A few weeks back, we shared an article about the wealth of research suggesting that giving kids chores helps them achieve success later in life. One big component of success is the ability to meet goals, and according to psychotherapist Amy Morin, that ability can hinge on a child’s mental strength — or having “the skills to tackle challenges, manage their emotions, and believe in themselves.” Morin describes 10 simple yet powerful phrases that parents who raise mentally strong children use, and, frankly, some of them are going in our positive self-talk pocket as well. — Rebekah, Ally, and Natalie
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These (Adorable) Avalanche Dogs Are Trained to Save People Every Winter
Taos Avalanche Rescue Dogs
For sporty snow bunnies, skiing is one of winter’s great joys, but the cold weather recreation isn’t without risk. Not only does it take some serious skill to careen down a mountain on two runners — or one, if you’re a snowboarder — you’re also up against the elements. Though they’re luckily rare occurrences at resorts, avalanches do happen, and the sliding sheets of snow can be deadly. That’s why teams of specially trained rescue operatives are on staff at most locations, and judging by the wagging of their tails, they’re happy to help. Click below to learn about the avalanche dogs that play a vital role on ski patrols across the country, and watch the eager canines at work.
Think about your last power outage — dark rooms, spoiling food in the fridge, no heat or Wi-Fi. Now imagine never experiencing that again. Paladin Power’s energy storage system is an engineering marvel: It delivers six times more power than competitors like Tesla, at the lowest cost per watt-hour, in a device 80% smaller. The company’s patented technology comes with a 20-year warranty and since launching in 2023, it’s seen an incredible 500% sales growth as more Americans choose to make utility power optional. Want to be part of this bright future? You have four days left to invest. Paladin has already raised over $1.2 million, and investors receive up to 40% product discounts. Invest before Thursday, Dec. 19 to power positive change.
Not Just for Books: Local Libraries Are Becoming Health and Wellness Centers
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More than just hubs for bookworms, libraries are becoming destinations for nourishing your mind and body (and possibly your soul in the process). Public health programs are making their way into libraries throughout the U.S., offering everything from fitness classes to blood pressure monitors to group discussions about loneliness. The best part? Most of these services are free, and everyone is eligible to partake in them. For some, these visits mark a turning point in their health journey. “We have patrons that say, ‘Because I used the blood pressure monitor at the library, I went and saw my physician for the first time in a long time,’” Jaime Placht, a health and well-being specialist at the Kansas City Public Library system, told the Associated Press, noting that these locations are “the last true public institution.” Libraries for Health, an initiative offering mental wellness services in central Texas, has received over $3 million from St. David’s Foundation — and it’s focusing on advancing health equity in the state. “It’s in no way taking the place of clinical-directed psychologists,” Abena Asante, the foundation’s senior program officer, told Public News Service. “It’s just one community response in addressing the lack of mental wellness resources in rural communities.” Interested in getting involved? Contact your local library or community center to see if they’re offering any of these free services.
Tech
AI Granny Takes Down Scammers, One Phone Call at a Time
O2
On the surface, Daisy’s warm, serene voice and earnest questions about how to use her computer make her sound like any other sweet, innocent grandmother — but don’t be fooled. She’s actually an AI bot on a mission to keep phone scammers from bothering you. Developed by British mobile phone company O2 “to waste scammers’ time,” Daisy, sometimes stylized dAIsy to emphasize her origins, waxes rhapsodic about her grandchildren, cat Fluffy, and favorite hobby (knitting, naturally). She also offers fraudsters fake bank account details to string them along. “The newest member of our fraud-prevention team, Daisy, is turning the tables on scammers — outsmarting and outmaneuvering them at their own cruel game simply by keeping them on the line,” Murray Mackenzie, director of fraud at Virgin Media O2, said in a statement. Since her debut in mid-November, the AI model has wasted hundreds of hours of exasperated scammers’ time, with some phone calls lasting as long as 40 minutes. And in doing so, she’s brought to light many of the common tactics used to victimize real humans. Hear Daisy on the phone.
Sports
16-Year-Old Breaks Record for Australia’s Fastest 200-Meter Sprint
Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
Australia’s national record for the fastest 200-meter sprint has been broken — by a 16-year-old. Teenager Gout Gout ran the length in a mere 20.04 seconds on Dec. 7 at the Australian All Schools Championships in Brisbane, breaking the record set by Peter Norman (20.06 seconds) at the 1968 Olympics. “It’s pretty crazy,” Gout told the BBC. “I’ve been chasing that record, but I didn’t think it would come this year.” Beyond the national title, Gout’s historic run also makes him the speediest sprinter in Oceania and the fastest 16-year-old 200-meter runner in the world. Naturally, this has led to comparisons between Gout and Usain Bolt, who set the 200-meter world record (19.19 seconds) in 2009. The legendary Jamaican sprinter weighed in on the conversation about Gout, writing on Instagram, “He looks like young me.” See Gout race.
The Cure for Women: Dr. Mary Putnam Jacobi and the Challenge to Victorian Medicine That Changed Women’s Lives Forever
Mary Putnam Jacobi should be a household name. As one of the best-educated doctors in the world in the late 19th century, she challenged contemporary notions that women should be only wives and mothers, and in 1870s New York, conducted the first comprehensive, scientific research on female reproductive biology. Her pioneering work sent shockwaves through the medical world, yet today, far too few people know who she is. With this book, author Lydia Reeder hopes to change that.
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“Girl From the North Country” by Timothée Chalamet and Monica Barbaro
The Bob Dylan-approved biopic A Complete Unknown, starring Timothée Chalamet as the folk singer, is hitting theaters Christmas Day. But excited fans (of either artist) can preview a couple songs on the soundtrack. Accompanied by Monica Barbaro as Joan Baez, Chalamet shows off his impression of Dylan’s distinctive voice in “Girl From the North Country” — and sounds darn near like him.
This Week in History
The Wright Brothers Achieve the First Powered Flight
December 17, 1903
Bettmann/Getty Images
One hundred and twenty-one years ago, on a December morning in a small North Carolina town, Wilbur and Orville Wright became the first people to successfully pilot an airplane. The brothers took turns helming their flying machine, which they’d built in sections in the back of their Ohio bicycle shop. Orville was first in the cockpit, taking flight for a total of 12 seconds. Wilbur piloted the fourth and final flight of the day, remaining airborne for 59 seconds and travelling 852 feet. That afternoon, the pair walked 4 miles to Kitty Hawk to send their father a telegram announcing their achievement — and informing him they’d be home for Christmas. Watch early footage of them taking to the skies.
Enhance Your Drive With Ford Accessories
When it comes to innovation, Ford delivers more than vehicles — the storied automaker also offers accessories that will elevate your driving experience. From exterior enhancements and interior comfort to technology and connectivity, Ford Accessories makes it easy to transform your vehicle into something uniquely you.
