Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF Fri-Yay/Good News

May 6, 2022May 5, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 78 Comments

Today’s good news story comes from the Good News Network

One-eyed Cat Missing For 5 Years Shows Up on Offshore Oil Rig Baffling Owners
By Andy Corbley -Apr 28, 2022

A five-year odyssey for a cat named Dexter seems to have finally come to an end after a long, covert stay at a prison was interrupted by his arrival onboard an offshore oil rig, which finally resulted in a call to animal services.

The cat was a regular “well-loved” hang about at Her Majesty’s Prison Grampian in Peterhead, Scotland, where staff used to “fuss over” him and even gave him the nickname One-eyed Joe.

Then a most unexplainable thing happened: One-eyed Joe somehow ended up in a shipping container a mile-and-a-half away at the town’s port before being shipped onto an offshore oil rig, where workers “ran away frightened” after the all-black cat jumped out of the container.

After filling out an incident card, (which must have been humorous) the staff aboard the rig took to Joe most kindly, who was now quite comfortable with living alongside the rig workers. According to The National Scot Newspaper, he was “spoiled rotten” during his time there.

Eventually, though, someone called the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) in Aberdeen, who retrieved Joe after the cat had been flown off the rig on a helicopter—a remarkable feat considering how hard it is normally just to get a cat into a carrier.

“We were alerted to an incident of a cat being found in a shipping container offshore,” Aimee Findlay, a Scottish SPCA animal rescue officer, said in a statement. “We’ve no idea how the cat ended up there but attended the heliport to collect him.”

One-eyed Joe was microchipped, and upon scanning the staff learned his name was actually Dexter, and that his owner had lost the cat five years ago.

“We are so glad that he was well looked after for the time he was missing but we’re even more delighted to be able to reunite him with his original owner, thanks to his microchip being up to date,” Findlay said.

The good news here is Deter was well taken care of and eventually united with his family. This week’s JohnKu talks about not giving up.

If a loved one is lost,

Have faith that they will return . . .

Remember Dexter.

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF – Fri-Yay/Good News

April 29, 2022April 28, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 96 Comments

Our Good News today comes from the Good News Network. Here is the story

Tourists Come to See Tulips in Holland Once Again, Grabbing Incredible Photos of Spring – LOOK

By Good News Network – Apr 24, 2022

Tulip fields in Lisse, Netherlands by Matt Cooper – SWNS

Photographs in the last few weeks show the stunning kaleidoscope of colors bursting into bloom in Holland’s tulip fields.

Beginning in late March, millions of blooms have been delighting visitors in the Netherland with their patchwork of color.

British photographer Matt Cooper was one of those visitors. The 48-year-old from London traveled over the Easter weekend and shared his images and drone footage.

The images show Holland’s famous flower field landscapes, which have become a rich blanket of tulips with row upon of row of vivid block colors.

“I went there especially to shoot the tulips,” he said. “This is the best time to shoot them, as they flower in April and May every year.”

Cooper’s 4-day trip took him all over the country capturing the iconic fields by drone—especially the famous Keukenhof Tulip Gardens, one of the world’s largest flower gardens.

Noordoostpolder, Netherlands, by Matt Cooper – SWNS

The Garden holds an annual festival—but 2022 is the first time the festival has been open to the public since the pandemic. It runs through 15 May.

Cooper said the Dutch people take their tulips very seriously, and across the small country, “there are hundreds of millions of tulips’.

“The weather was beautiful too.”

SEE the scenes of the resurgent Keukenhof Tulip Gardens…

The good news is that beauty is around us even in the toughest times. Today’s JohnKu talks about not missing the beauty around you. I hope you have a super weekend.

It is all around,

All you have to do is look . . .

Nature has a show.

Friday – AKA – TGIF – Fri-Yay/Good News

April 22, 2022April 22, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 80 Comments

Bigger than Texas: Huge New Marine Park Will Protect ‘Australia’s Galapagos’

By

Good News Network Apr 16, 2022

Massive new marine parks will now protect and preserve the Australian oceans surrounding Christmas Island and Cocos (Keeling) Islands—home to life found nowhere else on earth.

These two parks in the Indian Ocean will protect over 287,000 square miles of spectacular seascapes (744k square km), an area greater in size than Texas, and twice as large as the Great Barrier Reef.

Australian Minister for the Environment Sussan Ley called it a “globally significant contribution to marine conservation and a further demonstration of Australia’s leadership in ocean protection.”

“The region, which is often described as Australia’s Galapagos Islands, supports unique underwater reefs and rare aquatic species which act as a natural laboratory, helping us to understand more about the evolution of the oceans.”

60 Commonwealth marine parks around Australia are now protecting 45 percent of the island country’s territorial waters.

Officials wanted to ensure that island fishermen could maintain their sustainable local food source and way of life.

“The offshore parts of these parks will be placed under the highest level of protection, while the inshore areas important to island communities will continue to enable sustainable fishing to occur,” said Nola Marino, the Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories.

Gaze at the local wildlife in this beautiful video from Australian Parks

The government allocated $5.4 million to manage the marine parks—which are 99% offshore, and one percent inshore to support local fisheries.

The good news here is real action is being taken by the Australian government to protect its natural resources. Today’s JohnKu supports that activity. I hope you all have a super weekend.

They always say that,

A penny saved is like earned . . .

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF – Fri-Yay/Good News

April 15, 2022April 14, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 88 Comments

On this Good Friday, I want to wish everyone the peace and joy that comes from the knowledge of renewal that this day and Easter and Passover represent. Today’s JohnKu carries that message.

No matter your belief,

This day gives you a sign that . . .

A fresh start is here.

I hope you all have a peaceful weekend.

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF – Fri-Yay/Good News

April 8, 2022April 7, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 94 Comments

Today’s Good News story comes from the United States Marines. Here is the story as told by NBC News in San Diego.

Good Boy: San Diego Marine’s Mascot Received a Major Promotion

Manny, the bulldog mascot, is moving up the ranks in the Marines

By Mackenzie Stafford • Published April 1, 2022, • Updated on April 2, 2022, at 8:33 am

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Jason L. Morris, Commanding General of Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) San Diego and the Western Recruiting Region, congratulates Cpl. Manny during a promotion ceremony at MCRD San Diego, April 1, 2022. Manny was promoted to the rank of Corporal during the morning colors ceremony.

Photo by Cpl. Grace Kindred

A momentous military promotion from Lance Corporal to the rank of Corporal happened Friday at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot. The lucky receiver of this promotion? An English Bulldog named Manny, the depot mascot.

Manny has been representing the depot since 2019. He was named Manny in honor of Sergeant. Jonny R. Manuelito. Sr. Manuelito’s legacy is carried on by Manny, representing Manuelito’s work as one of the “Original 29” Navajo Code Talkers, according to the San Diego Marine Corp.

Photos: San Diego Marine’s Mascot Received a Major Promotion

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Manny, the Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) San Diego mascot, poses for a picture following his promotion ceremony at MCRD San Diego, April 1, 2022. Manny was named after Sgt. Johnny R. Manuelito, one of the original Navajo Code Talkers.

Photos by Cpl. Grace Kindred

The pure-bred English Bulldog was promoted during the Morning Colors Ceremony, honoring the American flag. The promotion had a great turnout of friends and family of the India Company, along with the 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, who graduated from recruitment training after the promotion ceremony.

Bulldogs have been connected to the Marines since the 1920s, when the Marines were looking for recruitment tactics and realized they needed a good mascot for their sports games. The addition of bulldog mascots at all of Marine’s sporting events brought “public attention and enhanced the morale and spirit of Marines,” according to the United States Marine Corps website. The spirit of the bulldog has continued on in the Marine Corps San Diego, with Manny being a good boy and becoming a Corporal.

Photos: Manny at work

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Manny, the Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) San Diego mascot, examines an obstacle at MCRD March 14, 2022. Manny is the official mascot for the Western Recruiting Region. Log drills are utilized t strengthen the body and develop a strong character embodying our core values through teamwork.

Photos by Pfc. Max Noel

The Good news here is that recognition for a job well done is appreciated by everyone. Today’s John Ku talks about recognizing those who help make life easier. I hope you have a fabulous weekend.

A six lettered word,

Tells someone you are grateful . . .

And that they count – Thanks

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF – Fri-Yay/Good News

April 1, 2022March 31, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 73 Comments

Today’s good news story comes from the Good News Network. Here is an excerpt. The whole story is HERE.

Danish Company Creates Children’s Book to Make Ukrainian Refugees Feel at Home – And it’s Adorable

Photo submitted to Mediabrands Content Studio

As millions of Ukrainian women and children take refuge in other European nations, one inspiring act of kindness by workers at a Denmark office of Mediabrands Content Studio is warming hearts and going viral.

With Denmark already haven taken in thousands of refugees, the Mediabrands branch was inspired to write and create a free children’s book for Ukrainian speakers called “Welcome to Denmark”.

The charming booklet introduces refugees to the country while highlighting the cultural similarities of the two cultures, to help make the new refugees feel safer and more at ease.

The publishing team was thrilled to be connected with a Ukrainian female refugee who agreed to translate the copy.

20,000 copies were printed, and the book’s availability was announced through social media, hoping people or local organizations might be able to use them.

72 hours later, all 20,000 copies were distributed. Their office was inundated with requests, so 20,000 more are currently being printed. [UPDATE: Following this GNN article’s publication, the company said they’ve received a total of 100,000 orders.]

Queries came in from Danish train, bus, and ferry companies that want to give them to newly arriving Ukrainian passengers. At the same time, it acts as a mini-phrasebook that can make it easier to make friends and understand many new things around them.

Mediabrands Content Studio – The Cover

The good news here is an American company in Denmark wanted to make Ukrainian refugees feel welcome.

Today’s JohnKu talks about welcoming new friends. I hope you have a great weekend

I don’t recognize,
Your face, clothes, language, or name . . .
No matter, we’re friends.

Friday John Ku – AKA – TGIF Fri Yay/Good News

March 25, 2022March 24, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 116 Comments

Today’s story comes from the Good News Network. Here it is in its entirety.

Strangers are Leaving Strollers, Diapers, and Toys at the Border for Ukrainian Refugee Moms

An image recently shared around social media of empty strollers on a Polish rail border crossing has inspired a mountain of donations for Ukrainian refugees.

Now at Przemyśl Station, women, children, and infants fleeing the war are being greeted by mountains of clothes, stuffed animals, strollers, diapers, and more after they step off the train.

ABC reports that the number of spare carriers and strollers from Polish mothers have been particularly inspiring, with many donators leaving handwritten notes behind, with words of support.

“We see on the television and hear on the radio what happened, and we say ‘okay, we can help,’” one Polish mother and volunteer told ABC.

The effort has become more organized over the weeks, which CNN details has spread like wildfire, mostly by word of mouth. The Medyka border crossing from Ukraine involves taking a train to Przemyśl Station, which has become the center of the relief effort.

The rooms of the train station are now being transformed from waiting rooms into warehouses for food, diapers, and clothes.

Beyond the station, people from across Europe have been seen waiting in cars offering to drive incoming refugees to wherever they have relations or a place to stay.

here is the Good Morning America video with the story.

Today’s JohnKu talks about overshadowing evil actions with good works. I hope you have a super weekend.

One evil man thinks,

He can break human spirit . . .

His lesson comes hard.

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF – Fri-Yay/Good News

March 18, 2022March 17, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 74 Comments

Photo by Gayatri Malhotra on Unsplash

Here is a good news story about folks helping Ukraine hosts in need. I’m producing it here in its entirety.

People Are Booking So Many Airbnbs in Ukraine–They Raise $2M for Hosts in Need, and Never Even Check-in

Andy Corbley

–

Mar 10, 2022

From March 2nd to March 3rd, people from around the world booked 61,000 nights in Ukrainian cities via Airbnb, likely not one ever planning to check-in, or reschedule.

It’s part of a creative social media campaign to channel funds into besieged cities where something like aid drops or supply trucks can’t reach, and it has seen $1.9 million raised for Ukrainians in just those 48 hours.

In the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv, Volodymyr Bondarenko had 10 people book into his room in a single day. “This was surprising, it’s very supportive at the moment,” 36-year-old Bondarenko told CNN early Friday. “I told many of my relatives and friends that I plan to use this money to help our people who need it at this time.”

Airbnb has said it is offering temporary housing in neighboring countries to up to 100,000 Ukrainians who are fleeing. It’s also waiving guest and host fees in the country to support individuals donating.

“We are so humbled by the inspiring generosity of our community during this moment of crisis,” said Haven Thorn, a company spokesperson. He asked those willing to help by hosting Ukrainians or donating to their efforts to visit Airbnb’s website to find additional ways to support or information.

One way anyone can help is by opening their home to Ukrainian refugees as an Airbnb host, for which the company will cover you with Aircover, a one million dollar hosting insurance policy. Airbnb also partners with non-profits and charities to help contribute to the guests’ basic needs.

The hospitality service isn’t the only community-based service that is helping out. Etsy has decided to cancel the current balances owed to Etsy by all sellers in Ukraine, which includes listing fees, transaction fees, advertising fees, and more—a roughly $4 million relief package.

The good news here is people and businesses are working together to help those being brutalized by Putin and his army. Today’s JohnKu talks about the best sides of humankind. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

It doesn’t take much,

To open your heart to others . . .

Think if you were they.

Friday John Ku – AKA- TGIF – Fri-Yay/Good News

March 11, 2022March 10, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 72 Comments

Here is today’s good news story courtesy of My Modern Met. Here is the story in its entirety

NFL Player Surprises 11-Year-Old Fan by Escorting Her to a Daddy-Daughter Dance After Her Dad’s Death

By Arnesia Young on February 14, 2022

Father-daughter dances are special occasions that many young girls eagerly look forward to. And many go on to look back on those nights with cherished memories as they grow older. But for 11-year-old Audrey Soape, who unexpectedly lost both her father and grandfather in 2021, tragedy had soured what would normally be a lovely evening. Nevertheless, when her church announced the upcoming event, the grieving tween’s mom Holly Soape took matters into her own hands. She was determined to find a way her daughter could still attend the dance and have a wonderful time in spite of the heartbreak of losing her father.

The Texas mom took a leap a leap of faith and reached out to Audrey’s favorite football player, Philadelphia Eagles free safety Anthony Harris, to see if he would escort her daughter to the daddy-daughter dance. And, to her surprise, the famous NFL football player said yes. “I just asked if he would be willing to come,” Soape explains. “And he said, ‘Not only will I come, but I want to make sure she feels like a princess.’”

Now that it’s all said and done, there’s absolutely no doubt that the kind-hearted athlete did just that. In addition to flying into town to be Audrey’s date for the evening, Harris also arranged a professional stylist to do her hair and makeup, scheduled a car to drive her to the appointments and even made sure she got the dress of her dreams. Finally, when the time came, he arrived on her doorstep with a corsage in hand to escort the 11-year-old to the father-daughter dance.

The Soapes were absolutely touched by the NFL player’s selfless gesture, especially after such a tough year. And to make the night that much more special, Harris even took the time to meet Audrey’s younger brother, too. Still, like any other preteen, the young girl admitted that although she was excited, she was also a bit anxious to have such a famous date. “I was very nervous because I didn’t know what I was going to say,” Audrey shared when asked about the evening. “At first, it was kind of awkward because we weren’t talking yet…But then he kind of came up and started talking to me.”

Since the news of Harris’ generosity got out, the story has gone viral all over the internet. But rather than soaking in all the praise, the star athlete has remained humble, saying that he was “just trying to be a human” and show some support for their family during this difficult time. “You gotta cherish these moments,” Harris adds. “You never know how long we have here on this Earth. So, the people that you care about and you love, show support for them.”

For Audrey and her family, the compassion and support Harris showed them without even really knowing them truly meant the world. And in the end, he gave them a night they’ll never forget. “We would all do anything for our kids when we see them suffering,” says Soape. “To know that there are people out there who will be there for your kids and for you, it’s really encouraging. And it sort of turned this horrible tragedy into this triumphant moment.”

The good news here is that no matter how much fame Anthony Harris achieves, this was his finest hour. Today’s John Ku talks about giving.

Reaching those in need,

Is the greatest of honors . . .

Which defines your grace.

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF – Fri-Yay/Good News

March 4, 2022March 3, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 105 Comments

Today’s Good News story comes from the Good News Network. Here is the entire story.

Former Marine Driving 1,000 Miles to Ukraine Border in Minibus Loaded with Supplies, Toys, and Blankets for Refugees

by Andy Corbley March 3, 2022

A former UK Royal Marine has loaded a 16-seater minibus with sleeping bags, pillows, and toys for refugees moving across the Ukrainian border into Poland and pledged to drive 1,000 miles to personally deliver them.

31-year-old Tom Littledyke from Lyme Regis began his journey on February 28th, saying he was inspired to act after seeing pictures of “families broken and separated by the conflict.”

Setting up a fundraiser, it took Littledyke just twelve hours to fill his minibus with supplies and collect £4,000 in donations ($5,300) for the trip.

“Too often do we think that we have to do something grand, and if it can’t be grand, what’s the point,” he told the BBC. “It doesn’t matter what we do as long as it’s something in the right direction. There’s so many of us who want to help. It will all build to this gigantic thing.”

The 1,000 mile (1,600 km) drive will take him and his cargo through England, France, Germany, and Poland before arriving at the border with Ukraine, where an alleged 500,000 refugees have fled. After unloading the supplies, he plans to utilize the bus to give rides to people who have a place to stay.

Littledyke’s partner will hold down the fort in his absence, which consists of two pubs and an Italian restaurant.

While it is said that war is hell, Good News Network knows that during times when the capacity for human malevolence is greatest, the capacity for compassion is greater.

The good news here is one man decided to do something to help Ukrainians. Today’s JohnKu reminds us to think of those in need. I hope you have a super weekend, and maybe you can think of a small way to help.

Big efforts to help,

Can also use the support . . .

Of little kind acts.