Goodable

In a picturesque town on the western coast of Ireland, Maureen Flavin Sweeney's dreams took an unexpected turn towards history-making events. Set against the stunning backdrop of Belmullet in County Mayo, she found love with a lighthouse keeper and started a family that would play a crucial role in shaping world events.

The humble Blacksod Lighthouse may not offer sweeping ocean views, but its strategic location at Europe's edge made it pivotal for D-Day planners. When June 4th, 1944 rolled around, Maureen delivered a weather report that altered the course of history with joyous implications. As preparations for Operation Overlord were underway across southern England, her reports became essential in confirming favorable conditions.

Despite challenging weather patterns leading up to June 6th - when D-Day was set to unfold - hope remained high thanks to Maureen's accurate updates from afar. The monumental invasion involved troops from various nations banding together against Nazi forces and marked a turning point in World War Two's timeline. With careful consideration for ideal tides and moon phases needed for success, every detail mattered as they awaited their moment.

As Group Captain Stagg received confirmation from Belmullet about improving weather conditions just before Eisenhower gave the green light on June 5th - everything fell into place perfectly due to Maureen’s vital contributions! Her simple yet critical observations allowed thousands of aircrafts and vessels along with brave soldiers to embark on this historic mission successfully despite earlier setbacks caused by inclement weather.

Ultimately revealing her role years later after being recognized by US officials posthumously highlights how one small Irish town played such an outsized part during WWII! In essence: It goes without saying that had it not been for Ted &amp; Maureen Sweeney keeping watch over those skies so many miles away – who knows what might have happened?

Meet the Irish Lighthouse Keeper Who Gave D-Day the Go-Ahead

Talker News

Chester Zoo in the UK celebrated the birth of one of Africa’s rarest animals, the okapi. This elusive creature, often referred to as the forest giraffe or African unicorn, has intrigued many due to its scarcity and secretive nature. Born on May 6 to parents Ada and Stomp, the new male calf named Miloli is already making headlines.

Miloli's birth followed a lengthy 14-month pregnancy. The zoo captured heartwarming footage of his emergence into the world and his initial attempts at walking. After spending his first few weeks in seclusion to bond with his mother, he recently ventured outside for the first time.

Fiona Howe, lead keeper at Chester Zoo, described witnessing Miloli’s birth as magical. "To watch as mum Ada calmly welcomes her new baby into the world and gently encourages him to his feet was nothing short of magical," Howe said. She added that Ada has been attentive and nurturing, ensuring Miloli receives proper care and nourishment.

The okapi is native only to the dense rainforests of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and remained unknown to Western science until 1901. Its rarity has earned it nicknames like "African unicorn." Despite being a national symbol in the DRC and protected by local laws, their numbers have plummeted by more than 50 percent over two decades due to illegal hunting, habitat destruction, and regional conflict.

Chester Zoo plays a significant role in okapi conservation efforts. Sue Walker, head of science at the zoo, explained that they've been supporting okapi reproduction for over 15 years using cutting-edge techniques. By analyzing hormones in faecal samples alongside zookeeper observations, they aim to learn more about these mysterious creatures. Walker noted that this research contributes to broader international breeding programs aimed at preventing okapi extinction.

The okapi shares certain traits with its closest relative, the giraffe — both species have similar skull structures and long tongues useful for feeding on vegetation found in their rainforest habitats. Distinguished by their brown bodies with zebra-like leg stripes for camouflage, okapis are solitary animals seldom seen in the wild.

As concerns about their survival grow due to threats like logging and poaching for bushmeat, each birth becomes increasingly important for preserving the species' future.

Meet Miloli: The Rare 'African Unicorn' Calf Making His Adorable Debut at Chester Zoo

CGTN

In the frozen vastness of Antarctica, scientists are peering into the planet's past. A team led by the British Antarctic Survey (BAS), alongside experts from ten European countries, has extracted the world's oldest ice cores. These samples, dating back between 1.2 and 1.5 million years, promise new insights into Earth's ancient climate.

The extraction took place at Little Dome C in East Antarctica. Scientists drilled a hole 2,800 meters deep into the ice sheet, recovering sections that each took about two and a half hours to extract. In total, they retrieved 190 meters of ice core, which was then shipped to various European institutions for analysis.

James Veale, a BAS ice core engineer, described handling some of the deepest and oldest samples: "Some of the ice in here is from the very bottom of the borehole," he said. One piece he referenced came from about 2,600 meters down and is at least 1.2 million years old. He noted how under such pressure, the ice resembles glass with almost invisible air bubbles.

These ancient samples are being analyzed using continuous flow analysis, a technique where scientists melt the ice millimeters at a time to study dust, gases, isotopes, and chemical signals trapped within it. This could shed light on environmental shifts like wind patterns and temperature changes over time.

One significant question this research might help address is why Earth's natural climate cycles changed abruptly approximately 800,000 to 1.2 million years ago during what is known as the Mid-Pleistocene Transition. Before this period, glacial cycles alternated every 40,000 years but then shifted to occurring every 100,000 years.

Dr Liz Thomas from BAS highlighted this mystery: "This question of, 'why did we change from a 40,000-year cycle to a 100,000-year cycle?' remains one of the biggest questions within our scientific field." Understanding this change may offer clues on how current human-driven impacts could affect future climate patterns.

In the coming weeks, these melted samples will undergo detailed analysis. The data gathered could inform decisions about addressing climate change today based on knowledge frozen in time for over a million years.

Unlocking Earth's Past: How Ancient Antarctic Ice Could Reveal Climate Secrets

Sunny Skyz

In Goodyear, Arizona, a routine traffic stop turned into an unexpected moment of compassion and community support. A local police officer pulled over a woman last week for a minor traffic violation, but the situation quickly escalated into something much more significant.

The woman was visibly upset and explained that she was living in a hotel with her children and struggling to make ends meet. Her car was in poor condition, and financial hardships left her with very little money. Instead of issuing a citation, the officer decided to take a different approach. Recognizing the gravity of her circumstances, he reached out to Community Action Team Officer Scott Daniel for assistance.

"Sometimes a cite or whatnot is not needed if we can help somebody out to get where they need to be," Officer Daniel told 12 News. With this mindset, he connected with Marcus McFall, owner of McFall Tire and Auto Repair, who didn't hesitate to offer his support.

After inspecting the woman's vehicle, McFall discovered several issues requiring attention. The repairs included fixing a broken air-conditioning unit and addressing other mechanical problems that amounted to approximately $2,000 in total costs. Understanding the woman's dire financial situation, McFall chose to donate all labor costs and provided steep discounts on parts needed for repairs.

"She was a good person. She had her ducks in a row. She just needed a little bit of help to get back on the road," McFall remarked about his decision to assist.

To cover the remaining expenses for the necessary auto repairs, Angels on Patrol stepped in. This nonprofit organization specializes in supporting individuals facing urgent challenges by providing critical aid during tough times.

This collaboration between law enforcement officers, local businesses and charitable organizations highlights how communities can come together to support those in need.

Unlikely Duo: How a Cop and Mechanic Transformed Life for a Homeless Mom

A massive mural has appeared on the roof of a building in south London, and it's turning heads. Painted using household rollers and brooms, this gigantic artwork covers an area larger than a football pitch and depicts a striking pair of eyes. The artist behind this impressive feat is Salvadoran-born Abraham.O, whose creativity has transformed the soon-to-be-demolished Blenheim Centre on Penge High Street.

Fellow artist Irony describes the mural as an optical marvel. "It looks like a bunch of paint splats up close, but from a satellite it’s a photo-real portrait," he says. "The talent that takes is next level."

This monumental piece is believed to be London's largest mural and comes courtesy of the London Calling Blog, a collective based in Penge. For eight years, this group of art enthusiasts has brought over 2,000 free artworks to their community using donations of paint, time, and wall space. Steve Smith, founder of the group, emphasizes that no one involved gets paid—not even the artists—and everything is donated. “The whole community chipped in for this one," Smith notes. "That support and trust make me really proud.”

Art lovers will have three opportunities to view this stunning creation alongside more than 50 other new works during specific dates in September.

All these murals have been painted with the approval of Clarion Housing and Hadley Property Group, who own the site and plan to redevelop it soon.

Why These Giant Eyes on a London Rooftop Are Captivating the World

The Cool Down

A Reddit user's inventive upcycling project has caught the attention of many, showcasing a creative twist on repurposing old household items. The original poster shared a photo of an old dryer barrel transformed into a fire pit with a comedic flair. Painted bright yellow, the drum boasts an emoji-like face that looks startled by flames emerging from what would be its head.

The creator painted the outside with high-heat enamel, capable of withstanding temperatures up to 2,000 degrees Celsius, ensuring the paint remains intact during use. This practical yet amusing creation sparked interest and amusement among commenters in the r/upcycling community.

"This is the best thing I've seen all day," commented one enthusiastic observer. Another user praised the project for its creativity and execution: "Excellent execution of the absolute coolest concept!"

Upcycling projects like this not only entertain but also contribute positively to environmental conservation. By giving unwanted items a second life, individuals can reduce demand for new products. This decrease slows production rates and subsequently reduces pollution from manufacturing processes.

Additionally, upcycling helps minimize waste destined for landfills. When waste accumulates in landfills, it gradually breaks down, releasing methane, an environmentally harmful gas contributing to global warming. By reusing materials creatively, people can lower these emissions and help improve air quality.

The fire pit conversion received plenty of positive feedback online; one commenter noted its impressive creativity, while others echoed similar sentiments of admiration and amusement.

Redditor's Clever Dryer-to-Fire Pit Transformation is Sparking Plenty of Joy and Laughter

A cute robot elephant might just be the next big thing in robotics. This pint-sized pachyderm is not just adorable; it showcases a groundbreaking 3D printing technology inspired by biology.

Researchers at EPFL, a Swiss university, have developed a unique 3D-printable lattice structure that mimics the diverse tissues found in living organisms. From a flexible trunk to rigid bones, this innovation uses a single foam material to replicate these complex structures.

In robotics, replicating the combination of soft and hard tissues seen in animals has always been challenging. Traditional methods involved using different materials for different parts of a robot. However, this technique falls short when it comes to controlling features like flexibility or strength consistently across the entire robot.

Josie Hughes leads the team at EPFL’s Computational Robot Design and Fabrication Lab (CREATE). They have created an innovative lattice structure that combines biological diversity with robotic precision and control.

The lattice consists of individual units or cells made from simple foam material. These cells can be programmed into over one million configurations, allowing for endless geometric variations. According to EPFL, this mimics how nature works: "A cheetah’s powerful sprint, a snake’s lithe slither, or a human’s deft grasp all rely on the interplay between soft and rigid tissues."

Qinghua Guan, a postdoctoral researcher involved in the project, explained their work further. "We used our programmable lattice technique to build a musculoskeletal-inspired elephant robot with a soft trunk that can twist, bend and rotate," he said. The robot also features more rigid hip, knee, and foot joints. "This shows that our method offers a scalable solution for designing unprecedentedly lightweight, adaptable robots."

Hughes added that their foam lattice technology could open new possibilities for future robotics research. By tweaking the foam material or incorporating new cell shapes, researchers can explore various applications.

"Like honeycomb," Hughes noted, "the strength-to-weight ratio of the lattice can be very high." This feature makes for extremely lightweight yet efficient robots. The open foam structure is ideal for fluid motion and even allows embedding other materials like sensors within it.

The team's findings recently appeared in Science Advances.

Meet The Robot Elephant That's Changing The Future Of Robotics

ESPN

Mo'ne Davis, who once captivated the sports world as a 13-year-old phenom in the Little League World Series, isn't hanging up her baseball glove just yet. The now 24-year-old is set to try out for the Women's Professional Baseball League (WPBL), which aims to launch in 2026. This league will be the first professional league for women in the U.S. since the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League folded in 1954.

Davis, alongside other notable women's baseball talents like Kelsie Whitmore, will participate in tryouts scheduled from August 22 to 25 in Washington, D.C. More than 600 players are expected to compete for one of the 150 spots available for the league's inaugural draft this October.

Davis made history back in 2014 when she pitched a shutout victory with fastballs clocking at 113 kilometers per hour for Philadelphia's Taney Youth Baseball Association during the Little League World Series. Her performance didn't just win games; it won hearts and inspired a generation of young fans. That year, Davis graced the cover of Sports Illustrated and had her jersey displayed in baseball's Hall of Fame. She was also named Sports Kid of the Year by Sports Illustrated Kids.

After graduating from Hampton University earlier this year, Davis has stayed connected to baseball by providing commentary on ESPN for Little League games. Now, she's ready to make her mark on professional women's baseball.

The WPBL represents a significant step forward for women's sports, aiming to establish six teams across the United States by its summer 2026 debut. With Davis and other talented players joining forces, the league promises an exciting future for women's baseball.

As Mo'ne Davis steps onto that field in Washington next month, she carries with her not just past accolades but also hopes for what could be another groundbreaking chapter in her storied career.

She Was a 13-Year-Old Phenom — Now, She's Set to Light Up the New Women's Pro Baseball League

BBC News

A family outing at a beach in Wales turned into a dramatic rescue when two men saved a seven-year-old girl from drowning. Moira, 33, had taken her family for a weekend break when her daughter Shylah and her aunt got caught in strong currents while playing in the sea.

Peter Szczepanski from Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, and Ben Malone from The Wirral didn't hesitate to jump into action when they saw the danger. Moira, originally from Manchester and now a mother of three, expressed her deep gratitude toward the two men. "From the bottom of my heart, I just want to thank them both for their bravery and not thinking of themselves and just jumping in and saving my daughter's life," she told BBC Radio Stoke. "Shylah would not still be alive without them."

Moira recalled feeling emotional during an end-of-term dance recital as she realized how close she came to losing her daughter on 13 July. She described the day as initially peaceful with Shylah happily playing in the shallows with her aunt until things suddenly took a terrifying turn.

"There was a scream," Moira remembered. Her daughter had been swept into deeper waters beyond her aunt's reach. As Moira ran to help, she saw Peter and Ben rushing past her toward Shylah. "It felt like it went on forever, but it must've been a few minutes," Moira recounted. Her heart sank watching Shylah struggle after flipping off her floatation device.

Mr Szczepanski was at the beach with his own five-year-old daughter when he noticed Shylah's predicament. He said acting quickly was natural for him: "You just had to do it and save the young girl." Mr Malone also reacted swiftly: "I'm lucky I had that instinct to just make that decision quite quickly to go."

Together, they managed to reach Shylah and brought her back safely by passing her between them as they swam back to shore. Initially relieved upon reaching the child, Mr Malone later worried about exhaustion setting in, but felt reassured upon seeing Mr Szczepanski nearby.

Moira later posted on Facebook, hoping to thank them publicly for their heroism since things were quite hectic right after the incident. "I thanked them when it happened; obviously, then we were trying to look after Shyla," she shared.

Heroic Beach Rescue: Strangers Just Saved This Young Girl from Drowning in a Heart-Stopping Moment

Keanu Reeves, a name many recognize from iconic films like The Matrix, John Wick and Speed, is often celebrated not just for his acting skills but also for his kindness. Over the years, countless anecdotes have painted a picture of a man who stands apart in Hollywood. Here are some notable moments that highlight why Reeves is cherished by fans and colleagues alike.

Reeves is known for putting others before himself. During The Matrix sequels, he reportedly gave away $75 million from his earnings to those working behind the scenes on special effects. A heartwarming story from Reddit recounts how Reeves offered financial help to a crew member experiencing family difficulties by gifting him a $20,000 Christmas bonus. This generosity extends beyond money; on set, Reeves often helps carry equipment and makes an effort to learn people’s names.

Public transport users may have seen Reeves giving up his seat on a subway in a now-viral moment. A simple gesture that speaks volumes about his character. In another example of altruism without seeking attention, he was once spotted sharing snacks and stories with a homeless person in West Hollywood back in 1997.

While some stories remain unverified, such as one where he drove a stranded woman 80 kilometers home because her car broke down, they contribute to the legend of Keanu's good nature. According to online anecdotes, after assisting with her car troubles and driving her home safely, he even provided his number should she need further assistance.

Reeves doesn't shy away from self-deprecation either. When questioned about playing not-so-bright characters early in his career, like those in Bill & Ted, he responded candidly: "I’m a meathead... You just happen to be spending some time with a dumb person."

In 2014, after wrapping up filming for Daughter of God, Reeves displayed humility by waiting 20 minutes in the rain to enter his own wrap party. Despite being the guest of honor, he refrained from making a scene and simply waited outside until someone realized the mix-up. "I didn’t know he was kept waiting," said the club owner afterward.

Fans frequently share stories that reinforce this positive image. One recalls Reeves jumping out of his car while filming Bill & Ted upon spotting a fan holding a handmade sign so that he could autograph it for them. Another tells of him engaging patiently with a young boy's questions following an international flight.

Beyond personal encounters and acts of kindness lies another lesser-known facet: philanthropy through an anonymous foundation supporting children’s hospitals and cancer research. In 2009, Reeves mentioned this initiative during an interview: "I have a private foundation... it helps aid a couple of children's hospitals and cancer research."

These glimpses into Keanu Reeves’ life suggest why many regard him as one of Hollywood's most genuine celebrities—actions speaking louder than words ever could convey.

7 Reasons Why Keanu Reeves is the Kindest Star in Hollywood

As thunderclouds loomed over Auburn last weekend, the mood among hundreds of cyclists at the starting line of Bo Bikes Bama was anything but gloomy.

Founded in the aftermath of the deadly tornado outbreak on April 27, 2011—which killed 252 people across Alabama—the annual charity ride, led by former sports star Bo Jackson, has served as both a fundraiser and a symbol of community resilience. This year marked its final chapter.

For 14 years, the event has drawn cyclists from across the country to support disaster preparedness and storm recovery efforts. Since its inception, more than 10,750 riders have raised nearly $3.5 million, funding shelters and resources for communities still healing from past devastation.

This year, forecasts called for severe storms, threatening to derail the event. But after careful consultation with meteorologists, organizers opted not to cancel. Instead, they delayed the start time, giving clouds a chance to clear—if only slightly.

Riders showed up anyway, many clad in rain gear, determined to pedal through whatever weather came. Among them were celebrities like Ken Griffey Jr., Desmond Howard, and Melvin Gordon, but also longtime participants like Austin Freyer, who first joined the ride at age six. Now a competitive cyclist, he returned with his mother Kim Cross after a seven-year hiatus.

“It wasn’t just about nostalgia,” said Cross. “It felt like coming home.”

For Bo Jackson, the ride was never only about the miles or medals. It was about unity. Speaking at the reception the night before, Jackson emphasized the importance of togetherness—especially in a state still bearing scars from natural disasters.

“What we built here is more than a cycling event,” one participant told the crowd. “We built a real community.”

The final ride saw familiar scenes at rest stops: wet jerseys, shared snacks, and cell phones raised for selfies. But the conversations carried extra weight. Howard, a first-timer in the rain, chatted with Jackson about family life. Volunteers shared memories from previous years. Some quietly teared up.

As Jackson prepares to sunset this chapter of his philanthropy, he made clear the mission isn’t ending—only changing. He remains committed to supporting Alabamians, just in different ways.

“This may be the last ride,” he said, “but it’s not the last time we come together.”

In a polarized world, Bo Bikes Bama offered something rare: a moment of shared purpose. Through storms—literal and otherwise—it became a testament to what people can build when they ride not just for themselves, but for each other.

And despite the rain, they rode on.

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