
Amazing
Nigerian Refugee Becomes Chess National Master at Age 10
When we were ten years old, our greatest struggle was trying to pick between Pikachu and Charmander. For a young Tani Adewumi, his tenth birthday party was anything but normal! The Nigerian refugee and his family would celebrate an enormous accomplishment this year when Tami scored a rating of 2223 en route to becoming a Chess National Master. One of the highest achievements a young chess player can pursue, Tani’s ascent to Chess Master has been years in the making if you can believe it!
Let’s go back in time a few years to see where Tani’s story first began, how he found momentum, and what led the refugee to such success in competition.
New York State Championship
While Tani is enjoying global headlines for his success, the work for the young man began a couple of years prior. Tani had made headlines for the first time while competing in the New York State Chess Championship — while living in a homeless shelter. At the time of his first competition, Tani had only been competing in the game of chess for a year.
Tani’s success would garner attention from a columnist for The New York Times by the name of Nicholas Kristof. Kristof would cover the young chess master in a column following Tani’s win in New York. The column would highlight a bit of Tani’s story while creating interest throughout the region. It wouldn’t take long for readers to get another dose of their favorite young chess master.
In 2021, social media users online would find out that Tani won another championship, this time in Fairfield, CT. As a fifth-grader, Tani would score a rating of 2223, landing himself a Chess National Master rating. Kristoff had continued to share updates about the young man, commenting that “talent is universal, but opportunity is not.”
Opportunity and Success are Not Always Equal
Tani’s story really highlights the need for social services at a foundational level. Kristoff pointed out in his column that Tani was able to succeed in chess not just because of his natural talent and hard work, but also because he was located in a shelter that had a school district offering chess programs.
When Tani’s teacher at school realized that the young boy was without family resources, the teacher waived the fees. This would allow Tani to explore an opportunity that might not have otherwise been available. Kristoff says of this chess teacher’s decision, “We need more of that!”
On Kristoff’s Facebook page, social media users shared overwhelming support for Tani. One user suggested that Tani’s success was indicative of America’s promise to the world, that everyone can have an opportunity. Another user wrote that a true sadness plaguing developing countries is the loss of talent that gets overlooked without the ability to develop.
Asylum and Reinvention
Tani hadn’t made his way to the United States out of choice. His family had fled Nigeria in 2017 upon becoming targets of the Boko Haram terrorists. After obtaining asylum, Tani and his family would flee to Manhattan where they would begin living in a shelter. After moving to the city, Tani would get the opportunity to unlock his potential by joining the local chess program.
Since finding public fame and attention for his efforts in school and chess, Tani’s fans have raised more than $250k in support for his family. Granted another chance at life through hard work and dedication, Tani and his family have finally settled into their own home in New York City and the future is wide open and waiting for them to embrace!
Amazing
Scientists Reveal ‘Olo’: A Never-Before-Seen Color Created with Precision Laser Tech

In a stunning leap forward for vision science, researchers have unveiled a color no human has ever seen before. The new hue—named olo—is described as an intensely saturated blue-green that falls outside the boundaries of the natural human color spectrum.
Published in Science Advances, the study comes from a collaboration between scientists at the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of Washington. At the heart of the discovery is a new experimental tool dubbed Oz, a laser-based system that allows researchers to stimulate individual photoreceptors in the human retina with unprecedented precision.
“The Oz system represents a new experimental platform in vision science,” the study states. It works by isolating and activating just one type of cone cell—specifically, the M cones responsible for detecting green light—while bypassing the other two (S and L cones, which are sensitive to blue and red light, respectively). This kind of targeted stimulation isn’t possible under natural viewing conditions, where any light usually activates multiple types of cones at once.
In controlled experiments using laser light directed into the eyes of five participants—all with normal color vision—scientists were able to generate a perceptual experience unlike anything in nature. By activating only the M cones, participants reported seeing a blue-green shade that felt completely novel and extraordinarily vivid.
“By activating only the M cones, we elicited a color beyond the natural human gamut,” the researchers wrote. They described olo as a color of “unprecedented saturation.”
This discovery doesn’t just expand our understanding of color—it could also have practical implications. The Oz platform may pave the way for more advanced research into visual processing, new treatments or diagnostic tools for color blindness, and potentially even new types of displays capable of showing colors previously thought impossible to reproduce.
As the study concludes, “This new class of programmable platform will enable diverse new experiments,” including deeper exploration into how flexible and adaptable human color perception really is.
With olo, the boundaries of the visible world just got a little wider.
Amazing
From Wheels to Wonder: Paralysed Skater Transforms Old Boards into Bold Sculptures

When Nick Harding lost the ability to skateboard, he never imagined he’d find a new way to stay connected to his lifelong passion — through art.
In 2019, Nick was suddenly paralysed by Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), a rare auto-immune condition where the immune system attacks the nervous system. What started as a sore hamstring quickly escalated into a medical emergency. Within an hour of arriving at the hospital, he was on life support. He spent 13 weeks in intensive care at Southmead Hospital in Bristol and seven months in recovery, relearning how to walk and use his arms.
“Skating has always been a huge part of my life,” Nick said. “Having an outlet for that desire to play with my favourite toy is what brought the sculptures about.”
With his old decks stacked in a corner and his body still rebuilding strength, Nick began experimenting. His early attempts to make practical items were shaky — his hands lacked coordination — so instead, he focused on creating something beautiful. With no prior carpentry experience, he turned to YouTube tutorials, teaching himself to shape, sand, and finish colorful, psychedelic forms from the layered wood of worn-out skateboards.
The process helped rebuild his dexterity, but it also served as a mental anchor. “I just focused on doing a little bit every day,” he said. “It was the process that felt good when I was at my lowest.”
Now, Nick sells his sculptures through his Etsy shop Mobius Maples and has gained fans from around the world. His pieces — all carved from donated, broken, or retired boards — are abstract, swirling forms that capture the movement and spirit of skateboarding.
But for Nick, it’s not just about the art or even the recovery. It’s about staying connected to the Bristol skate scene that shaped him. He donates pieces to skate competitions and charity auctions and even hides small keychains around the city for his Instagram followers to find.
“It wouldn’t be anything if it was just me,” he said. “It’s also people who give me their old boards. Interacting with the art and letting me be involved with things is what’s kept it going.”
“I want it to be something that adds to the community, and I’m so grateful that I still have the opportunity to do that.”
Through creativity, community, and resilience, Nick Harding has transformed adversity into something both healing and inspiring — turning the boards that once carried him across pavement into lasting works of art.
Amazing
Community Petition Saves Wally the Beaver from Euthanasia

Wally, a beloved beaver who became a community favorite in Northern Virginia, was saved from euthanasia thanks to the efforts of thousands of supporters who rallied together through an online petition.
Wally first gained popularity at Huntley Meadows Park in Fairfax County, where locals and visitors often saw him hard at work building dams. However, wildlife officials considered euthanizing him after concerns arose over flooding and tree damage caused by his dam-building activities.
The community swiftly stepped in, launching a petition that quickly gathered over 10,000 signatures. Advocates argued that the beaver’s positive impact on the ecosystem—creating wetlands and habitats for other wildlife—far outweighed any inconveniences.
Local officials eventually agreed, opting instead for a humane relocation effort. Wally will now be safely moved to a suitable habitat rather than being euthanized.
“This shows how much our community values wildlife,” said Julie Ames, the petition’s creator. “We’re thrilled our voices were heard.”
Residents celebrated the decision, highlighting how Wally’s survival symbolizes the growing awareness of peaceful coexistence with local wildlife.
Amazing
Third Eaglet Joins Big Bear’s Beloved Bald Eagle Family

A third eaglet hatched yesterday in the much-loved bald eagle nest near Big Bear Lake, marking a delightful moment for the growing number of wildlife enthusiasts who have been closely watching the family online.
The nest, located in the San Bernardino National Forest near Big Bear, California, has been streaming live via the Friends of Big Bear Valley eagle cam. Observers were excited to witness the third chick hatch, a significant event considering that bald eagles usually lay two eggs, with three being somewhat unusual.
The parents, affectionately named Jackie and Shadow, are local celebrities among bird watchers. According to the Friends of Big Bear Valley, these parents have gained fame for their caring behavior, ensuring their chicks remain healthy and thriving despite the occasional harsh weather conditions.
“The hatch was smooth and perfectly timed,” said Sandy Steers, executive director of Friends of Big Bear Valley. “It’s heartwarming to see this family continue to flourish.”
Wildlife experts emphasize the importance of maintaining a respectful distance, reminding the public that the best way to enjoy and protect these birds is by observing remotely via the eagle cam.
Viewers can continue to monitor the eaglets’ development, celebrating each milestone as the chicks grow into young eagles over the coming weeks.
Amazing
Pocatello’s Last Video Rental Store Preserves Tradition for Devoted Patron

In an era where digital streaming dominates, the closure of Video Stop marked the end of an era for Pocatello, Idaho. However, for one loyal customer, the spirit of the traditional video rental experience continues, thanks to the store owner’s thoughtful initiative.
For over 15 years, 35-year-old Christina Cavanaugh, who has Down syndrome and is mostly nonverbal, maintained a cherished routine of visiting Video Stop almost daily with her mother, Toni. This ritual was integral to Christina’s daily life, providing her with joy and consistency. The prospect of the store’s closure posed a significant disruption to her routine, causing concern for Toni about how to explain the change to her daughter.
Understanding the importance of this routine to Christina, Video Stop’s owner, David Kraning, decided to preserve a portion of the store’s collection. He dedicated a corner in his adjacent business, K & B Kwik Stop, to house these movies, ensuring Christina could continue her beloved visits. This thoughtful gesture not only maintained a sense of normalcy for Christina but also highlighted the deep bonds formed between local businesses and their patrons.
Toni expressed immense relief and gratitude for Kraning’s actions, likening the news to “being sentenced to prison and then getting a reprieve.” She praised the community-oriented approach of Kraning and his staff, who have always been attentive to Christina’s unique needs, even training new employees on how to interact with her during checkout.
While the era of video rental stores may be fading, the compassion and dedication demonstrated by Kraning ensure that, for Christina, the magic of selecting a physical movie remains alive. This story serves as a heartwarming reminder of the impact local businesses can have on the lives of their customers, going beyond transactions to form meaningful, supportive relationships.
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