Wonderful, surprising, and happy things happened all over the world this week. No, really!
Take, for example a new migraine-preventing drug that could one day help millions of people. Then there's the town in Sweden that is considering paying its residents to have sex with their partner (of course it would be in Sweden). Oh, and don't forget that Nokia is bringing back the 3310, otherwise known as everyone's favorite, blocky, indestructible cellphone from the year 2000!
And that's not nearly all.
Here's a look at some wonderful things that will make you feel G-R-E-A-T about the world.
1. A video surfaced of the most friggin' enthusiastic kid ever during a sing-along at school.
I'd like to make a motion that we all begin each morning like this.
The little guy in blue will change your moodI challenge you not to smile Credit: ViralHog
Posted by Viral Thread on Tuesday, February 21, 2017
2. More and more people are adopting senior dogs. They're cute, and they won't eat your shoes!
Image via Trevor Hurlbut/Wikimedia Commons.
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We all know most everyone wants an adorable puppy, but gray-muzzles need good homes, too. One organization that specializes in rehoming senior pets happily reports they're seeing more interest from people in bringing an older dog into their home. Let's keep it up!
3. India's Ministry of Health just said it's OK to be gay (and some other cool things). That's a huge deal.
Official laws in India are a bit behind the times on issues like homosexuality and consent, but the education community at least is making a push to change that. New guidelines encourage educators to tell young people it's OK to be attracted to the same sex and that consent is important in any sexual encounter.
4. Scientists say sea snails might one day save us from pain. Yippee!
Image via Chris Pearson/Wikimedia Commons.
Opioid addiction and overdose is a major problem in America, but the drugs are super important and effective in mitigating pain. Early testing shows that venom from sea snails (though the snails themselves aren't all that easy on the eyes) could one day be a safe and effective alternative.
5. People are already banding together to hide and shelter undocumented immigrants.
CNN reports that people all over the country are already working together, forming a network to help house immigrants who may be wanted by ICE for deportation.
I don't know about you, but watching people stand up for their neighbors, documented or not, makes me swell with pride for our country.
6. A small-town hero gave a stranger his own car so he could make it to a funeral on time.
Todd Steinkamp's car gave out on him during a long drive to a funeral, stranding him in unfamiliar Wild Rose, Wisconsin. A mechanic there said he could fix it, but it'd take a couple of days, and the town was fresh out of rental cars.
So the kind mechanic gave Todd the keys to his own truck and told him to get going.
Let me tell you the story of Glenn. I had to go to a funeral yesterday up by Green Bay, Wisconsin. As it was a long...
Posted by Todd Steinkamp on Wednesday, February 22, 2017
7. New trials for an HIV vaccine are extremely promising.
A new study out of the IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute in Barcelona reports that a hybrid of existing vaccines helped curb or eliminate HIV in a number of participants. If the drug progresses successfully, it could one day eliminate the need for expensive, daily treatments for HIV patients.
8. This baby hugging a cat.
This is the best.
GIF via ChunMengGoh/Imgur.
9. A trope-busting horror movie about racism scored 100% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Director Jordan Peele. Photo by Valerie Macon/AFP/Getty Images.
We all know the ancient trope about the black guy dying first in horror movies, but in Jordan Peele's "Get Out," the black guy is the main character, and the film isn't afraid to tackle the racial issues of today's America head-on.
Oh, and apparently the movie is good. Like really good.
It's awesome to see a smart filmmaker of color pushing forward in a genre in desperate need of change.
10. Fashion FTW. A report just claimed Fashion Week in New York was as inclusive as it's ever been.
A model for Marc Jacobs during Fashion Week. Photo by Angela Weiss/AFP/Getty Images.
The Fashion Spot reports that the recent mega-fashion event in New York City held earlier this month featured at least one model of color on every runway, which hasn't happened since anyone has been keeping track.
11. And finally, a woman in a wheelchair broke major barriers in the Miss World Australia competition.
There's no such thing as too many stories about inclusivity. Beauty comes in every shape, size, color, and ability, as Justine Clark proved by advancing farther than anyone using a wheelchair had in the competition before.
There's bound to be great news next week, too. You might have to look a little harder for it these days, but I promise you, it's worth it!