Good Morning! 🌞

Recently we shared with you all the Big Bear bald eagle live nest cam. The wildlife cam follows a bold eagle pair named Jackie and Shadow.

This week they are doing a fundraiser to keep the cam running as it is a non-profit. If you give a donation, you can submit a name or multiple names for the two surviving eagle chicks.

If you missed the cam the first time, here it is.

p.s. there is also a wide view angle that shows the whole nest. I think this one look particularly neat at night with the night vision.

Culture

Restoring Glory: Saving Europe’s Iconic Landmarks

At just 22, Charlie Gee is helping restore some of Europe’s most historic landmarks, specializing in cathedral masonry. Following in his father’s footsteps, he has worked on prestigious sites like Cologne Cathedral in Germany and the Palace of Justice in Brussels. At Cologne Cathedral, he played a key role in restoring the final eight pinnacles atop one of its spires, a project he considers a career milestone.

Gee, who hails from Bath, England, developed a passion for stonemasonry at an early age. When he was five, his family moved to Tuscany for his father’s restoration work, immersing him in Italy’s rich architectural heritage. By 15, he had enrolled in a three-year stonemasonry program at Weymouth College, followed by a highly competitive four-year apprenticeship at York Minster, one of the world’s top training grounds for cathedral masons. Unlike commercial stonemasons who use power tools, Gee remains committed to traditional techniques, working exclusively with a mallet and chisel.

Since completing his apprenticeship in 2023, Gee has built a global portfolio, contributing to restorations at Florence’s Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and York Minster. Like many cathedral masons, he leaves a personal mark—his initials, CG—on his work, hoping to one day show his children the legacy he’s helping to preserve. Through social media, he aims to inspire younger generations, including his sister, to take up the craft. “It’s hard work, but restoring these sites is incredibly rewarding,” he says.

Health Science

Berries for Babies!

New research suggests that resveratrol, a natural compound found in the skin of grapes, blueberries, and raspberries, may enhance female fertility by improving both the quality and quantity of egg cells. A systematic review published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences analyzed 24 studies involving 9,563 human participants. Led by researchers from Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) and international collaborators, the review found that resveratrol may protect egg cells (oocytes) from age-related decline and oxidative stress, potentially supporting reproductive health.

The compound appears to work by reducing oxidative damage, protecting mitochondrial DNA, and activating telomerase, an enzyme that slows cellular aging. Additionally, resveratrol boosts sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), a molecule that diminishes in aging oocytes, which may extend ovarian lifespan. The review also highlights its potential benefits for women with infertility-related conditions like endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and obesity by lowering inflammation and androgen production. However, while some studies found resveratrol increased oocyte quantity and quality, others reported no significant change, emphasizing the need for further research.

While resveratrol is generally safe when consumed through diet or supplements, doses up to five grams per day for a month are considered tolerable, though long-term effects remain uncertain. Research on its impact on pregnancy rates is mixed, with some studies reporting improvement while others found no effect or a decline. "Our review provides a comprehensive look at resveratrol’s potential to improve reproductive outcomes and could pave the way for new, less invasive fertility treatments using natural compounds," said Professor Lee Smith of ARU. Given these findings, researchers stress the need for more clinical trials to determine the optimal dosage and long-term safety of resveratrol for fertility treatments.

Environment

Lowe’s $9-million Investment

Lowe’s is investing $9 million in grants to support 15 nonprofits dedicated to training the next generation of tradespeople. These programs aim to address the growing demand for skilled workers in fields such as carpentry, construction, HVAC, electrical work, plumbing, and appliance repair. With wages on the rise and job opportunities expanding, the need for trained professionals is greater than ever. In construction alone, hourly wages have increased by 4.4% over the past year, according to Associated Builders and Contractors.

“We hear from contractors that many job candidates lack the necessary skills to fill open positions,” said Janice Dupré, Lowe’s executive vice president and chair of the Lowe’s Foundation. “These nonprofits are providing modern training programs that focus on skills rather than degrees.” Among the grant recipients is the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, which will use the funding to enhance job readiness programs for youth aged 16-24 at three locations in Florida, Wisconsin, and Seattle. “This funding is an investment in young people and the future workforce,” said Jennifer Bateman, Senior Vice President of Youth Development for the organization.

Since 2023, Lowe’s Foundation Gable Grants have invested over $34 million in workforce training programs across multiple states. The National Association of Home Builders praised the initiative for strengthening the residential construction workforce. Other grant recipients include ReBuild Detroit, the Trade Institute of Pittsburgh, Uncommon Construction in New Orleans, Hope Renovations in North Carolina, the Latino Academy of Workforce Development in Wisconsin, and Nontraditional Employment for Women in New York, among others. By supporting these organizations, Lowe’s aims to bridge the skilled labor gap and prepare more workers for in-demand careers.

Support Daily Upsider!

Help our mission to share positive, meaningful news! Your support keeps us going without the need to bombard you with annoying ads!

Mind Stretchers

⁉️ 

Answers to yesterday’s Mind Stretchers:

— too far to walk, Debbie Ettinger got this correct 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