Great News. July Edition.

Published: Wed, 07/28/21

I started a new project at the beginning of 2021.

It’s called Great News.

Once a month, I send out a collection of news that is uplifting, hopeful, and encouraging. Big stories, interesting science facts, plus happy updates contributed by readers like you.

Because sometimes, you just need a dose of pure joy in your life.

Here is the Great News for July, in no particular order...

- A 99-year-old woman and 2-year-old boy have become the best of friends.

- A man who plays piano to entertain weary travelers in a busy airport received the surprise of a lifetime: a $61,000 tip.

- A major meteor shower is coming and the sky will be filled with shimmering light.

- In Norway, electric cars are now more popular and selling faster than any other cars, including petrol, diesel, and hybrid.

- Did you know that dolphins have names for one another. (Side note: if you were a dolphin, what would your name be?)

- Somebody compiled a collection of the world's most unique and creative COVID masks...including one that looks like a scuba mask, and one that looks like cabbage or possibly kale? Mesmerizing.

- Diane, a newsletter reader, wrote in to say, "This is great for a laugh." And is truly is. Thank you, Diane!

- Amber, another reader, says, "I wanted to share some good news of my own. I was just filmed in the City of Lafayette's Artist Series as a featured artist! I got to share some of my reflections and thoughts about being a writer and following my dreams in this beautiful video." Congratulations, Amber!

- Hillary wrote in to share some delightful news: "My bestie wrote her first song about me and sang it to me on the beach." Well, that is truly delightful.

- My aunt Lucy has published her second cookbook, Easy Japanese Recipes for the Home Cook. Congratulations! Second book and many more to come, I am certain!

- Japan has appointed a Minster of Loneliness to help tackle mental health issues caused by isolation. What a good idea. Congratulations to Japan for prioritizing mental wellbeing.

- Great news if you love Tarot cards and mystical, magical things. Finally, a Tarot deck especially for kids.

- Great news if you love muttering to yourself while you're alone, as I most certainly do. Apparently, it's good for your brain.

- Great news if you love trees. Trees are proven to reduce stress, and some trees have been to the moon.

- Great news if you love to work less and relax more: switching from a 5-day workweek to a 4-day week is really good for you, and it's good for companies and profitability too. (We recently shifted to a 4-day week within my own company. Best decision of the year.)

- Great news if you love music. There are 97 million songs in the world. An astounding amount of music. You could listen to a brand new song every 3 minutes and never run out of options.

- Great news if you love books. The Tiny Book Fair is happening this weekend! It's online, so you can visit the fair virtually from anywhere in the world. It's for all ages. And it's free.

- Great news if you love rainbow funfetti cake and want it delivered to your home: wooooow.

- Lastly: please enjoy this very important footage of a sleepy baby and puppy resting together. You're welcome.

Such Great News.

-Alex

PS. What's one positive thing that has happened in your life lately? Do you have a piece of Great News you would love to share? We'd love to hear. Click *reply* to email me and my team. We read every single email that comes in—and we treasure each one.

PPS. Unrelated but kinda cool. After more than 200 episodes, my friend Nicole has decided to bring her podcast, Real Talk Radio, to an end. I was honored to be the final guest on the show. You can listen to our conversation about beginnings, endings, love, loss, grief, money, quitting social media, and why it's a good idea to hire magicians...right here. Enjoy the show.