In the wisdom of my Aunt Lil, who lived vibrantly to 103, she once said, “At any age, it’s wonderful to have a lover—even...

In a time when headlines can feel heavy and the weight of global challenges looms large, stories of positive change remind us that meaningful progress is possible—often driven by community, creativity, and a deep respect for the planet. From ancient wisdom influencing modern conservation to cutting-edge science revolutionizing sustainability, the world is full of encouraging momentum. Here’s a round-up of recent breakthroughs and inspiring efforts that reflect our shared humanity and hope for a better future. “We Belong to One Ocean”: Indigenous Leadership at the Heart of Ocean Conservation For Native Hawaiians like Solomon Kahoʻohalahala, the ocean is far more than water—it’s a sacred ancestor. In their genealogical stories, the coral polyp is revered as the oldest...

One of the most unexpected stories early in the COVID-19 pandemic was the sudden, widespread shortage of toilet paper. As lockdowns began in March 2020, people rushed to supermarkets, hoarding rolls and emptying shelves. Yet, amid the frenzy, some savvy shoppers turned to a different solution—a device long beloved in many parts of the world but still relatively unknown in the U.S.: the bidet. Sales of bidets skyrocketed during that time, according to James Lin, founder of bidetking.com. His company sold out its entire stock, and every year since, bidet sales continue to grow by 20-30%, signaling rising interest in this simple yet transformative bathroom fixture. A Brief History: From Aristocratic Luxury to Modern Necessity The bidet dates...

Despite remarkable advances in technology and medicine, the United States faces a troubling paradox: both life expectancy and healthy life expectancy are declining. Unlike other developed nations, Americans today do not live as long or as well as previous generations did, even before the COVID-19 pandemic. So, what’s driving this alarming trend? The answer lies deep in the intertwined worlds of Big Agriculture and Big Pharma—two industries wielding enormous power over what we eat and how we manage our health. Their shared business models prioritize profits over people, creating a cycle of dependency that undermines long-term well-being. The Rise of Chronic Disease and Obesity Back in the 1930s, only 7.5% of Americans lived with chronic diseases. Today, that...