Good Morning! 🌞 

And happy mother's day to all the amazing mothers out there! Here's a great quote that I came across today:

"The debt between a child and her mother could never be repaid, like running a foot race against someone fifteen miles ahead of you. What hope did you have of catching up? It didn't matter how many Mother's Day cards you drew, how many cliches and vows of devotions you put inside them. You could tell her she was your favorite parent, wink like you were co-conspirators, fill her in on every trivial detail of your life. None of it was enough. It had taken me years to figure this out: you would never love your mother as much as she loved you. She had formed memories of you since you were a poppy seed in her belly. You didn't begin making your own memories until three, four, five years old? She'd had a running start. She had known you before you even existed. How could we compete with that? We couldn't. We accepted that our mothers held their love over us, let them parade it around like a flashy trinket, because their love was superior to ours." ~ Stephanie Wrobel

Innovation

World’s 1st Jet Suit Race

It is pretty crazy when a new technology is developed that looks like it came straight out of science fiction. Gravity Industries’ jet suits are certainly one of those.

Gravity Industries is a pioneering company known for developing advanced jet suits. Founded by Richard Browning, who aimed to challenge perceived boundaries in human flight, the company has achieved significant attention for its innovative approach to personal aviation. Their jet suit uses multiple miniature jet engines to achieve controlled flight, allowing the pilot to maneuver through the air with impressive agility.

The technology has been demonstrated in various settings, including military, emergency response, and entertainment scenarios, showcasing its versatility and potential applications. Gravity Industries continues to refine and develop their suits, focusing on enhancing performance, safety, and practicality for broader uses.

I first learned about Gravity Industries a few years ago when they tested out their suits in quick response emergency paramedic situation for difficult terrain during both day and night. A very cool use-case.

They recently held the worlds first ever jet suit race in Dubai. Not only does this look super fun, but the technology is seriously impressive. The technology has a lot of promise and likely has a very promising future as they continue to perfect it.

Culture

A Tokyo Café: No Phones Allowed

Entering the Lion Cafe in Tokyo’s Shibuya district, visitors are immediately struck by the unique arrangement of seating, all facing towards two massive speakers mounted on the wall. This 98-year-old establishment is one of the few remaining "meikyoku kissa," or masterpiece cafes, in the city.

Manager Naoya Yamadera explains that a meikyoku kissa is a place where patrons can relax, enjoy a drink, and listen to classical music. The cafe, originally built by his father in 1926, was rebuilt and expanded after being destroyed in World War II. Its interior, adorned with dark wood and carved reliefs, maintains the original European Baroque style.

Unlike typical cafes, socializing is discouraged, and mobile phone usage is prohibited. When asked about the unidirectional seating arrangement, Yamadera explains that it enhances the concert-like experience, immersing patrons as if they are facing an actual orchestra.

The custom-made sound system, installed in 1950, is embedded into the cafe's wall. Rows of vinyl records and CDs line the shelves, offering a vast selection of classical music. Patrons can request specific pieces from the extensive collection, although interruptions to scheduled playlists are discouraged.

Yamadera, who has been associated with the cafe since his youth, believes its enduring charm lies in its minimal changes over the years. He recalls a time when access to music equipment was limited, making the cafe a rare and enticing destination for entertainment.

Despite its traditional appeal, the Lion Cafe has garnered renewed interest in recent years, drawing visitors from around the world. Yamadera hopes to introduce classical music to newcomers and continue welcoming patrons seeking a nostalgic experience.

World News

Spain’s Newly-Found Sword’s Secrets Revealed

A relic from a millennium past recently emerged in Spain: a sword found wedged in a stone, reminiscent of the legendary Excalibur of King Arthur. However, unlike Arthur's tale of questing for the Holy Grail alongside his knightly brethren, this sword belonged to a Muslim wielder.

Unearthed three decades ago at an archaeological site in Valencia, the sword, dubbed 'Excalibur', has undergone restoration and analysis, revealing its secrets for the first time.

Measuring 18 inches (46 centimeters) with an ornate handle clasping the blade with bronze plates, 'Excalibur' bears resemblance to Visigoth swords, though its sedimentary context places it firmly in Islamic times. Its modest size and lack of a hand guard suggest it may have been wielded by a horseman during the Andalusian caliphal era.

This find marks the first appearance of an Islamic sword in Valencia, with only one similar sword discovered in the excavations of Madinat al-Zahra, the caliphal city of Abd al-Rahman III, in Córdoba. Uncovered in what was likely a domestic dwelling north of Valencia's Roman-era central square, or forum, this discovery underscores the city's rich tapestry of cultures.

Islamic rule in the Iberian Peninsula spanned over 600 years, following the reigns of the Byzantines, Visigoths, Romans, and Carthaginians. Known as Al-Andalus, this era shaped the region, contributing to its modern identity as Andalusia. Among its legacies, the Arabs gifted Spain iconic landmarks such as the Alhambra, alongside establishing prominent cities like Cordoba, Malaga, and Almeria.

Sports

Sports Watching Boosts Well-being

Watching sports isn't just about passing the time—it also builds a sense of community and belonging, which has ripple effects on both personal and societal well-being.

Researchers in Japan delved into the impact of sports viewing on happiness and health. They found that watching sports activates the brain's reward system, leading to increased well-being. This effect is especially pronounced with popular sports like baseball or football.

Led by Associate Professor Shintaro Sato from Waseda University, the team discovered that watching sports, especially in large groups, fosters a sense of connection beyond mere entertainment. This connection isn't just a feel-good factor; it has tangible benefits for health, productivity, and even crime reduction, according to Professor Sato.

Their research tackled the challenge of measuring well-being objectively. They combined various methods, including analyzing existing data, surveys, and brain imaging, to paint a comprehensive picture.

Their studies confirmed that regular sports viewers tend to report higher well-being. Moreover, exposure to widely popular sports has a more significant impact on well-being than niche sports.

But the real breakthrough came with neuro-imaging. By studying brain activity before and after watching sports, the researchers found concrete evidence of the brain's reward circuits lighting up, indicating feelings of happiness or pleasure. They even noted structural changes in the brains of frequent sports viewers, suggesting long-term benefits.

Mind Stretchers

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I can be long or can be short, I can be black, white, brown, or purple. You can find me the world over and I am often the main feature. What am I?

Answers to yesterday’s Mind Stretchers:
Money

Linda Runatz got the correct answer first!

The first to send us the correct answer for today’s mind stretcher for a shout-out with the answer tomorrow. Just send us the answer and your name to [email protected] or reply to the email.

If you have any uplifting stories and experience you might want to share, send those over to [email protected] for the chance to be featured