyperomer — Credit: Credit: Hyper Omer CC BY 2.0

Credit: Credit: Hyper Omer (CC BY 2.0) on Flickr

Americans officially have an ally when it comes to fighting off telemarketers in their homes and spammers on their cell phones.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved new rules Thursday that allow phone companies to act on behalf of their customers by utilizing new technology to block auto-dialed robo-calls and spam texts. The new rule encourages every telecommunication company to make use of this “do not disturb” technology to benefit the public.

At the same time, a bill before Congress would allow the FCC to increase the maximum fine it can impose on violators from $16,000 to $25,000.

Houston Slashed its Homeless Rate in Half in Four Years

Additionally, if you tell the salesperson on the line to stop calling, they must adhere. In the past, people had to add their names to the government’s “Do Not Call” list, either online or by mail. Now, if you tell them to stop calling, they have to take your number off their list.

In one recorded instance, someone wrote to the FCC complaining that he received 27,000 texts in 17 months after he got a new phone number. The new rule states that if you take over someone’s old number, telemarketers can only call you once.

(READ more at the Washington Post) – Photo: hyperomer, CC

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African Poachers Trade Weapons for Farm Tools

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Terese Schlachter

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Jun 18, 2015

At one time, Edson Zimba only took from his native land of Zambia. Now he gives back.

For twenty years he combed the bush of Zambia’s Luangwa National Park, a remote reserve known to tourists as a place to experience wildlife undisturbed. He hunted buffalo, elephant and hedgehog.

Zimba was a poacher.

But he grew weary of hunting the increasingly barren brush. So when he was asked by a non-profit environmental group to turn over his gun in favor of farming, he quickly accepted their offer.

Community Markets for Conservation (COMACO) is in the business of providing alternative life choices for would-be poachers, teaching them beekeeping, vegetable gardening and carpentry.

Not a Single Elephant Poached in 3 Years for Revamped Chad Park

The group has taught Zimba sustainable farming techniques so that he now yields enough to feed his family.

And what’s left, he sells to COMACO for its food processing facility, which manufactures It’s Wild food products, sold in markets across Zambia.

In recent years, eighty percent of farmers in Zambia couldn’t grow enough food to make ends meet. The fallback, according to COMACO’s founder, Dale Lewis, was poaching.

Humpbacks Whales Leap Off Endangered Species List

“The (agricultural) technology is there,” says Lewis, “but what’s been lacking is an organization that can change a way of life… and be a solution for conservation.”

One reformed poacher says, before, he was a destroyer. Now, the farmer calls himself a human being.

Zimba tells Al Jazeera America, that COMACO “upgraded our minds.” He says, “I’m living much better than in the past.”

(READ the full story from Al Jazeera America)

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Valedictorian Anonymously Posts Kind Words About all 657 Schoolmates

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Terry Turner

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Jun 18, 2015

High School valedictorian Konner Sauve had a surprise for all his fellow students in his graduation speech — he was the person who had been anonymously praising each and every one of the school’s 657 students on Instagram.

He created the account for “thebenevolentone3” eleven months before graduation and began commenting on pictures of each student at East Valley High in Washington state, emphasizing their best qualities.

The posts may have been about a student’s generosity and character…

Kourtney WEBB! You have finally made it! the BIG day is here Ms Webb! From being in JROTC these past years we are able to see the strength of the person you are today. You’ve proven yourself to be one of the most generous ladies I have met in high school as well as just a great person to be around, I wish nothing but the greatest for you as you venture out into your next journey. Good luck and may the best of times be ahead of yoU!

A photo posted by Its About You. You're Next.☯ (@thebenevolentone3) on Jun 6, 2015 at 12:08pm PDT

…or seeing an extra special something in that student’s yearbook quote…

Alejandro Silva You may be small. But boy do you pack a punch for your size! You have such an impact on others, simply look at your senior quote, “If you let go of your fears, you will have space to live out your dreams.” This inspiration can only come once in a lifetime! You are the voice of a generation, you’ve observed your class growing up over the years and you lived a life true to how you want. That is inspiration at work within you, you’re destined for some great things Alejandro.

A photo posted by Its About You. You're Next.☯ (@thebenevolentone3) on Jun 6, 2015 at 11:48am PDT

…or about how their shyness is balanced by “their beautiful soul.”

Meaghan Hannah You may be shy and timid at first, but as I got to get to know you over the years I was able to see the beautiful soul you have. You’re so astonishing and unbelievable in everything you do. The way you work flawlessly around the school has been such an inspiration, you’ve woven your storyline into the others at East Valley and now it is time to cut loose and be FREE! Set out into the world, tonight is your big day. Be brave, be loud, and be courageous.

A photo posted by Its About You. You're Next.☯ (@thebenevolentone3) on Jun 6, 2015 at 11:09am PDT

After Konner revealed himself, the comments started pouring in to thebenevolentone3 Instagram account, praising his nearly year long effort:

“You are a champion!”

“This story made me so emotional. What a beautiful selfless thing to do for those around you.”

“I am so proud that you are part of our future. It gives me hope that my kids will have great role models to look up to.

“I knew I wanted to do something different, something to lift people up, but didn’t want to make a huge thing about it,” Konner told TODAY. “Then I figured out a way to be subtle while still inspiring them and making them feel good about themselves.”

(READ more, and see more comments, at TODAY)

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Great Job, US! Charitable Giving Hits an All-Time High

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Terry Turner

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Jun 18, 2015

Americans gave $358 billion to charity last year, the fifth year in a row that generosity has increased over the previous year, and marking an all-time record.

That’s $3 billion more than the previous record set in 2007. And if you factor in the amount of time people in the U.S. volunteer every year, Americans are tied for first as the most charitable people on the planet per capita.

The Giving USA Foundation reports more than a million American charities received a share of those contributions, Most of the money, $258 billion, came from individuals who, on average, gave 5.7 percent more than they gave 2013.

Foundations, bequests and corporate donations also increased.

Marine in Plank for 5 Hours, Breaks Record to Benefit Wounded Vets

“We saw several very large gifts greater than $200 million,” said Patrick Rooney, Associate Dean at Indiana University and a member of the Giving USA Foundation. “These gifts are high impact and are addressing many critical issues of our time, particularly medical research.”

Donors gave to their favorite causes, but contributions to cultural, environmental or animal based charities enjoyed the fastest growth last year, according to the New York Times.

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Alzheimer’s Husband Proves The Heart Always Remembers

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Good News Network

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Jun 18, 2015

For Throwback Thursday, here’s one of the sweetest news stories from 2014, which somehow slipped past everyone at Good News Network.

This husband with Alzheimer’s may have been a little lost, but when police found him, they realized the mission he was on was so romantic, they needed to step in to help him carry it out.

The elderly Little Rock, Arkansas resident was determined to continue an annual tradition to honor his wife, and had wandered two miles from his home when officers spotted him.

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He was able to deliver his touching gesture, after all, with a little help from city police.

(WATCH the video below from Steve Hartman) Photo: CBS video

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Baltimore is a Five-Star City – Gets the Rating to Prove it

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Terese Schlachter

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Jun 18, 2015

Baltimore, Maryland has been in the headlines lately for all the wrong reasons, but one organization is shining a positive light on the so-called “Charm City.”

STAR Communities, a well-respected organization that examines the health and sustainability of American cities, gave Baltimore its highest mark: the coveted five star rating.

Only two other cities have been deemed worthy of five stars: Seattle, Washington and Northampton, Massachusetts.

The award is given based on a 14-month assessment that looks at the city’s attention to emissions, energy, education, arts, equity, and health and safety.

The city has added 14 acres of gardens to its concrete jungle and scored well for urban farming and agriculture. It has developed preparedness plans for disasters and flooding, which could get worse with the onset of climate change. Another impressive achievement was Baltimore’s reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, which were cut by nearly 18 percent. Officials made it easier for workers and residents to leave their cars at home by improving mass transit and bike trails.

One of Baltimore’s more well-known landmarks, the Domino Sugar plant (pictured above) has also installed solar panels.

Baltimore Water Wheel Keeps On Turning, Pulling In Tons Of Trash in the Harbor

Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake attended the announcement last week hosted by STAR, which stands for Sustainability Tools for Assessing and Rating.

“I am very competitive,” she told the crowd. “I love that we are standing here, I could not be more proud of our efforts to make Baltimore more sustainable.”

(READ more from the Baltimore Brew)

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92-Year-Old Proves It is Never Too Late to Sign Adoption Papers

By

Linda Hernandez

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Jun 18, 2015

An adoption decades in the making finally became official in Texas last week at a Dallas courthouse.

92-year-old Muriel Clayton adopted 76-year-old Mary Smith, a woman she had raised as her own.

The two women are actually cousins – but after Smith’s father died when she was young, and her mother was unable to care for her, Clayton took in the teen as a member of her growing family.

The Amazing Story of 9 Orphans Who Raised Themselves Rather Than Split Up the Family

Clayton told Today that she’d always wanted to adopt Smith, but didn’t want to upset her biological mother, who had mental health issues. Once she passed, Clayton finally made her wish known.

On the day before Mother’s Day, she told Smith, “I’ve thought about really adopting you for real for a long time, how do you feel about that?’ And her face just lit up beautifully and she said that is the sweetest thing I’ve ever heard.”

(READ the full story, w/ photos, at TODAY) – Photo released by family

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Scientist Wants to Name This Cute Octopus Species “Adorabilis”

By

Terry Turner

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Jun 18, 2015

Is there a scientific measure for cuteness? Maybe not, but a researcher wants to give this species of octopus a proper name to describe it.

Stephanie Bush, a researcher at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute in California, thinks she’s discovered a new species of flapjack octopus and wants to give it an appropriate Latin name — “Adorabilis” — because it’s just so adorable.

The little cephalopod, which lives in ocean depths of 450 meters, is only about seven inches across, with big eyes, little fins that look like puppies’ ears, and webbing connecting its eight arms.

“They’ll spread that web and just parachute along,” Bush told Science Friday. “They’re really cute.”

Kermit Lives: New Frog Species Looks Just Like Him

Calibrate your adorability meter before watching the video below.

Photos: Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute

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Old City Buses Get New Life as Homeless Shelters in Hawaii

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Terry Turner

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Jun 17, 2015

It gives a whole new meaning to the term “bus shelter” – the next stop for some retired city buses will be serving as shelters for the homeless.

A Honolulu, Hawaii, project called LIFT plans to collect 70 city buses from storage and convert them into homeless shelters. The buses were retired because they had too many miles on them, but soon they’ll find new life helping people from the streets they once traveled.

Architecture firm Group 70 International has drawn up three distinct designs with some of the buses providing sleeping space for up to eight people (pictured at right), others will be turned into mobile showers and still others converted into recreation centers.

Group 70 kept the designs simple so that untrained volunteers will be able to repurpose them with donated tools and materials. A major inspiration for the design came from Lava Mae, which has retrofitted California buses and turned them into shower stations for the homeless. The group aims to have working bathrooms.

LIFT wants to have at least three of the 40-foot converted buses on the road sometime this summer.

(WATCH the video and READ more at the Boston Globe) — Photo: Simon_sees, CC; KITV video

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Filipino Rebels Hand Over Weapons, Retire Fighters to Boost Peace Talks

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Linda Hernandez

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Jun 17, 2015

A rebel group in the Philippines has retired 145 of their fighters and surrendered a cache of firearms to demonstrate its commitment toward peace.

The move is a first step toward fulfilling a 2014 cease-fire agreement to end decades of fighting between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Philippine government – a conflict that killed more than 120,000 people.

At a ceremony attended by President Benigno Aquino III, the weapons were presented to an international group set up to monitor the peace process.

The reduction of troops along with 75 firearms and rocket launchers represents only a fraction of the group’s strength, but the move is seen as an important step.

U.S. Vets Are Trying To Cultivate Peace in Afghanistan Through Saffron

“They have to show that both parties are serious at getting to peace, that despite the setbacks, they are really intent on proceeding with the measures that they have agreed,” political analyst Edmund Tayao told Al Jazeera.

Despite recent unrest, both the rebel group and President Aquino are pushing for legislation to formally recognize as autonomous the Muslim southern region over which the fighting was waged.

(READ more from Al Jazeera) – Photos by Keith Bacongco and Geneva Call, CC

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Terminal Cancer Survivor Spends Days Smiling and Waving at Drivers

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Good News Network

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Jun 17, 2015

Chris Lamb of Tucson, Arizona may be partially blind and paralyzed, but the survivor of terminal brain cancer has defied the odds for nearly a decade, and vowed to prompt as many smiles as he can in the time he has on Earth.

Rain or shine, Lamb can be seen wearing one of 150 inspirational messages on a sign around his neck as he waves to passengers driving down Valencia Road.

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He’s been doing so for the past five years, and has made many friends along the way; some even pull over to check in on how he’s doing.

“The people are the most important,” his wife, Mercy Lamb told KVOA News on Monday. “They’re the ones that keep him going.”

(WATCH the video above from KVOA-TV, or READ more at NBC News)

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Robots Will 3-D Print a Bridge over Amsterdam Canal Using Molten Steel (WATCH)

By

Terry Turner

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Jun 17, 2015

A revolutionary bridge project in the Netherlands will use 3-D printing robots spewing molten steel to create their own rails as they go–carrying themselves in mid-air and leaving a 24-foot bridge in their wake.

Instead of using a stationary 3-D printer which can only print horizontally and vertically, research and design company MX3D created swiveling robots that can fire out drop after drop of molten metal in any direction. This allows the robots to print elegant arches and intricate support frames.

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MX3D has used the technology to build models and ornate sculptures, but when the two-week long bridge-building project gets underway in 2017, it will be one of the biggest tests of 3-D printing to date.

Engineers say this kind of technology could one day be used to construct skyscrapers or build space stations in orbit.

(WATCH the videos below or READ more at the Belfast Telegraph) – Photo: MX3D video/Artist’s concept

MX3D Bridge Visualization:

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Boy’s Birthday Gift Toward Fallen Officer’s Kids Reaps Sweet Rewards

By

Linda Hernandez

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Jun 17, 2015

Most kids look forward to gifts and cake on their birthdays, but a 9-year-old Mississippi boy had a selfless wish for his special day…and called on his friends to help make it a reality.

Instead of presents, 9-year-old Carson Atkins asked for monetary donations for the children of local police officer Benjamin Deen, who was killed in the line of duty last month.

“Because Father’s Day was coming up and police officers give to us every single day, so I thought that (for) one day I could give to them,” Atkins said.

Students Give $8000 Raised for Class Trip to Principal’s Cancer Treatment

When the Lamar County Sheriff’s Department heard that Carson raised $1,000, they made a surprise visit to his birthday party for their fallen comrade, giving him badges and medals in thanks.

The most touching reward for Carson came from the officer’s brother, who brought over a shoebox of baseball cards that had belonged to the deputy, who shared Carson’s love of the sport.

(WATCH the video below or READ more at WDAM TV)

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Growing Number of Therapy Dogs Comfort Funeral Home Mourners

By

Terry Turner

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Jun 17, 2015

When Lulu the goldendoodle has her vest on, she knows her job — to comfort mourners in her family’s funeral home. She even “prays” when directed, kneeling and bowing her head between her front paws.

Matthew Fiorillo offers Lulu’s services, free of charge, to every mourner who walks into his White Plains, New York funeral home. The trained therapy dog is part of a growing trend among funeral homes.

Stray Dogs Instinctively Attend Funeral Of Woman Who Fed Them

No one keeps numbers on exactly how many such dogs are working in funeral homes, but the National Funeral Directors Association say they hear more and more from their members about using animals to comfort mourners.

The trend is a fairly recent one, but therapy dogs for mourners were rare in 2001 when Mark Krause’s Portuguese water dog, Oliver, went to work in his Milwaukee, Wisconsin funeral home.

The funeral director remembers a seven year old boy who had lost his three-year-old sister. The boy had withdrawn and stopped talking, until Oliver came in — and the boy began reminiscing with the dog about his sister.

Jon Stewart Buys a Farm to Help Animal Victims of Cruelty

“I don’t suppose Oliver understood, but he looked at the boy as if he did,” Krause told the Associated Press.

The dog passed away in 2011, and its funeral was attended by 150 people — many brought their pets.

– Photo: WCBS video, which has since been disabled for embed.

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Man Snaps Photo of a Lifetime: Alligator-surfing Raccoon in Florida

By

Terry Turner

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Jun 17, 2015

Just call him “The Big Rac-kahuna” – a surfing raccoon that hitched a ride on the back of an alligator.

A Florida man says his son startled the raccoon during a family walk in the Ocala National Forest and it scurried onto the gator’s back. Richard Jones says he snapped the shot just before the furry critter realized he was riding a carnivorous reptile and jumped to safety.

It may look ‘photoshopped’, but birds frequently ride alligators — as seen in the photo at right of a great white egret “hanging six” on one of the gators at the Kissimmee, Florida, Gatorland reptile park.

So maybe, like the Beach Boys sang in Surfin’ Safari, it’s a case of, “Everybody’s learning how.”

Photos by Richard Jones, (Egret) Terry Turner, CC

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Innovative ‘PillPack’ Sorts Daily Pills to Make it Easy for Elderly

By

Linda Hernandez

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Jun 16, 2015

According to the Centers for Disease Control, 50% of Americans fail to take medicines as prescribed.

That statistic led a young entrepreneur and pharmacist’s son, TJ Parker, to come with up a better alternative. His medication management service eliminates some of the hassles that arise when patients are given multiple prescriptions– traveling to the pharmacy, sorting pillboxes for time and date, and chasing down prescription refills.

“We started PillPack to eliminate this frustration and replace it with a simple end-to-end experience,” said the California company’s CEO.

Teen Wins Intel Prize for Keeping Airborne Germs From Spreading on Planes

The company delivers personalized packets of pre-sorted medicines and vitamins to your home labeled with the exact date and time you need to take them.

(WATCH the video from NBC News below) – Story tip from carilyn

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Three-Legged Goldendoodle That Cheated Death Now Changes Lives

By

Linda Hernandez

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Jun 16, 2015

Hope is no ordinary dog. After nearly being killed 2 years ago, she’s using her new ‘leash’ on life to help others.

The 6-year-old Goldendoodle lost her hind leg after being struck by a hit and run driver. Since her recovery, she’s made quite a difference in the lives of elderly people and children with autism – traveling on just 3 legs.

As part of the Pawsitive Friendship organization in Phoenix, Arizona, Hope does therapy work on home visits. She also travels to see hospital and hospice patients, and serves on a crisis team to help calm trauma victims.

Smiling Wheelchair Pup Celebrates Instagram Fame

This multi-talented pooch is also an accomplished actress. She’s portrayed the beloved dog, Sandy, in community theater productions of Annie – with more than 32 performances under her belt – er, collar.

(WATCH the video below or READ at USA Today *NOTE- auto-playing audio, so adjust your speakers) – Photo KPNX Video

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When a Preschool Opens Inside a Nursing Home All Heaven Breaks Loose

By

Terry Turner

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Jun 16, 2015

A hospital chain has found a way of caring for both the young and the old by having them take care of each other – and in the process, built a bridge across generations.

The Intergenerational Learning Center consists of a preschool inside the Mount St. Vincent nursing home in Seattle, Washington.

The 400 adults in the assisted-living center join the kids in daily activities from music and dancing to storytelling and just plain visiting.

The Center’s managers say the children learn from their elders and are nurtured by the adults while the invigorated seniors get a new sense of purpose and well-being from the playful tots.

Filmmaker Evan Briggs launched a Kickstarter page to finish a documentary about the place.

His film “Present Perfect” portrays what he calls the “very real experience of aging in America – both growing up, and growing old.”

(WATCH the trailer below)

Kids Volunteer to Mow a Stranger’s Field to Keep Her Out of Trouble

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