Loyal Costco fans are lauding their favorite big-box store for a long-awaited change to its custom cake ordering system. In a company memo, Costco announced that it will be launching an app for customers to order customized cakes at the touch of their fingers without having to enter a Costco store."We've got ordering cakes and deli trays online coming," said Costco CEO Ron Vachris. "Many of the things that we've heard from our members that could be a little bit clunky are now moving to a digital state, and we're seeing great adoption right out of the chute."It's a massive change from the previous custom cake process. Costco lovers have long complained about the old-school ordering system that required customers to physically go to the store's bakery, where they would fill out a slip of paper with their order requests and simply drop it in the order box. @eatsbyrachel Anyone else feel like the @Costco Wholesale custom cake ordering system is a bit antiquated?

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM After decades of ecological decline, China’s Yangtze River, Asia’s longest and one of the most degraded waterways in the world, is showing hopeful signs of recovery. According to a new study published in Science, fish populations in the river have more than doubled in just two years following the country’s sweeping 10-year fishing ban introduced in 2021. The research, led by Fangyuan Xiong of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, highlights not only a boost in fish biomass and diversity but also an encouraging rebound of several endangered species. Experts say the results demonstrate how large-scale, well-funded political decisions can successfully reverse damage to freshwater ecosystems. “It is really fantastic news. It is one of the first times that we can say that government measures have not just worked, but have really improved things,” said Sébastien Brosse, a biologist at the University of Toulouse and co-author of the study. A river under pressure Stretching nearly 4,000 miles from the Tibetan Plateau to the East China Sea near Shanghai, the Yangtze is the world’s third-longest river and supports a population of over 400 million people. But it has also borne the brunt of China’s industrial rise and was hit hard by pollution, overfishing, dam construction, and habitat destruction. The most devastating sign of the river’s decline came in the early 2000s with the extinction of the baiji, a freshwater dolphin once revered in Chinese mythology. Caught in the chaos of pollution, dynamite fishing, and increasing river traffic, the species was declared functionally extinct by 2006. Years of calls from scientists for stricter protections went largely unanswered until 2021, when China’s central government enacted a full 10-year fishing ban across the Yangtze and many of its major tributaries. Game theory meets conservation The ban was strategically designed using a framework called evolutionary game theory, which takes into account how different stakeholders respond to incentives and penalties over time. The Chinese government aimed to balance ecological goals with social needs, especially for the fishing communities who had long relied on the river for their livelihoods. To support this transition, roughly 200,000 fishers were offered compensation and help finding alternative employment, part of a government investment of about $3 billion. At the same time, around 100,000 fishing boats were decommissioned. Early signs of success Researchers compared data from the two years before the ban (2019–2021) with the two years after (2021–2023). They found a twofold increase in fish biomass, a 13 percent rise in species diversity, and most notably, a strong recovery in some endangered species. One such species is the Yangtze finless porpoise, which had dwindled to around 400 individuals. Since the ban, the population is now estimated to have grown to 600. “The results reported in this study … provide hope that in an era of global biodiversity decline, ambitious political decisions that support large-scale restoration efforts can help reverse the ecosystem damages of the past,” said Xiong. Caution: recovery is still fragile Despite the promising data, researchers stress that the Yangtze’s recovery remains vulnerable. Illegal fishing continues, particularly in the Gan River, a major tributary. Enforcement efforts need to remain strong, especially at the local level, to prevent backsliding. Pollution is another ongoing challenge. The river continues to carry industrial runoff and waste from many of China’s largest factories. Meanwhile, species like the critically endangered Chinese sturgeon still struggle to reach key spawning areas due to large hydropower dams that block migration paths. “The Yangtze is still under pressure,” Brosse warned, noting that further action will be needed to sustain the gains. “But it provides a rare example of hope—and a roadmap—for how governments around the world can bring rivers back from the brink.” A model for global river restoration? The Yangtze’s revival could serve as a valuable case study for other major rivers facing similar threats, such as Southeast Asia’s Mekong. With climate change and overexploitation accelerating ecological degradation globally, researchers hope the Yangtze’s turnaround sparks momentum for more ambitious river conservation efforts. After decades of damage, China’s flagship river may finally be charting a course toward renewal. And while much work remains, the early results suggest that a combination of science, policy, and public investment can make a real difference, not just for the Yangtze, but for rivers everywhere.     Did this solution stand out? Share it with a friend or support our mission by becoming an Emissary.The post Yangtze River sees major ecological recovery after China’s fishing ban first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Many people yearn for the golden years of retirement, where the grind often slows down, and we have more free time. But how we spend that time can make a big difference in how we age. Science continues to show that our lifestyle choices in midlife and beyond can influence everything from longevity to cognitive sharpness, and the good news is that you don’t need a gym membership or a PhD to benefit. In fact, a wide range of easily accessible hobbies, from walking and dancing to learning something new, can help protect both your brain and body. While no single habit can claim the title “fountain of youth”, doing several of these consistently can help maintain your independence and vitality for years to come. Here are 10 engaging, research-backed activities that support healthy aging that you might actually enjoy! 1. Walking: the underrated brain and body booster Forget the idea that only high-intensity workouts matter. Walking is one of the simplest, most effective ways to improve both brain and physical health. Studies have found that even modest activity, like regular walking, can help increase brain volume and enhance neuroplasticity, or in other words, our brain’s ability to change and adapt. In older adults, walking is associated with a reduced risk of death and age-related decline. One recent review even found that walking just 4,000 steps a day can contribute to a longer life. “I used to be a flag-waver for high-intensity,” says Dr. Laura D. Baker, a professor of gerontology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. “But now I think walking is the best possible activity.” Bonus points if you have a walking buddy because the social connection adds even more benefit. 2. Trying new sports: challenge body and mind Walking is wonderful, but if you crave a bit more of a challenge, trying a new sport may offer added brain benefits. Just take the example of Olga Koteko, a Canadian teacher who took up track and field in her 70s and broke records into her 90s. Brain scans later showed her white matter, which is critical for planning and decision-making, resembled that of someone decades younger. Pushing yourself to learn new physical skills can help maintain cognitive function, especially in areas most vulnerable to aging. 3. Learning a language: a workout for your mind Picking up a second (or third!) language can be especially powerful for preserving brain function. A 2019 study found that older adults who engaged in a short-term language learning program showed measurable cognitive gains. Even people who learned another language later in life maintained more cognitive abilities than monolingual peers. “There’s increasing scientific evidence that learning new things throughout the life span is neuroprotective,” says Dr. Art Kramer, founding director of the Center for Cognitive and Brain Health at Northeastern University. (He notes that his 103-year-old aunt is currently learning Italian.) 4. Quilting and photography: hands-on learning for memory Creative, skill-based hobbies can be surprisingly potent when it comes to brain health. In one landmark study, older adults who learned quilting or digital photography for 16 hours a week over three months showed stronger memory and processing speed compared to peers doing less demanding tasks. According to lead researcher Dr. Denise Park of the Center for Vital Longevity, it’s not just the skills themselves, but more importantly, the mental effort and social interaction. “Having interests is really important,” she says, “but you have to be able to afford it.” Thankfully, many public libraries, senior centers, or local community programs offer low-cost access to new skills. 5. Ongoing education: never stop learning From mastering a new app to taking a community college course, continuing to learn keeps the brain engaged. Baker points out that many daily challenges disappear in retirement, so we have to actively seek new ones. The cerebellum, a part of the brain that handles coordination and habit-building, responds well to new mental challenges. And setting clear learning goals helps sustain motivation. As Baker puts it: “The brain needs regular stimulation, not just two days this month, but every day this month.” 6. Teaching: learning by sharing It turns out that teaching others is one of the best ways to solidify your own knowledge. “When you teach a class, you really have to know the material,” says Kramer. “I’ve learned the most when I’ve taught.” Planning lessons, anticipating questions, and adapting material to different learners all exercise cognitive flexibility. Whether it’s leading a book club, teaching a language, or volunteering to mentor, the cognitive demands of teaching are a win-win. 7. Juggling: coordination with cognitive rewards Juggling isn’t just for circus performers. A 2022 review of 11 studies found that juggling enhances neuroplasticity, helping to build new connections in the brain. “Juggling is a complex perceptual-motor task,” says Kramer. “You have to know where the balls are, anticipate them, move your arms.” It’s affordable, adaptable (can be done sitting or standing), and doesn’t require a partner or equipment beyond a few soft beanbags. 8. Dancing: memory, movement, and fun Dancing, on top of getting your heart rate up, challenges memory, coordination, and balance. In one long-term study, older adults who danced weekly saw positive brain changes in the hippocampus, a region associated with memory. And unlike repetitive exercises, dance routines require constant learning and attention. From line dancing to jazz or square dancing, the mental load of remembering steps might be what makes the difference. Plus, dancing often gets you out into the community, another plus for longevity. 9. Video games: surprising memory benefits Not all screen time is created equal. In one study from the University of California, Irvine, older adults who played 3D games like Super Mario World showed improved memory after just four weeks. The benefits stuck around for another month after they stopped playing. The researchers believe the immersive, three-dimensional environment helped stimulate brain regions involved in spatial memory. So yes, even gaming (when done right) can be part of a brain-healthy lifestyle. 10. Mindfulness: managing stress for longevity Excess stress, especially later in life, has been linked to inflammation, memory problems, and even a shorter lifespan. Mindfulness practices like meditation, yoga, or journaling help regulate stress and keep the nervous system balanced. Spending time with animals may also offer cognitive boosts. One study found that older adults who spent time with pets experienced improvements in memory and energy. Mix and match for maximum benefit With so many positive options, the best strategy may be to combine several. Baker, who leads the U.S. POINTER trial on dementia prevention, notes that lasting brain health isn’t about any single hobby, but more about the synergy of physical activity, mental stimulation, a healthy diet, and social connection. Another international trial found similar results: when older adults engaged in a mix of exercise, socializing, cognitive training, and nutritional support, they saw better cognitive outcomes than with any drug on the market. Whether it’s walking with a friend, learning to juggle, or teaching someone a skill you’ve mastered, each habit adds up to a more vibrant, resilient brain. The secret isn’t choosing the “perfect” hobby; it’s simply staying curious, active, and connected.     Did this solution stand out? Share it with a friend or support our mission by becoming an Emissary.The post 10 brain-boosting hobbies for older adults that help keep the brain and body young  first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

Whether you're a cat person, a dog person, or neither, you likely know that cats have a reputation for being…mmm, particular. Cats like what they like and don't like what they don't like, and they expect you to not only know this but to cater to their likes and dislikes without ever having to voice them aloud. That's right, there are unspoken rules that cat owners are expected to know and follow. If you own a cat or are around a cat, it's vital that you understand these rules. It's like a feline code of law you're just supposed to intuit or learn by trial and error, but thankfully, our friends at Feline Fanatics have laid them out clearly for us all. Here are 11 rules that will make your life with your kitty much more pleasant for everyone if you follow them: - YouTube www.youtube.com 1. Don't stare at them for too longWhile gazing into the eyes of your cat might feel like you're bonding with them, you're not when the stare goes on too long. Cats are highly visual, and in cat language, holding eye contact is a challenge—an aggressive indicator that you're down for a fight. "Among cats, even friends don't hold eye contact," the video says. "They glance, blink, and move on." So give your cat a look, but don't hold their gaze. 2. Let them come to youIf you've ever walked up to a cat and tried to pick them up, unless it's a rare kitty who actually enjoys being manhandled, most cats will not respond positively. They may immediately wriggle out of your grasp and some might scratch or bite. Others may begrudgingly accept their fate, but in general, they prefer to come to you. "Autonomy is their love language," as the video states. Yep, they want affection, but on their terms. "This blanket smells like me now."Photo credit: Canva3. Respect their 'scent map'A cat's scent map is their way of marking territory with their scent by rubbing their cheeks and bodies on items (as well as marking with urine or feces, but hopefully not in your house). This scent marking creates a sense of familiarity and comfort for a cat, and if you mess with that too much, it can make them feel disoriented. Of course, we have to wash things like blankets, pillows, beds, etc., but Feline Fanatics suggests washing things gradually and not all at once so as not to disturb their scent map. 4. Respond to their meowsCats mostly meow for humans. They sometimes meow at one another, but rarely and mostly as kittens. When they meow, they're communicating with us in some way, even if we don't understand what they're "saying." Acknowledging their meows tells your cat that you heard them, even if you didn't understand them. "Hey, I'm talking to you."Photo credit: Canva5. Give them an escape routeIn the wild, being trapped means danger, and cats are sensitive to that feeling. They like to know they can get away, so always make sure they have an exit strategy. That might mean leaving a door cracked open or avoiding crowding them. Ironically, if a cat knows they can leave, they're more likely to stay, so always give them a way to escape. 6. Don't pet them like a dogMost cats like affection, but petting a cat is different than petting a dog. Cats don't usually enjoy heavy strokes or pets that run their whole body. Their favorite petting spots are usually their heads, cheeks, and under the chin. Avoid their bellies unless you've really earned their trust, and even then a cat may or may not like their belly touched. "Do not disturb."Photo credit: Canva7. Honor the 'Do Not Disturb' signSee a cat loafing on the sofa or curled up in a sun spot on the carpet? Leave them be. Cat naps are sacred and they do not want to be disturbed. (It is tempting, though. A cat sleeping is the kind of cute that begs for cuddles. Resist the urge.)8. Speak cat body languageCats communicate far more with their body language than with sounds. A flicking tail means a cat is stimulated, possibly irritated. Purring can be a sign of contentment, but it can also be a signal of stress or pain or a way to self-soothe. Cats knead (or "make biscuits") for comfort. Showing you their belly can mean they trust you, but it can also be a trap. Watch for patterns to learn what your cat is telling you with their body language. The litter box is sacred. Giphy 9. Keep the litter box sacredCats don't love to do their business in front of people or in busy, noisy parts of the house. They also like their toilet to be clean, so keep it scooped daily and change out the litter frequently. Use unscented litter and use an open box if possible (enclosed litter boxes trap odors inside). And have one litter box for each cat in your home, plus one extra.10. Routine isn't boring—it's comfort.Cats may seem like wild creatures in many ways, but they actually love routine. Too much change to their home environment and regular routine can stress them out, so things like the family going on vacation or getting new furniture can cause stress and anxiety. As the video states, "Cats don't see routine as boring; they see it as safe." 11. Quiet is connectionKitties love sitting silently in the same place with their people. "Cats are masters of presence," the video says. Cats love quiet companionship, so if they're sitting silently in the room with you, that's a form of bonding. Just be with them in the silence and try not to disturb the peace too much. Following these unspoken rules can help create a comfortable, happy life for our feline friends, even if they can't tell us that directly. You can follow Feline Fanatics on YouTube for more helpful cat tips.This article originally appeared last year.

Why is it that some people are high achievers who have a track record of success and some people never come close to accomplishing their dreams? Is it talent, luck, or how you were raised? Is it that some people are just gifted and have exceptional talents that others don't?The good news is, according to psychologist Angela Duckworth, the most critical factor in being a high achiever has nothing to do with talent or intelligence. It’s how long you can keep getting back up after getting hit. She calls it “grit” and, according to Duckworth’s research, it’s the common denominator in high achievers across the board, whether it’s cadets at West Point or kids in a spelling bee. Duckworth goes into depth on the topic in her book Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance. What personal traits make someone successful?“The common denominator of high achievers, no matter what they’re achieving, is this special combination of passion and perseverance for really long-term goals,” Duckworth revealed on The Mel Robbins Podcast. “And in a word, it’s grit.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mel Robbins (@melrobbins)“Partly, it’s hard work, right? Partly it’s practicing what you can’t yet do, and partly it’s resilience,” she continued. “So part of perseverance is, on the really bad days, do you get up again? So, if you marry passion for long-term goals with perseverance for long-term goals well then you have this quality that I find to be the common denominator of elite achievers in every field that I've studied."When pressed to define the specific meaning of grit, Duckworth responded: “It’s these two parts, right? Passion for long-term goals, like loving something and staying in love with it. Not kind of wandering off and doing something else, and then something else again, and then something else again, but having a kind of North Star." - YouTube www.youtube.com For anyone who wants to achieve great things in life, grit is an attitude that one can develop for themselves that isn’t based on natural abilities or how well one was educated. Those things matter, of course, but having a gritty attitude is something someone can learn."I am not saying that there aren't genes at play because every psychologist will tell you that's also part of the story for everything and grit included,” Duckworth said. “But absolutely, how gritty we are is a function of what we know, who were around, and the places we go."Why grit is so importantGrit is critical for people to become highly successful because it means that you stick with the task even when confronted with barriers. In every journey of taking an idea that you love and turning it into reality there is going to be what’s known as the dark swamp of despair—a place that you must wade through to get to the other side. It takes grit and determination to make it through the times when you fear that you might fail. If it were easy, then everyone could be high achievers.The emotional journey of creating anything great goes through the dark swap of despair. pic.twitter.com/GlwozyARIM— Vala Afshar (@ValaAfshar) October 30, 2024 Grit is what keeps people practicing in their room every night as teenagers and makes them an accomplished guitar player. Grit is what makes a basketball player the first one in the gym and the last to leave so that they make the starting lineup. Grit is knocking on the next door after 12 people have just slammed their doors in your face.The wonderful thing about Duckworth’s work is that it presents an opportunity for everyone willing to do the work. You can no longer use the fact that you may not have specialized intelligence or a God-given talent as an excuse. All you need is perseverance and passion and you have as good a shot as anyone at achieving your dreams. This article originally appeared last year.