Good News For The Very Old And Very Young

by Kevin Burton    Today’s smiles from the Good News Network take us from Japan to Iowa, from senior years to the cradle, from life to give to life to live.    First, a story by Andy Corbley about older Japanese women, making a joyful contribution to society as a whole and to real people …

Some Nursery Rhymes Not Exactly Kid Stuff

by Dictionary Scoop    We all have nursery rhymes etched in our memory, verses that take us straight back to our childhood.    But behind some of those catchy, cheerful tunes lie surprisingly dark and mysterious origins rooted in real-life history.     Join us to discover the hidden stories behind the most popular nursery rhymes. 1-The …

Researchers Developing “The Pill” For Men

by Kevin Burton    A birth control pill for men is one step closer to reality according to researchers at the University of Minnesota.    That choir you hear singing “hallelujah!” has both a bass and a soprano section. I dare say everybody is happy about this one.    But guys, don’t make space in …

Singing Good For Baby, Mommy And Daddy

by Kevin Burton    Lullabies or otherwise, sing to your baby. It’s good for all involved.    That’s the finding of a team of scientists who conducted a recent study.     This should be no surprise to anyone. Adding music to just about any setting improves the mood and atmosphere. And who knows, you parents …

“Life Changing” Gene Therapy Restores Vision

by Kevin Burton    Been reading with joy, a small flood of stories about people having sight restored through gene therapy.    Voretigene neparvovec, sold under the brand name Luxturna, is a gene therapy medication for the treatment of Leber congenital amaurosis, according to Wikipedia.  The US Food and Drug Administration approved Luxturna,  in December of …

Endearing Facts About “Calvin and Hobbes”

by interestingfacts.com    Calvin and Hobbes has captured the hearts and imaginations of readers worldwide since its debut in 1985. Created by Bill Watterson, the beloved comic strip follows the adventures of Calvin, a precocious and mischievous 6-year-old boy, and his sardonic stuffed tiger, Hobbes.     Together, they navigate the challenges of childhood and family life, …

Grandpa Kev’s (Grumpy) After-Christmas Sale

by Kevin Burton     Your favorite retail outlet will be having an after-Christmas sale just now. It’s sort of their version of New Year’s resolutions, you know,  out with the old, in with the new.    They won’t spare the hype, the bold print or the volume. God help you if you miss this sale! …

Judge Sued For Handcuffing Sleepy Teen

from CBS News and AP reports    The family of a Michigan teen is filing a lawsuit against Detroit Judge Kenneth King after he ordered her to be handcuffed for falling asleep in his courtroom.      The lawsuit comes after 15-year-old Eva Goodman was handcuffed while she was on a field trip with a …

Happy Birthday Little Sister, I Love You

by Kevin Burton    There was a day in the 70s when my younger sister Patricia asked me a question. I knew the correct answer to the question, but I lied to her.    We were in the basement of our father’s house in Yellow Springs, Ohio. Nobody else was around.    “When am I …

What Does “The Lord Is My Portion” Mean?

by Kevin Burton    To watch a child with his or her parents in a grocery store is to witness yet another chapter from a long, long story.    What does the child want? Everything.    The parent has in mind limits. A limit to how much sugar a child (or adult) should eat, a …