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Now You Can Use Snapchat to Learn Sign Language For Free

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Good News Network
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Have you ever been interested in learning the basics of sign language, but you didn’t want to pay for classes? Well, there is already a teacher out there who is waiting to teach you for free.

Chad Krohn of Rochester, New York is using the video sharing app Snapchat so he can teach sign language to the masses.

Because his mother is deaf and his father is an interpreter, American Sign Language (ASL) has always been second nature to Krohn. As he got older, however, he was surprised by how many people were unable to communicate in ASL.

After downloading Snapchat, he assumed that someone would be taking advantage of its unique features to teach language lessons – but no one had thought of it.

RELATED: People Are Posting Stories of Celebrities Being Nice to Them and it is Incredibly Refreshing

“I always envisioned a future where everyone knew sign language and when I hopped on Snapchat, I was waiting and waiting for someone to do what I was doing, but no one took the opportunity to do it,” Krohn told Rochester First.

“I decided if no one is going to do it, then I have to do it,“ he added.

Using his Snapchat channel MeowChickenFish, Krohn orchestrates games, puzzles, jokes, and lessons that teach the basics of ASL.

Krohn says that he plans on bringing his lessons to YouTube in the coming months.

Click To Share The News With Your Friends (Photo by Butupa, CC)

National Park Service is Posting Cute Photos of Animal Families For Thanksgiving

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Good News Network
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Are your drunken family members arguing too much about politics? Do you need a lighter subject matter for dinnertime? Well boy, do we have the solution for you.

 

The National Park Service is posting photos of cute animal families in celebration of Thanksgiving.

 

Honestly, it’s hard to feel stressed when you look at animal families spending quality time together for a human holiday.

 

“Happy Thanksgiving from all our families to yours!” says the National Park Service.

 

“Don’t forget you can skip the stress of #BlackFriday and #OptOutside with us tomorrow.”

 

Happy Thanksgiving! Click to Share The Pawesome Story With Your Friends (Photos by the National Park Servce)

People Can Pay Their Parking Fines With Cans of Food for the Hungry

By
Terry Turner
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Parking Tickets for Canned Food CC Charleston's TheDigitel -Salvation Army USA West

Expired parking meters are helping feed the hungry in Kentucky.

For the second year in a row, people in Lexington can pay their parking fines with canned goods for local food banks.

Parking violators can donate 14-15 ounce cans of food for a typical $15 dollar parking fine. If it’s a more expensive infraction, the city’s parking authority is willing to accept even more cans.

RELATED: Shelter Dogs to Get Temporary Homes So They Can Celebrate Thanksgiving With Families

The “Food for Fines” program runs through December 15.

In 2015 alone, the innovative effort took in 6,200 cans of food for more than 600 citations — worth about $14,000. Collectively, the program has gathered about 16,000 meals, which is about 24,500 cans of food weighing 12 tons.

Serve Up Some Positivity: Click To Share – OR, (Photo: Charleston’s TheDigitel, CC; Salvation Army USA West, CC)

Scientists Activate Stem Cells to Make Hair Grow

By
McKinley Corbley
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If you have never been able to grow a full head of luscious locks, and you can’t stand the itchiness of toupées, fear not – science may have a solution for your hairy problem.

Scientists at the University of California – Los Angeles Health Sciences (UCLA) have successfully managed to activate the body’s stem cells in order to stimulate hair growth.

The researchers in charge of the study, Heather Christofk and William Lowry, found that when the metabolisms of hair follicle stem cells are stimulated with a certain kind of protein called “lactate”, they are spurred into a cycle of hair growth. Vice versa, when the follicles were deprived of lactate, the follicles became inactive and ceased to produce hair.

MORE: Breakthrough Treatment With Lab-Grown Corneas Cures Blindness in Sheep

“Before this, no one knew that increasing or decreasing the lactate would have an effect on hair follicle stem cells,” said Lowry. “Once we saw how altering lactate production in the mice influenced hair growth, it led us to look for potential drugs that could be applied to the skin and have the same effect.”

The team then experimented with two different drugs that –when applied to the skin– would permeate the hair follicle stem cells and stimulate hair growth. Both drugs used in the study, UK5099 and JAK-Stat, revealed remarkable success.

While these were still the preclinical trials that have not yet been tested on humans, the researchers are excited to develop the patented treatments in the future.

RELATED: Colorado Doctor Discovered Natural Way To Treat Common Vertigo

“Through this study, we gained a lot of interesting insight into new ways to activate stem cells,” said Aimee Flores, the first author of the study. “The idea of using drugs to stimulate hair growth through hair follicle stem cells is very promising given how many millions of people, both men and women, deal with hair loss.”

“I think we’ve only just begun to understand the critical role metabolism plays in hair growth and stem cells in general; I’m looking forward to the potential application of these new findings for hair loss and beyond,” she added.

Grow Some Positivity: Click To Share With Your Friends (Photo by Malehmann, CC)

Mom and Me Vs. Dementia: Looking on the Bright Side

By
thomas welcomer
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I haven’t written much these last few weeks. My enthusiasm for many things has been tested on multiple fronts. Mom’s memory issues continue to deepen, I lack adult-time with ANYONE other than myself, and I still experience the same ordinary concerns of daily life.

People are aware of the challenges that caretakers face, yet the rewards for such work far outweigh the few complaints that one might have. I agree that there are times when it is hard to stay happy and bubbly, but once you take a moment and remind yourself of all the good times, past and present, it turns to a chuckle.

My mom has dementia, and her particular form of the disease is what I call a swiss-cheesed memory. She knows I am her son, but she doesn’t know my name. She has no clear recall of the past, yet remembers her native German language, although her use of it the past decade has been rare.

WATCH: Mom With Dementia Reacts to Being Given Robotic Cat

Just today, we went to the mall for a walk around, since it was raining and cold. Mom didn’t recognize ANY of the stores, or even the place itself – but that didn’t stop her from enjoying the time out, and seeing the kids and puppies (and Santa!).

She has had an one or two episodes of dizziness, which, although the doctors say they can’t find anything out of the ordinary, is very concerning. The scary part of her having an issue is that she can’t tell me what exactly is wrong. Her language has REALLY diminished in the past few months.

Just a few examples of this:

“Make my face” and “gonna mash me” means “I will wash my hands”
“Pull it down” means “do you want me to lock the door?”
“What time does that go there” means “where does this coffee cup go?”

One COULD focus on what is lost – but I have gone the other way in order to recognize what she has GAINED. She is a shell of herself, but the part that remains is the best of her.

RELATED: When Grandma With Alzheimer’s Can’t Do Her Puzzles, Teen Comes Up With Perfect Solution

She is happy. That can’t be underestimated, as her life was a tough one. Bad choices in husbands, lack of education, and being far away from her family in Germany led her to a life that was much tougher than most. She never complained about it, and just kept working hard.

She lost her racism, and gained appreciation of children of all nations.

She lost the memories of her son dropping out of her life for a few years, but gained the same son back to being by her side during most hours of the day.

I certainly can’t complain about that.

You can read more about Thomas and his mother by checking out his blog.

Click To Share This Moving Story With Your Friends

After Just 2 Months, Teen Asks Teacher to Adopt Him – and She Says Yes

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Good News Network
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This 16-year-old is a perfect example of how it’s never too late to find your family.

After being in the foster care system since he was 9 years old, Anthony Berry never wanted to be adopted – that is, until he met Bennie Berry.

When Bennie became the foster youth’s English teacher at Pathways Learning Center in Beaumont, Texas last November, she described him as a “model student”.

WATCH: Overjoyed 11-Year-Old Jumps Into Woman’s Arms After Learning She’ll Be Adopted

The two got along so well, in fact, Anthony asked her last January if she would adopt him.

She said that if he finished a certain school assignment, then she would oblige him.

Then, last week, the student and teacher officially became mother and son.

“I have a son. I’m more than elated,” Berry told ABC News. “I have a son for the rest of my life.”

(WATCH the video below)

Click To Share The Sweet News With Your Friends

Regularly Eating Chocolate Actually Linked to Lower Risk of Heart Problems

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Good News Network
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Chocolate and health aren’t normally two things that we think of going hand in hand. Generally speaking, our favorite sweet belongs at the top of the food pyramid, along with fats, oils, and other items that experts say we should use sparingly.

However, if you identify as a chocolate lover, a study published by BMJ Journals has some very good news for you.

The observational study was conducted using a massive sample of 20,951 men and women who filled out comprehensive questionnaires detailing their eating habits.

The research concluded that middle-aged respondents who recorded eating a higher quantity of chocolate per week showed a lower risk for cardiovascular disease.

That’s right – as it turns out, a little more chocolate in your diet might be exactly what the doctor ordered.

Still, it’s important to learn exactly what this could mean for your heart health before you go raiding the candy aisle.

CLICK the link below to learn more about the science behind this tasty revelation – and don’t forget to SHARE with your friends…

 

Grandpa Granted Dying Wish of Being Buried With Cheese Steaks

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Good News Network
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While most funerals are usually pretty somber affairs, there was one amusing silver lining to Richard Lussi’s funeral in October: his son and grandson lovingly placed two Philadelphia cheesesteaks in his casket before he was buried.

This may seem like a bizarre action for a grieving family, but then again, most people probably don’t know how much Richard loved these sandwiches.

They weren’t just any ol’ sandwiches, either – they were specifically bought and made at Pat’s King of Steaks in Philadelphia.

RELATED: Daughter Fulfills Dad’s Last Wish With Side-Splitting Obituary

Despite the restaurant being two and a half hours away from Richard’s home in Plains Township, Pennsylvania, the grandfather would have no problem making the drive specifically so he could buy some of the heavenly cheesesteaks.

Before he died of heart complications on October 10th, the 76-year-old would always insist that he wanted to be buried with one of Pat’s cheesesteaks.

“He’s always had a bad heart and doctors told him he had to watch what he ate, but he always said, ‘I’m going to die one day and there’s no way I’m cutting all this good food out of my life,’ ” Richard’s grandson Dominic told the Philadelphia Inquirer.

MORE: Milkshake Travels 400 Miles to Fulfill Hospice Patient’s Last Wish

So, the night before Richard’s funeral, Dominic and his father John traveled to Philly, got a bite and Pat’s, and bought two more sandwiches for Richard. The next day, they placed the cheesesteaks in the casket alongside the deceased (much to the surprise of some of the funeral-goers).

“We were just going to get one but my pop always said, ‘If you’re going to Pat’s you always get two, you never order just one. It’s a waste of time,’ ” recalled Dominic.

Upon hearing about the grandfather’s last request, Pat’s owner Frank Olivieri Jr. told the Inquirer: “I’m flattered, bewildered, and proud that someone would hold the Philly cheesesteak and Pat’s Philly cheesesteak so dear that they want to take it to the afterlife with them.”

“Maybe it’s a bribe for St. Peter,” he added.

Serve Up Some Sweetness To Your Friends: Click To Share – Photo by John Lussi

With Kids in Meltdown Mode, Mom’s Day is Saved When Officer Appears

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Good News Network
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When a mother was struggling to handle her two children at a Walmart earlier this month, a compassionate police officer did not waste time in offering assistance.

Madison Gail Obrien and her roommate were walking into the Kennesaw superstore from the parking lot when they saw the unidentified mother getting a “screaming toddler and a car seat with a crying baby” out of her car.

“As you can imagine, and as we were thinking, she definitely had her hands full,” Obrien wrote on Facebook.

LOOK: Neighbor Sees Police Officer Battling to Push Senior’s Broken Electric Wheelchair Uphill

The mother did not have to handle the youngsters alone, however, because a nearby police officer spotted the woman having trouble and decided to step in.

“As we smiled at [the woman] and continued walking, we saw a cop get out of his patrol car and walk up to the mom. He asked if he could help and grabbed the little toddler’s hand and we watched as they walked in to the grocery store.

The cop reportedly fetched a cart for the mother before wishing her a pleasant night and parted ways.

Thirty minutes later, Obrien was waiting at the checkout when she saw the same supermom walking up to the register with her newborn in one hand, and her cart in the other.

WATCH: Rookie Cop Saves Dangling Suicidal Man Who Changed His Mind

Her toddler then picked up a small toy and asked his mother if she could get it for him.

“The mom replied trying to smile, but with sadness in her face: ‘I’m sorry baby we can’t get that today,’” writes Obrien. “The toddler began to cry and followed his mom to the checkout in a puddle of tears.”

Obrien says that her and her roommate were so heartbroken by the exchange, they contemplated buying the toy themselves.

As it turns out, they didn’t have to – the same cop from the parking lot walked up to the crying boy and asked if he still wanted the toy.

WATCH: When Hurricane Irma Raged Outside, Cop Offered His Hand to Frightened Senior For a Dance

“The boy shook his head yes (still with tears running down his face) and the cop took the boy’s hand, picked out the toy and the cop then proceeded not only to buy the toy but also this mom’s entire grocery cart of food as well. We watched in amazement at this super hero cop and his giving heart!”

Obrien snapped a photo of the sweet exchange and posted it to Facebook where it has since received an outpouring of support.

The Kennesaw Police Department identified the compassionate cop as Officer Matt Wilson – a hardworking policeman who has worked at the station for over 10 years.

Obrien finished her explanation of the touching encounter by saying: “He wasn’t doing it for publicity, or to look ‘good’. He didn’t even have an idea anyone was watching. He was just a good person trying to do something good. And with all this negativity and hate going on, sometimes we need a reminder there are still so many good people in this world!”

Click To Share The Sweet Story With Your Friends (Photo by Madison Gail Obrien)

Senators Make Bipartisan Progress on Background Check Legislation

By
McKinley Corbley
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A new piece of gun control-related legislation has just been introduced by a bipartisan group of senators who are intent on working together to find a middle ground.

The “Fix NICS Act of 2017” is being lauded as an important compromise between anti- and pro-gun control legislators. The bill was introduced by Sen. Jon Cornyn, the Texas Republican whose home state was recently victim to a shooting that could have been prevented if the Air Force had reported the shooter’s history of domestic violence.

The legislation would punish federal and state agencies for failing to report relevant criminal information from background checks to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System. Additionally, it would reward and incentivize agencies that complied with the bill.

RELATED: Opposing Congressmen Become Besties When Forced on D.C. Road Trip

“For years, agencies and states haven’t complied with the law, failing to upload these critical records without consequence,” Cornyn said. “This bill aims to help fix what’s become a nationwide, systemic problem so we can better prevent criminals and domestic abusers from obtaining firearms.”

Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy, whose home state has also been a victim of gun violence, also helped to introduce the legislation and voiced his support.

“This deal will strengthen the background check system and save lives,” says Murphy. “Our bill marks an important milestone that shows real compromise can be made on the issue of guns.”

MORE: Congress in Unanimous Vote Passes Bill of Rights for Sexual Assault Victims

“It’s no secret that I believe much more needs to be done. But this bill will make sure that thousands of dangerous people are prevented from buying guns,” he added. “It represents the strongest update to the background checks system in a decade, and provides the foundation for more compromise in the future.”

Dianne Feinstein, the Democratic senator of California, published a tweet on Thursday reading: “BREAKING: We’ve just introduced bipartisan legislation to improve the gun background check system. Progress is possible!”

Click To Share The News With Your Friends Across The Aisle (Photo by the Obama White House via Flickr, CC)

Mindful Holiday Management: Tips for Enjoying the Season

By
Martha Brettschneider
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When I was growing up, my recollection is that Christmas decorations didn’t go up until Thanksgiving. That may or may not be true, but I know that over the course of the last three or four decades, I’ve been conditioned to believe that it’s “wrong” for holiday decorating (and marketing) to start earlier and earlier.

For as long as I can remember now, my body would tense up when I saw the first Christmas decorations of the season. “That’s WRONG!” I would tell myself. “The holidays have become so commercial!” Then I would spend a few more minutes getting pulled into that story, resisting the decorations, pushing back against the holiday spirit that was being offered to me sooner than I was ready for.

RELATED: Meditation and Mindfulness Tips to Combat Everyday Worries and Life’s Big Questions

A few years ago, though, after attending a talk by mindfulness instructor Trisha Stotler, I started to approach the holidays with intention. I gave thought to what mattered most to me during the holidays, what I enjoyed about the season and traditions, what I didn’t enjoy, which holiday experiences in the past made me feel good, which didn’t, and what all of that gave rise to in my body.

I clarified what type of holiday experience I wanted to create for myself and my family, how I wanted to feel, and embraced the activities that supported those intentions and positive feelings. Just as importantly, I gave myself permission to say “no” to things that didn’t illicit a joyful feeling in my body.

And guess what? I realized that I like holiday decorations. I like the feeling of joy these cultural traditions bring with them year after year. I know now that my joy is infectious, as are my emotions on the negative end of the spectrum as well. I have a choice, and I choose joy.

MORE: How to Stop the Runaway Train of Anxiety in 4 Steps

I have absolutely no control when businesses begin their holiday marketing campaigns. Choosing to focus my attention on “It’s wrong for them to commercialize the holidays earlier and earlier,” is wasted energy that creates stress and resentment in my body. Why give it that power when the reality is that the only power I have is to not buy from that vendor (a decision I make sometimes but with no judgment).

Mindfulness trains us to respond to life situations from the standpoint of reality in the present moment. Situations and experiences don’t change, but our mindset does.

So I was super proud of myself last week when I noticed my autopilot response upon entering Michaels and finding the aisles filled with Christmas tree ornaments. “WRONG! Too soon!” the old tapes in my head blared. But it only took a second for me to ground myself, bring my attention to where my feet were standing so that I could bring my mind to that place of reality as well.

RELATED: 10 Easy Ways To Positively Improve Your Romantic Relationship Today

“You like the holidays,” my deeper wisdom, or what I sometimes call my motivational girlfriend voice, reminded me.

“You like Christmas decorations, but no, you don’t have to buy Christmas decorations today or even think about getting out your own decorations. Why not allow yourself to embrace the holiday spirit, even in the midst of everything else going on in your life?”

“Use this moment to take yourself out of autopilot and transmute your energy from resistance to joy,” she advised.

It’s never too soon for that. And it’s never too late.

Help Your Friends Embrace Positivity: Click To Share (Photo by Martha Brettschneider)

Real-Life Action Hero Harrison Ford Races to Help Car Collision Victim

By
McKinley Corbley
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Harrison Ford-CC Gage Skidmore

Harrison Ford may not do all of his own stunts, but that doesn’t mean that he isn’t afraid to jump into action when the need arises.

A 63-year-old woman was driving east down a highway in Santa Paula, California on Sunday morning when she accidentally drove her car off the road and crashed into an embankment.

The California Highway Patrol told the Ventura County Star that Ford, who happened to be nearby the scene of the accident, heard the crash and rushed to the damaged vehicle along with several other good Samaritans so they could help the woman out of the car.

CHECK OUT: People Are Posting Stories of Celebrities Being Nice to Them and it is Incredibly 

The Indiana Jones star reportedly ensured that the victim was okay before leaving the scene.

TMZ was allegedly told something different by eyewitnesses, but the outlet published photos of 75-year-old Ford helping out at the crash site on Sunday afternoon.

The woman reportedly escaped the incident with minor injuries.

RELATED: Harrison Ford Rescues Lost Boy in the Wilderness, Just Like the Movies

This is not the first time that Ford has swooped in to assist someone in need – back in 2001, the film star piloted his helicopter into Yellowstone National Park so he could rescue a 13-year-old boy scout who had gotten lost on a mountain.

“Boy, you sure must have earned a merit badge for this one,” Ford reportedly told the youngster.

Don’t Let This Story Go Solo: Click To Share With Your Friends (Photo by Gage Skidmore, CC)

Buff Dad Wears Tutu For Ballet Class When Daughter Invites Him Instead of Her Pregnant Mom

By
Good News Network
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One look at Thanh Tran, and you might think this super-buff dad only likes “manly” things. But when his daughter, Adriana, asked if he’d participate in her ballet class, he couldn’t say no.

His little girl even convinced him to put on a black tutu for the occasion — and he rocked it.

While there was one more dad in the class, Thanh was the only one who dressed up.

“She thought it would be really funny to see her dad wearing the tutu, so I agreed — to make her happy,” the dad told Love What Matters. “She was very proud of me and told me she loved me 20-something times.”

Thanh’s wife, Rebecca, filmed the adorable duo dancing together. The expecting mom sat out this parents’ night, since her daughter said she wanted her daddy to do ballet with her instead.

CLICK the link below to see more sweet photos of Thanh and Adrianna…

Celebrate The Good Dads In Your Life: Click To Share – Photo by Thanh Tran

Mesmerizing Video of 10,000 Snow Geese Taking Flight Will Soothe Your Soul

By
Good News Network
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Have you ever seen birds of a feather actually flock together? Because it is quite a sight to see.

In a video published by YouTube user LazyriverGolden, 10,000 snow geese can be seen taking flight from the surface of Lake Massawippi in Ayer’s Cliff, Quebec.

RELATED: Have You Ever Seen a Hummingbird Pool Party? Watch This Magical Scene…

“This was actually a small group compared to what has been on the lake at other times,” says the YouTuber.

If the footage isn’t breathtaking enough as it is, then the sound makes it even better.

(WATCH the video below)

Fly This Story To Your Friends: Click To Share

In Major Game-Changer, Norway Pushed to Divert its Massive Wealth Out of Fossil Fuel

By
Good News Network
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The bank responsible for the largest sovereign wealth in the the world has just taken a stance against fossil fuels.

Norges Bank, which is the national bank of Norway worth an estimated $1 trillion, were hailed earlier this week for advising the nation’s government to drop sovereign investment in gas and oil.

According to the Guardian, the announcement comes as a welcome followup to Norway’s $90 billion divestment from the coal industry in 2015. While government representatives have reportedly stated that the decision to divest from gas and oil would not be made until next year, it could be a major game-changer for the fossil fuel industry. The bank’s statement alone reportedly caused European fossil fuel stocks to drop.

MORE: World’s Largest Air Purifier Transforms Chinese Smog into Actual Diamonds

“The return on oil and gas stocks has been significantly lower than in the broad equity market in periods of falling oil prices,” said the bank in a statement.

“Therefore, it is the bank’s assessment that the government’s wealth can be made less vulnerable to a permanent drop in oil prices if the GPFG [sovereign wealth fund] is not invested in oil and gas stocks.”

RELATED: Orange is the New Green For Thriving Costa Rican Forests, Thanks to Orange Peels

Ireland became the first country in the world to divert all of its sovereign wealth from coal, oil, and gas after they passed the Fossil Fuel Divestment Bill in January. The decision resulted in $8.5 billion being pulled from the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund.

“The Irish political system is now finally acknowledging what the overwhelming majority of people already know: That to have a fighting chance to combat catastrophic climate change we must phase out fossil fuels and stop the growth of the industry that is driving this crisis,” said Éamonn Meehan of Trócaire.

Click To Share The Historic News With Your Friends

Supreme Court Rules Law Student Who Turned Life Around Can Take Bar Exam

By
Good News Network
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Tarra Denelle Simmons is a mother of three who has overcome all of the odds and turned her life around – and the Supreme Court just helped her do it.

When her father died, the Seattle nurse spiraled into a drug-fueled depression that ultimately cost her everything. She was incarcerated in 2010 with drug charges and spent 20 months in prison. While she was in jail, her house went into foreclosure and she and her husband divorced.

Upon being freed, however, she got clean and – because she had become close with the lawyers who had helped her maneuver the legal system during her time behind bars – started going to law school.

CHECK OUT: How a Lost Purse Got a Heroin Addict on the Path to Recovery

According to KING 5 News, Simmons graduated from Seattle University with honors, made it on the Dean’s Medal, and was even awarded the Sadden Fellowship: an honor that has not been bestowed on a student from the school in almost 30 years.

Despite her academic success, a panel told her that she would not be allowed to take the bar exam because of her past offenses.

Simmons fought the decision and appealed to the Supreme Court. Last week, they unanimously agreed that she would be allowed to take the bar exam.

The ruling states: “After consideration of the record filed in this case, the briefs of the parties and the oral argument, the Court unanimously finds that Tarra Denelle Simmons has the requisite moral character and fitness to practice law in the State of Washington and therefore the following order is entered, with an opinion to be filed at a later date.”

(WATCH the video below)

Let Justice Be Served: Click To Share With Your Friends – Photo by KING 5

Denver Passes Trailblazing Legislation Banning Declawing

By
McKinley Corbley
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Denver has just become the first city outside of California to pass legislation banning the practice of declawing cats.

The bill, which was passed unanimously by the city council on Monday, only applies to elective declawing – conducting the surgery for medical reasons is still legal.

While eight California cities have banned declawing since 2003, New Jersey became the first state to approve legislation that would ban the controversial procedure entirely in November 2016.

CHECK OUT: San Francisco Bans Sale of Non-Rescue Animals at Pet Stores

Animal welfare organizations oppose the surgery because it’s a painful procedure that is typically done to save furniture despite many cats displaying physical and mental complications in the years following the operation. Over 20 other countries in the world have already adopted declawing bans because it’s considered animal cruelty.

Some pet owners and projects opposed the bill because they believe that the reasons behind such an act is between an animal caregiver and their veterinarian.

MORE: Domestic Violence Shelters Will Soon Be Renovated to Accommodate Pets

However, studies show that declawed cats have increased chances of being relinquished to shelters – and thus euthanasia – because of behavioral tendencies that follow declawing, such as soiling the carpet and increased aggression. In contrast, some organizations have worried that pet owners would be more likely to relinquish their cats if they were unable to remove the claws for whatever reason.

Fortunately, since New Jersey announced their plans to ban declawing last year, there have reportedly been no spikes in animal shelter intake.

Click To Share The Pawesome News With Your Friends

Hot New Podcast From Good News Network

By
Good News Network
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Good News— GNN has begun podcasting!

Although we plan to produce a podcast featuring good news stories beginning next year, our first offering is now on iTunes and Soundcloud, and it’s called, Good Currency.

GNN partner Anthony Samadani, who co-hosts our Facebook LIVE show has just launched Good Currency. Good Currency is a philosophy: The good that you do for yourself—personally, professionally and spiritually—can have a huge impact on countless numbers of people, while creating a guaranteed return on your investment.

Each episode, Anthony will interview amazing and inspiring Entrepreneurs, Celebrities, Influencers and everyday heroes, on their tips and tricks to creating their own Good Currency.

The premiere episode is now LIVE and ready for you to leave a review and subscribe to further episodes.

This week Samadani interviews the inspiring Ash Kumra. Ash is an award-winning entrepreneur, author, public speaker and talk show host. He has been recognized twice by the White House as an entrepreneur making an impact. His current project is Youngry.com – an entrepreneur media company whose mission is to transform every young entrepreneur to be successful. He’s the author of book series “Confessions from an Entrepreneur”, and has interviewed business mavens, entrepreneurs, and celebrities who have achieved their dreams and goals.

In today’s episode, Ash and Anthony talk about Youngry, how to use “momentum” in life, and his debut today on Sony’s new business show, MEET THE DRAPERS, a new reality TV series.

Where to Listen to the debut of Good Currency: SoundCloud — iTunes — and Podbean

Watch 72-Year-old Do Some Funky Yoga Moves For Cancer Awareness

By
Lawrence Kreger
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Some years back, people got the idea to grow their mustaches in November to celebrate Cancer Awareness Month – and that’s exactly what I’m doing in honor of my firefighting friends who have cancer.

According to the Movember Foundation for Cancer Awareness, the rules are pretty simple: no mustache-beard combos such as Van Dykes and other stuff, just traditional mustaches of any kind (pencil, walrus, brush, etc).

I just had started growing my Movember mustache again – been doing it since 2015 – and this year did a yoga dance for a kind of serious fun. (The song is: La Dah, but TheCreatoR)

We should do everything we can to increase awareness of how to prevent and detect cancer and its many manifestations.

(WATCH the video below)

Grow Some Positivity: Click To Share

How an Unassuming Warehouse is Giving Thousands of Books Away For Free: ‘We Encourage Shoplifting’

By
Good News Network
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While it may seem like a normal warehouse on the outside, this Baltimore building is so much more.

Russell Wattenberg is the architect of the visionary idea behind “The Book Thing”: a building that houses over 7,000 books that are free for the taking.

Weekly for the last 17 years, Wattenberg has opened wide the doors of the facility to the community so they could peruse the shelves and take home any books that interested them – and he never charged a penny.

RELATED: Man Invents Glow-in-the-Dark Toilet Seat So You Don’t Need to Turn on Lights

“[It’s] all free. We encourage shoplifters,” Russell told CBS.

In a tragic fire last year, the building and all of its contents burned down, so the community he had been serving in Maryland stepped up to thank the bibliophile and paid some overdue fees.

Thanks to a host of fundraisers and donations,  The Book Thing reopened for the public last month in a celebration of reading.

(WATCH the video below – or View it at CBS News)

Click To Share This Sweet Story With Your Friends – Photo by CBS News

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