The week in uppers

Think the news was all about Japan, Libya and Bahrain? Think again

Published March 20, 2011 2:26PM (EDT)

World news was bleaker than usual this week. We watched tragedy and crisis unfold in Japan and saw the beginnings of U.S.-led military intervention in Libya. But death and destruction weren't the only themes to play out in the news. So, if you're looking for a break from the gravity of current events, take a peek at this collection of heartwarming uppers:

  • The "Today" show's Ann Curry helps two sisters reunite after Japanese earthquake, with the assistance of a fortuitous tweet. (NBC News)

  •  A four-year-old Polish Great Dane gave birth to an astounding 17 puppies this week. (AP)
  • One six-year-old New York boy is making an admirable fashion statement, wearing a dress tie as part of his ensemble every day to raise money for the Make-a-Wish Foundation. (AOL News)
  • A nine-pound lobster -- estimated to be at least 50 years of age, one of the oldest ever caught -- was rescued from certain demise in Britain and will live out its days in an aquarium. (Reuters)
  • An 83-year-old Japanese woman escaped the peril of this month's tsunami the best way she knew how -- by out-pedaling it. (Time)
  • Baby elephants in a kiddy pool -- it's hard to believe anything could be so simultaneously awkward and adorable. (BuzzFeed

  • The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation has saved more than 1,000 retired race horses who might otherwise have faced an uncertain future. (AOL News)
  • An Atlanta octogenarian was upset to find out she bought the wrong lottery ticket, until she realized she'd won $300,000. (AOL News
  • Life expectancy in the U.S. continues to rise. Children born in 2009 will live an average of 78 years, an all-time high, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (U.S. News)
  • One baby has her eyes set on a delicious dessert. Only problem? She can't seem to keep her eyes open. (BuzzFeed)


By Peter Finocchiaro

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