From the man who just wanted a chocolate bar to our new favorite mask, these are the things that made us smile today.
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.
Not Your Typical Masks
As masks are becoming required or strongly suggested around the world, wearers have gotten creative. While many brands have started adding masks to their inventory, some people have taken to creating their own, whether to problem solve or simply to add their own flare.
Ready to be impressed? This man made a mask of the future, with front lights to display when he’s speaking. Robot-chic?
need a better facemask to put this thing in but the proof of concept is working for now! pic.twitter.com/elxf5rof8S
— Tyler Glaiel (@TylerGlaiel) May 5, 2020
Meanwhile, this couple in India had a problem that needed solving. Masks have made it difficult for deaf people to read lips—an incredibly important part of communication. So they needed a new sort of product—a mask that covered their mouths but still allowed for lips to be read.
A deaf husband and wife in Indonesia have created a simple yet brilliant mask to help other deaf or hearing aid people to wear masks and still be able to lip-read.
May Allah bless the couple who are tailors for this work and provide the blessing of hearing to all. pic.twitter.com/p1yKsSm1B3
— Muslim Council of Hong Kong (@muslimcouncilhk) May 1, 2020
Recommended Fodor’s Video
Their end product does just that and is quite amazing!
This Actor Should Stick to Acting
Chris Evans, known for playing Captain America, is not exactly a jack of all trades. This movie star learned that, while he might be good at a lot of things, cutting hair is not one of them. His poor dog had to learn this lesson with him.
I assured him I knew what I was doing. He seemed skeptical at first, but with the help of a few treats, I talked him into it.
It went so wrong, so fast. I guess some things are better left to the professionals.
(He hasn’t seen a mirror yet. I told him it looks great) pic.twitter.com/uooHwtmgH3
— Chris Evans (@ChrisEvans) May 4, 2020
This hair cut gone wrong cracked us up—we’re thinking barber is not in his future.
What Would You Do for a Chocolate Bar?
For one man, the answer is to hitchhike during a pandemic. After running out of chocolate bars, a treat 93-year-old Mike Cain and his wife share nightly, he did what most doctors would not recommend—go outside. Heading out with his mask on, Cain did something else shocking: hitchhiked!
A man pulled over after to make sure Cain was okay, and after hearing his story (and learning that his destination was only a little over a mile away), drove Cain to the store so he could surprise his wife with her favorite treat! A good husband will go a long way to make his wife happy (or maybe the chocolate bar is just that good).
Celebrating National Nurses Day
While acknowledging the hard work of nurses is always important, this year might just be one of the toughest on record for most—our appreciation is needed now more than ever! These medical workers have been on the front lines of this outbreak, there for our friends and family when we physically cannot be, so a thank you is in order.
In New York, Governor Cuomo said it best, “You deserve our recognition every day.”
To all the nurses who do the tough work tirelessly and bravely: You deserve our recognition every day. You are our heroes on the frontline.
Our nurses are the best of us. You heal and comfort us. New York thanks you.#NationalNursesDay pic.twitter.com/WL2uaNu3c4
— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) May 6, 2020
And over in Los Angeles, residents are showing their appreciation in eye-grabbing ways!
Spottted in my neighborhood. I’m close to some of the hardest hit nursing homes in the state #COVID19 #LA pic.twitter.com/xJn0Vzx4l8
— Emily Elena Dugdale (@eedugdale) May 6, 2020
It’s not only government officials and residents who want to thank these workers, it’s also companies! Know any nurses in need of a caffeinated pick-me-up? Dunkin’ Donuts is offering free coffees to all nurses and healthcare professionals on May 6!
In honor of #NationalNursesDay, we’re giving a FREE Medium Hot or Iced Coffee & a Donut to all nurses & healthcare professionals today, May 6th at participating Dunkin’ locations, no ID required. ☕️🍩 Thank you to the brave nurses protecting all of us. ❤️👏 pic.twitter.com/myY0O77kPG
— Dunkin’ (@dunkindonuts) May 6, 2020
As always, for those with a nurse in their life, make sure to say an extra thank you–it’s their work and sacrifices that are keeping us safe. We’re thinking we can celebrate National Nurses Day…every day!
Check-in every day for an update on the wonderful and weird things happening in our current coronavirus world.