Lots of good news in this Reason to beCheerful. In addition to the lead article about our times and crossing the polical divide, I want to call your attention to the article at the bottom about the Revival of India’s Step Wells. This reminded me of JWM’s walking through Maliwada and asking the elders about water distribution in former days. As I remember it, there was a series of “bunds” or little hills that held the water in place long enough for it to sink into the ground instead of washing away into floods. Amazing architecture in these wells which are in New Delhi and typically in sacred places or wealthy areas. I'm also remembering that Water is Life and thinking of colleagues as well as tribes gathered in similar weather to demonstrate their determination to save the water. Thankful for warmth and housing and water! Lynda From: Reasons to be Cheerful <info@reasonstobecheerful.world> Date: Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at 2:10 PM To: lynda860@outlook.com <lynda860@outlook.com> Subject: How to disagree with curiosity instead of hate As the White House changes hands, a few tips for engaging with the opposite side. View this email in your browser<https://mailchi.mp/reasonstobecheerful.world/the-indian-state-that-went-100-organic-5372602?e=dabae752af> [https://gallery.mailchimp.com/7b8d347b73462de6956ba29c5/images/5272eaf5-9a02...] <https://world.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7b8d347b73462de6956ba29c5&id=c4714b908a&e=dabae752af> Tonic for tumultuous times. A liberal whose Mexican immigrant parents have voted for Donald Trump three times, journalist Mónica Guzmán has personal experience talking to the “other side” with respect. In a candid interview, the author of I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times explains how engaging with those we disagree with helps build lasting social movements. How to Reach Across a Divide With Curiosity Instead of Hate<https://world.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7b8d347b73462de6956ba29c5&id=40477eea76&e=dabae752af> By: Hannah Wallace [https://mcusercontent.com/7b8d347b73462de6956ba29c5/images/227e4ad6-227d-f3a...] <https://world.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7b8d347b73462de6956ba29c5&id=38d08ccf48&e=dabae752af> In a Q&A, journalist Mónica Guzmán explores how people with opposing beliefs can connect and find common ground<https://world.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7b8d347b73462de6956ba29c5&id=87ca0cc5c1&e=dabae752af>, even in polarizing times. Barcelona’s Five ‘Superblocks’ Are Buoyant Hubs of Urban Health<https://world.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7b8d347b73462de6956ba29c5&id=1e94f4e5a0&e=dabae752af> By: Kaja Šeruga [https://mcusercontent.com/7b8d347b73462de6956ba29c5/images/fb8ecb32-9d50-128...] <https://world.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7b8d347b73462de6956ba29c5&id=35e7b9313e&e=dabae752af> An idea first proposed two centuries ago is finally creating space for exuberant, car-free life.<https://world.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7b8d347b73462de6956ba29c5&id=eddbb822f4&e=dabae752af> [https://mcusercontent.com/7b8d347b73462de6956ba29c5/images/ad1057aa-c939-824...] <https://world.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7b8d347b73462de6956ba29c5&id=f71e7d2cc0&e=dabae752af> Green Microgrids Are Powering a More Resilient Future<https://world.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7b8d347b73462de6956ba29c5&id=513c6170c3&e=dabae752af> By: Eric Krebs [https://mcusercontent.com/7b8d347b73462de6956ba29c5/images/2bc74f17-028d-f43...] <https://world.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7b8d347b73462de6956ba29c5&id=0d4cccbe22&e=dabae752af> Across the U.S., thousands of homes and businesses are now running on locally distributed green power<https://world.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7b8d347b73462de6956ba29c5&id=d82561f71c&e=dabae752af> in a radical reimagining of the grid. New York’s First Guaranteed Income Program Is a Lifeline for Homeless Moms<https://world.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7b8d347b73462de6956ba29c5&id=42aaf21b75&e=dabae752af> By: Eliza Fawcett [https://mcusercontent.com/7b8d347b73462de6956ba29c5/images/73eeff97-90e8-138...] <https://world.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7b8d347b73462de6956ba29c5&id=1da32c4e0d&e=dabae752af> The simple act of cash distribution can alleviate poverty and improve health<https://world.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7b8d347b73462de6956ba29c5&id=e2f2cada34&e=dabae752af> — including families’ health and early childhood development. [https://mcusercontent.com/7b8d347b73462de6956ba29c5/images/24dc4b45-ff54-a4d...] <https://world.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7b8d347b73462de6956ba29c5&id=b5eaa44664&e=dabae752af> [https://mcusercontent.com/7b8d347b73462de6956ba29c5/images/d968a9a3-ef10-5c4...] <https://world.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7b8d347b73462de6956ba29c5&id=cc8af408d5&e=dabae752af> Turning Invasive Seaweed into ‘Gold’<https://world.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7b8d347b73462de6956ba29c5&id=69bdd17617&e=dabae752af> See what stories caught our attention this week<https://world.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7b8d347b73462de6956ba29c5&id=9aee128a26&e=dabae752af>, from making the most of algae waste to a new high-speed train route. In Case You Missed It [https://mcusercontent.com/7b8d347b73462de6956ba29c5/images/36aac948-a23b-ddf...] <https://world.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7b8d347b73462de6956ba29c5&id=ba500c946d&e=dabae752af> ‘The Love in the Air Is Thicker Than the Smoke’<https://world.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7b8d347b73462de6956ba29c5&id=cd97e21acf&e=dabae752af> By: Michaela Haas On the streets of L.A., Michelin-starred chefs are cooking for firefighters, boutiques are giving away clothes and a sprawling city is coming together. [https://mcusercontent.com/7b8d347b73462de6956ba29c5/images/aea0afeb-a3e4-4217-b579-2c4dc3492846.jpg]<https://world.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7b8d347b73462de6956ba29c5&id=f91dd95b01&e=dabae752af> [https://mcusercontent.com/7b8d347b73462de6956ba29c5/images/8bcd1ffa-e18d-8bf...] <https://world.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7b8d347b73462de6956ba29c5&id=bd16ec37b7&e=dabae752af> The Revival of India’s Stunning Stepwells<https://world.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7b8d347b73462de6956ba29c5&id=13db044e4f&e=dabae752af> By: Charukesi Ramadurai Long abandoned, these deep, intricately designed wells are once again quenching water needs across India. 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