A new book by award-winning filmmaker and educator Barnet Bain, titled *How to Be a Friend (in an Unfriendly World)*, aims to address the growing need for connection and support in today’s increasingly divisive society. Set to be released on December 9, 2023, the book emphasizes the importance of friendship as a fundamental human need,…
Image Credit: zurijeta/123rf.com As the holiday season approaches, many families grapple with the nuances of gift-giving, particularly when it comes to teachers. In light of this, etiquette expert Myka Meier, founder of Beaumont Etiquette, offers straightforward guidelines to help families navigate this process without stress. When it comes to class gift contributions, Meier suggests that…
Image Credit: ecarlander/123rf.com The global initiative to protect marine ecosystems is gaining traction as nations strive to meet the United Nations’ goal of safeguarding 30 percent of the world’s oceans by 2030. A recent study highlights the importance of not just designating marine protected areas (MPAs) but ensuring their enforcement is effective in maintaining biodiversity,…
Image Credit: moovstock/123rf.com Italy’s parliament has made a significant stride in the fight against gender-based violence by passing a law that officially recognizes femicide as a distinct criminal offense. This landmark legislation was approved on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and mandates life sentences for individuals convicted of murdering women…
Image Credit: mrcooking/123rf.com A recent study presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2025 highlights the potential health risks associated with sleeping in illuminated environments. Research indicates that exposure to ambient light during sleep is linked to increased stress levels in the brain, heightened arterial inflammation, and a greater risk of cardiovascular events such…
Image Credit: maxshot/123rf.com Five states in New England have united to launch a significant initiative aimed at enhancing home heating efficiency and reducing carbon emissions. The New England Heat Pump Accelerator, backed by a $450 million investment from the federal Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program, seeks to deploy over 580,000 heat pumps across Connecticut, Maine,…
Image Credit: wavebreakmediamicro/123rf.com As the holiday season approaches, gatherings often bring joy and connection but also increase the risk of spreading respiratory viruses such as the flu and RSV. Health experts emphasize the importance of discussing symptoms with guests before hosting events to protect vulnerable individuals. Infectious disease specialist Dr. Linda Yancey highlights that mild…
The Optimist Daily’s Annual Local Changemakers series concludes with a spotlight on two influential women working to empower communities through education. The stories of Shirley Santana Herrera and Shereen Arent illustrate how education serves as a crucial tool for transformation, particularly for women and youth in underserved regions. In Rajasthan, India, Sambhali Trust has been…
Shirley Santana Herrera, a 24-year-old innovator from the Dominican Republic, is making significant strides in empowering youth through education. As the founder of Excelsior Academy, she is dedicated to breaking the cycles of poverty that many young people face in Latin America. Through her digital education platform, she offers leadership training and access to global…
Image Credit: gyuszko/123rf.com In Taradell, a small town in Catalonia, Spain, a community initiative focused on gardening has transformed into a significant clean energy project. The cooperative, Taradell Sostenible, was founded by four local activists who recognized the potential for the town to not only grow its own food but also generate its own renewable…
