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Business Savvy 9-Year-old Sells Out of Cookies by Taking Advantage of Canada’s First Cannabis Sales

By
McKinley Corbley
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This clever young entrepreneur managed to sell out of cookies in less than 45 minutes thanks to an exciting new business opportunity in Canada.

Earlier this week, Canada became the second nation in the world to legalize recreational marijuana – and as dozens of people lined up outside of cannabis dispensaries to celebrate the historic day, 9-year-old Elina Childs took advantage of the occasion to sell her Girl Guide cookies.

Elina, who is a Girl Guide from Edmonton, Alberta, says that she has never had as much luck with trying to sell her cookies by going door-to-door, since people are not often home when she knocks. Additionally, she was once bitten by a homeowner’s dog.

When she was peddling her sweet treats to the customers of Nova Cannabis, however, she said that there were people of all ages, races, genders, and styles waiting in line – and all of them were equally as welcoming of the little entrepreneur.

LOOK: Stoners on Social Media Are Mobilizing a Massive Litter Clean-Up Initiative

In less than an hour, Elina was able to sell all 30 boxes of cookies, which garnered $120 for the Girl Guides.

“Everybody we met was incredibly friendly, it was a great atmosphere and there was not a single thing going on in that line that I saw that I would just say, ‘Oh, my god, I need to shield your eyes from this,’” Elina’s dad Seann told CBC.

“Everybody was respectful, everybody was happy, and she walked away from it as this incredibly positive experience as well as selling out all her Brownie cookies. She can go and be happy that she’d done that and help support the Guides too.”

Give Your Friends The Munchies For More Good News: Share This Sweet Story To Social Media – Photo by Seann Childs

Five Tips On How You Can Help the Homeless This Winter

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Good News Network
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While estimates vary, experts place the number of homeless in the United States somewhere near 550,000; a number that is tough to calculate because there tend to be the more permanently homeless – those who we see on the streets or living in the woods – and those who can be seen as transitionally or temporarily homeless: they’ve lost housing until a new job kicks in, or they’re moving from one neighbor or relative to another.

In any case, these people will soon have to make it through the cold, snow, and sleet that will arrive with the upcoming winter months.

I have been serving the homeless for ten years. During that time, I’ve seen the toll that the chill of winter takes on every single one of these people. I’m often asked “what can I do to help?” by people who are moved by these stories of homelessness.

It’s a complicated problem, with no one-size fits all solution – but there are ways you can start helping the homeless this winter, right in your own community. Here are a few tips to get you started:

1. Learn About Local Organizations Addressing Hunger. Simply Googling “homelessness” in your area can lead you to government and nonprofit organizations addressing the problem. In most instances, volunteers are warmly welcomed. It’s a great way to see specifically what these groups do and which ones are a good match for the skills that you bring to the table. Do you want to help by bringing meals and serving at a shelter? Can you give someone a ride to a healthcare provider? Do you have clothes or other items to donate that can be particularly useful during the winter? See what the needs are, and where you can step in, and then get started.

RELATED: Photos of 75-Year-Old Volunteer Napping With Cats Hauls in Funds to Run Sanctuary for a Year

2. Bring the Homelessness Issue to the Attention of your Place of Worship. Often government agencies and nonprofits don’t have the resources to address all aspects of homelessness. They need help and I’ve seen the meaningful contributions that faith-based groups can make. Most believers are inclined to help when told how. Sometimes, they figure it out on their own. I’m often asked things like “can you use some clothes, some food, some bus tokens?” People want to get involved. In addition to ongoing programs, our church started giving propane tanks (the kind you use for charcoal grills) to those living in the woods to provide heat and gas for cooking.

3. Be Prepared to Speak with Homeless People. If you have the opportunity to serve at a shelter, for example, introduce yourself and engage in a conversation with someone who’s homeless. Often, it’s one event – losing a job, prolonged illness, divorce, or some combination that begins the downward spiral to homelessness. It’s so important to them to be seen as an individual; to be accorded respect. It doesn’t have to be anything deep; take your cue from them. Sometimes, you can help by being nothing more than a good listener. Similarly, finding someone outside of a fast food restaurant asking for some money might give you the opportunity to provide them with an extra dimension of warmth during the cold and buy them a meal to show them some kindness. Some situations might be intimidating; use your common sense, but know too that sometimes if we’re going to make a difference, we’ve got to venture outside our comfort zone.

4. Stay Abreast of What the Government is Doing to Help the Homeless. Federal, state, and local governments budget for social services for those in need with your taxes – and you elect the officials who determine where budget money goes. Keep informed and let them know you’re concerned about programs for the homeless receiving the resources needed.

LOOK: When School Places Ad For Male Mentors, They’re Overwhelmed by ‘Volunteer Dad’ Responses

5. Recognize that The Problem Won’t be Solved Overnight. Working with the homeless and extending kindness to help those not as fortunate can be a rewarding experience. However, it can be frustrating as well. Longstanding problems, including substance abuse, emotional issues, and criminal records are not uncommon among the homeless. But as I mentioned earlier, there is not a one-size-fits-all solution to helping the homeless. Some are very appreciative of the support they receive, others not so much so. Some really want to extricate themselves from the woods and streets, while others may not be as committed. There’s not one person or one group that is going to end homelessness. It’s going to take a lot of us, each doing what we can, committed to the long haul.

So, if you encounter those in need, before passing by and thinking someone else must be taking care of the problem, recognize that this might not be the case. Take that first step, see if there is a need going unfulfilled, and see what you can do. Even if there is a dedicated person who is helping out, I know they would welcome your support.

For the last six of those years, Rich Garon served as Chief-of-Staff for the Committee on International Relations, U.S. House of Representatives. He is a member of the Serve (Outreach and Mission) Committee in Woodbridge, Virginia and he coordinates the homeless ministry, with an emphasis on those living in the woods. All proceeds from the sale of Garon’s new novel, “Lee Fitts”, released in February 2019, will go to the Bill Mehr Drop-In Center for the homeless in his local community.

Get Engaged: Be Sure And Share These Tips With Your Friends By Sharing To Social Media – Photo by Gilbert Mercier, CC

“Life is fundamentally a matter of growing. Missing the mark is one of the ways in which we learn to hit the target. Failure is a vital part of achieving success.” – Eric Butterworth

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Good News Network
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Quote of the Day:  “Life is fundamentally a matter of growing. Missing the mark is one of the ways in which we learn to hit the target. Failure is a vital part of achieving success.” – Eric Butterworth

Photo: by Vassilis, CC license

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?

New ‘Talking Tables’ Cafes Are Designed for People Who Want to Talk to Strangers

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Good News Network
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As a means of combatting loneliness, a major grocery chain is launching a string of new meeting places that will encourage people to talk to strangers.

20 different Sainsbury’s supermarkets across the UK are offering “Talking Tables”, a pilot program for their cafés.

The tables will serve as meeting places for people who may need human connection or conversation.

According to the supermarket, the tables will either have a sign that will identify itself as an meeting place for interested participants, or it will serve as a designated spot for charity-led community support groups and social ambassadors to host scheduled talks and activities.

RELATED: Nonprofit Lifts Spirits of Lonely Seniors, Logging More Than 1 Million Phone Calls

It comes as new research from Sainsbury’s latest Living Well Index, developed in partnership with leading researchers Oxford Economics and the National Centre for Social Research, reveals the UK’s sense of wellbeing has fallen in the past twelve months – with loneliness identified as a key characteristic of those with a low sense of wellbeing.

“We know from our Living Well Index that community connections are a key driver of helping people to live well. Yet with almost two thirds of us feeling lonely some of the time, it’s important that we contribute to helping to improve the lives of our customers and communities,” says Judith Batchelar, Director of the Sainsbury’s Brand.

MORE: Doctors Can Now Prescribe Social Activities for Lonely Seniors – and Mailmen Will Help Out Too

“We hope that by bringing people together at our Talking Tables, we can utilize the potential of our store-space to help people be better connected to the communities they live and work in,” she adds.

So jaunt over to Sainsbury’s from October through December and show whose got game.

Be Sure And Share The News With Your Own Friends On Social Media – Photo by Sainsbury’s

World’s Oldest Barber, Still Masterfully Cutting Hair At 107, Shares Secrets For Longevity

By
McKinley Corbley
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Anthony Mancinelli may be a staggering 107 years old, but he is still working full-time as a barber – the same way that he has been doing it for the last 96 years.

Mancinelli dropped out of high school to become a full-time barber at the tender age of 11. When he turned 96, Guinness World Records named him the world’s oldest barber. Over a decade later, he is still going strong.

His secrets to longevity are simple. He has never drank or smoked very heavily. He says that he has never exercised much. He does, however, outlast many of his younger friends by standing on his feet for eight hours a day, five days per week.

He still has a full head of (white) hair along with all of his teeth; his hands are still steady on a pair of clippers; and he takes no daily medication. He also says that he only eats thin spaghetti so he doesn’t “get fat.”

LOOK: Traveling Baby Daughter is About to Own a World Record at 5 Months Old – and the Pictures Are Adorable

“I only go to the doctor because people tell me to, but even he can’t understand it,” Mancinelli told The New York Times. “I tell him I have no aches, no pains, no nothing. Nothing hurts me.”

Mancinelli’s customers and co-workers have constantly expressed their adoration for the centenarian, along with the tourists and celebrities who flock to the Fantastic Cuts salon in New Windsor, New York from all over the world to get a haircut from the world’s oldest barber.

WATCH: This 10-Year-old Boy Just Beat Michael Phelps’s Most Enduring Swimming Record

His 81-year-old son Bob told the Times: “Some of his older customers, he helps them in the chair. He’ll say to an 80-year-old guy, ‘Listen, when you get to be my age. …’ They love hearing that.”

Mancinelli says that he doesn’t plan on retiring any time soon, either – so he will continue to serve as an example of living strong in the golden years.

(WATCH the interview below) – Photo by Inside Edition

Cut Negativity Out Of Your Life: Spread The Good News By Sharing It To Social Media

“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.” – Helen Keller

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Good News Network
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Quote of the Day:  “Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.” – Helen Keller

Photo: by Tim Haynes, CC license

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?

New ‘Good News’ Book Coming This December: Help Us Choose a Title! (Quick Poll)

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Good News Network
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Hey folks. Great news: We are publishing our first book to mark the 20th anniversary of Good News Network, a little edition featuring my favorite 20 stories from 20 years.

We’ve narrowed down the title options but would love to have your input.

I made a google form with multiple choices and a place for commenting. I hope you’ll choose your favorite. You can use the form directly on google, too.

When Mom Became Too Overwhelmed by Fussy Toddler at Dinner, Waitress Comes to the Rescue

By
McKinley Corbley
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This waitress’s act of kindness is a perfect example of how the smallest good deeds can have the biggest impact on people.

Courtney Ruth Pedigo has been praising her Olive Garden waitress after the woman came to her rescue during dinner last month.

Pedigo had been getting ready to enjoy a meal with her father, stepmother, and her 18-month-old daughter Harlynn when the toddler started to get fussy. When the youngster continued to spend the dinner trying to escape from her mother’s lap and causing a ruckus, Pedigo admitted to feeling pretty overwhelmed.

“She did everything but sit in her high chair and eat her dinner like I picture in my dreams,” says the exasperated mother.

LOOK: When 92-year-old Woman Orders Food Straight From Delivery Guy, He Obliges and Helps Her Out

Pedigo then approached her server, Nianni Rudder, and asked if she could get her food in a to-go box so she could eat it in her car with Harlynn.

To Pedigo’s surprise, Rudder firmly said no.

“No, she’s not bothering anybody,” Rudder told Pedigo as she recalled to CBS News. “You’re going to go over there, you’re going to enjoy your dinner with your family, and I’m going to be over there in a second.”

WATCH: Employee Lets Autistic Teen Stock the Shelves; Video Goes Viral and Strangers Give Him $120K

True to her word, Rudder returned minutes later with a bowl of vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce. As Pedigo finally go to dig into her meal – which she gleefully emphasized was “still hot” – the waitress spoon-fed ice cream to the toddler. She even wiped down Harlynn’s mouth and hands with a napkin whenever she made a mess.

The family chatted with Rudder throughout dinner, and they were stunned to hear that in addition to being a waitress, she was also going to school full-time to become an anesthesiologist. On top of that, she had been recovering from the recent death of her mother.

Pedigo was so moved by the woman’s compassionate and determined personality, she made a Facebook post to publicly thank her for her kindness.

LOOK: Walmart Cashier Steps In When Nail Salon Refuses Woman in Wheelchair

“Girl, you will never truly know how appreciative I am for tonight,” wrote Pedigo. “I seriously admire you, not only because you took the time to bribe my bratty little human with sweets so I could eat, but because you are so so strong! I know your mom is looking down from Heaven with the BIGGEST smile [because she is] so incredibly proud of the woman you are.

“I aspire to be the go-getter you are, and like I told my dad on our way home, it has to take someone with a strong heart and mind to do what you do because I know I couldn’t! Thank you for your amazing service and for being so kind to us all!”

Be Sure And Share This Inspiring Story Of Kindness With Your Friends On Social Media – Photo by Courtney Ruth Pedigo

Pharmacist Changes State Law to Put Expensive Chemo Drugs in the Hands of the Poor and Uninsured

By
McKinley Corbley
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A pharmacist’s 3-year campaign has finally achieved its goal of allowing people to donate their expensive unused medications to individuals who can’t afford them.

Though there are programs across the country that allow hospitals and health care facilities to accept donated medications, this will be the first piece of statewide legislation that will allow individuals to donate unused medication, excluding controlled substances.

The medication must be unexpired and in its original packaging in order to be donated. For now, the program will only be accepting up to 30 different kinds of medications, most of which will be oral chemotherapy drugs and medications for transplant patients – but legislators hope to expand the program to include more medications as the program grows.

The initiative has reportedly come to fruition thanks to the efforts of Phil Baker, the founder of Good Shepherd Pharmacy. Over the course of the last three years, his nonprofit pharmacy has specialized in putting costly medications that are donated by manufacturers into the hands of low-income or uninsured people for free or dramatically reduced prices.

RELATED: Acupuncture Could Be a Non-Pharmaceutical Source of Pain Relief for Those Resisting Opioids

“All the new chemos are coming out as pills, but they cost $30,000 and up for a one-month supply,” Baker told the Daily Memphian. “Most patients can’t afford them and half are getting thrown away.”

The charity has been serving over 2,500 poor Tennesseans from their location in Memphis by salvaging over $10 million worth of prescription drugs from ending up in the trash.

Baker’s success with the charity then spurred him to work with the Department of Health and the Board of Pharmacy to create a framework for the repository program.

CHECK OUT: Hospitals Slam the Industry by Creating Their Own Nonprofit Drug Company, Hitting the Market in 2019

“I would have people come in with a bag of medicine and say, ‘My grandpa was on hospice. Now, I have all this medicine. Can you give it to poor people?’” Baker told the Memphian. “I looked into it and it was illegal, so I sketched out what the law should look like.”

According to the news outlet, the legislation received the stamp of approval from the Department of Health and Human Services last week. Baker says that he hopes to start distributing the donated medications by January 1st.

If you’d like to register as a prospective medication donor or join the wait list as a recipient, you can visit the program’s website.

Cure Your Friends Of Negativity By Sharing The Good News To Social Media – Photo by Good Shepherd Pharmacy

“People often say to me, ‘Motivation is great but it doesn’t last.’ I just tell them bathing doesn’t last either, that’s why I recommend it daily.” – Zig Ziglar

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Good News Network
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Quote of the Day:  “People often say to me, ‘Motivation is great but it doesn’t last.’ I just tell them bathing doesn’t last either, that’s why I recommend it daily.” – Zig Ziglar

Photo: by Dave Heuts, CC license

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?

Mystery Man Donates $131,000 So That Sick UK Boy Can Get the Rare Cancer Treatment He Needs in USA

By
McKinley Corbley
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People from around the world have been so moved to help a sick boy from the UK, an anonymous donor has just contributed thousands of dollars to get him the treatment that he needs in the United States.

For the last month, money has been pouring in for 4-year-old Zac Oliver. The youngster has been fighting an extremely rare form of leukemia that only affects about 200 people in the world.

Though he has been undergoing treatment in Telford, England, the chemotherapy sessions only guarantee him less than 25% chance of survival.

The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, however, offers a specialized kind of therapy that could raise his chances of survival up to 80%.

RELATED: ‘Kate Winslet Saved My Life’—Now Cancer-Free, Young Mom Can Raise Her Baby, Thanks to Kate and DiCaprio

The cost of flying Zac and his family to the USA, as well as paying for the treatment and visas, came with a whopping price tag of $656,000 (£500,000).

The youngster’s parents, Mark Garbett and Hannah Oliver-Willets, broadcasted news of their plight across dozens of social media platforms, news outlets, and local communities – and thousands of people responded.

Over $184,000 (£140,648) was raised on Zac’s crowdfunding page, a third of which was reportedly donated by X-Factor television show host Simon Cowell. Zac’s hometown of Telford held an entire festival to raise money for his treatment. A local 13-year-old boy hoped to raise money for the cause by auctioning off an autographed football jersey – but the winning bidder was so moved by the teen’s motivation, he ended up donating the money and letting him keep the shirt.

CHECK OUT: Toddler Wakes Up Right When Parents Agree to Remove Life Support, Doctors Call it Easter Miracle

The family finally reached their financial goal earlier this week when a mystery donor saw an article in the Daily Mail about Zac’s journey. Though the man requested that his identity be kept anonymous, he contributed the final $131,000 necessary to fly the boy to America for his treatment.

“It was a big shock to find out somebody had come forward pledging that amount of money,” Garbett told The Daily Mail.

“It’s fantastic, we can’t thank this man enough. We have been working around the clock fundraising for the last month, but Zac’s story being reported nationally has proved crucial.”

MORE: Lung Cancer Patient Given a Year to Live is in Remission Thanks to Cuban Vaccine

“Some people are just born special with a desire to help others,” Zac’s mother said of the “amazing” benefactor.

“They have given us a massive gift – the gift of life for Zac, hopefully,” she added. “But so did everybody else who helped us – the children who emptied their moneyboxes or sold their flapjacks at school cake sales.”

Once all of the donations are processed, Zac and his family will be flying to America in one month. Until then, he will be recovering from a final round of chemotherapy at the Princess Royal Hospital. His parents have added that any money leftover from the trip will be donated to help other sick children in need.

(WATCH Simon Cowell’s call to action below) – Photo by Mark Garbett

Be Sure And Share This Inspiring Piece Of News With Your Friends

Indian Region Just Won Top UN Prize for Being World’s First 100% Organic State With 66,000 Farmers

By
McKinley Corbley
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This small region in India has just won a top UN prize for becoming the world’s first fully organic state.

The northeastern region of Sikkim achieved the groundbreaking milestone after it successfully managed to educate and convert all 66,000 of its farmers to sustainable agricultural practices.

In addition to educating their farmers on organic farming, the state’s policy implemented a phase-out of chemical fertilizers and pesticides and a total ban on sale and use of chemical pesticides.

Sikkim first began its journey towards receiving organic certification across the state in 2003. Though it reached its goal in 2015, it just received the 2018 Future Policy Award earlier this week.

RELATED: Student Proves We Can Grow Millions of Pounds of Food By Planting it on Top of Trash

Dubbed the “Oscar for best policy,” the gold prize is given to the most promising national scheme that shows hope for improving global industries. In the past, the competition has focused on nuclear energy, pollution, and domestic violence.

This year’s prize, which was awarded for the best policies promoting acroecology, was orchestrated by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the World Future Council (WFC).

Sikkim’s astonishingly effective green policy managed to beat 51 other nominations from 21 different nations.

MORE: High School Student’s Ingenious Solution Could Save Bees From Drinking Poisonous Water

In addition to proving that “100% organic is no longer a pipe dream,” Sikkim has displayed just how sustainable farming can provide a host of socioeconomic benefits in health, education, rural development, and even tourism. Between 2014 and 2017 alone, the state benefited from a 50% increase in tourism.

“By scaling up agroecology, it is possible to tackle malnutrition, social injustice, climate change, and loss of biodiversity. Through effective, holistic policymaking, we can transform our food systems so that they respect people and planet,” says Alexandra Wandel, director of the WFC.

“Policymakers across the globe should follow their example and step up similar exemplary political action!” she added.

(WATCH the video below) – Representative photo by Ananth BS, CC

Plant Some Positivity Amongst Your Friends: Share The Good News To Social Media

When Diets Don’t Work, Try Time-Restricted Eating – It’s Not All About Counting Calories

By
Andy Corbley
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The Lesson: While there is no clear consensus on how effective diets can be at keeping off weight (some publications suggest it’s as bad as 95%), it’s not unusual to see people approach dieting with a degree of hopelessness. But here, Dr. Satchin Panda outlines a strategy which could prove far more effective for everyone’s long-term health – and it’s not about counting calories, cutting out the cheesecake, or anything like that. It’s about time-restricted eating: limiting the period of food consumption during the day to coincide with your circadian clocks, as well as giving your metabolism time to recover and your cells time to rebuild.

Over the course of his studies, Dr. Panda has observed a variety of positive results from when people have used the time-restricted eating strategy, including the reduction of symptoms related to autoimmune diseases like irritable bowel syndrome and multiple sclerosis.

Notable Excerpt: “So what we see in our study, a small study that was published, and also some of the other studies that may be in the pipeline, is that when people adopt a time-restricted feeding in their regular life – in real life, not in the laboratory condition or in clinical trials – then they naturally reduce their caloric intake without even counting calories. So, for example, when they stop, suppose their target to stop is around 6:00, 7:00, or 8:00 in the evening, then the late night snacks and then the late night glass of wine or beer that used to be their usual habit, they stop that. So in that way, they’re doing two things: one is reducing calories and [the other is] improving nutrition quality because that extra energy-dense diet is not getting into their system.”

The Host: Ronda Patrick has a Ph.D. in biomedical studies from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, and Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis. In addition to being the podcast host of Found My Fitness, she is also new mother and researcher who eagerly engages the public in regards to the long-term effects of clinical nutrition as it relates to health and aging, cold and hot exposure therapy, the gut microbiome, exercise physiology, and other topics concerning functional medicine.

The Guest: Dr. Satchin Panda is a professor at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in La Jolla, California where he studies circadian biology. He has published multiple peer-reviewed studies on many different topics related to our internal circadian clocks, which can be found on his profile at the Salk Institute’s website. Additionally, Dr. Panda is the author of “The Circadian Code”, a guide to losing weight and “transforming your health from morning to midnight.”

The Podcast: Found My Fitness is available on iTunes and YouTube.

(LISTEN to the inspiring talk below)

Good Advice? SHARE It – Or Check Out More On Our Good Talks Page…

Cops Find Stolen Krispy Kreme Van And Give Away the Cargo’s Goodies to Hungry Homeless

By
McKinley Corbley
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Most people are familiar with the stereotype about police officers having an affinity for donuts, and these cops are no exception.

They are, however, very careful to share their treats with the homeless as well.

A Krispy Kreme donut van was reported stolen from its location in Lake City, Florida on Tuesday morning. Later in the day, police officers found the van 193 miles (310 kilometers) away in Clearwater.

RELATED: After Serving 3 Million Meals in Puerto Rico, Chef Travels Ahead of Hurricane Florence to Feed Even More

The store manager of the van’s branch offered up the donuts to the police force as a thank you for recovering the stolen vehicle.

Though the cops kept a few of the pastries for a snack, they gave the rest of the van’s entire cargo to Clearwater’s homeless population.

“There were dozens of delicious donuts on board the stolen van that the store manager gave to the police officers,” said the Clearwater Police Department in a Facebook post. “The officers saved a few donuts to enjoy later and donated the rest to the homeless feeding that takes place adjacent to the police station each night.”

Be Sure And Share The Sweet Story With Your Friends On Social Media – Photos by Clearwater Police Department

“The fragrance always stays in the hand that gives the rose.” – Hada Bejar

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Good News Network
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Rose, GNN

Quote of the Day:  “The fragrance always stays in the hand that gives the rose.” – Hada Bejar

Photo: by GWC

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?

Ultra-Light Gloves Let Users ‘Touch’ Objects in Virtual Reality – and We May Soon Have Entire Suit

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Good News Network
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Engineers and software developers around the world are seeking to create technology that lets users touch, grasp and manipulate virtual objects, while feeling like they are actually touching something in the real world.

Researchers have just made a major step toward this goal with a new glove, which is not only lightweight – under 8 grams (0.3 ounces) per finger – but also provides feedback that is extremely realistic.

The glove is able to generate up to 40 Newtons of holding force on each finger with just 200 Volts and only a few milliWatts of power. It also has the potential to run on a very small battery. That, together with the glove’s low form factor (only 2 mm thick), translates into an unprecedented level of precision and freedom of movement.

“We wanted to develop a lightweight device that – unlike existing virtual-reality gloves – doesn’t require a bulky exoskeleton, pumps or very thick cables,” says Herbert Shea, head of L’Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne’s Soft Transducers Laboratory.

RELATED: Uber Driver Stumbles Into Gift of New Hands For His 11-Year-old Daughter After Picking Up Engineering Student

The scientists’ glove, called DextrES, is made of nylon with thin elastic metal strips running over the fingers. The strips are separated by a thin insulator. When the user’s fingers come into contact with a virtual object, the controller applies a voltage difference between the metal strips causing them to stick together via electrostatic attraction – this produces a braking force that blocks the finger’s or thumb’s movement. Once the voltage is removed, the metal strips glide smoothly and the user can once again move his fingers freely.

For now, the glove is powered by a very thin electrical cable, but thanks to the low voltage and power required, a very small battery could eventually be used instead.

LOOK: Depressed by Cable News Playing in Public Everywhere, He Designed Glasses That Black Out Screens

“The system’s low power requirement is due to the fact that it doesn’t create a movement, but blocks one,” explains Shea.

The next step will be to scale up the device and apply it to other parts of the body using conductive fabric so that the researchers could eventually design an entire suit as well.

“Gamers are currently the biggest market, but there are many other potential applications – especially in healthcare, such as for training surgeons. The technology could also be applied in augmented reality,” says Shea.

Reprinted from L’Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne

(WATCH the glove in action below) – Feature photo by Marc Delachaux / 2018 EPFL

Be Sure And Pass On This Cool Bit Of News To Your Friends On Social Media

After a Family Loss, Woman Finds Healing By Giving Away Pay-It-Forward Ice Cream

By
McKinley Corbley
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For most of the year, Stacey Achterhoff is a teacher for homeless children – but in the summertime, she hops on her tricycle-cart and becomes her sweet alter ego: Mrs. Delicious.

Mrs. Delicious specializes in giving away ice cream that was paid for by someone else. Whenever most people receive a cone courtesy of the colorful ice cream woman, they will immediately reach into their pockets to pay for a treat that will later be given to someone else.

“People want to know that goodness is prevailing over evil, and they want to be a part of that,” Achterhoff told KARE 11.

For the last three summers, Mrs. Delicious has made a name for herself in Duluth, Minnesota by giving away hundreds of ice cream cones and popsicles that were bought by community members who want to pay it forward to their neighbors – many of whom want to pay it forward in honor of someone else, much like Achterhoff.

RELATED: When Street Musician Offers His Earnings to Homeless Vets, He is Stunned By How They Pay It Forward

Achterhoff first started dispensing ice cream as a means of bringing joy to people after the death of her 91-year-old great aunt in 2009.

“I’m a person of faith, and what do you do when terrible things happen? You have to figure out where the light is,” she said.

LOOK: When Widow Carries On Husband’s Kind Tradition of Filling a Cooler, People Pay It Forward

Then, three years ago, she was approached by a man who bought some of her ice cream cones and then immediately told her to give them away to other people.

She wrote about the encounter on her Facebook page, and upon seeing how many people were inspired by the compassionate gesture, she began the pay-it-forward model – and it has continued to make her city a little bit brighter one sweet treat at a time.

(WATCH the video below) – Photo by KARE 11

Pay This Sweet Story Forward To Your Friends By Sharing To Social Media

Denmark May Begin Labeling Food According to Its Effect on Climate Change

By
McKinley Corbley
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The government of Denmark may soon require grocery stores and packaging manufacturers to grade foods based on their environmental impact.

The ambitious initiative would calculate the grade based on the amount of transportation the product required to reach the shelves, as well as how much water was used to make the product, which pesticides were used on its exterior, the environmental impact of the packaging, and the amount of greenhouse gas emissions that were created as a byproduct of the food.

Legislators admit that the task will be difficult based on the challenge of grading the products in contrast with their nutritious content as well.

Ideally, the labels would encourage consumers to shop more responsibly and urge food companies to use more sustainable practices for their products.

RELATED: When Blueberries and Grapes Are Combined, a Dramatic Decline in Memory Loss and Aging – Study

The Danish Agriculture and Food Council has reportedly been working with the European Union for the last ten years to develop an efficient labeling system, although lawmakers finally offered a formal proposal for the labeling system last week.

“Our goal is to develop an accurate label. We must include every piece of information so products like plant-based substitutes for ground meat has information on the climate impact of the soy in the product which is produced in South America,” Morten Høyer, director of the council, told CNN.

LOOK: No More Cages – New Animal Cracker Packaging Sets Mascots Free to Represent the Changing Times

“Things like these are difficult to calculate, so we have a worthy challenge ahead of us before we can say with certainty that we have the right solution for a climate label.”

“Everyone knows that food production influences the climate, but if the rest of the world produced food the way we do in Denmark, the world would be a better place,” adds Høyer.

Be Sure And Share This Tasty Tidbit Of News With Your Friends On Social Media – Photo by Anthony Albright, CC

Watch Runner’s Emotional Reaction to Becoming First Ever Pro Athlete With Cerebral Palsy Signed by Nike

By
Good News Network
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Despite having cerebral palsy, Justin Gallegos has spent the last seven years pursuing his passion for running – and his hard work has finally paid off.

Gallegos has just become the first athlete with cerebral palsy to sign a professional contract with Nike.

In a heart-wrenching new video that was filmed by Elevation Om productions, Gallegos is surprised with the contract after finishing a running practice with his University of Oregon team.

Overcome with emotion, the 21-year-old athlete breaks down in tears and sinks to his knees.

RELATED: Watch the Joyous Reaction of 4-Year-old Girl With Cerebral Palsy Taking Her First Steps

The video was symbolically published on October 6th: World Cerebral Palsy Day.

“This was perhaps the most emotional moment in my seven years of running!” Gallegos wrote on Instagram. “Growing up with a disability, the thought of becoming a professional athlete is as I have said before like the thought of climbing Mt. Everest! It is definitely possible, but the odds are most definitely not in your favor! Hard work pays off!”

(WATCH the video below) – Photo by Elevation Om

Run This Amazing Story Over To Your Friends By Sharing To Social Media

“In life, as in chess, forethought wins.” – Charles Buxton

By
Good News Network
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Quote of the Day:  “In life, as in chess, forethought wins.” – Charles Buxton (Buy a canvas bag with this quote on it.)

Photo: by Mauro Hiroshi Cannas, CC license

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?

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