Hear 6 Minutes of Compelling Motivation on How Beauty Can Heal Us

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May 14, 2018

The Lesson: Jason Silva has a knack for using his poetic enthusiasm to inspire an infectious kind of exuberance in his listeners – and this 6-minute clip is no exception. In the video below, Silva riffs on how encounters with beauty can heal us of our mental shortcomings and anxieties.

Notable Excerpt: “Beauty arrests because it points to something beyond the every day. Beauty arrests because it hits at a realm of the sacred. Beauty arrests because it awakens the religious impulse inside of us. Beauty can shake us out of our jadedness. There can be no cynicism in response to being overwhelmed by the beatific … and so, surround yourself with beauty … curate your environment.”

The Host: Jason Silva is an Emmy-award winning television host, motivational speaker, and filmmaker. In addition to hosting his YouTube series Shots of Awe, Silva has given hundreds of lectures on creativity, technology, innovation, mental health, and relationships. His National Geographic TV show Brain Games has been broadcasted in over 171 countries.

(LISTEN to the inspiring 6-minute talk below)

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Costa Rica Announces Ambitious Plan to Ban Fossil Fuels and Become World’s First Decarbonized Society

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May 14, 2018

During his inauguration speech last week, the new president of Costa Rica announced an ambitious plan to make the country a leader in the fight against climate change.

As thousands of constituents were gathered in San Jose for 38-year-old Carlos Alvarado’s presidential induction ceremony, he announced his intentions to fully ban the use of fossil fuels and make Costa Rica the first country in the world to achieve decarbonization.

“Decarbonization is the great task of our generation and Costa Rica must be one of the first countries in the world to accomplish it, if not the first,” says the president.

He added: “We have the titanic and beautiful task of abolishing the use of fossil fuels in our economy to make way for the use of clean and renewable energies.”

Alvarado, who formerly worked as a journalist, seemed to emphasize his intentions by traveling to the inauguration aboard a hydrogen-fueled bus, according to The Independent.

The president plans on implementing the country’s fossil fuel ban in 2021, which marks Costa Rica’s 200th year of independence.

“When we reach 200 years of independent life we will take Costa Rica forward and celebrate … that we’ve removed gasoline and diesel from our transportation,” Alvarado promised.

MORE: California Set to Become First US State Requiring Solar Panels on New Homes

While the ban may seem unrealistic, Costa Rica has already been hailed for generating 99% of their energy needs through renewable energy sources, such as hydroelectricity, wind, solar, and geothermal energy.

Experts say that one of the last major steps for the country’s decarbonization is eliminating fossil fuels from public transportation, which make up a large portion of Costa Rica’s CO2 emissions.

Power Up With Positivity And Share The Good News With Your Friends – Photo by Dennis Tang, CC

When Dog’s Pointy Ears Betray Her Hiding Spot Behind a Flowerpot, Owners Are Left Laughing

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May 14, 2018

Judging by her impressive sneaking skills, Tasha the dog could give the Pink Panther a run for his money.

Unfortunately, her pointy ears foiled her attempt to hide from her owners.

In a cute video that was uploaded by Kelly Davenport Jackson from Rossford, Ohio, the humans can be seen opening their sliding door so they can call Tasha inside from her outdoor romp.

At first glance, it seems that Tasha is nowhere to be found. The second that they close the door, however, the wary canine immediately pokes her head out from her hiding spot behind a flowerpot in the driveway.

WATCH: Butcher Politely Shows Meat Samples to Feline Customer Before Giving it a Free Sample

The Davenports open the door to call her again and she immediately recedes back into hiding.

As Tasha’s owners repeat this process several times, they can hardly contain their laughter.

The pup’s attempt at secrecy is eventually foiled when her pointy ears betray her position to the camera – and the Davenports still couldn’t stop laughing.

Since the video was uploaded last year, it has been viewed over 40 million times.

(WATCH the amusing video below)

Be Sure And Share The Pawesomely Hilarious Clip With Your Friends – Photo by Kelly Davenport Jackson

Tesla’s Giant Record-Breaking Battery Shows Stunning Success By Saving Consumers Millions

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McKinley Corbley

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May 14, 2018

With homes in South Australia suffering from frequent and expensive power outages, that state’s government began searching for a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly backup system for their electrical grid.

Then, last July, Elon Musk, the chief executive of alternative energy company Tesla, offered to build the world’s biggest lithium ion battery as the ultimate backup solution for the territory.

Not only but, but Musk wagered that if the battery wasn’t ready to be switched on within 100 days of signing the contract, he would gift it to the state free of charge.

According to new data that was presented this month at the Australian Energy Week conference in Melbourne, as reported by Renew Economy, the 129 megawatt battery has already resulted in stunning success.

For starters, the battery has resulted in a 90% drop in maintenance costs. In addition to being a cheaper replacement to the fossil-fuel dependent system that was previously used by the energy market operator, the battery creates zero carbon emissions. It is also capable of responding to outages in a matter of seconds, which could not be achieved by previous backups.

MORE: LEGO Reaches 100% Renewable Energy Goal 3 Years Early

Within the first four months of operation, the battery has already saved consumers an estimated $26 million (AU$35 million) in maintenance costs to the grid, making South Australia the only region that has enjoyed a decline in the cost of frequency controlled ancillary services (FCAS) in recent months.

“In the first four months of operations of the Hornsdale Power Reserve (the official name of the Tesla big battery, owned and operated by Neoen), the frequency ancillary services prices went down by 90 percent,” said Mckinsey and Co. partner Godart van Gendt.

CHECK OUT: Saudi Arabia to Curb Oil Use With $50B Renewable Energy Plan

“And the 100MW battery has achieved over 55 percent of the FCAS revenues in South Australia. So it’s 2 percent of the capacity in South Australia achieving 55 percent of the revenues.”

“While others are just talking, we are delivering our energy plan, making South Australia more self-sufficient, and providing back up power and more affordable energy for South Australians this summer,” state Premier Jay Weatherill said in a statement.

Power Up With Positivity And Share The Good News With Your Friends

Perfect Love Story Ending: Widower Donates Life Insurance to Save Others From Medical Debt

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May 14, 2018

Danny and Betty Roberson were married for sixteen years before she finally passed away in February – but their love is still changing the world for the better, even after she is gone.

Betty eventually succumbed to a tumor that had continued to grow in her body despite enduring months of chemotherapy. While she was receiving treatment, Danny had also been diagnosed with cancer in the form of a tumor that was in his face.

The devoted husband refused to get treatment for the tumor so they could use all of their finances to take care of Betty’s cancer.

After Betty’s passing, however, Danny finally allowed himself to get treatment for his facial tumor. He is now recovering from a successful surgery that had the tumor removed.

WATCH: Instead of Paying for Advertising, Church Abolishes $10M in Medical Debt For Local Families

Not only that, but he is carrying on Betty’s legacy in another way.

Danny recently donated $10,000 of Betty’s life insurance payout to the charity RIP Medical Debt, a nonprofit that buys out people’s medical debt for pennies on the dollar. This means that Danny’s donation will forgive about $1 million in medical debt – and he says that it’s all courtesy of Betty.

“When they go out and see that RIP medical envelope in their mail box, I know God is blessing them and I know Betty may have had a little bit to do with that,” Danny told NBCDFW.

(WATCH the emotional interview below)

Pass On This Inspiring Love Story To Your Friends And Share To Social Media – Photo by NBCDFW

Restaurant Staff Turns Mother’s Day Around For Sad Mom Eating Alone

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May 14, 2018

When a team of servers at Ruby Tuesday found out that a lonely woman was eating by herself on Mother’s Day, they all pitched in to ensure that the neglected mom would feel special instead.

Barbara Foy had been feeling pretty down in the dumps when the Hallmark holiday rolled around on Sunday because she had not received a call from her son, who she says hasn’t called her in some time.

She then decided to go out to eat at the Ruby Tuesday restaurant at Surfside Beach, South Carolina.

When the servers saw her eating by herself, they were then heartbroken to hear that it’s because she was feeling lonely on Mother’s Day.

WATCH: Teacher’s Reaction to Students Surprising Him With ‘Dream Shoes’ is the Sweetest Thing You’ll See Today

General Manager Lauren Nave said that she and the other servers felt spurred to help.

“I think we were all almost in tears by the end of the story,” Nave told WMBF. “We wanted to make sure that she knew how special she was on Mother’s Day.”

So as a means of cheering her up, the servers quickly put together an elegant little gift basket of goodies. Not only that, but Foy’s meal was paid for and a random customer gave her a rose.

“I really felt like I was queen for a day…mother for a day!” said Foy. “I’ve never been made to feel so special.”

Click To Share The Sweet Story With Your Friends – Photo by Lauren Nave

“Forgiving is not forgetting. It’s letting go of the hurt.” – Mary McLeod Bethune

Quote of the Day

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Good News Network

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May 14, 2018

Quote of the Day: “Forgiving is not forgetting. It’s letting go of the hurt.” – Mary McLeod Bethune

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?

Secretary Mimicked Her Boss for 67 yrs, Everyone is Shocked by Her Secret Fortune and What She Did With it

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McKinley Corbley

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May 13, 2018

LISTEN to this Good News Guru story, broadcast on the radio with Ellen K and Geri on KOST-103.5. (Also, subscribe to our new podcast on iTunes – or for Androids, on Podbean) — or READ the story below…

Sylvia Bloom worked as a secretary at the same New York City law firm for most of her life. A practical woman and a hard worker, to the outside world she was modest and lived a frugal lifestyle—but she had a secret practice no one knew about.

She earned a meager annual income, never talked about money, and wasn’t living the ‘high life’. She was never showy and didn’t want to call attention to herself.

“She was a child of the Depression and she knew what it was like not to have money..” Bloom’s niece Jane Lockshin told The New York Times. “She had great empathy for other people who were needy and wanted everybody to have a fair shake.”

Secretaries, in those days, ran their boss’s lives, including their investments. Whenever she would see her boss make a stock pick— and purchase it for him—she would buy the same stock for herself, but in smaller amounts befitting her secretary’s salary.

She kept track of all the investments until she finally retired at age 96. When she died shortly thereafter, it was discovered that Ms. Bloom had amassed a huge fortune.

LOOK: 27-Year-old With Terminal Cancer Pens Heartfelt Letter on Why You Should Change Your Life

She never told anyone about it, but before her retirement from Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton, she had stashed away over nine million dollars.

“I don’t think she thought it was anybody’s business but her own,” says Lockshin.

She left some of it to friends and family in her will, but directed that all the rest was to be left to a charity in New York City that cares for the adults and children whom she thought needed it most.

WATCH: Father Surprises Son With Birthday Gift From Beyond the Grave

The endowment, $6.24 million to the Henry Street Settlement, is being used to create a college scholarship fund, which is especially fitting since Ms. Bloom always regretted not going to law school – but her incredible donation will ensure that plenty of New Yorkers will have the opportunities she never took—and maybe even graduate from law school!

Share The Inspiring Story of Brains And Kindness With Your Friends – Photo released by Jane Lockshin

The 7 Mental Health Benefits of Running That You May Not Know About

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Good News Network

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May 13, 2018

In the stressful times we live in, the importance of fitness and exercise cannot be highlighted enough. Many people tend to go for running since it is the most convenient option – after all, it only requires a pair of running shoes and your own motivation; and no equipment or gym membership is needed.

However, running does a lot more for your health than you may realize. In addition to keeping you fit, here are 7 ways that running also helps to improve your mood.

1. Switching Stress for Happiness Hormones

If you have had a stressful day at the office, then running is a fantastic way to relax. In fact, all forms of aerobic exercise balance out the harmful effects of stress hormones, such as cortisol, by producing endorphins – the happiness hormone. Endorphins act as natural antidepressants and boost mental health.

CHECK OUT: Girl Given Months to Live is Saved Thanks to Determined Mom Emailing 130 Doctors for Help

An increase of endorphins is the cause of what is known as the “runner’s high,” which runners describe as the feeling of peace and relaxation that they enjoy after a long run.

2. Bolsters Socializing

Running is also intertwined with the fundamental need for social relationships because running motivates us to get out there and meet fellow runners.

Though many people tend to schedule their runs with friends or family members, arranging running with the company is a fantastic way to improve social relationships in your workplace while also doing good for your body. Or, you can even join one of the group runs that are organized in spring so that runners can meet people with the same passion.

3. Better Sleep

Unlike stressing about work or running errands throughout the entire day, running uses up your energy in the best possible way. You will be tired, but not exhausted; so running limits insomnia by regulating your energy levels and sleep time.

Not only does running prepare you for an early sleep, but it also improves the quality of your sleep. Sleep, in general, is responsible for your mood – so it is pretty safe to say that running boosts your mood by “providing” you with a good night’s sleep.

4. Increased Energy Levels

While running makes you go to sleep easier and faster, it also keeps your energy levels high and stable – and we are not just talking about the immediate effects of “runner’s high.” It only takes three days of aerobic exercise per week to eliminate daily fatigue and lethargy in the long term.

This is because aerobic activities encourage blood flow to your brain and supply it with oxygen. This results in better function and an improved, up-lifted mood so you can be more motivated to do your daily tasks.

5. Upgraded Self-Esteem

When you run, it is you versus yourself. Sometimes you might want to stop and go home, or you will think about giving up and watching TV instead. However, when you keep running and push yourself to your limits, you train your mind to set goals and follow through with your intentions.

MORE: Alzheimer’s Gene is Neutralized in Human Brain Cells for the First Time

After achieving these goals, you may even motivated to set new, even more, challenging ones; and conquering obstacles is a great way to build up your confidence. This is why, in addition to boosting your self-esteem, running will help you learn to be patient with yourself and give everything your best shot.

6. Preparing You for Daily Tasks

Apart from improving your mood and making you feel physically better, running has also been proven to help your mental abilities because it keeps grey cells safer and healthier for longer, so runners have sharp mental abilities even when they are older.

Elder people who run regularly have been shown to be less moody and feel better and happier.

7. Enjoying Nature and Fresh Air

What can be more beneficial for your health than getting some fresh air and spending more time in nature?

Even by simply spending time in the sun and soaking up vitamin D, you will be doing good for yourself because vitamin D is known to reduce your chances of experiencing depressive symptoms.

Considering the mental and physical benefits of going for a run, it is no wonder that runners are more peaceful and positive people. You can use your daily jog as a means of spending time for yourself. You can relax and forget about your daily tasks and stressful life routine. You can relish the joy of improved self-esteem, a sharper mind, and higher energy levels.

So now that you’ve read this, what are you waiting for? Put on those running shoes and get going!

Mattea Jacobs is a freelance writer who mostly writes about both interior and exterior design, and environmentally-friendly ways to improve your home. She is also a green activist and a mother of two beautiful sons. You can reach her on Facebook and Instagram.

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90-Year-Old Credits ‘Words With Friends’ for Saving Her Life

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May 13, 2018

While some people may scoff over social media and internet games, this 90-year-old woman is crediting Words With Friends for saving her life.

Every morning without fail, Miyoko Saiki uses her tablet to play Words With Friends with her son, who lives in another city, before he has to leave for work. In addition to it being a fun family activity, Saiki says the game keeps her mind sharp.

Recently, however, Saiki’s son logged onto the game’s app only to find that she was not online.

When he was unable to get a hold of her, the anxious family went to her house and found her unconscious on the floor.

She was later taken to the hospital and treated for pneumonia and dehydration.

Thankfully, Saiki is now in ship-shape and ready to celebrate her birthday next week – and she says that it is all thanks to her devotion to Words With Friends.

(WATCH the interview below)

Be Sure To Share The Lucky Story With Your Own Friends

Britain May Build ‘Road Network’ to Protect Bees, Butterflies, and Moths

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May 13, 2018

Legislators are stepping up to protect important insects by proposing a “road network” that would act as a kind of wildlife corridor for bees, moths, and butterflies.

The “Protection of Pollinators Bill” was presented to the British House of Commons this week as a means of saving the dwindling pollinator population. If accepted, the legislation would allow conservationists to help communities and businesses plant wildflowers and shrubberies that nourish pollinating insects. These patches of greenery would then create pollinator corridors – or “B–lines”, as they’re also called – that could offer sanctuary to insects in every connecting region of Britain and allow them to fly freely across the countryside without being restricted to small patches of grassland.

The agricultural campaign would involve sprucing up roadside areas and identifying unused public areas that could be converted into leafier habitats, as managed by the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

The proposal is a welcomed follow-up to the European Union’s recently-approved ban on pesticides that harm bees.

LOOK: The Grateful Dead Helps to Save Bees and Butterflies Through Jerry Garcia’s Legacy

Charities such as Buglife have already begun planning community initiatives for the corridors.

Conservative MP Ben Bradley introduced the bill in Parliament by saying: “Pollinators are facing unprecedented challenges, including climate change, intensive farming, pests and diseases, pesticide use and urban growth. They need food, water, shelter and nesting areas as well as the ability to roam far and wide—as they would naturally, without the barriers placed in their way as a result of urban sprawl. As the concrete jungle grows, their natural habitat inevitably shrinks.

MORE: Farmer is Sweet on Bee Hives As Perfect Fence to Keep Elephants Safely Away

“It is important to note that creating wildlife sanctuaries and protecting our green spaces will not only support our bees and insects; it will also have other positive outcomes for everything else. It will have a beneficial impact on our local communities, and on our individual mental health and wellbeing.

“That is as significant—if not more so—in deprived areas. Green spaces are places of tranquillity and provide a space away from the hustle, bustle and stresses of modern life—the more the merrier, in my view,” he added.

Beeee Sure To Share The Buzz With Your Friends – Photo by Danny Perez Photography

“A mother is not a person to lean on, but a person to make leaning unnecessary.” – Dorothy Canfield Fisher

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May 13, 2018

Quote of the Day: “A mother is not a person to lean on, but a person to make leaning unnecessary.” – Dorothy Canfield Fisher

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?

When Canine ‘Soulmates’ Can’t Be Kept Apart, Homeowners Relent and Work Together

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McKinley Corbley

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May 12, 2018

These star-crossed canine lovers could give Romeo and Juliet a run for their money.

Potate – or “Tate” for short – is a young pup who was a stray dog living on the streets when she was adopted by Hailee Graham. While she obviously adores her human family, she developed a deep connection with her neighbor: Vernon.

Around the same time that Graham adopted Tate, the next-door neighbor adopted a dog named Vernon – and even though there was a fence keeping the two pups apart, they became overwhelmed with the desire to be together.

Graham tells The Dodo that she would always come home to find Tate digging a hole under the fence, so she could be with Vernon.

LOOK: Clever Dog Always Brings a Leaf to ‘Buy’ Himself Treats at the Store

“I walk outside and catch them digging a tunnel to each other. We couldn’t get them to stop … we couldn’t keep them apart,” says Graham. “They would just keep digging holes to each other.”

While most people might just try and set up a play date for the pups at a doggy park, Graham had a better idea.

“I thought, ‘Why not just put a door in the fence, so they can play whenever, and their hoomans don’t have to get involved?’” she said.

WATCH: Butcher Politely Shows Meat Samples to Feline Customer Before Giving it a Free Sample

After getting consent from Vernon’s owner, Graham’s father installed a little doggy door in the fence – and it has been a huge success. Vernon and Tate are constantly playing in each other’s yards and going on little doggie dates at each other’s houses.

“They love being together!” Graham told The Dodo. “I don’t know if they are actually in love, but I like to think so.”

Oh happy slobber, this is thy treat! For never was there a tail of more love than that of Tate and Vernon!

Be Sure To Share a Pawesomely Sweet Story With Your Friends – Photos by Hailee Graham

Quadriplegic Stuns Crowd by Nailing National Anthem With an Instrument He Designed Himself

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Good News Network

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May 12, 2018

A quadriplegic man delighted a stadium of thousands last weekend by playing the national anthem on a musical device that he created to overcome his disability.

56-year-old Dave Whalen has been paralyzed from the neck down since he endured a skiing accident at age 18 – but that doesn’t stop him from making music.

As a means of kicking off the Albany Empire’s second home arena football game at the Times Union Center in Albany, New York last week, Whalen performed the “Star-Spangled Banner” on a Jamboxx instrument.

Jamboxx is a harmonica-like device that attaches to a computer and allows people with limited mobility to create music with their breath. Moving the mouthpiece left or right determines which note is played.

Because he does not have the use of his hands, Whalen used the Jamboxx’s hands-free bracket. For his performance at the stadium, he did a trumpet-like rendition of the hallowed tune – and the crowd went wild.

In addition to making music with the Jamboxx, Whalen also uses the device for breath-controlled painting and for controlling a commercial robot that was mounted to his old wheelchair. The Scotia, New York lawyer also uses his innovative, hands-free technology to race sailboats.

(WATCH the video below)

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‘Man With the Golden Arm’ is Finally Retiring After Saving the Lives of Over 2 Million Babies

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McKinley Corbley

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May 12, 2018

After 60 years of saving lives, James Harrison is finally retiring from his position as “the man with the golden arm.”

The affectionate nickname comes from homage to the Australian senior’s astonishing blood donor track record and the game-changing effect that his donations have had on his country.

Because of a rare antibody that is found in Harrison’s blood, his donations have directly contributed to saving over 2.4 million Australian babies.

Harrison, now 81 years old, didn’t always know that his blood literally had the power to save lives. When he was 14 years old, he had to undergo chest surgery and the resulting blood transfusion saved his life – so he vowed to become a donor once he turned 18 (even though he was afraid of needles.)

After a few years of donating, doctors were shocked to find that his blood contained an antibody that directly neutralizes rhesus disease: a dangerous condition in which a pregnant woman’s blood attacks her unborn child.

According to Jemma Falkenmire of the Australian Red Cross Blood Service, more than 17% of Australian women are at risk of developing the condition.

“In Australia, up until about 1967, there were literally thousands of babies dying each year, doctors didn’t know why, and it was awful. Women were having numerous miscarriages and babies were being born with brain damage,” she told CNN in a 2015 interview.

CONTINUE READING BELOW…

“Plant seeds of kindness now, even if you never live long enough to smell their blossoms or sit in their shade.” – Flora Massaro-McCoy

Quote of the Day

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May 12, 2018

Quote of the Day: “Plant seeds of kindness now, even if you never live long enough to smell their blossoms or sit in their shade.” – Flora Massaro-McCoy

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?

Once in a Lifetime Cast—Keaton, Bergen and Fonda—in Fun Film About Sex in the Golden Years

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May 11, 2018

A new film premiering next week starring Diane Keaton, Jane Fonda, Candice Bergen, and Mary Steenburgen aims to stir up new feelings in people over 60.

The four lifelong friends have gathered for years in a monthly book club, but breaking out of the norm, Jane Fonda’s character introduces them to “Fifty Shades of Gray,” which stirs up feelings about what they actually want during their ‘Golden Years.’

The book club begins to change their attitudes, and the new outlook corresponds to new men who’ve arrived on the scene. Andy Garcia, Don Johnson, Richard Dreyfuss and Craig Nelson star as the four men who are attracted toward the women in this newly blossoming stage of their life.

Andy Garcia, in particular, wanted to do the movie, called The Book Club, because he always felt a “certain chemistry” with Diane Keaton, who plays his love interest—and it certainly shines through in the clips below.

The movie trailer looks smart and funny, reflecting the talents of a new director, Bill Holderman, who also co-wrote the screenplay.

The 2:30 clip reveals much of the storyline, but also leaves us wanting more from these stellar actors.

(WATCH the trailer below—and let us know what you think)

Share the New Film with your Friends…

3rd Grader Born Without Hands Adds Another National Award for Penmanship to Her Trophy Case

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May 11, 2018

If the name “Anaya Ellick” seems familiar, it’s probably because you’ve heard about the youngster before.

The 9-year-old girl made national headlines two years ago for winning a penmanship competition. Not only that, but she earned first place despite the fact that she has to write with her arms instead of her hands.

The 3rd grader from Chesapeake, Virginia was born without any fingers or thumbs, so she taught herself to write by holding a pencil between her arms.

WATCH: Devoted Husband Designs ‘Tank Wheelchair’ For Wife So She Won’t Miss Out On Family Activities

Though she originally won the prestigious Nicholas Maxim Special Award for Excellence in Manuscript Penmanship back in 2016, she just won the 2018 Zaner-Bloser National Handwriting Contest for writing in cursive, which is available to students in grades K through 8 and awarded on a state and national level.

“People told me I couldn’t do it,” Anaya tells WVEC. “And I [just] told them I could do it.”

(WATCH the interview below)

Be Sure To Share The Inspiring Story With Your Friends – Photo by Greenbrier Christian Academy

Teacher’s Reaction to Students Surprising Him With ‘Dream Shoes’ is the Sweetest Thing You’ll See Today

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May 11, 2018

This teacher’s reaction to a new pair of shoes is akin to someone finding out that they’ve won the lottery.

But it wasn’t just any pair of shoes – it was the pair of shoes that he had been dreaming of wearing for ten years.

And it’s all thanks to his adoring students.

Joe Lara has been teaching Spanish at Valley Christian High School in Chandler, Arizona for the last ten years. Over the course of his career, he has built quite a rapport with his students, which is why they were heartbroken to find out that he was retiring.

WATCH: Man Brings Telescope to the Street and Invites People to Look at the Moon –Their Reactions Will Bring You to Tears

So as a means of making his last year at the school extra special, the students all pitched in to get him a birthday gift.

In a video that was uploaded by one of the students back in April, the youngsters can be seen excitedly yelling at Lara to open their carefully-wrapped present.

As the teacher insists on getting a pair of scissors for the packaging, the suspense is tangible… and infectious.

He eventually pulls back the paper to see a Mike Jordan shoebox – and he can’t even contain his happiness.

“No way!” he yells. “Oh, my god! Oh, no way, no way!”

Finally, he composes himself enough to lift the lid of the box and see his gift: a pair of Mike Air Jordan French Blue sneakers.

His reaction says it all.

One of his students, Sailor Coutermarsh, tweeted a video of the event, saying: “Since our teacher is leaving and today is his birthday, we got him his dream shoes he talks about everyday.”

WATCH: Grandfather Can’t Stop Laughing When He Finally Discovers the Hiding Place of His Missing Phone

Another student said: “It was so fun planning it! Mr. Lara deserved all of it and more!

“He is truly the best teacher ever and such a blessing,” she added.

The Air Jordan Twitter account even chimed it to say that they were “honored to be a part of [his] classroom.”

(WATCH the emotional video below)

Kick Up Your Good News Game And Share This Sweet Video With Your Friends

This One Peptide Could Treat MS, Alzheimer’s, Crohn’s, and More

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McKinley Corbley

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May 11, 2018

For decades, researchers have been struggling to find cures for humanity’s most crippling diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and Crohn’s.

After spending ten years of his career studying and developing a special synthetic protein, an Israeli scientist believes that he may have a treatment for every single one of these illnesses.

Professor David Naor from the Lautenberg Center for General and Tumor Immunology in Jerusalem says that the reason his drug is effective against so many diseases is because they are all associated with pathological amyloid proteins.

In order to neutralize these inflammatory proteins, he developed the 5-mer peptide, which he believes will become a breakthrough treatment in the future.

“I believe that within two years we would know for certain if our academic product can translate into a therapeutic drug to combat inflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases,” Naor told Israel21.

“Once you control the inflammation, you can control the disease, so our target is to reduce as much as possible the inflammatory activity.”

Naor’s drug trials with animals have already proved noteworthy. For starters, he tested the peptide’s efficacy in treating rheumatoid arthritis. Not only did it completely reverse the mice’s join inflammation to normal, healthy levels, but there were also no harmful side effects observed in any of the subjects.

MORE: Alzheimer’s Gene is Neutralized in Human Brain Cells for the First Time

Israel21 adds that there are over $30 billion in arthritis drug treatments sold worldwide each year, and none of them are capable of curing the disease. Additionally, the drugs only work in about two-thirds of the users.

Next, Naor turned to multiple sclerosis.

“Once the rheumatoid arthritis experiment was repeated successfully several times, we looked at a different chronic inflammatory disease – multiple sclerosis, where the inflammation is not in the joints, but in the brain,” says Naor.

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Though the drug’s treatment was shown to be less effective as the disease progressed, it still proved to drastically reduce inflammatory cells in the nervous system and return an impressive amount of motor control to the subjects.

The peptide also proved to reduce more symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome than the currently-prescribed medication.

Finally, the peptide was used to treat mice with Alzheimer’s. The results showed that peptide-treated mice had regained enough cognitive function to reach the same levels of mental performance as mice who did not have the disease.

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“We can restore the memory of the animal. This doesn’t mean we’re going to cure Alzheimer’s but it does mean we have to do everything possible to see if our peptide could be successful where so many other potential anti-Alzheimer drugs have failed,” says Naor.

Naor and his collaborators now plan on collecting the several million dollars of funding required to start clinical trials on humans in the coming years – and the scientist adds that he is already confident in the drug’s success.

“Because the peptide was derived from human material, it makes sense that it is going to work in humans at least as well as in mice,” he concluded.

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