The Good News

Making A Promise

        By: Maria Salvarrey

  This all started in 4^th grade when Ben and Mary's’ teacher noticed how Ben included Mary who has down syndrome in school activities.  He would say that if he saw her looking like she wasn't having fun he would go up to her and talk to her. He didn't just go up to her but he would pull her into whatever activity the class was doing. He always looked out for her.

    Ben appreciated Mary a lot and all the times they spent together. Ben's mother says she wasn't aware of what was going until their 4^th grade end of year party. When Ben and Mary were in 4^th grade Ben promised to take Mary to his 12th grade prom. Ben committed to his promise by taking Mary to prom.

“High School QB Fulfills 4^th-grade Prom Promise to Girl with Down Syndrome.” TODAY.com. Web.15 May 2015.

Love Letters From The Past

By: Alina Marin

   

      Sara Redlich was sorting the bins at a Goodwill store in Oregon when something stood out. A pile of love letters all written to a woman named Rose Hill. She had no idea of how about they got there, but followed her instincts to find the owner. The pink haired employee also didn’t know how much this would mean to Rose, a 64 year old woman who is currently suffering with symptoms of dementia. She strives every day to remember things, and these letters from her ex-husband sent from the Vietnam War brought bad memories of value. “I remember!” hill exclaimed. “You smell the smells. You hear the sounds. You feel like you are back in time and place” “Any recollection feels like total joy”.

"​Surprising Discovery Jogs Woman's Fading Memory." CBSNews. CBS Interactive. Web. 9 Feb. 2015. <http://www.cbsnews.com/news/surprising-discovery-letters-comforts-womans-fading-memory/>.

Bunny World: The Good of the Few

By: Jatniel Carvajal

        Each year, the House Rabbit Society helps thousands of bunnies find new homes all around the United States. Volunteers take care of the fluffy mammals, administering vaccines, providing nutrients (such as homemade plain salad), and tending the special needs of baby rabbits. The San Diego Rabbit Society rescues approximately eighty five to a hundred bunnies per year, providing a safe home for the homeless animals rejected by their owners. Since its foundation in 1988, The House Rabbit Society has rescued and care of more than twenty-thousand fluffy bunnies, establishing community centers, and educating people on topics of: bunny care, vaccination, society, and fostering love for rabbits.

      Man of the bunnies were already in shelters, waiting to be administered euthanasia for the lack of space and adoption. The House Rabbit Society helped the rejected bunnies in the brink of their death find hope in new homes and tend their social needs by providing “bunny social times”. No bunny is euthanized because it ran out of time nor rejected as a result of lack of space. The House Rabbit Society sends a message of hope of a better world to all bunnies around the globe.

"House Rabbit Society." House Rabbit Society RSS. Web. 5 Feb. 2015. <http://rabbit.org/>.

"Bunny News Network." Bunny News Network. Web. 5 Feb. 2015. <http://thebnn.org/>.

"San Diego House Rabbit Society | An All-Volunteer Nonprofit Rabbit Welfare and Education Organization." San Diego House Rabbit Society | An All-Volunteer Nonprofit Rabbit Welfare and Education Organization. Web. 5 Feb. 2015. <http://www.sandiegorabbits.org/>.

Return of the Fox

By: Alejandro Rodriguez

              

      A rare Sierra Nevada red fox was spotted in Yosemite National Park making it the first time in 100 years for the species to be seen in the area. Yosemite National Park officers were the first to spot the fox through surveillance cameras and only 2 pictures of have been taken so far, one in December 13, and another in January 4. The rare mammal is originally native to California with less than 50 individuals living in the wild, but since the last sighting, Yosemite Wildlife research crews have conducted surveys as to why the Sierra Nevada red foxes are returning to the park. The surveys consist of remote camera stations to detect the fox, and hair snare stations to get hair samples for genetic analysis. Through hair samples, park biologists can better understand and classify the fox in hopes to protect them from what made them nearly extinct: poachers. Hunters used to kill the Sierra Nevada red fox for their thick red for, until 1974, where hunting them was made illegal. The fox completely disappeared from Yosemite national park and its surrounding areas, but thanks to the sightings, scientists are thrilled by the return of the fox.

Lacey-Bordeaux, Emma. "Rare Fox Spotted in Yosemite National Park." Cnn.com. Web. 30 Jan. 2015. <http://www.cnn.com/2015/01/29/us/california-sierra-nevada-red-fox/index.htm>.

McGinley, Mike. "100-Year Return of Rare Sierra Nevada Red to Yosemite Nat'l Park - The Good News Network." The Good News Network. 29 Jan. 2015. Web. 30 Jan. 2015. <http://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/rare-sierra-nevada-red-fox-returns-yosemite-natl-park/>.

Japan’s New Indoor Farms

By: Dashielly Quintero

       A Japanese botanist, Shigehara Shimamura new indoor factory farm is a new development, after the nuclear disaster at the Funkushmia plant which caused food shortages, crops damaged. The company Mirai meaning “future, has created this indoor vertical farm that uses special LED lighting, thermal insulation and the right level of soil and temperature etc.
   So far, twelve factories have been installed around Japan. And plans to expand into China and Russia are coming along. With theses indoor farms not only is it’s saving crops in case of emergencies; but it’s saving water, 40% power. In addition it would mean food availability all year round. With these new inventions it is surely changing society’s agriculture and future food sources.

"Out of Japan's Nuclear Disaster, New Indoor Farms Grow 100x More Food - The Good News Network." The Good News Network. 19 Jan. 2015. Web. 30 Jan. 2015. <http://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/out-of-japan-disaster-new-indoor-farms-grow-100x-more-food/>.

Proton Therapy: Possible “Magic Cure” for Cancer?

By: Lourdes Gonzalez

     Nuclear physicist Yves Jongen has created a proton radiation therapy to battle cancer with minimal side effects. Jongen has a cyclotron machine in a 2-meter thick concrete bunker where he produces proton beams; these spiral beams are accelerated at ⅔ the speed of light (200,000 km per second)! The speed is needed to penetrate up to one foot into a patient’s body. Once the beam is ready, it is piped into the patient’s room and they are hit with targeted radiation that kills only the cancer cells.

     The only two main problems are its cost and how it only targets localized cancers. Proton therapy is not effective on all cancers, such as leukemia (cancer of the blood) because it’s all over the body; there is no appropriate place to shoot the beam at. The price for one of the machines is also very high. Jongen is currently creating a smaller and less expensive version for local hospitals. He hopes that the smaller version will assist hundreds of cancer patients per year and raise survival rates.

"Is Proton Therapy the 'magic Bullet' for Cancer? - CNN.com." CNN. Cable News Network. Web. 26 Jan. 2015. <http://www.cnn.com/2015/01/22/tech/mci-proton-therapy/index.html>.

Same-Sex Marriage now Legal in Florida

By Yemily Ruiz

   After a long and restless journey for hundreds of gay couples in Florida struggling to earn the right to get married, the state has now legalized gay marriage.

      On January 5^th at exactly midnight, Florida became the 36^th state to legalize gay marriage in the United States. Court Clerks in some parts of Florida didn’t waste time, issuing marriage licenses and performing weddings for the same sex couples overnight. As well as having the right to legally get married, these couples have received much-needed benefits. As long as a couple is married in a jurisdiction with legal authority to authorize the marriage, an insurance company can’t discriminate against them. This means that the same coverage will be offered to the same-sex couple as it is to the opposite-sex couples. The Market Place is also treating the same-sex couples equally when it comes to applying for tax credits and lower out-of-pocket costs on private insurance plans.

     Now that Same Sex marriage is Legal, it has enabled same sex divorce in Florida. The same day when the state’s ban on same sex-marriage was lifted, the subject of divorce was also settled. They are allowed to divorce, and just like an opposite-sex couple, they get 50 percent of the assets or the same benefits an opposite-sex couple would get, depending on the case.

     Florida made history on January 5^th, and though there is still a long way to go until this subject is completely settled, this is one step into the equality we all deserve.

Montanaro, Julie, Kevin Clark, and Lanetra Bennett. "Gay Marriage Now Legal in Florida, Leon Co. Issues Licenses." WCTV RSS. WCTV RSS, 7 July 2015. Web. 14 Jan. 2015. <http://www.wctv.tv/home/headlines/Florida-Clerks-Prepare-to-Issue-Same-Sex-Marriage-Licenses-287382131.html>.

Nohlgren, Stephen. "Same-sex Marriage in Florida Enables Same-sex Divorce." Tampa Bay Times. Tampa Bay times, 10 Jan. 2015. Web. 14 Jan. 2015. <http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/same-sex-marriage-in-florida-also-means-same-sex-divorce/2213179>.

Brain Hats 

By: Nathali Chalita

   Eduardo Miranda had a great success making one of the greatest inventions. He invented the brain computer music interface (BCMI) which allows people to create music with their eyes. And it works the easiest way, nothing complicated. By only connecting electrodes to the back of the head, the system can tell where you're looking by monitoring brain activity. Flashing icons representing different snippets of music appear on screen and you can make a selection, just by starring at one. "I wanted to create something to enable people with severe disabilities to make music. I was struck by an encounter I had once with a man who had a stroke and got paralyzed completely from the neck down. That had a profound impact on me and I thought, as a musician, how I could provide a voice for him. That's where this research began."

      Eduardo started his lab 11 years ago with Plymouth university's financial  support. Eduardo is working on improving the system, in making it more robust and user friendly. All of this cost around $5,600 to put this into stores, for everyone to buy. So it might take some time for this system to sell in stores. Eduardo is also working on a project, which will allow the public to use the system in a 'brain booth'. If Eduardo continues in this path, who knows how many other things he can accomplish to help others.

Parke, Phoebe. "This Brain Hat Helps the Paralyzed Make Music." CNN. Cable News Network, 23 Dec. 2014. Web. 14 Jan. 2015. <http://www.cnn.com/2014/12/23/tech/innovation/how-to-make-music-with-your-eyes/index.html#em0>.

Mia’s Dreams Come True

By: Zulani N. Pruna

As little girls, we’d always dream about how someday we’ll twirl across the stage surrounded by thousands. This is also surely Mia & Maddy’s dream as they learn to do so at “DanceAbillities”. Tess Walter, Mia’s mother opened up a non-profit studio for special needs kids. “It makes me so happy when I dance”, expressed Mia, whose mother claims, as high functioning Asperger’s Syndrome. 
Tess has been a dancer her whole life & has always dreamed of opening her own dance studio. Never did it cross her mind that it would be for special- needs kids until she had children of her very own. Tess also has a son with from of low-functioning, non-verbal autism. This inspired her to want to create a place where Mia(& many other kids) could dance at their own pace without pressure of traditional studio.

         Working up to 60-70 extra hours per week, handful of donations & a lot of hard work; Tess was able to make this dream possible. DanceAbillities opened their doors this June, now offering free programs to the special needs community, having a judgment free & loving environment  that all can join.

"'Makes Me so Happy!' Mom Opens Dance Studio for Special-needs Kids." TODAY. Web. 21 Nov. 2014.<http://www.today.com/news/it-makes-me-so-happy-mom-opens-dance-studio-special-1D80226521>.

Firefighters Are Heroes!

By: Cicelys Pinon

    A group of firefighters rescued an 81-year-old woman at her home in Santa Barbara, California on September 20th, when she tripped and fell in front of her porch. Luckily, the elderly woman was able to reach for her cell phone and call for assistance. Firefighter, Captain Kevin Bryant and his crew, responded to her emergency call. The crew took the woman to the hospital where they found out that she broke her arm and injured her shoulder. The crew didn't stop there. While she was in surgery, Bryant and Tyler Smith, two firefighters from the crew, decided to help clean up her front yard. "We just felt we could help this woman avoid a future fall," said Bryant. This group of firefighters are not all only great heroes, but wonderful individuals.

Hall, Alena. "Firefighters Rescue Elderly Woman At Her Home, Then Go Extra Mile And Do Her Yard Work." The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 3 Oct. 2014. Web. 13 Oct. 2014.

Community Helps Disabled Veteran After House Fire

      By: Nathali Chalita & Cicelys Pinon   

       Captain Edward Klein, a veteran soldier from the  U.S. Army was sent to Iraq and stepped on an IED two years ago.  After his terrible tragedy he spent 18 months in rehab. Unfortunately, On August 14 his home in Maryland caught on fire. “I started to see the smoke,” he said. At the time Klein was in the basement with his wife because of his injuries. Their next door neighbors helped them escape the flames. The couple was homeless. Luckily, the community offered to help them by giving their family a temporary home and food until they got back up on their feet. An organization that builds smart homes for disabled veterans called "Ourbravest.org" has raised thousands of dollars for Klein and his family. Until this day, Klein is doing well with his wife and children. They have both been through the toughest times and they've overcame it together.  

"How This Community Saved a Disabled Vet after His House Burned down." TODAY. Web. 16 Sept. 2014. 

Opening Day

By: Andy Inchausti

            With the start of Major League Baseball on the way, all teams have finished with their spring training and have reported to their destinations. All Major League teams have good expectations this year for their franchise. March 31^st is the day everyone waits for. The fans and the players are hyped for the season this year. The biggest rivalry this year is the defending World Champions Boston Red Sox and The St. Louis Cardinals. In addition, many teams have picked up free agents, such as the Seattle Mariners picking up Robinson Cano from the New York Yankees to increase the teams potential in winning. Many teams are hoping for a positive winning record, starting with the Miami Marlins and the Houston Astros. It is going to be a fun year so get your teams apparel and get yourself to a game.

Life Saved on Bridge
By:Darnell Nodarse

A magnificent man is being acknowledged as a hero. On October 30, 2013 in Buffalo, New York,  a bus driver by the name of Darnell Barton saved the life of a woman in distress. While he was driving a bus full of high school student over a bridge, he noticed a woman over the railing of the bridge as if she was going to jump. before stepping outside of the bus he called the police. After the call he started to shout "ma'am" from inside the bus but she was not responding. He then planned to step outside of the bus and secure the woman with a bear hug. As he hugged the woman, he asked if she would like to come back over the railing. when she got to the other side of the railing, Darnell Barton sat down with this woman until the police arrived.