By Robert Dean
Guest Columnist
Every week, I write my column. I consider what’s happening locally, nationally, but also in my life. And I mean, look around; there’s plenty of hell a lot of us endure daily, in whatever form said slice of Hades decides to take. To combat the midterm noise (Please go vote) or the news of some awful event like a “totally random, we have no idea what you’re talking about” Super El Niño potentially battering us this winter, I dug around. I found a few things that may give you a moment to breathe. And you know what? In a world where we pay $47 just to buy cleaning supplies when your mother-in-law comes over, a little positivity is needed, you know?
So, check these little tidbits out:
Scientists believe Van Gogh’s The Starry Night wasn’t entirely imagined. By reconstructing the skies over France in 1889, researchers found that the painting’s moon, Venus, and stars closely match the morning of July 22. The discovery suggests Van Gogh transformed an actual celestial scene into art, although the theory remains disputed. Technology is wild. We’re doing astronomical moon placement and GTA 6 still isn’t out yet.
Move over, Little Free Library, a new neighborhood gangster is taking over: Cake Sheds.
Inspired in part by The Great British Baking Show, home bakers are selling cakes from tiny roadside stands, using honor-system payments across the UK. More than 300 are listed nationwide. Social media is fueling the trend, giving everyday bakers a way to earn money while bringing communities together. We need to find a way to do this on this side of the pond without crackheads stealing everything. Who doesn’t like a cheap sweet treat? I know if I could stop for a homemade slice of pie on my way home for $3, my blood sugar would be off the charts.
Indonesia has halted a massive agricultural expansion project, potentially saving more than 4 million acres of rainforest, wetlands, and peatlands from destruction. After reaching its rice production goals three years early, the government says future farming will use previously developed land. Environmental groups are celebrating the decision, though questions remain about long-term protections and the extent of existing damage. More of this, please. The earth needs us to think like this, all the time.
Scientists at Stanford have discovered a way to reverse coral bleaching in record time. By placing dying coral in contact with healthy, genetically identical coral, researchers transferred beneficial algae that helped restore the dying coral’s health within seven weeks. The laboratory breakthrough offers new hope for saving reefs devastated by warming oceans and climate change. Nemo’s landlord finally has a plan.
A five-month-old, orphaned walrus named Annautaq is getting a second chance after rescuers discovered him stranded on an Alaskan beach, surrounded by scavenging birds. Weighing 220 pounds, the little guy was transported 4,000 miles to SeaWorld Orlando, where he’s receiving around-the-clock care. Since he can’t survive alone in the wild, he’ll eventually join three other walruses. Get this little guy a sardine; he’s had a rough couple of weeks.
You’re welcome. Now go out into the world with a good attitude.
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