Some people love the hot dogs and fireworks on July Fourth, others the costume opportunities of Halloween, but Nice News’ favorite holidays tend to be a bit more under the radar — and today is one of them. Nov. 13 is World Kindness Day, celebrated around the globe for decades as a reminder that even the smallest acts can have a massive impact on the people around us. Let’s all be mindful about tapping into our kindest selves today; it might just create a ripple effect.
Must Reads
This is why dogs shake and wiggle after bathtime
Three toys were inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame yesterday
Culture
USS New Jersey Is First Submarine Designed to Be Fully Gender Integrated
MCC Joshua Karsten
The USS New Jersey is unlike any other submarine in the U.S. Navy’s fleet for one specific reason: It’s the first sub intentionally designed for men and women to live and work on. The Navy lifted the ban on women on submarines over a decade ago and retrofitted bathrooms and sleeping quarters to accommodate them. But this nuclear-powered submarine, nicknamed “Jersey Girl,” wasn’t adjusted after the fact — it was built to be fully gender inclusive. At 377 feet long, the ship has a capacity for 135 crew members, and about 40 are women. “There’s no other fast-attack submarine with that volume of women part of the crew,” Steven Halle, the commanding officer of the ship, told CBS News. He added: “Studies have shown that a fully integrated, diverse crew, they just perform better. Up to 15% or 20% better.” Lt. Victoria Meyer, the Navy’s Women in Submarines coordinator, explained that the newly commissioned submarine represents change. “When I was on the USS New Jersey, I was one of just a couple of female officers, and now almost half the wardroom is female officers who are absolutely crushing it out there.” Learn more and see the history-making submarine in motion.
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Bystander CPR Initiated Within 10 Minutes Could Boost Survival Odds, Study Finds
Rawpixel Ltd/ iStock
There’s no shortage of incredible bystander CPR success stories, from a neighbor saving a trick-or-treating grandfather to a dad saving his daughter. One thing most of these inspiring tales have in common is prompt action. While it’s common knowledge that the sooner someone initiates CPR, the better, a recent study outlined a more specific framework: Initiating CPR within 10 minutes could improve someone’s likelihood of survival. Analyzing nearly 200,000 cases of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, the researchers looked at how the timing of CPR affected survival and brain function after hospital discharge. They found that those who received bystander CPR within 10 minutes of cardiac arrest were 19% more likely to survive to hospital discharge and 22% more likely to have a favorable neurological outcome,compared to those who did not receive any bystander CPR. Patients who got CPR from a bystander after the 10-minute window saw no improvement in survival. “Our findings reinforce that every second counts when starting bystander CPR and even a few minutes delay can make a big difference,” said first author Evan O’Keefe. His takeaway message: “If you see someone in need of CPR, don’t dwell on how long they’ve been down, your quick actions could save their life.” Get more CPR tips from the American Heart Association.
Humanity
A Dog Grooming Program Is Giving Former Gang-Involved Individuals a Fresh Start
Homeboy Industries
One dog’s bath is a man’s fresh start. That’s the idea behind Homeboy Puppy Fades. Part pet care and part human care, the initiative is the latest social enterprise from Homeboy Industries, the largest gang reentry and rehabilitation program in the world. “We are on a mission to provide top-notch dog grooming for your beloved pet and meaningful career opportunities for individuals rebuilding their lives,” the website reads, noting the services are “coming soon” to Pasadena, California. Much like the firmly established Homeboy Bakery and Homegirl Cafe, Puppy Fades provides job training and a sustainable career path for formerly gang-involved individuals on their journeys to overcome their pasts. As founder Father Greg Boyle has previously summed up: “We’re in the business of second chances.” In this case, the second chance involves clients with fur and four legs. Cohorts of “homies” are getting trained in professional dog grooming techniques by the West Coast Grooming Academy, so they’ll be certified to give pooches a gentle wash and a cute haircut. In return, they get a fulfilling career with lots of adorable puppy time.
In Other News
Barnes & Noble is in a chapter of expansion, opening a dozen new stores this month alone (read more)
A study found that Alzheimer’s has a slow onset, providing “an inviting opportunity” for early intervention (read more)
Luxury hotels are donating furniture and household items to low-income families in Seoul, South Korea (read more)
Ice Age artists were proven accurate storytellers after a woolly rhino fossil indicated the animals had humps (read more)
Harriet Tubman was awarded a rank of a general in a Veterans Day ceremony, over a century after her death (read more)
Inspiring Story
“I don’t want people to give up”
Desiree Dufour was told she had four months to live when she was diagnosed with metastasized breast cancer. Seven years later, the single mother of two (and grandma) is still smiling, traveling, and thriving after going on a trial drug that was recently approved by the FDA.
Photo of the Day
Madame Tussauds
Both of these cheering faces are that of Mary Earps, but one of them is made of wax. Last year, Madame Tussauds London asked the public who they would like to see in wax form, and voters chose soccer star Earps, a British goalkeeper who won the Golden Glove award during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. The finished wax figure, showing the athlete in her World Cup kit, is the first pro female soccer player represented at the London attraction.
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