Thursday, April 24, 2025

Not all news is bad! Check out these 15 positive news sources.

Good news is out there. These sites serve it up daily!


Why We Need to Proactively Seek Good News

"Why does the media concentrate on the bad things in life, rather than the good? And what might this depressing slant say about us, the audience?  It isn't that these are the only things that happen. Perhaps journalists are drawn to reporting bad news because sudden disaster is more compelling than slow improvements. Or it could be that news gatherers believe that cynical reports of corrupt politicians or unfortunate events make for simpler stories. But another strong possibility is that we, the readers or viewers, have trained journalists to focus on these things."  - Psychology: Why bad news dominates the headline (from BBC)

"Humans exhibit this attraction to bad news thanks in large part to what is called the negativity bias...This bias helps humans scan their environment for potential dangers so they can learn how to avoid them, but this attraction to negativity can backfire if we allow it... The brain reacts to negative stimuli with a greater surge in electrical activity. It takes five positive experiences to counter one negative experience.  It’s for this reason, in part, that many people struggle with pessimism, anxiety, discouragement and other symptoms of depression. If you want to learn how to stay positive in a negative world you must expose yourself to as many positive experiences as you can while minimizing exposure to the negative... " - Why Bad News Grabs Our Attention

But if most media defaults to negative stories where can we find positive news? It can take a bit of effort, but once you find positive news sources that are updated daily you can bookmark them and return to them frequently to build up your immunity to the negative stuff. 

15 Positive News Sources

Here are some websites that aggregate good news stories. (Suggestion: Why not bookmark some of these so you can return to them whenever you need some positive energy? And check out any links from within the websites' articles to other potentially uplifting websites.)

  • Good News Network - "The website, with its archive of 21,000 positive news stories from around the globe, confirms what people already know—that good news itself is not in short supply; the broadcasting of it is." 
  • Positive News - "We report socially relevant and uplifting stories of progress – ranging from the global boom in renewable energy to cities that are solving homelessness – joining the dots between how people, communities and organisations are changing the world for the better."
  • Good Good Good - "Good Good Good has been highlighted by The New York Times, Mashable, The Washington Post, Miley Cyrus, and more... In an effort to help their audience feel more hopeful and do more good, Good Good Good’s team of journalists reports on positive news happening in the world and creates helpful resources about the most impactful ways to make a positive difference."
  • The Optimist Daily - "Our mission is to provide a daily dose of optimism in the form of solutions-focused, good news that you can enjoy and share with those you care for. The ultimate goal is to elevate, motivate, and reignite each individual’s innate reservoir of intelligent optimism as a way of catalyzing the evolution of human consciousness."
  • Upworthy - Upworthy is a media brand on a mission to share uplifting stories that foster positive connections — with the community, the world and our partners... Experiencing stories about good things happening in the world can shape how we perceive and interact with the people around us. We're proud to play a role in creating a world rooted in decency, love and compassion."
  • Goodable - "We use proprietary AI technology and science to create daily content feeds filled with wholesome, healthy programming that you'll love. It's the cure to doomscrolling that you deserve." (Note: The Goodable app is free to download but offers in-app purchases for Goodable Plus subscriptions.)
  • YES! Magazine - "Through rigorous reporting on the positive ways communities are responding to social problems and insightful commentary that sparks constructive discourse, YES! Media inspires people to build a more just, sustainable, and compassionate world."
  • Goodnet - "Goodnet connects people around the world with opportunities for doing good - it’s that simple. ... our writers and editors have eyes and ears across the world of good doing - from volunteering, charity work, microfunding and creativity to green tech, water conservation, collaborative consumption and mindful living."
  • The Happy Broadcast - "Over the years, we have explored ways to bring positivity and better mental health to our community. We do this mainly by illustrating positive news stories to try and counteract all the negativity in todays news cycles. We have also, however, spent considerable time and resources experimenting with tools that can help improve happiness."
  • Only Good News Daily - "In today's world it's almost impossible to avoid being bombarded with bad news. Obviously, you have to tune into it occasionally to keep up to date with the reality of daily life around you, but why not give yourself a break? And ensure you enjoy a healthy daily dose of good news. Only Good News Daily is designed to lighten your day, refresh your enthusiasm for life, make you smile, and enhance your general well being."  
  • The 89 Percent Project - Ever get the feeling that nearly everyone's given up on trying to win the battle against climate change? The 89 Percent Project tells us that "Between 80 and 89% of the world’s people want their governments to be doing more to address climate change." And its website presents good news stories of those who are fighting (and winning battles) on behalf of Mother Earth. 
  • Major Network Good News Sources: -- Most of the time it feels like the major commercial networks are unable to bring us anything but doom, gloom and "watch out!!!" stories. However, if you look for it, they do provide some good news exceptions:

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Friday, March 7, 2025

Team Trump's Drive from Democracy to Autocracy: Are we there yet?

Emperor Trump by Wolfgang Eckert from Pixabay 
"I alone can fix it."


"Autocracy: a system of government by one person with absolute power."
(From Google’s English dictionary by Oxford Languages.) 

The Systemic Weakening of Our Democracy?

Is our democracy weakening? Given the many unilateral decrees by team Trump and his supporters many feel that he has moved much too fast to reduce or eliminate government agencies and the services they provide, trash relationships with our allies and cozy up to dictators who have traditionally been our enemies. He appears to be operating without the usual constraints that check presidential power. In short, he's behaving like an autocrat. So the central question emerges: Could Trump actually reduce our democracy to an autocracy?

To explore this question, I decided to use the AI assistant Perplexity to help me discover how democracies typically devolve into autocracies.

As context, consider this warning from one analysis: "Ominously, we find that once autocratization begins, only one in five democracies manage to avert breakdown." [1]  

So how will we know if we are actually moving towards autocracy and fascism? After all, autocratic rule doesn't appear overnight. And we can only prevent it from taking over if we are aware of how it gradually, insidiously, evolves and then disempower it before it becomes unstoppable.  

Enlisting the Help of Perplexity AI

I asked Perplexity AI to explore this problem. Perplexity AI is a conversational search engine that uses large language models to provide answers to user queries, offering features like real-time web search, transparent source citation, and the ability to toggle between different AI models for varied responses. Specifically, I gave Perplexity two assignments: 

1. List the specific stages through which a democracy moves towards an autocracy and fascism then explain each stage. 

(Note that Perplexity summarized the key differences between autocracy and fascism as follows: Autocracy focuses on centralized power, while fascism involves ideological radicalization, mass mobilization, and systemic coercion[4][6].)

2. For each step listed describe how the current executive branch is implementing this step.

Below are the seven specific stages that Perplexity provided. 

As you examine each of these stages, you might keep in mind news about Trump's latest decrees and ask yourself: Autocracy? Are we there yet?  

----------------------------------------------------------------

[Begin Perplexity AI response below: I simply cut and pasted it directly from Perplexity's answer.]

Stages of Democratic Decline to Autocracy and Fascism  

1. Normalization of Anti-Democratic Rhetoric 

  Leaders exploit post-truth narratives and cultural conservatism to erode trust in institutions, often framing opponents as threats to national identity[2][3].  

...............

The current administration has amplified divisive rhetoric, portraying political opponents as threats to national security and identity. This polarizing language undermines trust in democratic institutions and fosters a "us vs. them" mentality[a][e].

2. Dismantling Checks and Balances 

   Judicial and legislative constraints on executive power are weakened, enabling centralized control. Media and civil society face censorship or repression[2][3][5].  

.....

The administration has expanded presidential immunity, limiting the judiciary's ability to hold the president accountable for potentially illegal acts. This weakens legislative and judicial oversight, consolidating executive power[e][h]. Congressional reluctance to act as a check further accelerates this erosion[f].

3. Exploiting Crises

   Emergencies (e.g., pandemics, economic instability) are used to justify authoritarian measures, such as restricting civil liberties or suspending democratic norms[3][5].  

......

Emergencies like economic instability have been used to justify executive overreach, sidelining Congress and centralizing decision-making in the presidency[f][g].

4. Populist Mobilization 

   Mass movements coalesce around a charismatic leader promising to restore order, often through nationalist or anti-establishment rhetoric[3][4]. 

......

The executive has cultivated mass support by framing itself as a defender of "ordinary Americans" against elites, leveraging populist narratives to consolidate political loyalty[a][g]. 

5. Constitutional Manipulation  

   Leaders amend or rewrite constitutions to consolidate power, bypassing democratic safeguards and enabling autocratic rule[3][7].  

......

 Proposals like "Project 2025" outline plans to restructure the federal government, concentrating power in the executive branch and bypassing traditional checks and balances[g].

6. Authoritarian Consolidation 

   Elections become controlled, dissent is criminalized, and opposition is suppressed, establishing autocratic governance[3][7].  

......

 Efforts to weaken independent oversight bodies and suppress dissent through legal mechanisms reflect a move toward authoritarian governance[a][e].  

7. Fascist Transformation  

   Totalitarian control intensifies with hypermodern propaganda, mass mobilization, and violent suppression of dissent. Ideological indoctrination and radical societal transformation are enforced[4][6].  

.......

 While not fully realized, there are signs of ideological enforcement through propaganda and suppression of opposition narratives, setting the stage for more radical control[g].  

[End of cut and pasted response from Perplexity AI]

----------------------------------------------------------------

Conclusion

To reiterate: "Ominously, we find that once autocratization begins, only one in five democracies manage to avert breakdown." [1]  

So what do you think? Given the analysis above, are we on our way to an autocratic takeover by a man who once said, "I alone can fix it?" 

Action Item: All those who would save our democracy must take steps to band together to amplify their individual voices and then locate and apply maximum pressure on all the available political levers of power. So do your own search for "Trump Resistance" to locate like-minded organizations and figure out how you can get involved. Nothing less than our democratic freedom is at stake.

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References

Citation List 1 (1-8):

[1] How democracies prevail: democratic resilience as a two-stage 

[2] How to Lose a Country: The 7 Steps from Democracy to Dictatorship 

[3] Democratic backsliding - Wikipedia 

[4] Kurt Weyland Distinguishes Between Fascism and Authoritarianism 

[5] When democracies autocratise 

[6] The Five Stages of Fascism - 

[7] Measurement Levels & Regime Typology - Democracy Matrix 

[8] Fourteen Steps to Fascism - The Tyee

Citation List 2 (a-h):

[a] Donald Trump and the Collapse of Checks and Balances /

[b] The Erosion of Our Checks and Balances - Senator Chuck Grassley 

[c] [PDF] Separations of Wealth: Inequality and the Erosion of Checks and ... 

[d] Inequality and the Erosion of Checks and Balanc" by Kate Andrias 

[e] Presidential Immunity’s Weakening Impact on U.S. Checks and Balances

[f] The Unconstrained Presidency: Checks and Balances Eroded Long ... 

[g] Project 2025 Would Destroy the U.S. System of Checks and Balances 

[h] Eroding Checks and Balances: The Immunity Decision 


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Tuesday, February 18, 2025

Simple Pleasures: A Few of My Favorite Things

 

A western scrub jay has a morning splash in our bird bath.

Last month I shared my reasons for leaving behind the noisy, outrage-driven world of Facebook and moving on to a more civilized social network, Bluesky. (See Goodbye Facebook. Hello Bluesky!) In this article, I take a step back from online life completely and reflect on some things that I have been taking for granted. For years these have been providing me with some important, though simple, real-world pleasures. Many of these are little things, easily acquired. But each, in its own way, is able to make life just a bit better. 

[Note: Some of the links below are to specific products. I provide these as examples so you can see what I'm talking about. I am receiving absolutely zero compensation from any of these.]

  • A "Good morning!" quart of water - In simplest terms, this just gets everything moving! So, immediately upon waking, I wash my face, comb my hair, brush my teeth and drink 32 ounces of water. Within a few minutes my colon is relatively clean and I'm ready for the day. (See Why Is Drinking Water In The Morning So Important?) 
  • A "Good morning!" coffee near the bird bath (no phones or tech allowed!) - Thanks to our relatively dry and mild Southern California climate I am usually able to have my first cup of coffee of the day in our back yard next to the bird bath. (See photo above.) All sorts of permanent residents and migratory visitors provide a twitchy bit of a show while I ease into the day. 
  • Any bidet - I will not elaborate on the mechanics or the usage techniques for this wonderful invention, the bidet. However, I will say that once you have regular access to one you will find that "going" without one feels like you're using a primitive outside privy! Depending on your budget, you can buy a complete, free-standing bidet with heated seat, heated water supply, etc. (See this example.)  Or you can save some plumbing effort and some money and outfit your regular toilet with a self-contained bidet seat. (See this example.)
  • Dr. Bronner's multi-purpose soap - My brother introduced me to Dr. Bronner's multi-purpose soap many years ago. He washed lots of things with it, including his dog! I use it for all sorts of personal cleaning. Here's their description: "Only the purest organic and fair trade ingredients—most products vegan and certified to the same organic standards as food! No synthetic preservatives, no foaming agents. Body, hair, face, mouth & teeth—food, dishes, laundry, mopping, pets—Dr. Bronner’s is the very best for human, home, and Earth." Learn all about it here. 
  • WD-40  -  WD-40 stands for "Water Displacement, 40th formula." (It's a long story...) I use this stuff for all sorts of things, from freeing up rusty nuts & bolts to removing sticky stuff left by price tags, quieting squeaking hinges, etc. Here's what Wikipedia says: "It acts as a lubricant, rust preventive, penetrant and moisture displacer. There are specialized products that perform better than WD-40 in many of these uses, but WD-40's flexibility has given it fame as a jack of all trades." (From Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WD-40)
  • Bitwarden Password Manager - As you are well aware, it is essential that you make complex, hard-to-guess and hard-to-crack passwords for your accounts. With Bitwarden's free personal account I can generate big, ugly passwords full of impossible-to-guess characters for all my online accounts. Then I store these in my Bitwarden "vault" for access with one super password or biometric (i.e., fingerprint) login. Get started here. 
  • Soft, gel-like silicon squeegees - We have Waterblade squeegees in our showers as well as in both our cars. One quick swipe leaves the shower surface or the car windows clean and streak-free. Stop driving around with moisture-obscured windows! Whisk water away with a Waterblade! You can get them, or something very similar, at Home Depot, Amazon or most auto parts stores. (https://www.waterblade.com/us/product/12-waterblade/ )
  • Simpler Times beer from Trader Joe's - Simply put, we really like this! I have one each evening before dinner as a decidedly low-cost, low-brow sorta pre-meal cocktail. I'm no beer snob so the flavor, the ABV and the low price all come together to make this my beer of choice. Check it out!
  • Internet speed check - Are you getting the download speed you're paying for? These apps will help you find out. 
    • Netflix fast app - The Netflix "Fast" app, also known as "Fast.com", is a simple and quick internet speed test designed primarily to gauge your ability to stream Netflix content. It offers a fast, straightforward result with no ads. Because some internet service providers "throttle" Netflix and other video streaming services this will help you confirm that you're getting your money's worth. (I'm pleased to report that my ISP, Frontier, actually provides slightly faster speeds than I am paying for! Thanks, Frontier!)
    • Speedtest by Ookla for Android - Checks your internet speed.
    • Speedtest by Ookla for Apple - Checks your internet speed.
  • Earbuds that sync with a TV - Both my smart TV (Sony Bravia) and my Roku box allow me to send sound to headphones or earbuds so I can listen to late-night TV without waking my spouse. I love and highly recommend my JBL Tune Buds - True wireless Noise Cancelling earbuds w/Pure Bass Sound, Bluetooth 5.3, 4-Mic technology for Crisp, Clear Calls - In addition to the TV these things pair up with my phone and my tablets to allow mobile audio and calling. And the bass goes way beyond any headphones I've ever heard at any price! Recently I was watching an episode of Star Trek Voyager which I'd seen many times before and I heard, for the first time ever, the deep rumble of the starship's engines! These have earbuds opened up new sonic frontiers for me! 
  • Fancy stretchy cotton sweatpants (with stripes, pockets & other details) - I blame Covid!! During those couple of years isolating and spending so much time at home I developed a new normal of comfort spending most of my waking life in cotton sweatpants. Before long I was running errands and generally going out in public in sweats instead of my usual jeans. Now I wear them almost everywhere... no more "hard pants" for me! Here are my two favorites with fairly large relative amounts of cool, comfortable cotton:  
  • Flossing Right After Dinner - This is a habit with two benefits. First, obviously, it gives me healthy teeth and gums. Second, it stops after dinner, mindless TV-watching snacking and the associated weight gain. And as a bonus, I get a clean feeling mouth for the evening and while sleeping. 
    • Here's a relevant quote from Healthline.com Is It Worse to Skip Brushing Your Teeth or Flossing: "The goal of flossing and brushing is to remove plaque buildup. Plaque consists of active colonies of destructive bacteria, which basically eat and then excrete on our teeth. Brushing only removes plaque from the front and back surfaces of your teeth... Flossing, on the other hand, allows you to remove plaque from between your teeth and underneath the gums. These hard-to-reach spots are where the most destructive microbes live. Failure to remove plaque from these areas can cause gum disease..."
    • Then there's this from WebMD's Still Not Flossing? More Reasons Why You Should:   "Each tooth has five surfaces. If you don't floss, you are leaving at least two of the surfaces unclean... Floss is the only thing that can really get into that space between the teeth and remove bacteria."
  • A "Good Night" Bedtime Melatonin - Your body produces melatonin naturally. It doesn’t make you sleep, but it prepares your body for sleep by helping you mellow out. I first discovered melatonin tablets when I traveled across time zones and had to be fresh to teach my classes whether my body was in sync with the local time or not. I learned that airline pilots and crews use it for jet lag. It helps them get a good night's sleep even though their bodies say it's too early for bed. I now take mine about an hour before bed and I get naturally sleepy right on time! 

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