Must Reads

• This Native American photographer snapped portraits of members from 562 of the country’s tribes: See the pics​

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• The American Numismatic Society, along with its priceless coin collection, is making a big move from NYC to Toledo, Ohio

Culture

Christmas Movie Dreams Come True: You Can Stay in a Real-Life Replica of “The Holiday” House

A crackling fire, snowy view of the countryside, and charming Jude Law appearing at your doorstep are what holiday dreams are made of (OK, maybe minus that last one for some folks). But if watching Cameron Diaz sip wine and dance around the cozy English cottage in the house-swapping film The Holiday gives you a case of Christmas envy, we have some good news: You can stay in an idyllic replica of the home without ever crossing the pond.
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Located in Ellijay, Georgia — a little over an hour north of Atlanta — The Holiday Cottage is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains and directly inspired by Kate Winslet’s “Rosehill Cottage” in the movie (which, sadly, only ever existed on a Hollywood set). For those wanting to live out their Nancy Meyers dreams, the quaint abode offers a satisfying dose of British-style country rusticism and kitschy decor reminiscent of 2006, the year The Holiday came out.
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Although the cottage is full through the end of the year, it’s not too early to start planning a cozy getaway for 2026: See more photos.​

Together With LifeStraw

’Tis the Season to Upgrade Your Water Filter

Looking for a gift that everyone will love this holiday season? Consider LifeStraw Home — the handblown glass water pitcher that filters more than 30 contaminants, including microplastics and PFAS, leaving you with safer and better-tasting water.
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LifeStraw Home is easy to use and maintain, with a long-lasting dual filtration system so you can spend less time worrying about replacements. Its modern design adds a sleek touch to any kitchen countertop, and comes in chic colors. Plus, it’s a gift that gives back: With every purchase, LifeStraw provides a child in need with a year of safe water — 11.8 million and counting. Nice News readers can get 25% through tomorrow, so now is the perfect time to buy for your loved ones.

Health

How Drones Could Boost Heart Attack Response Times and Survival Rates

Of the 350,000 people who experience heart attacks each year in the U.S., fewer than 10% survive. A new study out of Duke University is exploring how technology can help change that statistic, using drones to expedite lifesaving care.
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“[Cardiac arrest is] incredibly time sensitive. The first three steps are largely in the hands of the bystander or the community member,” Dr. Monique Starks, the study’s lead investigator, said in a press release. After recognizing that a heart attack is happening, those steps are calling 911, starting CPR immediately, and shocking the patient with an automated external defibrillator (AED), she explained, noting that there are “only really 10 minutes” to complete the process.
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Another problem, Starks continued, is that most cardiac arrests in the U.S. occur at home, far from lifesaving equipment — and bystanders only apply AEDs in 1%-4% of cases. Although emergency responders rush to the scene when a call comes through, it can take an average of six to seven minutes for them to arrive. That’s where the drones come in: They can deliver AEDs to bystanders in less than four minutes. “If a patient can be shocked within two to five minutes, we could see survival of 50%-70%,” Starks said.
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Researchers are working with the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office in Clemmons, North Carolina, to dispatch drone-carried AEDs to real 911 calls, putting the technology to the test while also continuing the usual standard of care by sending out EMS. Watch the drones in action and learn how to use an AED in case you ever find yourself in the position of bystander.

Lifestyle

Turn Shopping Stress Into Purposeful Gift Giving by Cultivating “Consumer Wisdom”

This article was written by Michael Luchs, the JS Mack Professor of Business at William & Mary, for The Conversation.
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​Every fall I anticipate the winter holidays with almost childlike joy. I look forward to familiar traditions with friends and family, eggnog in my coffee, and the sense that everyone is feeling a little lighter and more connected.
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At the same time, I feel anxious and annoyed by the manufactured sense of urgency around gift giving: the endless searching and second-guessing shaped by advertisers, retailers, and cultural expectations.
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Don’t get me wrong, I mostly love giving — and, yes, receiving — gifts during the holidays. But as a researcher who studies consumer psychology, I see how those same forces, amplified by constant buying opportunities and frictionless online payments, make us especially vulnerable and often unwise this time of year. Learn more about the connection between consumer behavior and individual well-being (and how to align your spending with your goals, resources, and values).

Global Good

🇮🇳 Music may ease surgical pain and accelerate recovery, researchers in India found (read more)
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🇰🇿 New findings from a Bronze Age settlement in Kazakhstan offer insights into the history of steppe societies (read more)
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🇪🇸 Sold at auction for $3.49 million, a 17th-century “royal gift” broke the record for Europe’s most valuable coin (read more)
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🇬🇧 The world’s hardest driving test can take years to pass — but becoming a London cabbie is worth it (read more)
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🇦🇺 An award-winning smartphone game is helping keep a nearly extinct Aboriginal language alive (read more)

Inspiring Story

Gourmet goodness

A professional chef is combating hunger and food waste by whipping up gourmet meals with discarded ingredients. “This brings me so much joy and it’s so fun to share it with you all,” said Maddy Goldberg, who will often make over 100 meals for staff and clients at the York Fort Food Bank in Toronto, Canada. Made with a medley of donated items, including excess ingredients from local eateries, the dishes are as delicious as they are nutritious. “It’s incredible to be able to give something to our clients that’s so high-end,” said Julie Legion, the food bank’s executive director.

Photo of the Day

The Times Square New Year’s Eve ball got a glow-up. Unveiled earlier this week, the “Constellation Ball” is adorned with 5,280 Waterford crystals and LED lights, and weighs 12,350 pounds. The massive, technicolor sphere is the ninth iteration of the iconic ball, which has heralded the new year since 1907. Check out more photos.​

If You Like Good News, You’ll Love the Book “HumanKind”

​HumanKind celebrates the best of humanity by sharing powerful good news stories that will lift your spirits and move your heart — in other words, it’s a book made for Nice News readers. Featured by The Wall Street Journal, People, and Deepak Chopra, this national bestseller is the perfect stocking stuffer, team gift, or treat to yourself. And with the Black Friday sale, you can get up to 40% off, the lowest price of the year.​

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Up This Weekend

1. Native American Heritage Day: Established by Congress in 2008, today’s holiday is an opportunity to honor the history, culture, and contributions of Native Americans — here are some books by Native authors to add to your reading list
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2. Nuremberg Christmas Market: Widely considered to be among the best Christmas markets in the world (if not the best), Nuremberg, Germany’s magical little village opens today and runs through Dec. 24
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3. Small Business Saturday: Tomorrow, consider shopping small — it can sometimes take a bit more time or effort to find the things you need from local businesses compared to the big retailers, but supporting a small shop (like Because Weekend!) is almost always worth it
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The Nice News merch collaboration with Because Weekend is all about celebrating optimism and making every day feel like the weekend. To help us spread that ethos beyond the inbox, shop our collection of T-shirts and sweatshirts here.

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Odds & Ends

🦦 A fox and otter formed an unlikely duo
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🍩 Krispy Kreme is drawing inspo from Peanuts ​
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🚗 Are you overpaying on auto insurance?*
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🦸‍♂️ Going, going, gone: A copy of the very first Superman issue
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​*Indicates a Nice News brand partnership or affiliate

Quote of the Day

“Those who dwell among the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life.”

– RACHEL CARSON