# Everything Else

Study: Talking to Other Commuters on Trains is Not a Drag After All

Commuters in a Chicago area train station were asked to participate in an experiment. Instead of remaining isolated, like most commuters do, they agreed to talk to the stranger next to them. Cy the end of the train ride, commuters who talked to a person nearby reported having a more positive experience than those who had sat in solitude.

# Everything Else

Pope's Top 10 Happiness Tips: Focus on Leisure, Family and Being Positive

In a recent Argentinian publication, Pope Francis revealed his Top 10 guidelines for achieving happiness. He advocated for playing more, especially with others and children, and toning down one's negativity. He advises us to care for the environment and work for peace. Most surprising to some will be #9.

# Everything Else

Missing Dog Shows Up on Front Porch After 5 Years

A California woman says her pet shih-tzu, missing for the past five years, amazingly reappeared on her doorstep last week -- even after the family had moved several times.

# Everything Else

Hospital Visitation Rights for Unmarried and Gay Couples Take Effect Nationwide

This week, a new rule went into effect for hospitals across the nation to ease the longtime burden on unmarried or gay partners who, until now, could be prohibited from visiting loved ones who may lie sick and dying without a hand to hold. The rule ensures that hospitals choosing to participate in Medicare and Medicaid programs must respect the rights of patients to designate visitors.

# Everything Else

Man With the Golden Voice: Why do We Gravitate to Good News Stories?

It is a popular adage that good news doesn't sell when the mainstream media's motto seems to be, if it bleeds, it leads. Why then, are we seeing some of their most popular stories trumpeting triumphs of the heart? In the cases of the Chilean miners and the man with the golden voice, happy feelings of success have trumped every other news story around.

# Everything Else

Custom Tricycles Give Burst of Freedom to Disabled Kids

A retired couple in Michigan believes that every child should have the exalted feeling of riding alone with the wind in their face. So, they build custom-made tricycles for small children with disabilities.

# Everything Else

Female Iraq War Vet Who Lost Legs is Elected to U.S. Congress

Not only is she one of the historic class of 2012 women elected to the US Congress this week. Not only is she the first Thai-American woman to be sent to Capitol Hill. Tammy Duckworth is an Iraq War veteran, a U.S. Army helicopter pilot who lost both of her legs in combat. The impressive Duckworth was born in Bangkok, Thailand, to an American father, a U.S. Marine Corps officer.

# Everything Else

UK Scientists Invent Hydrogen-based Fuel for Cars - Emits No Emissions

Researchers at Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, near Oxford have invented a synthetic fuel, which costs just $1.50 per gallon and could run in existing cars. Because it is hydrogen based, it would produce zero carbon emissions and could be available in as little as three years.