Hey there, HapiFriends! 👋

It’s International Haiku Poetry Day and in honor of the “five-seven-five” syllable art form, we wrote you a little something:

Haiku poetry

Good news and stories we bring

Hapiday for all!

Enough poetry for now! Let’s dive into some positive news for the day! 👇

Quote of the Day 🗣

He’s 56, Retired, and Playing College Baseball ⚾️

Jim Fullan, a 56-year-old retiree from the U.S. Postal Service, is living out his lifelong dream of playing college baseball for Montgomery County Community College in Pennsylvania. Despite being the oldest player on the team, Fullan has earned his spot as No. 38 on the roster through hard work and determination.

Although he had aspired to play baseball in college as a teen, he gave up after not making the team at Bishop Egan High School. After joining an adult league in his 20s and 30s, Fullan decided to pursue his dream again after retiring from his job at the postal service earlier this year.

After a nerve-wracking tryout, Fullan earned a spot on the team, impressing his coach and teammates with his hitting abilities and determination. Despite being the oldest player on the team, Fullan attends all daily practices and games, and passes on his wealth of knowledge from decades of life experience to his teammates.

Dad Jokes Are Actually Good For Kids 👨‍👧‍👦

Son: “Dad, will you hand me my sunglasses?”

Dad: “As soon as you hand me my dadglasses, Son.”

Dad jokes, like this may be seen as not the funniest things in the world. However, a recent study has shown that they actually have a positive effect on childhood development. The ability to overcome awkwardness and embarrassment are just 2 of the benefits of father humor.

Dad jokes work on at least three levels: as puns, as anti-humor, and as a kind of weaponized anti-humor when dads use them to teasingly annoy or embarrass their children. The humor can create a bond between parents and children, as well as help children develop a sense of humor and language skills. Dad jokes can also provide a low-stress way for families to connect and can create memories that last a lifetime. Overall, while dad jokes may not be the funniest type of humor, they can have a positive impact on family relationships and childhood development.

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In Other News 🗞

🧀 World’s longest charcuterie board

A group of 50 students from Adolfo Camarillo High School in California set a new Guinness World Record for the longest charcuterie board, measuring 62.38 meters (204.7 feet). The project took almost three months to complete and involved using recycled wood from the school gym bleachers and over 500 pounds of food.

🍄 Plastic-eating fungi to the rescue

Australian scientists have discovered that two types of fungi found in plants and soil can break down a plastic called polypropylene, which is used to make things like takeaway containers and cling film. This could help solve the global recycling crisis. The scientists hope to scale up the process to degrade thousands of tons of plastic per year within the next few years.

🦻 Hearing aids are good for memory

A decade-long study published in The Lancet public health journal suggests that wearing hearing aids can help reduce the risk of dementia, as those with untreated hearing loss had a 42% higher risk of all-cause dementia than those without hearing loss or who used hearing aids. The findings suggest that hearing loss may be linked to about 8% of worldwide dementia cases.

🏇 Polo to prepare for life

A program in Philadelphia called "Work to Ride" teaches children from tough neighborhoods to play polo in exchange for rigorous work at the stables. Participants have credited the program with boosting their confidence and providing a way out of a difficult environment.

Post of the Day 👀

The sweetest donkey you’ll ever lay eyes on! 👇

HapiReview of the Day 🎉

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