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June Stargazing: Planning A Summer Soltice Spectacle

By
Andy Corbley
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The first day of summer; June 21st; the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. It’s a time marked by most ancient cultures as the most important day in the calendar, and probably the New Year as well.

But there’s no need to spend “Midsummer” buried in your history books, there are several cities in Europe that have summer solstice festivals today. “Midsommar” for example is one of Sweden’s most important holidays, and with a winter so cold it’s easy to see why.

Because the Earth orbits the sun in an ellipse, there’s no single earliest sunrise and latest sunset, rather these vary by a few days depending on where you live in the Northern Hemisphere.

In terms of that singular moment when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky of the year, it will occur at 10:58 on the east coast of America, but at 14:58 for Central Europeans.

There are several ways that you or your friends and family can enjoy the solstice. English Heritage, a government non-profit, hosts a livestream of the moment of sunrise at Stonehenge, perhaps the world’s most famous monument to be attuned to the solstice. The 2023 stream starts a few hours before sunrise which is 04:49 BST.

Summer Solstice taken by the Himawari-8

Other events like this include Manhattanhenge, where Americans can see the sunrise climb perfectly above the east-west streets of that most famous urban island. The most famous spot for Manhattanhenge photos is the elevated Tudor City Bridge on 42nd Street.

MORE SOLSTICE CONTENT: Aztecs Used the Mountains to Create Sophisticated Farming Calendar that Even Accounted for Leap Years: Study

14th, 23rd, and 34th streets are all additionally good spots to see the sunrise.

If you prefer a festival to a spectacle, the most raucous ones are in Europe. The Secret Solstice Music Festival in Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, attracts some 8,000 visitors yearly, and is a perfect way to celebrate summer with people who can truly appreciate the opportunity to wear short sleeves. The highlight is seeing the headlining band perform under the midnight sun.

Iceland’s neighbor Sweden has turned the solstice into a national holiday. In fact, it has been suggested as Sweden’s de facto National Day, which this year falls on June 23rd. Here like in Iceland, the sky never truly darkens, and festivities often go on through the night.

SIMILAR EVENTS: Fun Facts and Strange Customs to Celebrate the Vernal Equinox

On the Visit Stockholm website, one can read all about celebrating it in the big city, or in the surrounding countryside where flower picking, garland wearing, and raising of the Maypole, are still the chief activities.

In Egypt, you can see the sunset between the Pyramids of Giza, while on the island of Orkey, one can see the sunrise paired in perfect alignment with the Standing Stones of Sternness, perhaps even older than Stonehenge.

SHARE This Story And PLAN A Solstice Celebration With Your Friends… 

A Nurse and Her Boyfriend Saved a Man’s Life on Flight Home from Bahamas Vacation

By
Andy Corbley
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Emily Raines airplane selfie
Emily Raines airplane selfie

A man named Michael can thank his lucky stars that when his heart stopped aboard an airplane, there was a healthcare angel sitting just a few rows back.

Emily Raines, an acute care nurse at a Baltimore hospital, was flying back from a vacation in the Bahamas with her boyfriend when the flight attendant asked if there was anyone onboard with medical training.

The attendant over the intercom said a passenger was having a medical emergency, and Raines quickly volunteered.

“On our way up there I was trying to pregame like ‘hey if we have to do compressions, I need you to do compressions. I’ll take care of everything else,'” Raines described the tense moments during the emergency, discussing the game plan with her boyfriend, a former nurse who now works in finance.

She told CBS News that once she got to the passenger’s seat, he was slumped over, flush purple, and not breathing. Together they did chest compression, or CPR, for about 23 minutes before with just 7 minutes until landing, their good work revived the man.

He was rushed to the hospital as soon as the plane came to a halt, while Raines was treated to a hero’s welcome as she returned to her seat further back in the plane.

MORE LIFESAVERS: Just One Day After Completing CPR Training, a Teen Saves Her Friend’s Life Using Procedure She’d Just Learned

“We were amped because it’s so awesome to have that feeling, and afterwards, you’re just like, ‘oh wow, we did this, we saved somebody’s life,'” Raines exclaimed.

A short time later, Raines received a message from Michael’s wife, expressing her deep gratitude for the saving of her husband.

“I cannot possibly thank you enough for saving Michael’s life. There are no words. if I could, I would like to at least make you some cookies,” the woman said.

WATCH the story below (to Those Outside the US: View video at CBS.com…)

SHARE These Heroes’ Effort With Social Media And Give Them A Cheer

Birth of a Rare Sulawesi Monkey–One of World’s Most Endangered Primates is Celebrated

By
Andy Corbley
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Sulawesi crested macaque monkey born at Chester Zoo - SWNS
Sulawesi crested macaque monkey born at Chester Zoo – SWNS

Conservationists are celebrating the birth of one of the world’s most endangered primates at a UK zoo.

The rare Sulawesi crested macaque was born on May 16th at the Chester Zoo to proud new mom Rumple and dad Mamassa.

Adorable photographs show the new arrival clinging on to its mother as it made its first outside appearance at its enclosure at the UK’s largest and most-visited zoo.

The species is listed as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and fewer than 5,000 remain in their natural habitat on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi.

Though the adults’ faces are jet black, the babies are born with a buckskin leather tone that highlights their beautiful eyes.

Rumple and baby Sulawesi crested macaque monkey at Chester Zoo – SWNS

“Sulawesi crested macaques are highly sociable animals that live in large groups, and so the new baby is currently being passed around by mom Rumple to several other females, who are all sharing parenting duties, which is great to see,” explained Mark Brayshaw, head of mammals at the zoo.

MORE ZOO SUCCESSES: A Pair of the World’s Rarest–and Most Adorable—Piglets Are Born in a UK Zoo

“Every birth is a step forward for the international conservation breeding program that’s working to safeguard the future of this critically endangered species. It also provides an opportunity to learn more about their behavior, biology, and social structures, which all help to inform the efforts to protect the species globally.”

Sulawesi is the world’s 11th largest island at about 70,000 square miles and is located east of Borneo. A large percentage, 62% (79 species) of the mammals on the island are endemic, meaning that they are found nowhere else in the world.

WATCH the newborn below… 

SHARE This Inspiring Little Face With Your Friends On Social Media… 

“Our happiness depends on wisdom all the way.” – Sophocles

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Good News Network
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Quote of the Day: “Our happiness depends on wisdom all the way.” – Sophocles

Photo by: thumbnail of painting by Claudia

With a new inspirational quote every day, atop the perfect photo—collected and archived on our Quotes page—why not bookmark GNN.org for a daily uplift?

Single Atom X-rayed For First Time in Breakthrough That Will ‘Transform the World’

By
Andy Corbley
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When X-rays (in blue) illuminate an iron atom (red, center), core level electrons are excited. – Animation via SWNS
When X-rays (in blue) illuminate an iron atom (red, center), core level electrons are excited. – Animation via SWNS

Many laymen will not be aware that science has never been able to X-ray a single atom.

The best that current state-of-the-art synchrotron scanners can manage is to X-ray an attogram—about 10,000 atoms—but the signal produced by a single atom is so weak that conventional detectors cannot be used. Until now.

This landmark feat was achieved thanks to a purpose-built synchrotron instrument at Argonne National Laboratory in Illinois using a technique known as SX-STM (synchrotron X-ray scanning tunneling microscopy).

The researchers behind the breakthrough say it paves the way for finding cures for major life-threatening diseases, the development of superfast quantum computers, and other advancements in materials and eco-science.

Atoms are the particles that build molecules, and the limit to which any substance can be broken down chemically. There are as many in a golf ball as golf balls would fit into Earth.

SX-STM can now measure them to an infinitesimal degree. The feat has been described as the ‘holy grail’ of physics, and a long-standing dream of Professor Saw Wai Hla of Ohio State University, the lead author on the paper explaining the discovery.

“Atoms can be routinely imaged with scanning probe microscopes—but without X-rays one cannot tell what they are made of,” explained Dr. Hla. “We can now detect exactly the type of a particular atom, one atom-at-a-time, and can simultaneously measure its chemical state. This discovery will transform the world.”

Since its discovery by Roentgen in 1895, X-rays have been used in dozens of applications and fields, from medical examinations to security screenings in airports.

OTHER BIG BREAKTHROUGHS: New Brain Implant Device Could Restore Function in Paralyzed Limbs

NASA’s Mars rover Curiosity is equipped with an X-ray device to examine the composition of the rocks.

An important usage of X-rays in science is to identify the type of materials in a sample. Over the years, the quantity of materials in a sample required for X-ray detection has been greatly reduced thanks to the development of synchrotron X-rays.

SX-STM collects excited electrons, particles on the outside of an atom that move around the protons and neutrons inside, and the spectrum thus produced is like a fingerprint that enables the precise detection of what the atom is.

MORE PHYSICS NEWS: Mathematicians Discover Elusive ‘Einstein’ Shape: ‘The Miracle that Disrupts Order’

“The technique used, and concept proven in this study broke new ground in X-ray science and nanoscale studies,” said first author Tolulope Michael Ajayi, a PhD student at Ohio.

“More so, using X-rays to detect and characterize individual atoms could revolutionize research and give birth to new technologies in areas such as quantum information and the detection of trace elements in environmental and medical research, to name a few.”

“This achievement also opens the road for advanced materials science instrumentation.”

SHARE This Interesting Holy Grail Of Physics With Your Sciency Friends…

Little Boy Lost for 6 Days in Harsh Kenyan Wilderness is Rescued: ‘An Amazing Moment’

By
Andy Corbley
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Ayub is rescued by his uncle - credit Roan Carr-Hartley
Ayub is rescued by his uncle – credit Roan Carr-Hartley

Kenya’s vast Tsavo East National Park is no place for the solitary. It’s easy to get lost in the dense bush, a fact 4-year-old Ayub from the Asa community will remember for the rest of his life.

The boy faced a terrifying ordeal, lost for 6 days amid a territory 66% larger than Yellowstone, and populated by killers like elephants, buffalo, and rhinos.

But this story of survival had a happy ending thanks to the help of two Kenyan-British pilots: The Carr-Harleys—Roan and Taru.

“When I was flying around, I saw lots of hyenas, jackals, and it was pouring with rain,” Roan Carr-Hartley, a helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft pilot who works with his brother at Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, told CBS News about the rescue efforts.

“It’s such a harsh and unforgiving environment for a tiny boy, there’s nothing or no one there. And so you start worrying and fearing the worst, you feel so hopeless.”

Ayub went missing from his village during a storm. The community chief had phoned the Carr-Hartleys asking for help because he and some other villagers were already tracking the boy’s footprints.

They searched for days with no luck, until on the 6th, Roan got a call from the chief saying they had picked up fresh tracks about 15 kilometers north of their village, and shortly after arriving in the area, Roan spotted Ayub under his left wing, describing him as this “tiny guy in the middle of nowhere” who was weak and stumbling.

Coordinating with the searchers on the ground, it was Ayub’s uncle who got to him first, picking him up and swinging him in the air.

Roan explained that it’s tradition in Asa culture to chant songs of gratitude on a walk back to the village.

“When his mother saw him, she just burst into tears. She couldn’t believe it. She was totally in hysterics,” Roan said. “He also reunited with his dad and the rest of his family. It was an amazing moment. Doctors arrived, we administered first aid, replenished his electrolytes, and tested him for malaria.”

MORE STORIES OF SURVIVAL: 3 Children and a Baby Survived for Weeks in Colombian Jungle After Their Plane Crashed

While Roan and his brother Taru normally are looking for humans with malintent (poachers) and rescue four-legged members of the Tsavo East community (elephants), Ayub is not the first person they’ve rescued this year.

GNN reported on a Sheldrick Wildlife Trust release in May when the brothers piloted their helicopter to the rescue of a tanker truck driver who had been stranded on a flooded road section.

Dwarfed by the angry river, the tanker had flipped onto its side, and the driver, James Rufus Kinyua, had climbed out of the cab and was lying on the door. Slowly, the pilot lowered the helicopter closer and closer to the tanker where the driver sat crouched in the swirling winds from both the flooding and the rotors.

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

MORE KENYA STORIES: Anti-Poaching Helicopter Attempts Daring Rescue Inches Above Swirling Floodwaters–WATCH

“I was told he had been there since 10 am, in extreme fear I am sure,” Taru Carr-Hartley told Nation Africa. “He was hanging half out of the window, lying on top of the truck, and I could see the windscreen was smashed and the whole cabin was filled with water.”

All in a day’s work for the Carr-Hartleys, born as the third generation of British-Kenyans who work in wildlife conservation and biology in the East African nation.

SHARE This Inspiring Rescue With Your Friends… 

‘Landmark’ Peanut Allergy Skin Patch Desensitizes Kids Using Immunotherapy to Stop Allergic Reactions

By
Andy Corbley
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In a “landmark” phase III trial, a skin patch to combat peanut allergies in children under the age of 4 has shown to be safe and more effective than placebo.

The patch works like exposure therapy, slowly training the toddlers’ bodies to tolerate proteins in peanuts that may cause an immune response in normal cases.

For 12 months, more than 300 children participated in the study. By the end of that period, 67% of the children didn’t experience adverse reactions to peanuts, double that of the placebo group.

The trial is considered the “gold standard,” which is to say it was double-blinded and placebo-controlled, meaning neither the kids nor the scientists knew who received the skin patch and who received the placebo patch.

The group that received the actual patch experienced more symptoms of peanut allergies during the 12 months of treatment—typical of exposure therapy—but side effects of the medicine itself were less than half of one percent.

“We were excited to contribute to this landmark study that carries so much promise for our young patients with peanut allergy,” said co-author Melanie Makhija, MD, who was the Principal Investigator of the study at Lurie Children’s Hospital.

“Children who originally reacted to a small fraction of a peanut were able to tolerate the equivalent of one to four peanuts after completing the treatment course. This means that these children will be well protected from accidental exposure to peanuts. Importantly, we found that the peanut patch was safe, with very low chances of a severe allergic reaction.”

OTHER STUDY RESULTS: Time-Restricted Eating Could Prevent Work-Related Health Issues, Says New Study

“This is terrific news for families of kids with peanut allergies,” she concluded.

Unlike allergies to shellfish or stonefruit, peanut allergies can be particularly dangerous because many facilities that jar and pack spices, grains, tree nuts, and other dry foodstuffs do so in the same facility as peanuts.

The trial, the results from which were published in the New England Journal of Medicine, is the first to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of a treatment for children under the age of 4.

SHARE This Landmark Trial On An Everyday Medical Issue On Social Media… 

After 8th Grader Walked to Graduation, an NFL Star and University Team-Up to Give Him a Ride to College

By
Andy Corbley
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credit Harris-Stowe State Univ.
credit Harris-Stowe State Univ.

A Missouri middle schooler was so determined to make it to his graduation, he ended up walking 6 miles.

Losing out on an opportunity for a ride there, 8th-grader Xavier Jones asked his friend and brother to walk along with him, remembering something a mentor at Yeatman Middle School had told him.

“‘If I want it, I got to go get it,’” Jones told Fox News, remembering the advice. Together, the young men walked over 10,000 steps and two-and-a-half hours through St. Louis to arrive at the school.

As it happened, when the 14-year-old arrived at the graduation, the purveyor of that advice, mentor Darren Seals, was speaking at the ceremony. Hearing that one of his students had walked two hours to be there, he paused to inform the audience.

“I had to stop my speech and call him on board and was like, ‘Hey, everybody get off your feet and give him a standing ovation,’” Mr. Seals also told Fox. “They clapped for him. They were like, ‘Woah, this boy walked.’”

Also as it happened, the President of Harris-Stowe State University, Dr. Latonia Collins Smith was in attendance that day, and was moved by the perseverance and determination shown by young Mr. Jones.

She decided to offer him a “ride” to college, although considering the circumstances, this terminology confused Jones. Mr. Seals recounts the conversation.

MORE GRADUATION STORIES: Teens Raise Thousands for Their Graduation Trip Abroad, Then Donate it to the Community Instead

“She said, ‘You got a full ride,’ and I said [to Xavier], ‘Do you know what that means,’ and he said, ‘They’re going to give me a ride to school?’” Seals said. “I was like, ‘No, you’re getting a ride to college. He said, ‘Wait a minute, I don’t have to pay for college. Then it started hitting him.”

Fox reports that Dr. Smith offered the young man the Presidential scholarship, complete with tuition and money for four years of attendance including rent and textbooks.

That’s not the end of the story however, because over the weekend, it came out that Miami Dolphins NFL player Terron Armstead, who grew up in a similar part of town to Xavier, had bought his family a minivan, and an electric bike to ensure transportation options are no longer a problem.

MORE INSPIRING STORIES: Colorful Mumbai Overpass Goes Viral After Being Converted into Sporting Complex for Community

Moved by Xavier’s story, the NFL star said he was happy to step in and offer help to a boy who had lost his mother some years ago, and who was being raised by his grandfather.

“It’s humbling, it’s motivating, it’s inspiring,” Armstead said of Jones.

The story is a reminder to young people that even the most straightforward demonstrations of commitment are valuable, and more philosophically, that the journey of 1,000 miles really does begin with one step; though in this case, perhaps around 10,000.

WATCH the videos below, the first of Jones’ walk, and the second of Armstead…

SHARE This Inspiring Turn of Events With Your Friends On Social Media… 

“Yield to temptation. It may not pass your way again.” – Robert A. Heinlein

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Good News Network
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Quote of the Day: “Yield to temptation. It may not pass your way again.” – Robert A. Heinlein

Photo by: Forja2 Mx

With a new inspirational quote every day, atop the perfect photo—collected and archived on our Quotes page—why not bookmark GNN.org for a daily uplift?

Original Demo Tape That Landed Prince his First Record Contract at 18–Found in Attic, Now For Sale

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Good News Network
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Original demo by Prince – RR Auction / SWNS
Original demo by Prince – RR Auction / SWNS

The original demo tape that landed Prince his first record contract is being auctioned.

Boston-based RR Auction calls the sale a “stunning revelation for music enthusiasts and Prince fans worldwide.”

The demo tape, recorded on a 1/4″ reel-to-reel tape in 1976, contains unreleased versions of three Prince originals: The catchy pop tune “Just As Long as We’re Together” and the disco-pop song “My Love is Forever,” from his debut album. (Listen to the released songs below…) It also included the never-released “Jelly Jam.”

At just 18 years old, Prince single-handedly wrote, arranged, sang, and played all the instruments for the tracks at Sound 80 Studios in Minneapolis.

The historic artifact, obtained from the estate of the late Warner Bros. Records executive Russ Thyret, “serves as a testament to the visionary talent of the enigmatic musician and marks the inception of one of the most legendary careers in popular music.”

The reel, enclosed in its original custom-made box, has a hand-written label with the notice: (c) 1977 Prince Nelson. It comes with a plexiglass display case, a business card belonging to Russ Thyret, and a CD transfer of the tape’s audio.

LOOK: Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour Auctions Off 126 Guitars and Raises $21 Million for Climate Change Battle

The original demo tape that landed Prince his first record contract – RR Auction / SWNS

Prince signed with Warner Bros. on June 25, 1977, less than three weeks after celebrating his nineteenth birthday.

Russ Thyret, who later ascended to become Chairman and CEO of Warner Bros. Records, worked closely with Prince throughout his illustrious career. Following Thyret’s passing in 2021, archivist Jeff Gold, a former Warner Bros. Executive Vice President/General Manager who had collaborated with both Prince and Thyret, discovered the demo tape in Thyret’s attic.

RR Auction says: “Now, this extraordinary piece of music history is poised to find a new home, offering fans and collectors a chance to own a museum-quality Prince collectible, steeped in unparalleled provenance.

RELATED: Prince Left No Heirs Behind, But Lived Secret Humanitarian Life

Additionally, it is accompanied by a letter of provenance from Jeff Gold, a former Warner Bros. executive who worked closely with both Prince and Thyret, which RR Auction claim solidifies “its authenticity and significance”.

“It captures the genesis of an artist who reshaped the landscape of popular music.”

The online auction which ends 23 June currently has a single bid of $5,000.

PLAY a Pop of Prince By Sharing With Fans on Social Media… 

Are There Any Environmentally-Friendly Air Conditioners Out There? (Some Good News)

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Good News Network
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Photo: Krzysztof Kotkowicz
Photo: Krzysztof Kotkowicz

Reprinted via EarthTalk®, From the Editors of E – The Environmental Magazine

Are there any environmentally friendly air conditioners out there?

Traditional air conditioning units consume significant amounts of energy and rely heavily on refrigerants that contribute to global warming. The good news is that there are several environmentally-friendly air conditioning options available today.

One notable advancement is the development of energy-efficient air conditioners. These units are designed to use less electricity and reduce their carbon footprint—while lowering your energy bills compared to older units.

In the US, Energy Star certified air conditioners meet strict energy efficiency standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and can help reduce energy usage by up to 15 percent. By choosing an Energy Star certified model, consumers can make a positive impact on both the environment and their wallets. There are also some solar air conditioning options available today.

Another eco-friendly air conditioning solution gaining popularity is the use of evaporative coolers, also known as swamp coolers. Unlike conventional air conditioners, which use refrigerants and compressors to cool the air, evaporative coolers work by passing air over water-soaked pads, causing evaporation and cooling the air. These units consume significantly less energy than traditional air conditioners, but they may only be a suitable option for dry climates. They’re not as effective in areas with high humidity.

In recent years, researchers and engineers have been exploring more sustainable alternatives to refrigerants used in air conditioners. One such alternative is hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) refrigerants, which have a much lower global warming potential compared to hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants commonly used today. HFOs are less harmful to the ozone layer and have a significantly lower impact on global warming. Some manufacturers have already started producing air conditioners that use HFO refrigerants, offering a greener cooling solution.

RELATED: Toronto is Replacing Air Conditioners With Deep Lake Water to Cool Hundreds of Buildings

Additionally, there is a growing trend towards the use of geothermal heat pumps for cooling purposes. These systems utilize the constant temperature of the earth to provide cooling, rather than relying on electricity to generate cool air.

Geothermal heat pumps are highly efficient and can save up to 30-60 percent on energy costs compared to traditional air conditioners. They also have a longer lifespan and require less maintenance. While the initial installation costs may be higher, the long-term environmental and financial benefits make them a viable option for those looking to minimize their ecological impact.

LOOK: This Iridescent Coating Could Cool Your House Without Air-Conditioning

Finally, it is essential to consider proper maintenance practices when using air conditioners. Optimizing insulation, reducing air leaks, and shading windows can help reduce the load on air conditioning systems. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning filters and ensuring proper airflow, ensures that the unit operates at maximum efficiency.

Energy-efficient models, evaporative coolers, safer refrigerants, and geothermal heat pumps are good alternatives to reduce the ecological footprint of cooling our buildings. By making informed choices and adopting sustainable practices, we can stay cool without worsening the health of our planet.

EarthTalk® is produced by Roddy Scheer & Doug Moss for the 501(c)3 nonprofit EarthTalk. See more at emagazine.com. To donate, visit Earthtalk.org. Send questions to: [email protected].

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She’s 102 and Her Secret to a Long Happy Life is ‘Good Sex’ ‘Good Sherry’ and ‘All That Chocolate’

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Good News Network
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Joyce Jackman celebrates with family on her 102nd birthday – SWNS / Care UK’s Silversprings
Joyce Jackman celebrates her 102nd birthday – SWNS / Care UK’s Silversprings

A 102-year-old British woman who reads the paper every day revealed her secrets for a long and happy life—and you might be surprised, or thrilled.

Joyce Jackman celebrated her 102nd birthday on May 9, and shared her advice for living for over a century.

A former chef in the UK’s Royal Air Force, Joyce told the staff at her care home that she credits “good sex and good sherry” as two of the key to her satisfying life.

The woman from Colchester, Essex, was feted at the Silversprings senior home in Thorrington, where some family members and the staff surprised her with a cake.

The centenarian said she “didn’t want the day to end”.

“I had such a lovely day.

“I can’t believe I’m 102,” she said, quickly revealing her third secret for longevity. “It must be all the chocolate I eat that’s helped!”

When she was young, Joyce worked in a sweet shop, before joining the RAF as a chef during World War II.

WATCH: Older Gentleman Steals Dance Floor With Flawless Michael Jackson Moves: Age is Just a Number

Joyce Jackman celebrates with family on her 102nd birthday – SWNS / Care UK’s Silversprings

Now widowed, she married her childhood sweetheart, Terence Jackman, in 1945, the year the war ended.

While they never had children, Joyce loved to help out by looking after the children in her neighborhood. She enjoyed baking with her mother and going out with her friends.

CHECK OUT: Yuengling Beer Delivers Truckload of Lager to 106-Year-old Woman Who Drinks a Can Every Day (WATCH)

These days, she enjoys keeping her mind busy at Silversprings, regularly doing crossword puzzles and staying up-to-date with the daily newspaper.

There’s always plenty of chocolate on hand—and the cake was, of course, chocolate.

“Joyce is a much-loved resident at the home,” said Home Manager Joanne Rix. “She’s always making us laugh with her fantastic sense of humor and outlook on life.”

MORE SPUNKY SENIORS: Grandma Uses Virtual Goggles to Ride Roller Coaster For First Time (With Hilarious Irish Profanity)

“We all were honored to raise a glass of sherry to Joyce’s incredible life so far.”

SHARE The Longevity Tips With Fun-Loving Friends and Family on Social Media…

Another Study Shows Daily Multivitamin for People Over 60 Slows Memory Decline That Comes With Aging

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Good News Network
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People over 60 who take a daily multivitamin pill may be slowing age-related memory decline, according to a new study that amplifies similar findings from last year.

More than 3,500 American adults over the age of 60 were randomly assigned to take either a daily multivitamin supplement or placebo for three years.

At the end of each year, participants performed a series of online cognitive assessments at home designed to test memory function of the hippocampus, an area of the brain that is normally affected by aging.

By the end of the first year, memory improved for the people taking a daily multivitamin, compared with those taking a placebo—and the benefits were sustained over the three-year period.

The researchers at Columbia University and Brigham and Women’s Hospital at Harvard said the results are consistent with another recent study from Wake Forest University that followed more than 2,200 older adults and found that taking a daily multivitamin improved overall cognition, memory recall, and attention.

The earlier study showed that three years of multivitamin supplementation roughly translated to a 60% slowing of cognitive decline, equating to around 1.8 years of normal mental capacity.

POPULAR: Study of ‘MIND’ Diet Shows It May Improve Memory and Thinking Skills in Old Age

“Because of our innovative approach of assessing cognitive outcomes using internet-based tests, we were able to examine the effects of a multivitamin in thousands of study participants,” said Professor Adam Brickman, of Columbia University.

“The aging brain may be more sensitive to nutrition than we realized,” said first author Dr. Lok-Kin Yeung, also of Columbia.

“Our study suggests that supplementation with multivitamins may be a simple and inexpensive way for older adults to slow down memory loss.”

Co-author Dr. JoAnn Manson, chief of the Division of Preventive Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, said: “The finding that a daily multivitamin improved memory in two separate cognition studies…is remarkable.”

The effect was even more pronounced in participants with underlying heart disease, according to the findings published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

MORE TIPS: These are the 3 Most Promising Longevity Supplements From Scientific Research So Far

“There is evidence that people with cardiovascular disease may have lower micronutrient levels that multivitamins may correct, but we don’t really know right now why the effect is stronger in this group.”

The researchers, whose work was partially funded by the National Institutes of Health, did not look at whether any specific component of the multivitamin supplement was linked to the improvement in memory.

“Though it may not be so important to find out which specific nutrient helps slow age-related cognitive decline,” said Yeung.

“The findings are promising and certainly set the stage for important follow-up studies about the impact of multivitamin supplementation on cognition,” concluded Brickman, who reminds people that getting nutrients from your food is always preferable.

CHECK OUT: These Superfoods Can Provide Important Nutrients With Every Bite

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“Judge a man by his questions rather than his answers.” – Voltaire

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Good News Network
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Quote of the Day: “Judge a man by his questions rather than his answers.” – Voltaire

Photo by: Kenny Eliason (cropped / colorized)

With a new inspirational quote every day, atop the perfect photo—collected and archived on our Quotes page—why not bookmark GNN.org for a daily uplift?

Astronomers Discover Hundreds of Mysterious Filaments Pointing Towards Our Milky Way’s Massive Black Hole

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Good News Network
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MeerKAT image of the galactic center with color-coded position angles of filaments - Northwestern University / SWNS
MeerKAT image of the galactic center with color-coded position angles of filaments – Northwestern University / SWNS

Astronomers have found hundreds of mysterious filaments pointing towards the Milky Way’s supermassive black hole, which could uncover fresh secrets about the dark abyss at the centre of our galaxy.

The strange horizontal strands are 25,000 light years from Earth and have been likened to spokes spreading out on a wheel.

“It was a surprise to suddenly find a new population of structures that seem to be pointing in the direction of the black hole,” said Professor Farhad Yusef-Zadeh, of Northwestern University.

“I was actually stunned when I saw these. We had to do a lot of work to establish that we weren’t fooling ourselves. And we found that these filaments are not random but appear to be tied to the outflow of our black hole.

“By studying them, we could learn more about the black hole’s spin and accretion disk orientation. It is satisfying when one finds order in a middle of a chaotic field of the nucleus of our galaxy.”

Known as Sagittarius A*, the black hole is a staggering four million times the mass of our Sun.

Positioned radially, the filaments measure less than 10 light years in length and look like the dots and dashes of Morse code, punctuating only one side of Sagittarius A*.

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The new discoveries are being made possible by enhanced technology, particularly from the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory’s (SARAO) MeerKAT telescope.

To uncover the filaments, estimated to be about six million years old, the researchers used a technique to remove the background and smooth the noise from images to isolate them from surrounding structures.

“The new MeerKAT observations have been a game changer,” said Prof. Yusef-Zadeh, lead author of the paper published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters. “The advancement of technology and dedicated observing time have given us new information. It is really a technical achievement from radio astronomers.”

He believes the filaments, pointing radially toward the black hole, appear to be tied to activities in the galactic center.

Diagram of the outflow from Sagittarius A* – Northwestern / SWNS

They appear to emit thermal radiation, accelerating material in a molecular cloud. There are several hundred vertical compared to just a few hundred horizontal.

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The new discovery is filled with unknowns and work to unravel its mysteries has just begun. For now, he can only consider a plausible explanation about the new population’s mechanisms and origins.

“We think they must have originated with some kind of outflow from an activity that happened a few million years ago.

“It seems to be the result of an interaction of that outflowing material with objects near it. Our work is never complete. We always need to make new observations and continually challenge our ideas and tighten up our analysis.”

CHECK OUT: Scientist Finds Saturn Doing Something Never Seen Before in Our Solar System: ‘Hiding in Plain View for 40 Years’

Black holes are formed when a dying star collapses inward under the pressure of its own weight. The pull of gravity is so strong that even light can’t escape. This is what makes them invisible. This leads to a supernova, a star’s extremely powerful explosion.

Supermassive black holes can be billions the size of our sun and astronomers believe they can be found at the centre of all large galaxies.

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Top 5 Tips For Hosting the Perfect Dinner Party

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Good News Network
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Photo by fauxels
Photo by fauxels

Expert Chris Sim, who cooks community meals for more than 2,000 people every year, says hosts need to learn to delegate, not sweat the small stuff and create a meal ‘timeline’.

He honed his expert know-how for putting on a foodie event by volunteering in the UK with FoodCycle for the last six years. The charity aims to reduce food poverty and social isolation with community meals—and Chris transforms surplus food into restaurant-standard meals, inspired by cuisines from around the world.

Much like the contestants on Top Chef, when Chris and his fellow volunteers turn up each Saturday, they have no idea what surplus ingredients they will receive until they enter their community kitchen. They then only have three hours to create three courses for 40-50 guests.

Pre-planning is essential when you cook for a big party. Creating a timeline of preparation can help create a process that should get everything served on time. The timeline could include everything from when the food needs to go into the oven to dressing the table, chopping and food preparation, and chilling the wine.

“When you are preparing food and a lovely occasion for many people, as soon as you relinquish a little bit of control, things tend to run a lot smoother,” said the chef from London, England.

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“From the outset, pull in helpers and give a few tasks for others to own while you can focus on what you’re best at.

Sim’s dinner party advice comes as a new poll of 2,000 adults found 72% of people enjoy hosting dinner parties.

The survey from OnePoll, also asked what qualities make a good host or hostess and 74% believed ‘being welcoming’ was important. Likewise, 64% said ‘being relaxed’ was crucial. Being attentive was most important for over half of respondents.

Not surprisingly, when it comes to hosting a great dinner party, the quality of food is a top trait for 57%.

RELATED: Don’t Forget the Vegans! At Your Next BBQ, Here’s How You Can Easily Shine As a Host

The poll was commissioned by the community dining charity, FoodCycle, which hopes to rally home chefs and dinner party hosts to help meet their target of engaging 10,000 volunteers.

They found that 23% would like to extend their hosting or cooking skills by sharing them with the local community.

“Over the last year, we’ve seen a 59% increase in the number of community meals being served,” said CEO Mary McGrath. “Volunteers Week, which started June 1, presents the perfect time for people to get more involved.”

CHECK OUT: Beyond Carrot Sticks: Serve Great Party Foods That Don’t Pack on Pounds

Chris’s Top Tips for Hosting the Perfect Dinner Party:

  1. Collaboration enables delegation. Pool ideas from different people, then get people to buy into a shared vision for a meal. It will make those helping you more motivated.
  2. Don’t fret about the smallest details – as long as it’s done with love and care, your guests will appreciate it.
  3. Pre-planning is key when you have many mouths to feed. Creating a timeline of prep can help to create a smooth process to getting everything served on time.
  4. Utilize ideas from your travels or family and friends from other parts of the world. Try to remember a dish, flavor combination, or ingredient that made your vacation that little bit more memorable.
  5. Try to smile, relax, and even have a laugh during the process. You’re more likely to enjoy cooking, which will translate into a more memorable event.

Memories Came Flooding Back When Dementia Patient Gets to Relive his Career in a 1960s Ambulance and Uniform

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Good News Network
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SWNS
SWNS

A 98-year-old dementia patient and veteran of World War II got to relive his career by riding in a retro ambulance and donning the old uniform—which opened the floodgates of precious memories.

Albert Gibbs, who worked on ambulances in London for a quarter-century, was visited by two paramedics in a 1960s ambulance, wearing familiar gray uniforms—just like the ones he used.

They were dispatched to a care home in Essex where Gibbs lives, so the great-grandfather could relive his days as a medic.

Paramedics Craig Henty and Terence Thomson drove up in an original 1967 Morris Wadhams ambulance, complete with period uniforms, that instantly took Gibbs right back to the old days when he was based in East London.

“I wore the same uniform and the same hat,” he exclaimed, as his memories sparked details.

“I recognize your badge. It’s from the north-east sector, where I used to work. I was stationed at Ilford, but sometimes also worked in Romford.”

He also recalled some important moments from his 25-year career, saying, “I delivered five babies and saved a person who fell under a train.

Elaine Dettmar, Gibbs’ daughter, said: “That was a huge part of my dad’s life – it was moving to help him relive it.

“As he talked and engaged, more memories were coming out.” (See short video below…)

Before visiting, Craig and Terence researched the archives from Albert’s time at the Service through its Historic Collection and traced thank you letters from patients that Albert had cared for and photos, too.

 

The head nurse at the Elizabeth House Care Home, Tracy McGuinness, said many dementia sufferers can benefit from visual and sensory cues to stimulate their brain and trigger memories of their lives—which keeps their brain engaged and can reduce cognitive decline.

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The pictures included images from a work holiday that Albert organized to Spain.

“I had a holiday club that people called ‘Gibbs Tours’, and I once arranged a weekend in Benidorm and got 43 people to go, including ambulance workers, nurses, doctors, and their families,” he said.

Gibbs also had a cheeky, mischievous side.

“I had a good time and a lot of laughs at the service, especially when I rang the ambulance bell on the Woolwich ferry.

“We weren’t allowed to do that, but I did it once and then sped down the ferry. It got me into some trouble.”

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He became a medic in 1965 and joined a new London-wide service that was formed when nine existing ambulance corps merged, uniting nearly 1,000 vehicles and 2,500 staff. Known today as ‘London Ambulance Service’, it is the busiest emergency ambulance service in the world.

Craig Henty, London Ambulance Service paramedic and head of Historic Collections, said: “I sat with Albert in the back of the ambulance for a chat and it felt as if we had just finished a job together.

“His mannerism and familiarity with the vehicle are classic of someone who works in an ambulance. He even rested his feet on the rail in front of him and that’s exactly what an ambulance crew would do.

RELATED: Dementia Cases Have Declined by 13% in US and Europe Every Decade Since 1988, Researchers Found

“I was amazed to see that the experience brought him right back.”

You can donate to the Historic Collection—which includes horse carriages and blitz ambulances from the Second World War, and is maintained entirely by volunteers—by visiting their website. The uniforms and vehicles are available for hire to film/TV crews, weddings, funerals, and other events.

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It’s June! Your Inspiring Weekly Horoscope From Rob Brezsny: A ‘Free Will Astrology’

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Good News Network
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Our partner Rob Brezsny provides his weekly wisdom to enlighten our thinking and motivate our mood. Rob’s Free Will Astrology, is a syndicated weekly column appearing in over a hundred publications. He is also the author of Pronoia Is the Antidote for Paranoia: How All of Creation Is Conspiring To Shower You with Blessings. (A free preview of the book is available here.)

Here is your weekly horoscope…

FREE WILL ASTROLOGY – Week of June 3, 2023
Copyright by Rob Brezsny, FreeWillAstrology.com

GEMINI (May 21-June 20):
I am weary of gurus who tell us the ego is bad and must be shamed. In my view, we need a strong and healthy ego to fuel our quest for meaning. In that spirit and in accordance with astrological omens, I designate June as Celebrate Your Ego Month for you Geminis. You have a mandate to unabashedly embrace the beauty of your unique self. I hope you will celebrate and flaunt your special gifts. I hope you will honor your distinctive desires as the treasures they are. You are authorized to brag more than usual!

CANCER (June 21-July 22):
One study reveals that British people own a significant amount of clothing they never wear. Other research suggests that the average American woman has over a hundred items of clothing but considers just 10 percent of them to be “wearable.” If your relationship to your wardrobe is similar, Cancerian, it’s a favorable time to cull unused, unliked, and unsuitable stuff. You would also benefit from a comparable approach to other areas of your life. Get rid of possessions, influences, and ideas that take up space but serve no important purpose and are no longer aligned with who you really are.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22):
In July 1969, Leo astronaut Neil Armstrong was the first human to walk on the moon. But he almost missed his chance. Years earlier, his original application to become part of NASA’s space exploration team arrived a week past the deadline. But Armstrong’s buddy, Dick Day, who worked at NASA, sneaked it into the pile of applications that had come in time. I foresee the possibility of you receiving comparable assistance, Leo. Tell your friends and allies to be alert for ways they might be able to help you with either straightforward or surreptitious moves.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22):
Great shearwaters are birds that travel a lot, covering 13,000 miles every year. From January to March, they breed in the South Atlantic Ocean, about halfway between Africa and South America. Around May, they fly west for a while and then head north, many of them as far as Canada and Greenland. When August comes, they head east to Europe, and later they migrate south along the coast of Africa to return to their breeding grounds. I am tempted to make this globetrotting bird your spirit creature for the next 12 months. You may be more inclined than ever before to go on journeys, and I expect you will be well rewarded for your journeys. At the very least, I hope you will enjoy mind-opening voyages in your imagination.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22):
One of the central myths of Western culture is the Holy Grail. For over 800 years, storytellers have spun legends about the search for a precious chalice with magical qualities, including the power to heal and offer eternal youth. Sober scholars are more likely to say that the Holy Grail isn’t an actual physical object hidden away in a cave or catacomb, but a symbol of a spiritual awakening or an enlightening epiphany. For the purposes of your horoscope, I’m going to focus on the latter interpretation. I suspect you are gearing up for an encounter with a Holy Grail. Be alert! The revelations and insights and breakthroughs could come when you least expect them.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21):
June is Dare to Diminish Your Pain Month for you Scorpios. I hope you will aggressively pursue measures to alleviate discomfort and suffering. To address the physical variety, how about acupuncture or massage? Or supplements like boswellia, turmeric, devil’s claw root, white willow bark, and omega-3 fatty acids? Other ideas: sunshine, heating pad, warm baths with Epsom salts, restorative sleep, and exercise that simulates natural endorphins. Please be equally dynamic in treating your emotional and spiritual pain, dear Scorpio. Solicit the help of empathetic friends. Pray and meditate. Seek out in activities that make you laugh.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21):
A hungry humpback whale can hold more than 15,000 gallons of water in its mouth at once—enough to fill 400 bathtubs. In a funny way, their ability reminds me of you right now. You, too, have a huge capacity for whatever you feel like absorbing and engaging with. But I suggest you choose carefully what you want to absorb and engage with. Be open and receptive to only the most high-quality stuff that will enrich your life and provide a lot of fun. Don’t get filled up with trivia and nonsense and dross.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19):
Funny story: A renowned Hollywood movie mogul was overheard at a dinner party regaling an aspiring actor with a long monologue about his achievements. The actor couldn’t get in a word edgewise. Finally, the mogul paused and said, “Well, enough about me. What do you think of me?” If I had been in the actor’s place, I might have said, “You, sir, are an insufferable, grandiose, and boring narcissist who pathologically overestimates your own importance and has zero emotional intelligence.” The only downside to speaking my mind like that would be that the mogul might ruin my hopes of having a career in the movie business. In the coming weeks, Capricorn, I hope you will consistently find a middle ground between telling the brazen truth to those who need to hear it and protecting your precious goals and well-being.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18):
When faced with important decisions, most of us benefit from calling on all forms of intelligence. Simply consulting our analytical mind is not sufficient. Nor is checking in with only our deep feelings. Even drawing from our spunky intuition alone is not adequate. We are most likely to get practical clarity if we access the guidance of our analytical mind, gut feelings, and sparkly intuition. This is always true, but it’s extra relevant now. You need to get the full blessing of the synergistic blend. PS: Ask your body to give you a few hints, too!

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20):
Has your intuition been nudging you to revise and refine your sense of home? Have you been reorganizing the domestic vibes and bolstering your stability? I hope so. That’s what the cosmic rhythms are inviting you to do. If you have indeed responded to the call, congratulations. Buy yourself a nice homecoming present. But if you have resisted the flow of life’s guidance, please take corrective measures. Maybe start by reorganizing the décor and furniture. Clean up festering messes. Say sweet things to your housemates and family members. Manage issues that may be restricting your love of home.

ARIES (March 21-April 19):
History tells us that Albert Einstein was a brilliant genius. After his death, the brain of the pioneer physicist was saved and studied for years in the hope of analyzing the secrets of why it produced so many great ideas. Science writer Stephen Jay Gould provided a different perspective. He said, “I am less interested in the weight and convolutions of Einstein’s brain than in the near certainty that people of equal talent have lived and died in cotton fields and sweatshops.” I bring this to your attention, Aries, in the hope it will inspire you to pay closer attention to the unsung and underappreciated elements of your own life—both in yourself and the people around you.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20):
Human life sometimes features sudden reversals of fortune that may seem almost miraculous. A twist in my own destiny is an example. As an adult, I was indigent for 18 years—the most starving artist of all the starving artists I have ever known. Then, in the course of a few months, all the years I had devoted to improving my craft as a writer paid off spectacularly. My horoscope column got widely syndicated, and I began to earn a decent wage. I predict a comparable turn of events for you in the coming months, Taurus—not necessarily in your finances, but in a pivotal area of your life.

WANT MORE? Listen to Rob’s EXPANDED AUDIO HOROSCOPES, 4-5 minute meditations on the current state of your destiny — or subscribe to his unique daily text message service at: RealAstrology.com

(Zodiac images by Numerologysign.com, CC license)

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“The future belongs to those who see possibilities before they become obvious.” – John Sculley

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Good News Network
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Quote of the Day: “The future belongs to those who see possibilities before they become obvious.” – John Sculley

Photo by: Mohamed Nohassi

With a new inspirational quote every day, atop the perfect photo—collected and archived on our Quotes page—why not bookmark GNN.org for a daily uplift?

Cheap New Smartphone App Monitors Blood Pressure–Through Your Fingertips

By
Andy Corbley
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Wang et al. - via swns
Wang et al. – via swns

A smartphone app has been developed that monitors blood pressure by using a simple and cheap 3D-printed plastic attachment that clips in front of the camera flash.

High blood pressure is an underlying trigger for many of the world’s deadliest medical conditions, and the new device, which could cost as little as 10 cents, could help make regular checks more easy, affordable, and accessible.

A key advantage is it avoids the problems of blood pressure cuffs. Using one that is too large or small, or using one incorrectly, can give inaccurate readings and thus a false sense of security, or of alarm.

A paper describing the invention was recently published in Scientific Reports, and the next steps would include making the technology more user-friendly, especially for older adults, testing its accuracy across different skin tones, and creating a more universal design.

“Because of their low cost, these clips could be handed out to anyone who needs them but cannot go to a clinic regularly,” said senior author Professor Edward Wang, director of the UC San Diego’s Digital Health Lab.

“A blood pressure monitoring clip could be given to you at your checkup, much like how you get a pack of floss and toothbrush at your dental visit.”

To measure blood pressure, the user simply presses the clip. A customized app guides them on how hard and long to push during the measurement.

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The clip features an optical design similar to that of a pinhole camera. The smartphone’s flash lights up the user’s fingertip. It’s then projected as an image of a red circle.

By looking at the size of the circle, the app can measure the amount of pressure the fingertip applies, while the brightness of the circle depicts the volume of blood going in and out, and an algorithm converts this information into systolic and diastolic blood pressure numbers.

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“Using a standard blood pressure cuff can be awkward to put on correctly, and this solution has the potential to make it easier for older adults to self-monitor blood pressure,” said co-author Dr. Alison Moore, a geriatrician at the UC San Diego School of Medicine.

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