
Amazing
Solar Power From City Hall’s Garbage
The function of the landfill has for years been the end destination for garbage, useless material and junk that can’t be recycled into everything else. Like ancient times, modern people bury their refuse in gigantic midden piles, hoping that by burying the garbage after it piles up big enough, it might just disappear and no longer be an issue to deal with. Unfortunately, when one has to deal with a city’s worth of garbage every week, landfills end up being huge.
The other problem with landfills is that they inevitably end up containing hazardous materials. Known as “brownfields” in the waste and environmental industry, they have very limited promise in terms of being useful for years to come. No surprise, landfills are now being considered a serious environmental problem rather than a waste solution. Unfortunately, the model is well entrenched in the urban waste strategy, and there’s little in the way of alternatives. Burning simply sends pollution into the air. Recycling helps, but it only works to the extent that the recycled material is in demand. However, functioning as a solar farm seems to be producing a promising option, one that wasn’t available in previous years.
Local governments have been moving in the direction of solar farms on top of completed landfills since at least 2021. Today, some 21 sites are layered over, and run solar projects on top, making their physical location beneficial again to the tune of 207 megawatts of annual energy production. And, given that municipalities are always looking for ways to turn positive some of their troublesome mistakes from the past, the solar farm idea is definitely catching on. In Columbus, OH, a 50 megawatt project is being slated for construction. Additionally, a 240 acre project in Houston, TX was also slated to start last year, and that was expected to keep the lights on for an estimated 5,000 homes per year.
For years, landfills have been a bit of a challenge once their dumping benefit is over. Generally, a landfill only has so much capacity. Once that is fulfilled, then it is dozed over with earth, and the landscape is cultivated to essentially hide its original function. However, it can’t be used for farming, obviously, and it’s also too problematic to use for real estate and housing. Where that mistake has happened, it was discovered eventually, sometimes with people’s pets dying in backyards until the ground was tested and the sublayer was discovered.
A solar farm approach avoids the mistakes of the past while putting a landfill to further use for years to come. And, unlike other uses where the land was just repurposed to extreme light use, as in the case of a golf course, solar farms produce energy that can be used by a community for growth and further development. As power is added to the grid, it can benefit folks all over a municipality.
The idea is a bit of a win-win. It repurposes land in a way that adds to the value of the community, solar helps improve and change energy resources to sustainable resources, and it keeps pollution contained versus adding to it. Additionally, the cost can be offset by grants from state and federal programs specific for local government energy moves towards green energy.
The question, however, is how many municipalities will move to adopt solar farms going forward. They aren’t free. They take planning, commitment, and significant resources to stand up. And, unfortunately, politics can be fickle. What is supported today may reverse tomorrow. That said, solar is a great way to power the city from an infrastructure perspective as well. It takes the city off the main grid and puts it on its own power source. That can be an extremely attractive lure for local government longevity as well. Which one wins out in the end will be interesting to find out.
Amazing
Scientists Reveal ‘Olo’: A Never-Before-Seen Color Created with Precision Laser Tech

In a stunning leap forward for vision science, researchers have unveiled a color no human has ever seen before. The new hue—named olo—is described as an intensely saturated blue-green that falls outside the boundaries of the natural human color spectrum.
Published in Science Advances, the study comes from a collaboration between scientists at the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of Washington. At the heart of the discovery is a new experimental tool dubbed Oz, a laser-based system that allows researchers to stimulate individual photoreceptors in the human retina with unprecedented precision.
“The Oz system represents a new experimental platform in vision science,” the study states. It works by isolating and activating just one type of cone cell—specifically, the M cones responsible for detecting green light—while bypassing the other two (S and L cones, which are sensitive to blue and red light, respectively). This kind of targeted stimulation isn’t possible under natural viewing conditions, where any light usually activates multiple types of cones at once.
In controlled experiments using laser light directed into the eyes of five participants—all with normal color vision—scientists were able to generate a perceptual experience unlike anything in nature. By activating only the M cones, participants reported seeing a blue-green shade that felt completely novel and extraordinarily vivid.
“By activating only the M cones, we elicited a color beyond the natural human gamut,” the researchers wrote. They described olo as a color of “unprecedented saturation.”
This discovery doesn’t just expand our understanding of color—it could also have practical implications. The Oz platform may pave the way for more advanced research into visual processing, new treatments or diagnostic tools for color blindness, and potentially even new types of displays capable of showing colors previously thought impossible to reproduce.
As the study concludes, “This new class of programmable platform will enable diverse new experiments,” including deeper exploration into how flexible and adaptable human color perception really is.
With olo, the boundaries of the visible world just got a little wider.
Amazing
From Wheels to Wonder: Paralysed Skater Transforms Old Boards into Bold Sculptures

When Nick Harding lost the ability to skateboard, he never imagined he’d find a new way to stay connected to his lifelong passion — through art.
In 2019, Nick was suddenly paralysed by Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), a rare auto-immune condition where the immune system attacks the nervous system. What started as a sore hamstring quickly escalated into a medical emergency. Within an hour of arriving at the hospital, he was on life support. He spent 13 weeks in intensive care at Southmead Hospital in Bristol and seven months in recovery, relearning how to walk and use his arms.
“Skating has always been a huge part of my life,” Nick said. “Having an outlet for that desire to play with my favourite toy is what brought the sculptures about.”
With his old decks stacked in a corner and his body still rebuilding strength, Nick began experimenting. His early attempts to make practical items were shaky — his hands lacked coordination — so instead, he focused on creating something beautiful. With no prior carpentry experience, he turned to YouTube tutorials, teaching himself to shape, sand, and finish colorful, psychedelic forms from the layered wood of worn-out skateboards.
The process helped rebuild his dexterity, but it also served as a mental anchor. “I just focused on doing a little bit every day,” he said. “It was the process that felt good when I was at my lowest.”
Now, Nick sells his sculptures through his Etsy shop Mobius Maples and has gained fans from around the world. His pieces — all carved from donated, broken, or retired boards — are abstract, swirling forms that capture the movement and spirit of skateboarding.
But for Nick, it’s not just about the art or even the recovery. It’s about staying connected to the Bristol skate scene that shaped him. He donates pieces to skate competitions and charity auctions and even hides small keychains around the city for his Instagram followers to find.
“It wouldn’t be anything if it was just me,” he said. “It’s also people who give me their old boards. Interacting with the art and letting me be involved with things is what’s kept it going.”
“I want it to be something that adds to the community, and I’m so grateful that I still have the opportunity to do that.”
Through creativity, community, and resilience, Nick Harding has transformed adversity into something both healing and inspiring — turning the boards that once carried him across pavement into lasting works of art.
Amazing
Community Petition Saves Wally the Beaver from Euthanasia

Wally, a beloved beaver who became a community favorite in Northern Virginia, was saved from euthanasia thanks to the efforts of thousands of supporters who rallied together through an online petition.
Wally first gained popularity at Huntley Meadows Park in Fairfax County, where locals and visitors often saw him hard at work building dams. However, wildlife officials considered euthanizing him after concerns arose over flooding and tree damage caused by his dam-building activities.
The community swiftly stepped in, launching a petition that quickly gathered over 10,000 signatures. Advocates argued that the beaver’s positive impact on the ecosystem—creating wetlands and habitats for other wildlife—far outweighed any inconveniences.
Local officials eventually agreed, opting instead for a humane relocation effort. Wally will now be safely moved to a suitable habitat rather than being euthanized.
“This shows how much our community values wildlife,” said Julie Ames, the petition’s creator. “We’re thrilled our voices were heard.”
Residents celebrated the decision, highlighting how Wally’s survival symbolizes the growing awareness of peaceful coexistence with local wildlife.
Amazing
Third Eaglet Joins Big Bear’s Beloved Bald Eagle Family

A third eaglet hatched yesterday in the much-loved bald eagle nest near Big Bear Lake, marking a delightful moment for the growing number of wildlife enthusiasts who have been closely watching the family online.
The nest, located in the San Bernardino National Forest near Big Bear, California, has been streaming live via the Friends of Big Bear Valley eagle cam. Observers were excited to witness the third chick hatch, a significant event considering that bald eagles usually lay two eggs, with three being somewhat unusual.
The parents, affectionately named Jackie and Shadow, are local celebrities among bird watchers. According to the Friends of Big Bear Valley, these parents have gained fame for their caring behavior, ensuring their chicks remain healthy and thriving despite the occasional harsh weather conditions.
“The hatch was smooth and perfectly timed,” said Sandy Steers, executive director of Friends of Big Bear Valley. “It’s heartwarming to see this family continue to flourish.”
Wildlife experts emphasize the importance of maintaining a respectful distance, reminding the public that the best way to enjoy and protect these birds is by observing remotely via the eagle cam.
Viewers can continue to monitor the eaglets’ development, celebrating each milestone as the chicks grow into young eagles over the coming weeks.
Amazing
Pocatello’s Last Video Rental Store Preserves Tradition for Devoted Patron

In an era where digital streaming dominates, the closure of Video Stop marked the end of an era for Pocatello, Idaho. However, for one loyal customer, the spirit of the traditional video rental experience continues, thanks to the store owner’s thoughtful initiative.
For over 15 years, 35-year-old Christina Cavanaugh, who has Down syndrome and is mostly nonverbal, maintained a cherished routine of visiting Video Stop almost daily with her mother, Toni. This ritual was integral to Christina’s daily life, providing her with joy and consistency. The prospect of the store’s closure posed a significant disruption to her routine, causing concern for Toni about how to explain the change to her daughter.
Understanding the importance of this routine to Christina, Video Stop’s owner, David Kraning, decided to preserve a portion of the store’s collection. He dedicated a corner in his adjacent business, K & B Kwik Stop, to house these movies, ensuring Christina could continue her beloved visits. This thoughtful gesture not only maintained a sense of normalcy for Christina but also highlighted the deep bonds formed between local businesses and their patrons.
Toni expressed immense relief and gratitude for Kraning’s actions, likening the news to “being sentenced to prison and then getting a reprieve.” She praised the community-oriented approach of Kraning and his staff, who have always been attentive to Christina’s unique needs, even training new employees on how to interact with her during checkout.
While the era of video rental stores may be fading, the compassion and dedication demonstrated by Kraning ensure that, for Christina, the magic of selecting a physical movie remains alive. This story serves as a heartwarming reminder of the impact local businesses can have on the lives of their customers, going beyond transactions to form meaningful, supportive relationships.
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