In today’s #NotBadNews, a farmer earns his college degree and Los Angeles parks reopen.
Welcome to #NotBadNews, our new (and hopefully short-lived) daily column where we round up the good, surprising, and weird things that have happened around the world during this coronavirus pandemic.
A Larger Than Life Thank You
As a way to honor medical workers on National Nurses Day, Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox, mowed a message onto their baseball field. Following their logo is the message, “loves nurses”, an exciting image for Bostonian medical workers.
From the free coffee at Dunkin Donuts to this massive image, Boston knows how to say thank you.
One Live Stream to Rule Them All
It seems our favorite celebrities really are getting bored, with yet another actor announcing that they will be reading aloud a book that skyrocketed them to fame. Andy Serkis, who voices Gollum, plans to read The Hobbit live. And this isn’t just any reading, it’s a nonstop, 12-hour production. So hunker down with your second breakfast, this is a long one.
Andy Serkis reveals he will read The Hobbit live NON-STOP during 12 hour session https://t.co/PIG96ZZetM
— Daily Mail Celebrity (@DailyMailCeleb) May 7, 2020
An all-day reading? That’s definitely one way to keep those of us bored at home entertained. Sorry, can’t talk today. I’m listening to the live reading of the The Hobbit. I’m hour nine and I can’t stop now.
Recommended Fodor’s Video
LA Slowly Reopens, Starting With the Trails
Is it even Los Angeles if there’s no hiking? Well, after weeks of trails being closed to the public to help with social distancing, they are being reopened.
Los Angeles County trails will reopen to hikers this Friday as the county enters its first phase of easing coronavirus restrictions, public health officials announced Wednesday. https://t.co/V3DMqf7AY4
— KTLA 5 Morning News (@KTLAMorningNews) May 6, 2020
Though we can’t wait to be back outside, we might recommend waiting a week or two to avoid the immediate hiker’s rush. As with all reopenings, make sure you’re wearing a mask and following social distancing protocol: stay at least 6 feet from others.
The Sea Creature Making a Comeback
The world’s rarest seal is making a return. Though there may only be 600 Mediterranean monk seals left, there is hope for their future, all thanks to the “Alcatraz of Greece” prison island. This space has now turned itself into a seal sanctuary, working to ensure that they are providing a safe and habitable place for these rare creatures to live.
Today’s good news story: With only 600 remaining, the Mediterranean monk seal is mounting a comeback.
World’s rarest seal finds refuge on notorious prison island https://t.co/b841kNVIuk via @NatGeo— Laura Parker (@laurajoparker) May 7, 2020
From prison island to seal sanctuary, that’s definitely one way to rebrand!
Kansas’ Newest Graduate
After having to drop out of college in 1971 to care for his family and farm, Dennis Ruhnke, who was only two credits short of receiving a degree in agriculture, has finally received his degree from Kansas State University. The Governor and University President honored the hard-working farmer, whose experiences they say more than qualify him for the degree.
And what was it that brought their attention to this former student? Dennis Ruhnke sent a mask to New York Governor Andrew Cuomo to be given to a doctor or nurse in need of one.
This small act of kindness earned him more than a thank you, it helped him get his college degree!
Check-in every day for an update on the wonderful and weird things happening in our current coronavirus world.