The Optimist Times — Issue #7
July 31st — August 6th
The Optimist Times is a new kind of front page news. Instead of showing stories that exploit our fears, the stories found here inspire, amaze, and awe. We live in the most spectacular time in history and The Optimist Times intends to highlight this. If you would like to get every issue in your inbox each week you can sign up here. Thanks for reading!
Happy Monday! No better way to kick off the week than reading about all the amazing things going on in the world. Enjoy this week’s inspiring stories!
In a Swimmer’s Two-Year Quest, a Final 21-Mile Challenge
The New York Times — 7 min read
A 58 year old man just completed the Oceans Seven, open water’s version of the Seven Summits, by swimming 21 miles across the North Channel between Ireland and Scotland. I guess 58 is the new 20.
This New Simulator Helps Cities Test A Future Of On-Demand Transit
Fast Company — 6 min read
The tech company TransLoc has a simulator that uses local city data to simulate transportation demand. This should help cities catch up to new ride sharing services, like Uber and Lyft, to provide their residents with more modern and real-time transportation options.
An Algorithm Trained on Emoji Knows When You’re Being Sarcastic on Twitter
MIT Technology Review — 4 min read
Emojis may sound like a gimmick to you but the fact is they are increasingly used in our everyday communications. Having computers learn what we mean when we use certain types of emojis can help combat online abuse and harassment.
IKEA is running a startup accelerator
Disrupt Africa — 2 min read
IKEA can help you build your own furniture and now a company too. I assume the co-working space will have plenty of sweetish meatballs to snack on.
Eggs from Skin Cells? Here’s Why the Next Fertility Technology Will Open Pandora’s Box
MIT Technology Review — 2 min read
The impact of social consequences aside, having the ability to generate an almost infinite amount of eggs will be a huge improvement for infertile or aging women.
Syrian refugee becomes NHS doctor
BBC News — 3 min watch
This doctor went through a lot to get to where he is today. Having left Syria to escape from war, he ended up in England and was able to finish his studies and become a doctor. Truly impressive.
Chicago Cubs Give Steve Bartman a World Series Ring, Bejeweling an Infamous Hand
The New York Times — 5 min read
Well, this one is for all the baseball fans out there. After being chastised by all of Chicago because of one poorly timed reach for a foul ball, Steve Bartman is finally being forgiven.
Come across any inspiring stories this week? Please pass them along to me and I will try including them in next week’s issue.
Thanks for reading!
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