Back when I was studying philosophy I read several of the existentialists. In reading Jean-Paul Sartre, I always remember his talk of a ‘Stark Optimism’. Yes, it is easy to fall into nihilism, especially at the moment, but you control what you can and you do your best. In some ways, that’s the aim of Silicon Nomad and Reasons 2B Cheerful; to help create the optimism and the hope by reminding people that it’s still there and worth fighting for.

So, without further ado here are Last Week’s Top Reasons 2B Cheerful as selected by Silicon Nomad subscribers over on Facebook & by the editing team (Which is still just Alex at the moment, but there’s always hope for the future).

As Voted for by You:

1. Algae-powered computing: scientists create reliable and renewable biological photovoltaic cell
2. Chester ice cream shop worker demoted over pregnancy wins £38k
3. Accidental discovery that scallops love ‘disco’ lights leads to new fishing technique
4. Interactive Virtual Tour of Sudan’s pyramids of Meroe
5. ‘Bullied for being different, now I model for Fenty’

As Picked by the Team:

1. Algae-powered computing: scientists create reliable and renewable biological photovoltaic cell
2. ‘Phage therapy’ successes boost fight against drug-resistant infections
3. Belize Barrier Reef Restoration
4. Greece and the U.K. Have Agreed to a New Talks About a Possible Return of the Parthenon Marbles
5. Marvel’s 1st Trans Superhero

Do you agree or disagree with the selections? Have your say here or on the Facebook page!

If you see a story you like, love or want to see things like vlogs or podcasts getting added to the mix? Buying Me a Coffee or sign-up over at Patreon.

But most importantly if seeing the positive news that usually gets buried is making you smile, or giving you hope, SHARE it. Tell people. Editors feel that these stories weren’t right for the front pages. We know better.