If you know of any local families or organizations that are especially in need at this time, please give me a call or reply to this email. I will do my best to spread the word!

Sometimes it really is the thought that counts, and giving handmade gifts is a great example of that. There’s really nothing that says “You mean something to me” more than something you’ve devised and created with your own hands.

Let’s start from the beginning. This article explains why giving a handmade gift feels so special and is often much more meaningful than mass-produced gifts. https://tinyurl.com/uplift05231

Looking for some inspiration for a gift but can’t find anything that suits the occasion or your skill set? This article lists 25 handmade gift ideas for various occasions, ranging from personalized jewelry to scented candles. https://tinyurl.com/uplift05232

For something with a more sustainable twist, take a look at these DIY gift ideas that won’t hurt the planet, such as homemade body scrubs and reusable produce bags. https://tinyurl.com/uplift05233

DIY gifts are great, but they’re not always the best for a work colleague. This article lists 35 DIY ideas that are suitable (and useful) for the office! https://tinyurl.com/uplift05234

AI transforms boring kitchen items into brilliant Gaudi creations. Modern kitchen appliances, like many functional items in the modern age, are built for function, not beauty. Irish artist Marcus Byrne looks to challenge that notion, however. Using artificial intelligence, he imagined what the most mundane pieces of kitchen furniture would look like if designed by Gaudi. More: https://tinyurl.com/uplift0523b

Humans aren’t so bad. With so much division, binary arguments, and strife in the world these days, sometimes we need a reminder that there are plenty of people doing wonderful things for the betterment of the world around them. This uplifting list features 33 stories that will make you feel better about humanity, including Morgan Freeman’s transformation of his estate into a bee sanctuary, Manny Pacquiao building 1,000 homes with his boxing prize money, and the black musician who befriended many KKK members, eventually persuading them to leave the organization. More: https://tinyurl.com/uplift0523c

In 1923, Parisians were barred from swimming in the Seine River, which runs through the city, owing to the fact that growing modern industry had left the river increasingly polluted, making it unsafe for swimmers. The popular pastime instantly disappeared from Parisian culture and can nowadays only be remembered by the city’s centenarians.

Following an enormous cleanup operation over the past few years, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo has announced that from 2025, Parisians will once again be able to swim in the river. The plan is just one part of the mayor’s drive to make the city greener and more people-friendly rather than the vehicle-centric, polluted state so many cities around the world have fallen into since the Industrial Revolution. Among Hidalgo’s other ambitions for the city are schemes to replace car parking spaces with dedicated cycle lanes.

Although some remain skeptical of the plan owing to previous mayors making and breaking similar promises in past decades, Hidalgo has proven this is not simply a PR exercise. She has committed €1 billion to the improvement of the Seine’s water quality already, and it is not just the people of Paris who are benefitting. Since the project began, aquatic life has already begun returning to the river and booming in population for the first time in generations, including eels, salmon, and catfish. Vive la révolution verte – or long live the green revolution!

What sets Wonderopolis apart from other educational websites is its fun and interactive approach. The platform offers a unique experience that blends education with entertainment. The wonders are presented in a way that encourages children to think critically, ask questions, and explore their curiosity. This approach to learning helps to develop children’s critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are essential for success in the modern world. Each day, a new “Wonder of the Day” is featured on the homepage, complete with a short video, article and related activities. You can also search for wonders by category, age range, or keyword.

Wonderopolis is also free and accessible to everyone. The platform is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive, making it easy for children to navigate and explore. Additionally, the platform offers a wide range of resources for educators, including lesson plans, activities, and other materials to support classroom learning.

One of the most remarkable things about Wonderopolis is the community that it has built. The platform has a vibrant and engaged community of learners, educators, and parents who share their ideas, experiences, and insights with one another. This community helps to foster a love of learning and a sense of curiosity that can last a lifetime.

Overall, Wonderopolis is an innovative and valuable resource for children, educators, and parents alike. So if you’re looking to expand your knowledge and spark your curiosity, head over to Wonderopolis and start exploring! Who knows what wonders you’ll discover next?