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Score (99)
A Man Returned a Library Book 47 Years Later With the Sweetest Apology Note
A man in Minnesota recently returned a book to his local library that he had checked out 47 years ago. The book, "Chilton's Foreign Car Repair Manual", was apparently packed away in a move and forgotten about until the man recently found it again. He sent the book back with an apology letter and a donation to cover the cost of a new book. The librarians were happy to have the book back and appreciated the gesture.
Score (97)
Tiny Robot Lost Under Antarctic Ice For 8 Months Comes Back With Rare Data
A tiny robot that scientists feared was lost beneath the ice in Antarctica has returned — and it brought back priceless data from one of the least explored regions on Earth. In 2020, researchers with Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, deployed an Argo float — a small, free-drifting ocean robot — near the Totten Glacier in East Antarctica. The plan was for it to collect basic oceanographic data. But soon after, the float vanished under the Denman ice shelf, swept away by unpredictable Antarctic tides. “We feared the worst,” the team wrote in The Conversation. The float had no GPS signal and was deep under the ice. But nine months later, it surfaced — alive and loaded with data no one had ever seen before. That accidental detour became a scientific windfall. The robot had recorded the first-ever temperature and salinity measurements from beneath the Denman and Shackleton ice shelves — information that could help researchers better understand how rising sea temperatures are melting Antarctica’s frozen frontiers and accelerating sea level rise. The findings were published recently in Science Advances. “This is an amazing story of the little float that could,” said Delphine Lannuzel, an oceanographer at the University of Tasmania, who was not part of the study but has worked with the team on related research. Ice shelves are massive slabs of floating ice that sit between Antarctica’s glaciers and the ocean. They act like natural barriers, slowing the flow of ice into the sea. But warming waters can slip beneath them and slowly melt their foundations, weakening the structure and threatening to unleash massive amounts of land-based ice into the ocean. Getting beneath these shelves to measure that process has always been a major challenge. Ice shelves can be hundreds of meters thick, making direct observation extremely difficult. Until now. The Argo float, during its 2.5-year mission, gathered 195 profiles of ocean temperature and salinity — many from places never previously sampled. Crucially, it did this while blind. Once submerged, the float lost GPS access. But by noting when the robot bumped its “head” into the underside of the ice, the researchers were able to estimate the depth of the ice shelf and retrace the float’s path. “Each time the float bumped its head on the ice, it provided a measurement of the depth of the ice shelf base, or ice draft,” explained study lead author Steve Rintoul, a CSIRO oceanographer. “We could compare the ice draft measured by the float to satellite measurements of draft to work out the path.” What the float found was a mixed picture. The northernmost Shackleton ice shelf appeared to still be protected from warmer waters. But at Denman Glacier, the data pointed to active melting already underway. The float also captured delicate thermal layering under the shelves, suggesting the current stability of these systems may be more precarious than it appears. This robot’s unexpected mission is already shaping future plans. Researchers are hoping to send more Argo floats into other hard-to-reach areas of the Southern Ocean. They admit the floats still can’t fully “see” through the ice or operate as precisely as a guided mission, but the data they bring back could fill critical gaps in climate models. “Float measurements will be used to improve how these processes are represented in computer models,” the team wrote, “reducing the uncertainty in projections of future sea level rise.” For now, the little float’s survival is a rare bit of good luck in a region where the climate outlook is growing more dire. It’s a small robot, but it’s giving scientists a better view into one of the planet’s most important — and vulnerable — systems.
Score (96)
AI-Enhanced Bionic Hand Revolutionizes Life For Amputees
A bionic hand powered by artificial intelligence is helping amputees regain the ability to perform everyday tasks — without overthinking every movement. Researchers at the University of Utah have developed a new generation of smart prosthetics by giving a robotic hand what they describe as a “mind of its own.” The breakthrough uses AI to take over part of the work the brain would normally do, making the act of gripping a cup or picking up a small object feel far more natural for the user. “As lifelike as bionic arms are becoming, controlling them is still not easy or intuitive,” said Professor Jacob George, senior author of the study published this week in Nature Communications. For people with prosthetic hands, even simple tasks require conscious, effortful control. Unlike a natural hand — where fingers automatically adjust based on object size, shape, and weight — most bionic limbs still need to be told exactly what to do, one movement at a time. “Nearly half of all users will abandon their prosthesis, often citing their poor controls and cognitive burden,” said lead author Dr. Marshall Trout. The Utah team wanted to offload some of that burden to the prosthetic itself. They started by modifying a commercial TASKA prosthetic hand with upgraded fingertips — ones that could detect pressure and use proximity sensors to "see" how far away an object is. Then they trained an artificial neural network using that data. The result? A hand that doesn’t just react to touch, but anticipates and adjusts its grip in real time — just like a natural one. Because each digit is outfitted with its own sensor, every finger can move independently to form a stable grip on any object, even soft or oddly-shaped ones. In testing, the system was precise enough to sense the impact of a dropped cotton ball. To make the prosthetic even more intuitive, the team created a shared control system that balances human input with AI assistance. For example, if the user wants to release an object, the AI helps open the hand in the most efficient way without needing detailed instructions. “What we don’t want is the user fighting the machine for control,” Trout explained. “In contrast, here the machine improved the precision of the user while also making the tasks easier.” In tests with four participants who had below-the-elbow amputations, the AI-assisted hand allowed them to perform everyday activities — like raising a cup, picking up small items, or gripping a fragile object — with improved dexterity and less mental effort. And importantly, they didn’t need weeks of training to learn how to use it. “By adding some artificial intelligence, we were able to offload this aspect of grasping to the prosthesis itself,” said George. “The end result is more intuitive and more dexterous control, which allows simple tasks to be simple again.” The work is part of a broader effort by the Utah NeuroRobotics Lab to improve quality of life for amputees. The team is also exploring implanted neural interfaces that could allow users to control prosthetics directly with their thoughts — and even feel sensation again. Eventually, George said, they hope to combine all these systems: advanced sensors, thought-based control, and intelligent AI coordination — so the next generation of prosthetics won’t just mimic a human hand, but feel like one.
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Score (97)
This Homeowner Turned a Halloween Nightmare Into a Christmas Miracle
After arsonists destroyed his Halloween display in October, Stan Yanetta thought he was done for the year. But now, he's back — and lighting up Christmas for the kids in his neighborhood. Yanetta, who has turned his South Shields home into a glowing holiday destination for over 15 years, initially said he didn’t have the heart to continue after the attack. CCTV footage showed a man in a balaclava dousing his Halloween decorations with accelerant and setting them ablaze. The fire quickly spread, damaging nearby properties. “It was the night before Halloween. It was horrendous,” Yanetta told the BBC. “I lost all heart.” The destruction was so severe that he felt he had “just lost everything.” But then came the community. In the days that followed, Yanetta began hearing from local children — and it changed everything. “I’ve spoken to young kids since then. They all love seeing the lights and that’s changed my mind,” he said. Now, the lights are back on. Yanetta’s Christmas display has always been more than just festive — it’s a fundraiser. Over the years, he’s raised thousands of pounds for local charities. This year’s efforts will benefit Pawz for Thought, a Sunderland-based animal charity; the Tiny Lives Trust, which supports premature babies and their families; and SURT: Stopping Unsafe Relationships Together. Neighbors are relieved and grateful. “It’s great that it’s back,” said Zoe Davison, who lives on the same street. “The kids were devastated when they heard about the fire and thought it wasn’t going ahead. Stan makes Christmas for us.” She added that her own family travels from Wales each year just to see the lights. Yanetta’s comeback display is more than a community tradition — it’s a reminder of resilience, generosity, and the power of a few kind words from kids to help mend what was broken.
Score (95)
This 44-Year-Old NFL Veteran is Making His NFL Comeback, After Becoming a Grandfather
Philip Rivers is officially unretired — and making NFL history in the process. The 44-year-old quarterback, who last played in 2021, has signed with the Indianapolis Colts and is joining their practice squad, the team confirmed Tuesday. Rivers, who celebrated his birthday just one day prior, returns to the league as the oldest active player and one of only two known grandfathers ever to suit up in the NFL. The decision comes after a brutal week for the 8-3 Colts. Starting quarterback Daniel Jones tore his Achilles on Sunday, Dec. 7 during a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He’s out for the season. Backup Anthony Richardson is already on injured reserve with a fractured orbital bone. And rookie emergency QB Riley Leonard is also dealing with a knee injury, leaving the team scrambling for help. Enter Rivers, who reportedly impressed during a tryout on Monday. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler said he “threw the ball well,” despite being out of the league for nearly four years. The Athletic reported that the team quickly signed him to the practice squad following the session. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport says Rivers is expected to serve as a backup to Leonard once he’s healthy, but depending on how injuries unfold, the veteran may see game time — potentially throwing passes to teammates younger than his own children. Rivers’ oldest daughter, Halle, is 23 — the same age as Leonard. She also made Rivers a grandfather last year, meaning the former Chargers and Colts QB will become only the second known grandfather to play in the NFL, after Brett Favre, who hit that milestone in 2010 while playing for the Minnesota Vikings. The Colts are currently in playoff contention, leading the AFC South. Rivers, known for his durability and leadership during a 17-year career with the Chargers and Colts, could offer stability if called upon — even if the comeback comes with an unconventional résumé. Ten kids. One grandchild. And now, one NFL return.
Score (96)
This Couple Celebrated Their Engagement One Year After a Fateful Train Encounter
Steve Higgs and Payal Pandya’s love story began with a small act of kindness on a late-night London train — and came full circle exactly one year later in the most unexpected, joyful way. In November 2024, Higgs was on his way home from a night out with friends when he boarded the 23:09 London Northwestern Railway (LNR) service from Euston to Milton Keynes. Standing nearby was Pandya, who’d just come from a first date that hadn’t gone well. Higgs, 56, offered her his seat. The two struck up a conversation. "I remember she mentioned she’d just been on a first date where – luckily for me – sparks had failed to fly," Higgs said, according to a statement released by LNR. “Although we were only speaking for twenty minutes or so, I knew I wanted to see her again.” Pandya, 49, recalled that she had told Higgs she met her date on a dating app. When she got off the train at her local station in Harrow, she thought that would be the end of it. But Higgs had already found her dating profile and reached out. “We set up our first date not too long after and the rest is history,” Pandya said. Over the next year, the couple marked that chance encounter every November on the 23:09 train, calling it their “encounter-versary.” What Pandya didn’t know was that Higgs was secretly working to turn the anniversary into a proposal. He reached out to LNR ahead of time to ask for their help. When the train operator made a special announcement during the ride, that was Higgs’ cue. He got down on one knee and proposed on the exact train where they first met. “I can't believe Steve asked me to marry him on that same service and managed to get the conductor involved without me knowing!” Pandya said, after saying yes. The couple now plans to move in together next year and is aiming for a summer wedding. LNR staff were happy to play a role. “Their story is a brilliant example of the way the railway can connect people, not just to where they need to go, but to the people they’re travelling with too,” said Jonny Wiseman, the company’s customer experience director. It started with a seat. It led to a conversation. And now, it’s heading toward a wedding.
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MacKenzie Scott Donates Record $7.1 Billion to Nonprofits in 2025
MacKenzie Scott is giving more than ever — and still refusing to play by philanthropy’s old rules. In a personal essay posted Tuesday, the billionaire author and philanthropist revealed she donated $7.1 billion to nonprofits in 2025, her largest single year of giving since she began publicizing her philanthropy in 2019. That brings her total giving to $26.3 billion in just six years. “This dollar total will likely be reported in the news,” she wrote, “but any dollar amount is a vanishingly tiny fraction of the personal expressions of care being shared into communities this year.” The new total marks a major jump from the $2.6 billion she gave in 2024 and the $2.1 billion in 2023. But true to form, Scott's announcement came without much fanfare. She listed no grantee names and made no mention of application criteria — because there is none. Scott doesn’t run a public-facing foundation. There’s no way to ask her for money. And when she donates, recipients are usually informed only after the decision has already been made, often by an intermediary like Fidelity Charitable. The gifts come with no strings attached — no reporting requirements, no directives, no programs earmarked for funding. Despite the quiet process, the scale and style of her giving continue to reshape conversations around wealth, equity, and what philanthropy should look like. Scott’s fortune, currently estimated by Forbes at $33 billion, comes largely from Amazon stock she received in her 2019 divorce from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. Since then, her giving has stood out not just for its size, but for its trust-based approach. “She is like an equity machine,” said Marybeth Gasman, a Rutgers University professor and expert on historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Gasman’s research found that HBCUs received $783 million from Scott so far in 2025 alone — more than in her initial round of donations to HBCUs back in 2020. Some schools received funding for the first time this year, while others did not get a second round. In total, Scott has given $1.35 billion to HBCUs since 2020, according to Gasman. Scott’s latest round of donations also included $70 million to the UNCF, the country’s largest provider of scholarships to minority students. The organization said it plans to use the funds to support a shared endowment for participating HBCUs. Another $50 million went to the Native Forward Scholars Fund, which supports college and graduate scholarships for Native American students. Unlike most large funders, Scott doesn’t require grantees to submit reports or metrics. A 2023 study by the Center for Effective Philanthropy found that recipients have largely used the funds effectively, and there’s no evidence that other funders pulled back after Scott’s gifts were announced. Kim Mazzuca, CEO of California nonprofit 10,000 Degrees, said her team was stunned when they got a call about their $42 million donation earlier this year — nearly twice their annual budget. “I was just filled with such joy,” she said. “I was speechless and I kind of stumbled around with my words.” The money will allow the organization, which supports low-income students through college, to grow faster than they ever thought possible. They plan to expand student outreach, test new tech tools, and launch an endowment. “She comes from a very deep, reflective space, very heartfelt,” Mazzuca said. “And she’s only providing these financial means as a tool for people to recognize they are who they’ve been waiting for.” That last line — “we are the ones we’ve been waiting for” — comes from a Hopi prophecy that Scott herself quoted in an essay earlier this year. In that October post, titled with the same phrase, Scott reflected on how generosity can ripple across generations. She wrote about the people who helped her while she was in college — a dentist who fixed her tooth for free, and a roommate who loaned her $1,000. She later invested in that roommate’s company, which now helps students secure loans when banks won’t. That’s part of a broader shift Scott is making: moving more of her fortune into mission-aligned investments rather than traditional vehicles that focus on maximizing financial returns. In her latest essay, posted Tuesday, she suggested that everyone has a role to play in shaping a better future — not just those with billions to give. “There are many ways to influence how we move through the world,” she wrote, “and where we land.”
Score (93)
Bride Honors Late Father by Incorporating His Memory in Emotional Wedding Ceremony
Lizzie Dean always knew her father would be part of her wedding day — even if he couldn’t be there in person. Three years after Ron Dean’s unexpected passing, Lizzie found subtle and emotional ways to include him in nearly every part of her ceremony. A TikTok she posted about it has resonated widely, showing moments from a bittersweet day filled with joy, grief, and love. “I knew it would make it more difficult emotionally, but I couldn't imagine not incorporating him as much as I could,” she told Newsweek. She meant it. As guests rose and music from Interstellar played, Lizzie walked herself down the aisle — but not alone. She wore wedding shoes covered with fabric from one of her father’s old pink dress shirts. It was her way of having him walk her down the aisle. “I knew I wanted him to be a big part of the day, and that I didn't want to shy away from his presence,” she said. That presence was felt in other ways too. A special seat at the ceremony was reserved for Ron, adorned with a printed poem: “You may not see me, but I will be there.” Later, during the ceremony, a voicemail he had recorded for Lizzie and her husband, Matthew Valvardi, played over the speakers. “Hi, Lizzie, Dad here. I love and miss you, darling,” he said in the recording. “I hope you and Matt have a fantastic day, and I love you very much! That’s my story, and I’m sticking to it. I am so blessed. I love you so much.” Friends and family watching the ceremony were visibly emotional, as was Lizzie herself. She wrote on TikTok that the ceremony was a tribute to “the infinite love and the bond between a father and daughter.” Ron Dean had been in relatively good health despite some heart issues, Lizzie said. He regularly went on long walks around Washington, D.C., which he jokingly called his “hot girl walks.” Just when it seemed like things were improving, he suffered an unexpected heart attack. Ron wasn’t just a devoted dad — he was “a girl dad through and through,” she said, and had even become something of an honorary sorority member alongside his daughters. The couple made sure his memory showed up throughout the event. He was mentioned in Valvardi’s wedding speech. The cocktail menu gave a nod to him. Even the motif on the invitations carried his influence. And the day after the wedding, the newlyweds held a celebration that coincided with what would have been Lizzie’s parents’ 29th anniversary. “While we may not have seen him, we knew he was there,” Lizzie wrote at the end of her TikTok video. She closed the caption with three simple words: “Love you Dad.”
Score (97)
Surprise Winner: Buffalo Named the Most Christmasy City in America
When you think of classic Christmas destinations in the U.S., Buffalo, New York probably isn’t the first place that comes to mind. But this year, it’s topping the charts. According to a new study by the online crypto casino JB, Buffalo has been named the most Christmasy city in the United States, beating out seasonal heavyweights like Aspen, Colorado; Park City, Utah; and even New York City. The findings were shared by Travel + Leisure. What gives Buffalo the edge? For starters, snow. A lot of it. The study found that Buffalo receives more than 25 inches of snowfall in December alone and has a 53 percent chance of snow on Christmas Day. That kind of guaranteed white Christmas is tough to beat — even for ski towns in the Rockies. But it’s not just about weather. JB’s research also looked at holiday events, affordability, and overall festive vibes. Buffalo hosts hundreds of Christmas-themed activities throughout the season, from historic tours and holiday markets to ice skating and winter cocktails. In a statement to Travel + Leisure, the company explained the goal behind the ranking. “About half of American families will travel to another city this Christmas, and many are still deciding where to go,” JB said. “What our study showed is that some unexpected places can really give you a great snowy Christmas experience, and could be well worth a visit. At the same time, the rankings show that popular destinations like New York are crowded for a reason too, and they truly feel cool during holidays." Affordability likely helped Buffalo clinch the top spot. Hotel rates in the city typically fall below $170 a night over the holidays, making it cheaper than many other winter destinations. While Buffalo took the crown, other cities still made strong showings. Following Buffalo on JB’s list were Aspen, Park City, New York City, and Minneapolis, Minnesota. Buffalo’s holiday lineup includes the European-style Buffalo Holiday Market, which runs for four weeks and features local artisan makers, vintage goods, and festive food. There's also the "Tom and Jerry’s Trail," an 18-stop route dedicated to the creamy, spiced cocktail that has roots in Buffalo dating back to the 1940s. For winter sports lovers, the city offers multiple skating options. The Ice at Canalside is a 33,000-square-foot rink set along the waterfront, while the Rotary Rink downtown adds even more holiday atmosphere. With a population of over 270,000, Buffalo isn’t a small town. But during the holidays, it transforms into something that feels a little closer to the North Pole than many might expect. Last year, BetMGM Casino published a similar list — but with a different focus. Their study named North Pole, Alaska; Park City; Denver; Kennebunkport, Maine; and Asheville, North Carolina as the top five “coziest” holiday destinations. This time, it seems snow, charm, and cost gave Buffalo the win.
Score (96)
NASA Unveils New Technology for Safer Urban Air Travel
NASA is stepping into the future of air travel — and it’s not about rockets. It’s about how electric air taxis and delivery drones might one day zip around busy cities without crashing into each other. Earlier this year, NASA researchers ran a large-scale simulation at the Ames Research Center in California’s Silicon Valley to explore just that. The demonstration focused on a system called the Strategic Deconfliction Simulation, designed to coordinate flight plans for urban aircraft before they ever leave the ground. Think of it as air traffic control for the skies above cities — only it’s meant for smaller, more frequent flights, like passenger drones, package deliveries, and emergency response aircraft. To help make sense of all that traffic, NASA showed off two key technologies: the Situational Viewer and the Demand-Capacity Balancing Monitor. These tools visualize live traffic and automatically adjust flight plans to avoid conflicts, like when too many drones want to fly through the same corridor at once. Using a simulated version of the Dallas-Fort Worth area, the test evaluated how preplanned flight paths could keep airspace from getting too crowded. The system dynamically adjusted flight operations in response to demand, allowing aircraft to fly safely even in high-traffic zones. “Simulating these complex environments supports broader efforts to ensure safe integration of drones and other advanced vehicles into the U.S. airspace,” said Hanbong Lee, an engineer at NASA Ames. “By showcasing these capabilities, we’re delivering critical data and lessons learned to support efforts at NASA and industry.” NASA isn’t doing this alone. Private companies are also playing a role. During the demonstration, ANRA Technologies participated by testing its vertiport and fleet management systems. Their software helps manage multiple aircraft and the ground infrastructure they rely on, such as landing pads, charging stations, and coordination hubs — a key piece of the puzzle if air taxis are going to take off in real cities. The simulation is part of NASA’s Air Mobility Pathfinders project, which focuses on identifying and solving the technical hurdles that come with integrating new kinds of aircraft into the skies. These range from small delivery drones to larger electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles designed to carry people across town. The goal is to make this type of transportation safe, efficient, and trusted by the public — a challenge that will take years to fully address. The agency is already looking ahead to its next major milestone: a Technical Capability Level simulation planned for 2026, which will further stress-test how urban air traffic might actually function in real life. NASA’s broader efforts in this area fall under its Airspace Operations and Safety Program, which aims to ensure future aviation systems are ready for the changes coming with new technologies. With increasing interest from companies hoping to launch flying taxis and autonomous drone services, NASA’s role is to help set the groundwork — not by building the aircraft, but by making sure the sky can safely handle them.
Score (96)
Dave Grohl's Daughter, Violet, is Stepping Into the Spotlight With Her Debut Solo Music Release
Violet Grohl is stepping into the spotlight with two debut solo tracks, "THUM" and "Applefish," officially marking the start of her solo music career. Released on Friday, December 5, the songs showcase a new, independent side of the 19-year-old singer, who’s long been surrounded by music as the daughter of Foo Fighters frontman and former Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl. Violet announced the tracks on Instagram, writing, "I’m beyond excited to finally share a little bit of what i’ve been working on over the last year. I made these tracks with the most badass group of musicians, so happy they’re finally yours:) link in bio 💋." While the songs are available digitally on Bandcamp, the 7-inch vinyl pressing sold out quickly. "THUM," a short and punchy track just over two minutes long, delves into the struggle of trying to kick a bad habit. The lyrics are direct: "Can't help me / Can't help myself / Buy it by the liter." "Applefish" takes a more introspective tone, stretching close to three minutes with themes of emotional limbo and self-transformation. Though this is Violet’s first time releasing original solo material, it’s far from her first time performing. She’s been singing since early childhood and has frequently joined her dad on stage. Back in 2007, Dave Grohl told PEOPLE that Violet was hooked on music from as early as one year old. "Violet loves the Amy Winehouse record," he said at the time. "'It's all about the 'Rehab' song. If she hears, 'Try to make me go to rehab,' Violet will go, 'No no no.' I know, it's a little weird, but it's really cute!" In the years since, Violet has built a growing resume of performances, both live and recorded. She sang Adele’s "When We Were Young" with her dad at age 12, recorded a cover of punk band X's "Nausea" with him, and joined him again earlier this year at the FireAid Benefit Concert for California Fire Relief, where she took the stage during a Nirvana reunion to sing "All Apologies." Most recently, she was introduced by her father as "my favorite singer in the world" before performing alongside the Foo Fighters at Glastonbury in 2023. The two new singles represent a significant turning point: not just a guest appearance or family collaboration, but Violet’s own statement as an artist. And judging by the early response—especially the vinyl selling out—she’s got a lot of ears ready to listen.