Seinfeld Star Shares Secret Recipe For Love: A Daily Cup Of Connection

Actor Jason Alexander, known for his role in "Seinfeld," has been happily married to his wife Daena Title for over 40 years. He credits their long-lasting union to her ability to remember him at his best on his worst days. This practice of making repairs in a relationship is key, according to renowned psychologists John and Julie Gottman. By showing that she values their partnership, Title exemplifies this important aspect of successful relationships. Alexander said he considers himself lucky to have such a supportive partner.

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Adorable Penguin Hatchlings Signal Hope in Conservation Win

Chester Zoo in England is celebrating a successful breeding season after hatching ten rare Humboldt penguin chicks. This marks what the zoo has described as a "bumper year for penguins." The hatchings took place in April, and all ten chicks are reportedly thriving. According to Zoe Sweetman, the zoo's penguin team manager, this achievement is significant for both the species and the international conservation breeding program. "It's fantastic news for the species and a brilliant success," she told the BBC. A notable aspect of this success story involves one breeding pair that laid two eggs. The zoo staff decided to give one egg to a same-sex penguin pair named Scampi and Flounder. This move was designed to boost each chick's chances of healthy development by providing them with individual parental attention. It proved effective, with both chicks emerging healthy and growing rapidly. "The fluffy new arrivals are all being looked after brilliantly by their parents," Sweetman noted, adding that they have nearly quadrupled in size since hatching. The team at Chester Zoo continues to monitor their health closely as they prepare for their first swim. The successful hatching of these Humboldt penguins is particularly important given the species' vulnerable status. They are considered the most threatened among the 17 penguin species worldwide due to various challenges, including disruptions in their food supply caused by warm El Niño currents. Rising global temperatures further exacerbate these issues, raising concerns among scientists about their future. Other animal species face similar threats from climate change, making conservation programs critical. Fortunately, many initiatives have shown positive results. For instance, targeted efforts have increased the population of golden lion tamarins by over 31 percent in Brazil. Additionally, a rare wild donkey has been successfully reintroduced into Saudi Arabia's deserts. Efforts like those at Chester Zoo offer hope amid ongoing environmental challenges facing many species around the globe.

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This 9-Year-Old Skips Turned His Birthday Party into a Special Day for Kids Who Never Get Invited

Birthdays are supposed to be all about you — the cake, the candles, the gifts. But when 9-year-old Grant Mullen of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, planned his last birthday party, he had a different idea. Grant’s father, Mark, had been volunteering at SNR, a recreation center for people with special needs. It wasn’t long before Grant started helping out too. And when Mark asked his son what he wanted to do for his birthday last September, the answer stopped him in his tracks. “We asked him, ‘What would you like to do for your birthday? Who do you want to invite? What do you want?’” Mark told CBS News. “It just couldn't have been better than what he said. The most perfect answer ever.” Instead of a guest list full of classmates, Grant said he wanted to invite everyone from SNR. “Because they don't get invited to birthdays,” Grant said. “Sometimes people don't get as much love. It's sad.” So that’s exactly what they did. The party turned into a big celebration with his new friends from the center. For many of them, it was a rare experience to be included. Their parents confirmed that birthday invitations are uncommon for their kids. But at Grant’s party, there was no mistaking that these invitations were genuine. Grant wasn’t just being polite; he wanted them there. “They are nicer, kinder,” he said. “And they don't get mad all the time.” The feeling was mutual. “He’s my best friend,” said Cade Johnson. “I just love him. He’s my brother,” added Sam McEnany. With friends like that, who needs presents?

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Why A Four-Day Workweek Is Making Employees Happier And More Productive Than Ever

It turns out that when companies give people an extra day off each week, almost everything gets better — for workers and for business. Over the past five years, hundreds of companies around the world have tested a four-day, 32-hour workweek without cutting pay. The trials involved roughly 8,700 employees, and the results were consistent: less burnout, less stress and anxiety, improved mental and physical health, better work-life balance — and in many cases, business profits actually rose. Juliet Schor, an economist, sociologist and the lead researcher tracking these experiments, says there are two main reasons for the boost in happiness. The obvious one is time. People suddenly have more of it — for family, friends, sleep, hobbies, and health. But there’s another factor that surprised even researchers: people feel better about their work while they’re doing it. Trial participants reported feeling more productive after shifting to a shorter week. Faced with the challenge of doing the same amount of work in less time, teams quickly found ways to cut unnecessary meetings, streamline processes and focus on what really matters. “People just feel so much better,” Schor told CNBC. “They feel on top of their work and their life, and they're not stressed out. They feel recovered when they come to work on Monday morning. They feel more eager to do work. They feel like they can get it done.” And that sense of accomplishment feeds into life outside of work. “That productivity bump they get, of feeling so good about their work quality, that has a big positive impact on their overall well-being, which we never expected,” she said. The four-day model also changes the dynamic between employers and employees. A company that cuts hours without cutting pay is signaling trust, Schor says, and putting well-being at the center of its priorities. That shift can bring teams closer. Jon Leland, who helped lead Kickstarter through a pilot, told Schor that a shorter workweek raises the stakes for everyone. Colleagues have to work smarter together, because everyone’s free time depends on it. “It makes everyone super motivated to implement [process] changes, which aren't easy,” Leland said. “It makes the stakes really high, because you're not only gaining these efficiency gains just for yourself, but you're doing it for everyone else around you.” As Schor writes in her book Four Days a Week, that collective accountability becomes a powerful motivator. “They develop more team spirit,” she notes — and in turn, more satisfaction on the job. A shorter week, the research shows, isn’t just about time off. It’s also about how people feel when they’re on the clock.

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The Ingenious Invention Transforming Grocery Shopping As We Know It

Researchers in Australia say they may have found a way to replace one of the most common single-use plastics in grocery stores: the clear plastic punnets used for berries and other small produce. A team at the University of Queensland has developed a biodegradable alternative made from a mix of bacteria-produced bioplastics known as PHAs and wood fibers taken from Radiata pine sawdust. Unlike petroleum-based plastics, which can linger in the environment for hundreds of years, this new material breaks down naturally in fresh water, seawater, soil and in industrial composting facilities. The project took three years and was led by the university’s School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering with backing from the Centre for Advanced Materials Processing and Manufacturing. It was designed to specifically tackle the environmental impact of single-use produce containers. The researchers tested their first batch with 200 strawberry punnets to see how the packaging would hold up in real-world conditions. The trials, done with input from the Queensland Strawberry Growers Association, packaging manufacturer SDI Plastics and biotech company Uluu, showed that the containers were strong enough for transport and storage and degraded as intended afterward. The scale of the problem they’re trying to solve is huge. In Australia, a country of just 27 million people, an estimated 580 million plastic punnets are used each year, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. The United States, with a population of nearly 350 million, uses billions. Worldwide, about 430 million tons of plastic are manufactured annually, and much of it ends up as microplastics in waterways. Plastic punnets are popular with growers and retailers because they’re cheap, lightweight and durable. But they are made from fossil fuels, take centuries to break down and create an enormous waste problem. The Queensland team argues that if their biodegradable version replaced plastic punnets in Australia alone, more than 1 billion pieces of plastic packaging could be kept out of landfills in under two years. It’s one small example of how changes in packaging can ripple outward. Companies that have shifted to plastic-free options — such as Kouvolan Lakritsi with its candy packaging or Sea to Summit with camping gear — are showing that alternatives are possible when businesses choose sustainability over convenience.

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David Bowie's Unexpected Off-Stage Persona Revealed by Famed Photographer

Renowned rock photographer Denis O'Regan is releasing a new book, "David Bowie by Denis O'Regan," which provides an intimate glimpse into his three decades of touring with the legendary musician. From the 1970s through the 1990s, O'Regan captured Bowie during significant tours like Isolar II, Serious Moonlight, Glass Spider, Tin Machine, and Outside. In a conversation with PEOPLE, O'Regan shared his initial thoughts upon meeting Bowie. He anticipated that the enigmatic performer would maintain a professional distance. "I thought David would keep us at arm's length," he said. However, to O'Regan's surprise, Bowie offered him unrestricted access to his life both on and off stage. O'Regan noted Bowie's unexpected demeanor. The singer was approachable and down-to-earth, traits that differed from his on-stage persona. "He was very normal... this English lad who hid a cigarette in his hand behind his back like he was a naughty schoolboy," O'Regan recalled fondly. The experience allowed O'Regan to witness Bowie's interactions with other celebrities who admired him. At one notable event at Wembley Stadium, Princess Diana attended a show. She was accompanied by Army Major James Hewitt before their relationship became public knowledge. Despite usual royal protocols being set aside, Diana agreed to be photographed with Bowie after some persuasion from O'Regan. Another memorable meeting took place when Michael Jackson visited backstage during one of Bowie's shows. Initially hesitant about being photographed, Jackson eventually agreed to pose for pictures with Bowie. O'Regan remembered being surprised by Jackson's height: "He was coming across as this little boy... but he's as tall or taller than David." These encounters highlighted Bowie's wide-reaching influence across various social circles and celebrity friendships. Stars like Andy Warhol, Duran Duran members, and actor Gary Oldman were regular presences at Bowie's concerts. Even Mick Jagger made appearances alongside Bowie; one photograph taken by O'Regan later became Jagger's tribute to Bowie upon his passing. Reflecting on the diverse array of people drawn to Bowie’s charisma and talent, O'Regan observed how fans came from all walks of life. His book offers insights into these personal connections while celebrating the unique legacy of one of music's greatest icons. Denis O’Regan’s book release marks another chapter in documenting not just concerts but the life surrounding them, capturing moments that illustrate David Bowie's enduring appeal and impact throughout his career.

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Bubba Wallace Makes History: First Black Driver Wins Iconic Brickyard 400

Bubba Wallace made history on Sunday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, holding off a furious late charge from Kyle Larson to win the Brickyard 400 and become the first Black driver to win on the track’s famous 2.5‑mile oval. It was Wallace’s third career NASCAR Cup Series victory and his biggest yet, ending a 100‑race winless streak that stretched back to 2022 at Kansas. His first Cup win came at Talladega in 2021. This one, though, came at one of NASCAR’s crown jewel events. “Unbelievable,” Wallace shouted over the radio as he crossed the yard of bricks. The 31‑year‑old parked his No. 23 Chumba Casino Toyota, climbed out and walked straight over to celebrate with his wife, Amanda Carter, and their 10‑month‑old son, Beckett. After a kiss for Amanda, he lifted Beckett high into the air in front of the grandstands. Earlier this year, Wallace talked on “CBS Mornings” about how fatherhood had changed him. “Nothing else matters anymore, besides being a great father, being a great husband, being a great family man,” he said in April. “Prior to that, it was always racing first, and I've missed out on a lot of good memories and opportunities by putting that first and causing a lot of stress from within or the people surrounding me ... It took having a kid to realize there's so much more to life.” This win came after a tense final stretch. Larson had been more than five seconds behind with 14 laps to go, but was steadily cutting into Wallace’s lead when rain brought out a yellow flag with four laps remaining. As cars stopped on pit road for about 20 minutes, Wallace was left to think about how to hang on. On the restart, he pulled ahead of Larson out of Turn 2, only for a crash behind them to bring out another caution and force a second overtime. Fuel concerns meant Wallace stayed on the track, gambling he could make it to the end. He managed to do it, winning by 0.222 seconds to keep Larson from becoming just the fourth driver to win the Brickyard in back‑to‑back years. The victory also took the sting out of Saturday’s qualifying session, when Wallace had been on provisional pole most of the day before being bumped by Chase Briscoe late. This time, he left nothing to chance. “Knowing how big this race is, knowing all the noise that's going on in the background, to set that all aside is a testament to these people here on the 23 team,” Wallace said after the race. “I'm excited to see how far the goalpost has moved, so I get to go and chase that now.” The win was also a major moment for 23XI Racing, the team co‑owned by Denny Hamlin and basketball legend Michael Jordan, which is currently in a legal battle with NASCAR over its charter status. For Wallace, it was a breakthrough on one of racing’s most famous tracks and a statement that he belongs among its biggest names.

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Georgia Students Lead Charge to Swap Plastic Lunch Trays for Eco-Friendly Metal

In Athens, Georgia, some high school students are making waves by suggesting a switch from plastic foam lunch trays to eco-friendly metal ones. This idea came to light during a June board meeting of the Athens City School District when students from Athens High School pitched their proposal for stainless steel trays. These students are part of Athens ReThink Plastics, a group dedicated to reducing plastic usage throughout the city. "We don't have many clubs that are directly doing things about sustainability or local issues," said Rachel Prange, one of the involved students, speaking to the Athens Independent. "I thought that it was really cool to be a part of." Currently, high schoolers in the district use trays made of plastic foam, while their younger counterparts in elementary schools use either plastic or plastic foam trays. The students are concerned about how these materials contribute to microplastics and potential health risks. Microplastics, tiny particles resulting from the breakdown of larger plastics, have been found almost everywhere—from our oceans to human bodies—and have been linked to health problems like lung cancer. Plastic foam is known for being cost-effective and lightweight with good insulation properties, which is why it's often used in cafeterias. However, its role in contributing to approximately 500 million tons of carbon pollution annually from single-use plastics cannot be ignored. While cafeteria trays aren’t strictly single-use items, they do degrade over time into microplastics. Some U.S. states have already banned food services from using plastic foam products due to these environmental concerns. Georgia is considering a similar statewide ban on plastic foam products. This aligns with what students hope their school district will adopt as standard practice. "I think that there is a little hypocrisy when we teach in science class about what's happening on the planet, and yet they go to the cafeteria and see a very different landscape," Janalee Stock of Athens ReThink Plastics told The Independent. "So to see young people that have the energy and… the intelligence to take on the issue, it's just so exciting to me." District officials showed support for transitioning to stainless steel trays, but also pointed out practical considerations such as cost implications. With plans underway for opening a new high school in 2027, this could be an opportune moment for change.

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This Surprising Leafy Green Could Help Lower Your Blood Pressure

Cardiologists say one simple change at the grocery store could help people with high blood pressure: eat more spinach. Doctors have long warned that hypertension, or high blood pressure, increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. According to a recent report from the American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death among adults in the United States, with rising rates of hypertension a key factor. “Maintaining a healthy diet can go a long way towards helping to control your blood pressure,” said Dr. Cheng-Han Chen, an interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center. Among the vegetables that support heart health, spinach stands out. Its high levels of natural nitrates help the body produce nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels. Spinach is also rich in potassium, a mineral that balances sodium levels and eases strain on blood vessel walls. "Spinach can help to lower blood pressure through a few different mechanisms," Dr. Chen said. Dietitian Kathleen Garcia-Benson of Top Nutrition Coaching agrees. “Potassium is a mineral that helps balance sodium levels in the body by helping relax blood vessel walls,” she said. “This can help ease pressure on the cardiovascular system.” Research backs it up. A 2023 study published in the journal Nutrients suggested that regularly eating leafy greens, including spinach, may help reduce blood pressure. However, experts warn against thinking of any one food as a cure-all. “No single food can improve blood pressure on its own,” said cardiology dietitian Michelle Routhenstein, who runs EntirelyNourished.com. “Instead, considering your overall dietary pattern, and the foods and pairings you include, is essential for supporting blood pressure and heart health.” Still, Routhenstein said the combination of nitrates and potassium in spinach makes it an excellent choice for people trying to keep their blood pressure under control. How much spinach is enough? There is no exact amount, said Dr. Nishant Kalra, an interventional cardiologist and regional chief medical officer at VitalSolution, an Ingenovis Health company. But research suggests that 350 to 400 milligrams of nitrates per day can benefit heart health, and that aligns with the DASH diet’s guideline of at least four servings of vegetables daily. Routhenstein suggests aiming for one to two cups of raw spinach, or half to one cup cooked, four to five times a week. She likes adding spinach to soups, sandwiches, or salads. Garcia-Benson said it can also be sautéed with eggs or blended into a smoothie. If spinach is not appealing, there are other options. Kale, Swiss chard and arugula offer similar nutrients. Beets, avocados and bananas also provide potassium and nitrates, which support heart health. “It’s not just about spinach,” said Garcia-Benson. “Getting vegetables in daily, ideally with most meals, is supportive of healthy blood pressure levels. If you want to use spinach every day, go for it. However, rotating your greens week to week can help reduce food waste and keep things interesting.” She recommends focusing on adding healthy foods rather than avoiding certain ones. That naturally crowds out foods high in salt, sugar and saturated fats. Other lifestyle choices also matter. Doctors say regular physical activity, stress management, not smoking and maintaining a healthy weight all work together to reduce high blood pressure. And if blood pressure is a concern, Dr. Kalra recommends speaking with a primary care doctor or cardiologist for guidance. Dietitians can also help build a plan tailored to individual needs. “Support is available,” Dr. Kalra said. “Managing blood pressure can feel complicated, but small, consistent steps make a difference.”

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Meet The Early Riser: How One Dad's 6AM Routine Transforms His Town

Mornings for Connor start a bit differently than they do for most. Instead of sipping coffee or taking a morning stroll, the 23-year-old dons a hi-vis vest and grabs his litter picker at 6:00 every weekday in Stapleford, England. His mission? To clean up the streets of his hometown. Connor's motivation for this daily task comes from a deeply personal place—his daughter. "I don't want my daughter stepping on cigarette butts and crisp packets," he said. "I want the streets to be clean and for her to be proud of where she lives." Having lived in Stapleford all his life, Connor has observed an increase in litter over the years. "When I was a kid, most of the streets were clean," he recalled. Now, he finds more rubbish than play equipment in local parks. A particularly jarring experience cemented his commitment to litter picking—the state of the footpath leading to his daughter's nursery. "It was disgusting," Connor described bluntly, noting it was covered with rubbish like dog waste and cigarette butts. Connor didn't want any child walking through such filth. Becoming a father changed his perspective on environmental issues entirely. "Being a young dad is scary," admitted Connor, adding that it made him strive for a cleaner environment for his daughter’s future. Connor relies on community input through Facebook and his website to identify areas needing attention. For two years, he'd been working anonymously because he wanted the focus on community rather than personal recognition. He explained, "What I do is about the community; it's about helping people." Among all items he encounters during litter-picking sessions, cigarette butts are particularly bothersome for him. They're not only numerous but also difficult to pick up individually, especially after rain. The community appreciates Connor's efforts too. Richard MacRae from Broxtowe Borough Council praised him as an inspiring figure who shows incredible commitment by waking up early every day to improve Stapleford's cleanliness. Though currently working solo, Connor hopes others will join him soon; four people have already expressed interest in collaborating with him. He envisions having someone responsible for different areas so that no spot remains neglected. For now, while his daughter is too young to help out physically, Connor looks forward to involving her when she's older. He hopes she'll take pride in what he's doing now and perhaps join him one day on these morning missions. "That would mean the world to me," Connor reflected simply but genuinely on this prospect.

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From Stroke Survivor to Aspiring Farmer: How Neive's Love for Animals Fueled Her Remarkable Recovery

Imagine having your world turned upside down at 13, just as you begin a new chapter in high school. That was the reality for Neive, a teenager from Huddersfield, England, whose life changed dramatically due to a stroke. Today, at 17, she is finding solace and strength in an unexpected place: the farm. Neive was born with an arteriovenous malformation in her brain. It's a tangle of blood vessels that disrupts normal blood flow between arteries and veins. She didn't know about it until one day during her first week at Shelley College when the condition caused a sudden bleed on her brain. "I had just finished netball and I was waiting for the bus to go home," she recalled. "I felt really weird, something was happening." By the time she got on the bus, she couldn't walk or speak properly—a terrifying experience for anyone, let alone a young teenager. Doctors initially treated Neive at Calderdale Royal Hospital before transferring her to Leeds General Infirmary where surgeons operated on her. Her recovery journey involved months of intense rehabilitation including speech therapy and physiotherapy. "It was an incredibly difficult time," said Abi, Neive's mum. "We never knew if she'd ever fully recover." During weekends at home in a wheelchair, Abi had to inject Neive with blood thinners—a stark reminder of how serious things were. In Surrey, while undergoing extended therapy sessions, Neive found comfort spending time with horses. "I found it really calming; I just loved being around them," she said. This newfound passion inspired her to pursue agriculture studies at Barnsley College with hopes of becoming a dairy farmer someday. Today, she's working towards her Level 2 Agriculture certificate and says it's like living a dream after missing three years of school. Emily Smith from Barnsley College praised Neive's determination: "There are no limitations to agriculture; she's a grafter and that's what you need." Neive admits some aspects of recovery have been frustrating—like learning to write with her left hand instead of right—but finds joy studying on campus among cows and sheep. "It's my happy place," she shared. Neive says the work helps her rebuild more than her body. "I'm proud of how far I've come. I didn't think I'd get to this position. I'm happy again."

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