Any tennis fanatics in the Nice News community? It counts if you just really like the outfits, or became obsessed with The Challengers this summer. The 2024 U.S. Open kicks off today at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens, New York. Read up on how to watch the tournament and which players are expected to come out on top — and how to make the event’s signature drink, the Honey Deuce. Nice News is built on community — check out the Spread Positivity section below to learn how you can get rewarded for sharing Nice News with your family and friends through Saturday, Aug. 31.
Mentally here: Check out the top 10 beaches in Europe
Health
What Is the Goldilocks Nap? Learn How to Optimize Your Afternoon Snooze
hobo_018/ iStock
Napping can be a surprisingly spirited subject. Some swear by midday snoozes, others wince at the idea, perhaps assuming they’ll awake sleepier than before. No matter where you fall on the siesta spectrum, it turns out there are right and wrong ways to nap. First, experts reiterate that while naps are not a replacement for nocturnal sleep, there is evidence that they can do a lot of good: “We know it’s an easy, helpful way to quickly boost your alertness, your concentration, your productivity, your creativity, and your mood. It’s a royal flush,” James Maas, a sleep scientist, author, and researcher, told the Associated Press. To reap those benefits, timing is everything. The AP reports that the ideal “power nap” isless than 30 minutes, to prevent post-snooze grogginess and issues falling asleep later. Experts also recommend naptime be taken consistently and about six to seven hours after waking up. Think of this combination as the Goldilocks of naps. “It’s like putting yourself into low-power mode just for a little bit and letting your body recuperate,” said Sara Mednick, a sleep researcher and co-author of Take a Nap! Change Your Life. Get more tips on how to nap wisely.
Together With Pique
Start Your Morning With Matcha
Do you know which food has 30 times the antioxidant activity of blueberries? It’s matcha green tea — and antioxidants aren’t its only superpower. But not all matcha is created equal, which is why we turn to Pique Life’s Sun Goddess Matcha. It’s 100% organic and ceremonial grade, as well as quadruple toxin screened for impurities. You won’t find another matcha with such strict standards to ensure the ultimate purity for daily drinking. For a limited time, Nice News readers can get up to 15% off and free shipping for life on Sun Goddess Matcha. Plus, Pique offers a 30-day satisfaction guarantee, so you either love it or get your money back!
The Backpack-Wearing Canines Spreading Wildflowers, One Walk at a Time
Wilderlife
The only thing cuter than a dog is a dog wearing a backpack. Even better: The pup pictured above is not only delighting passersby, but also part of a small group enlisted to help spread wildflower seeds to degraded areas of a nature reserve in an English town. The canine recruits don specially designed, hole-filled backpacks stuffed with seeds while on walks with their owners. As they scamper and sniff around, the seeds fall out of the pack; thus sprinkling new life onto wooded areas that have lost vegetation. The project, from the Railway Land Wildlife Trust in Lewes, replicates the way wolves used to carry seeds on their fur before they went extinct in Britain. It also disperses wildflower seeds in hard-to-reach areas where humans may not be as likely to visit. “We’ve been so excited about this project. It’s about getting dogs and dog walkers involved in nature conservation on the reserve,” project manager Dylan Walker told the BBC. In honor of National Dog Day today, watch the backpack-wearing pups spread new life outdoors.
Humanity
Underutilized Churches Across the US Are Adding Affordable Housing to Their Properties
Wirestock/ iStock
As thousands of U.S. churches have shuttered in recent years, some houses of worship are embracing a growing trend that reflects their faith-based values: repurposing or selling their land to be used for affordable housing. From coast to coast, churches with declining membership have partnered with developers to transform their unused spaces, urban planning expert Nadia A. Mian, who is building a database cataloging faith-based affordable housing developments across the country, reports for The Conversation. Resulting constructions sometimes include spaces for the congregation while also incorporating other social impact initiatives — as is the case with Arlington Presbyterian Church in Virginia, which sold its historic stone building to nonprofit developers in 2016 to create a six-story affordable apartment complex. The complex still has an area for members to gather and also houses a bilingual culinary job training facility and cafe. Emory United Methodist Church in Washington D.C. redeveloped its property into The Beacon Center, a 99-unit affordable housing complex. The new building preserved the sanctuary for the congregation and includes a commercial kitchen where job training is provided to formerly incarcerated people. Read on to learn about other similar projects and the Yes in God’s Backyard movement.
In Other News
Human trials began for a lung cancer vaccine, with a 67-year-old patient being the first to receive the “groundbreaking” jab.
Patagonia is giving U.S. workers a paid day off in late October to vote early in the election and volunteer, one of the first big companies to provide the perk.
Hundreds of sea lions are taking over nearly every inch of sand at a California beach. See the wild sight.
Coolest playground ever? Archaeologists excavated a 2,000-year-old Roman pathway underneath a primary school playing field in England.
Spread Positivity
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Inspiring Story
Friends at first fetch
The bond of best friends is palpable, and in the case of dogs Annie Oakley and Tobias, it’s felt in everything from a game of fetch to a leisurely walk. The four-legged pals found themselves at an animal shelter in their senior years, forged an immediate friendship, and have become “the epitome of sibling love.” Now, the shelter hopes someone special will keep the sweet pair together. Meet the BFFs in search of their forever home.
Photo of the Day
Zoo Berlin
It’s twins! Meng Meng, one of Zoo Berlin’s giant pandas, has given birth to her second set of multiples, the zoo announced last week. “I am relieved that the two were born healthy,” zoo director Andreas Knieriem said in the announcement. “The little ones make a lively impression and mom Meng Meng takes great care of her offspring.” See more photos of the young animals, who haven’t yet developed their species’ distinctive black-and-white coloring.
Subaru Is Offering Students a Helping Hand
About 9 in 10 teachers nationwide have students whose families cannot afford necessary school supplies. Subaru, through its ongoing work with AdoptAClassroom.org, is helping those students by providing teachers with funds for the supplies their classrooms need. By the end of this year, the four-year partnership will have supported 750,000 students and counting.
