Some Good News in Terrible Times

Do you need a break from all the doom and gloom?  With COVID-19, climate change and the horrors of the Donald Trump presidency, it's time for some good news to brighten up your day.  Yes, these are the "worst of times," to quote Charles Dickens, so Number 16 will provide you with some much-needed relief from all the bad news.  It will not make COVID go away, but it is designed to make you feel better.

MONTREAL-BASED COMPANY HELPS DEVELOP DRONES FOR HUMANITARIAN AID

Polytechnique Montréal, an engineering research company, has partnered with other researchers who are developing technology to assist humanitarian workers.  Since 2017, the company has been collaborating with Solutions Humanitas to develop an interface for remote-control autonomous air vehicles (UAVs).  These drones will be able to inspect and gauge the safety of damaged buildings in real time, provide 3D images of the disaster site, and first and foremost, transport medicines or emergency kits. 

TEXAS TEACHER BUILDS GARAGE LIBRARY

Jennifer Martin, an elementary school teacher in Austin Texas, built a library in her garage.for students who do not have access to a nearby library (Most of her students live a fair distance (24.14 kilometres, 15 miles) from the closest public library).  Martin's garage library has more than 1,500 works and is based on the honour system.  It was designed as a temporary solution until the reopening of the neighbourhood school library.  

CHINA PLANS TO REDUCE SINGLE-USE PLASTIC 

China, one of the world biggest users of plastic, has announced plans to change course.  By the end of 2020, a ban will take effect on the production and manufacture and sale  of disposable foamed plastic tableware, straws and plastic cotton buds.  Non-degradable bags will be banned in majors cities in the country by the end of 2020 and in smaller cities and towns by 2020.  By 2025, non-biodegradable plastic products at hotels and the plastic packaging of courier deliverers will be banned. 

SOUTH AUSTRALIA BANS SINGLE-USE PLASTIC PRODUCTS

In order to protect wildlife on both land and sea, the state of South Australia has passed legislation banning non-biodegradable single-use plastics such as cutlery items, beverage stirrers and straws. Due to the pandemic, the law is not scheduled to take effect until 2021, and there are exemptions for medical needs.  It is the first state in Australia to ban single-use plastics.

FOR THE FIRST TIME, A UNIVERSITY IN NEW JERSEY CELEBRATES A GRADUATE WITH DOWN SYNDROME

On May 8. 2020, Anna Rose Rubright graduated from Rowan University in New Jersey.  Due to COVID-19, she had a virtual graduation on Zoom.  Anna has Down Syndrome, a genetic disorder causd by abnormal cell division. It impairs physical and intellectual growth and affects facial features.

The special speaker at Anna Rose's online graduation was Stephen M. Sweeney, the President of the Senate of New Jersey.  Sweeney is the father of a daughter, Lauren, who was born prematurely with Down Syndrome.  He credits Lauren with inspiring him to launch his career in politics.

 Anna Rose received an audiovisual licence.  The young graduate aspires to become an entrepreneur and launch her own production company. She enthusiastic about radio and is eager tell stories to others with Down Syndrome.  

TWO HOMELESS MEN HAVE CLEANED UP LITTER ON THE CALIFORNIA BEACH FOR THE LAST FOUR YEARS

Every morning at 5 a.m., Dave Hendon and Marc Gervais, clean Ocean Beach, California for free.  The men live in the area in their van.  They clean the beach for the benefit of their community, picking up trash and removing glass.

A COUPLE OF JOKES TO MAKE YOU SMILE

What do you call a pig that does karate?

A pork chop.

What's the best thing about Switzerland?

I'm really not sure, but its flag is a big plus.

- Joanne