In Japan, when you finish reading The Mainichi newspaper, you can plant it. Its pages consist of recycled paper, water, and the seeds of flowers and herbs. It's one of the most widely read papers in the country, selling over 5 million copies a day.
"Mindwriting" may sound like science fiction, but the future is here. I've learned recently that a patient who is paralyzed from neck down, was able to communicate in real-time -- forming complete sentences -- simply by using his mind! Through new developments in brain computer interfaces (BCI), scientists implanted two tiny sensors on the outer... Continue Reading →
On some days, I still cannot believe that Khan Academy Kids is 100% free. It has one of the best educational content that I've seen out there (and I've gone through SO MUCH), it's a whole lot of fun, and it hasn't even asked me to subscribe once. Most recently, they launched sixty new books... Continue Reading →
This is one of my favorite videos from last year. It shows a whole town in Turkey learning sign language so they can surprise Muharrem, their deaf neighbor. Seeing his face light up when he slowly realized that he was able to communicate with everyone that morning, makes me smile so much. Though this video was created as... Continue Reading →
Drones have been getting a bad rep recently, but here's a bit of news showing how we can use this technology for good! Led by Lauren Fletcher (an ex-NASA engineer), BioCarbon Engineering plans to counter deforestation with large-scale reforestation through drones. By automating the process with aerial planters using a fraction of the cost, the company is aiming to seed 1 billion... Continue Reading →
She liked being reminded of butterflies. She remembered being six or seven and crying over the fates of the butterflies in her yard after learning that they lived for only a few days. Her mother had comforted her and told her not to be sad for the butterflies, that just because their lives were short... Continue Reading →
As we unwind from the manic deal-hunting and shopping frenzy of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, I'd like to take a moment to share what I think is the best way to kickoff the holiday season: Giving Tuesday.
While eating breakfast this morning, I noticed that our cereal box claimed that if we go to their website with our unique code, they will donate 50-cents to a bee-friendly charitable initiative. I can't remember the last time I went online to "redeem a code" since it's usually for a chance to win another bottle of... Continue Reading →
After downing that thirst-quenching summer drink, was there a time when you thought of turning your empty plastic bottle or soda can into something more useful other than throwing it in the recycling bin? In Istanbul, they can be used to provide food for dogs and cats immediately! Pugedon, a Turkish company, recently introduced an innovative vending machine... Continue Reading →
My late grandmother and my sister are teachers and I know for a fact that they are not the only ones who spend their hard-earned money to buy school supplies for their students.This weekend, Bill and Melinda Gates will match your Back-to-School donation to teachers via DonorsChoose.org. You can even choose which area you'd like to donate... Continue Reading →
Some of us complain that we do not have time. How about 5 minutes? I picked out my Top 3 ideas for spending those free short minutes from an article I saw last night, and slightly modified them based on personal experience. And although the ones I selected are not all that productive, they are fun. For tonight, that's all... Continue Reading →
I've been in the internet industry for over a decade and there are many, many websites I like. However, only a handful make a difference, and a select few make a positive global impact. For this reason, I'm choosing to feature Kiva.org. Kiva's mission is to help alleviate poverty worldwide through micro-financing. It's not about... Continue Reading →
Cup of Good 