We know that nature is good for us and we know that journaling is good for us, so why not combine the two? Scottish artist Pete Carthy started painting in his daily nature journal last January as “something positive to do every day,” and is still going strong over a year later. Check out some of his creations and learn the myriad benefits of nature journaling (whether done with a paintbrush, pencil, or any other medium you prefer).
New Airbnb “Icons” Listings Include the “Up” House, Ferrari Museum, and More
Airbnb
Fancy a stay in the floating Up house? How about the Ferrari Museum? Or the Minnesota home from Prince’s Purple Rain movie? All of that could be possible thanks to Airbnb’s new Icons category, comprising “extraordinary experiences hosted by the greatest names in music, film, television, art, sports, and more.” “Icons take you inside worlds that only existed in your imagination — until now,” the company’s co-founder and CEO Brian Chesky said in a statement. “As life becomes increasingly digital, we’re focused on bringing more magic into the real world.” Most of the stays are free, and those that aren’t are all under $100 per person. Interested adventurers can use the countdown displays on the listings to see when they go live and request a booking through the app. In 2024, more than 4,000 guests will be selected to receive a “digital golden ticket” to one of the stays. Check out the first 11 Icons listings.
Together With LMNT
Stay Hydrated While You Have Fun in the Sun
Warmer weather means more time outside doing the things we love, like gardening, playing sports, and perhaps enjoying some drinks al fresco. LMNT can help you stay hydrated amid all that activity — the mix contains a science-backed electrolyte ratio with 1,000 milligrams of sodium, 200 milligrams of potassium, and 60 milligrams of magnesium. LMNT can help prevent and eliminate headaches, muscle cramps, fatigue, and more. And with the convenient, single-serve packets and delicious taste, it couldn’t be easier to add to your daily routine. The refreshing flavors, from Mango Chili to Citrus Salt, are perfect for spring and summer — click below to see them all.
Hundreds of fatal wrong-way driving accidents occur each year in the United States, but safety advocates say it doesn’t have to be that way — and they have the tech to back it up. NBC News recently reported on two potential solutions for reducing deaths from head-on collisions, and both utilize existing systems. The first comes from the friends and family of Michael James Jackson, who was killed in a 2022 wrong-way crash in Texas. They’re promoting the use of FEMA’s Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (the program used for Amber Alerts, flash floods, and the like) to warn drivers of wrong-way cars. The second has already been developed by Bosch and implemented in some cars in Europe. The German engineering company created a GPS system to detect drivers’ movements near highway exit and entrance ramps. When someone is going the wrong direction, it sends an alert to that driver as well as all others within six miles. The technology is ready for use on all highway ramps in North America, and Bosch is working with carmakers and app developers to make it widely available.
Science
Archaeologists Reconstruct Face of Neanderthal Woman Who Lived 75,000 Years Ago
Graeme Barker
As archaeologist Graeme Barker admits, Neanderthals have had a bad rap “since the first ones were found over 150 years ago.” But the Cambridge professor and his colleagues hope that the recent skull reconstruction of a woman believed to have lived 75,000 years ago will reframe our assumptions about the species and help us realize they were not so different from humans. Per a press release from the university, the female Neanderthal was named Shanidar Z after the Shanidar Cave in Iraqi Kurdistan she was excavated from in 2018. The scientists approached the reconstruction by piecing together the remnants of her skull, which, in the 75 millennia since she died, had been flattened and broken into hundreds of bone fragments. “Each skull fragment is gently cleaned while glue and consolidant are re-added to stabilize the bone, which can be very soft, similar in consistency to a biscuit dunked in tea,” explained palaeo-anthropologist Emma Pomeroy. “It’s like a high stakes 3D jigsaw puzzle. A single block can take over a fortnight to process.” Those tedious efforts are chronicled in a new Netflix documentary produced by BBC Studios Science Unit, titled Secrets of the Neanderthals. You can watch the trailer here and see the Neanderthal woman’s face here.
In Other News
Boeing’s Starliner flight is scheduled for launch tonight — meet the crew of astronauts headed up to space.
In a wildlife first, an orangutan was spotted treating an open wound with medicinal herbs.
New research suggests that many people can wait 15 years, rather than 10, between preventative colonoscopy screenings.
The Smashing Pumpkins has a new guitarist. After fielding 10,000 applications, the alt rock band is welcoming Kiki Wong into the fold.
Hake’s recovery in northern European waters could provide a blueprint for restoring populations of other overfished species.
Something We Love
Oliver Cabell Footwear Oliver Cabell sets a high bar when it comes to quality craftsmanship, modern style, and comfort. The brand’s bestselling men’s sneakers run the gamut from simple to bold — the crisp white Low 1 works for both business casual days in the office and nights out on the town, while the “exotic” variety has a streetwear vibe that’s sure to impress your fashion-forward friends. And the women’s styles don’t disappoint either.
Recommendations are independently selected by our team but may result in a commission to Nice News which helps keep our content free.
Inspiring Story
The power of honesty
Overcoming fears of being misunderstood, 22-year-old Michael Vargas Arango is teaching the world about schizoaffective disorder, a rare mental health condition he was diagnosed with as a teenager. His podcast on the topic, The Monsters We Create, just won the grand prize in the NPR College Podcast Challenge.
It’s a sea lion party at San Francisco’s Pier 39. More than 1,000 of the marine mammals gathered along the city’s docks last week, the largest crew in 15 years. The party favors? A massive school of anchovies. Yum!
Add LMNT Hydration to Your Daily Routine
LMNT is a versatile addition to your life: It’s perfect for after a workout, getting a quick morning boost, or even as a cocktail mixer (and hangover cure). The electrolyte drink will keep you hydrated all spring and summer long — and Nice News readers get a free sample pack with every purchase.
