Humans are so cute. I was in Yellowstone National Park with some friends last weekend and as we drove around a curve in the road overlooking a large lake, we saw a group of about forty people congregated near the edge of the road, cars seemingly abandoned in haste. An accident? A crime scene? No -- a grizzly bear! Though the animal was a ways off in the lake, you could see it clear as day. We watched with bated breath and rapt attention as the bear bathed a little bit, took to the shore, relieved itself, scratched an itch or two, and sauntered off into the thick forest, completely oblivious to the adoring crowd it attracted. Imagine, just living your life, not knowing your mere existence has caused people to literally stop in their tracks and marvel! We aren't as jaded as we think we are. We are always capable of immense wonder, even if it's just some bear half a mile away, scratching itself on a tree.
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Our favorites this week
Get going with some of our most popular good news stories of the week
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Would you look at that!
A group of 100 renowned nature photographers has come together for a new project to protect the beauty of the world's oceans. 100 for the Ocean was set up by photographers Paul Nicklen, Cristina Mittermeier and Chase Teron, who believe art has the ability to "bring the world together and give voice to the creatures who depend on the ocean for survival." The group is selling limited-edition prints of stunning natural images, like this emperor penguin launching itself out of Antarctica's icy waters. The prints start at $100, and the sale runs through May. Nicklen hopes the effort will raise around $1 million. Net proceeds go to SeaLegacy Canada Foundation, which will use the money to expand its own conservation efforts and support other ocean-focused organizations through media connections and documentary storytelling opportunities.
→ Read the whole story here.
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A medical miracle
A team of doctors in Boston successfully performed brain surgery on an infant girl -- before she was even born. Kenyatta Coleman and her husband Derek, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, learned late in her pregnancy that their baby had a rare and dangerous brain condition known as vein of Galen malformation. When the couple learned of a clinical trial run by a trio of Boston-area hospitals to address such a condition, they were in. Despite serious potential risks for mom and baby, surgeons were able to successfully perform the ultrasound-guided procedure in March. In utero surgery has been used for other issues before, but this was among the first for such a rare and delicate condition. Two days later, Denver Coleman was born, weighing 4 pounds and 1 ounce. Doctors say she's doing very well, and there's no sign she needs any further intervention. “She’s shown us from the very beginning that she was a fighter,” Kenyatta said. “She’s demonstrated … 'Hey, I wanna be here.'”
→ Read the whole story here.
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Let's play!
Hasbro, the maker of iconic board games like Scrabble and The Game of Life, is retooling some classic games so aging doesn’t get in the way of good ol' fun. In partnership with Ageless Innovation, Hasbro has unveiled new versions of Scrabble, Trivial Pursuit and The Game of Life. Each has been reimagined to make the play experience more appealing and easier for seniors. These tweaks include bigger tiles and letters, and generation-specific trivia and gameplay. The new versions of the games will hit the market over the coming months. (And no, they're not replacing the original versions.) Experts hope more game makers will see the positive reception to these games and make similar options so people of all ages can continue to crush their loved ones with seven-letter word plays.
→ Read the whole story here.
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The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's 2023 inductees, which include one of my very favorite artists, Willie Nelson. Icons like Missy Elliott, Kate Bush, Sheryl Crow and Rage Against the Machine are also claiming their place in rock's hallowed hall. Chaka Khan, Al Kooper and Bernie Taupin have been selected to receive the Musical Excellence Award, which is “given to artists, musicians, songwriters and producers whose originality and influence creating music have had a dramatic impact on music.” The 38th Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place on Friday, November 3.
→ Read the whole story here.
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OK, so this is less "you gotta see" and more "you gotta imagine." The Blackpool Zoo in Lancashire, England, is seeking seagull deterrents to help with the “nuisance” of the birds stealing food from visitors and animals. What does a "seagull deterrent" look like? Well, the animal sanctuary is hoping it will look like a few volunteers flailing around, dressed up like birds of prey to scare away the overly familiar gulls. The requirements are straightforward: You must be friendly, outgoing, energetic, flexible and, of course, comfortable wearing a bird costume.
→ Read the whole story (including a little demonstration) here.
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May is Mental Health Awareness Month, so here's a general reminder: Mental health challenges are just as valid as physical health challenges. There is nothing to be ashamed of, and seeking help -- even if it's just talking it out with someone -- is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Now that we've gotten that out of the way, here are some more thoughts from CNN Heroes who have changed the world and their communities with their mental health outreach.
Michelle Neff Hernandez, whose organization helps widowed people connect with each other in a community of support: "We have to model good mental health care by learning about mental health with the same vigor we use to learn about physical health. Imagine if meditation were as popular as weight loss. Or if picking up your mood stabilizing medication was viewed in the same way as picking up your blood pressure medication ... We all need mental health support at many times in our lives; what a gift it would be if accessing that help were viewed as just part of normal life."
Annette March-Grier, a 2014 CNN Hero and the founder of Roberta’s House, a bereavement center in Baltimore, Maryland: "Self-care is not selfish. It is a truth that if you don’t take care of yourself, you will have nothing to give others. Self-care means taking time out for self, creating a gratitude list, journaling, dancing, laughing, breathing fully, smelling the fresh air, being aware of surroundings, being in the moment, enjoying the stillness when you can, taking time out for self, playing with your pet, exercising, reflecting on the past, dreaming about the future, eating healthy, helping someone in need."
Mary Cortani, whose nonprofit, Operation Freedom Paws, has helped nearly 600 veterans, first responders, and others train their own service dogs: "If the world has taught me anything, it has taught me to remember to be kind, do not judge what you cannot see. Pain is invisible. With all the craziness going on every day, breathe. It is okay to feel down, to feel overloaded, overwhelmed, sad, frustrated. Try not to hold onto it. Seek help, talk to your family, friends, pastor, priest – talk to someone. And for those listening, really hear, pay attention, because sometimes the silence says more than the words. There is no shame to ask for help. It takes courage, and we all have it within us."
→ Read the whole story (including more expert insight) here.
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Today marks the Coronation of King Charles III and his wife, Camilla, as the King and Queen of England. Of all of the trivia and historical facts floating around the event, this is the most delicious (and the least likely to get you into an argument about the monarchy -- maybe): The Royal Family has designated a quiche made from spinach, fava beans and tarragon as the event's official dish. The recipe includes eggs, cream and cheddar cheese, and the Royal news release suggests eating the dish "hot or cold with a green salad and boiled new potatoes." Because, of course, it isn't a real party unless there's a signature quiche.
→ Read the whole story here.
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Never apologize for showing feeling, my friend. Remember that when you do so, you apologize for the truth.
- Benjamin Disraeli, from the 1832 novel "Contarini Fleming: A Psychological Romance."
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Rec of the week
Brought to you by CNN Underscored
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HGTV stars Erin and Ben Napier share their home must-haves
CNN Underscored caught up with “Home Town Takeover” stars Erin and Ben Napier to learn about their list of home essentials. From their favorite $50 coffee maker to the Napiers’ go-to cleaning product, shop their favorites right here.
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Shameless animal video
There's always time for cute animal videos. That time is now.
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It is red dog season in Yellowstone, which means the appearance of brand new baby bison! As cute as they are, they're definitely best admired from afar ... unless you're a professional adoptive bison mom like this woman. (Click here to view) |
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