Unemployed man's free lawn mowing charity started during COVID has grown to over 16 states

[Unemployed man's free lawn mowing charity started during COVID has grown to over 16 states]( Last year, our partners at Scoop highlighted the wonderful charity work of Brian Schwartz, 40, an advertising executive who lost his job during the first wave of the pandemic. Instead of sitting around the house, Schwartz decided to use his free time to give back to others during troubled times. He started a lawnmowing service out of the trunk of his family's Jeep for the elderly, disabled veterans, and underprivileged communities — all free of charge. [Read the Story]( [10 things that made us smile this week]( With summer on its way out and the Delta variant on its way in, we could all use a mental and emotional pick-me-up. Here are 10 things that brought a smile to our faces this week. We hope they do the same for you. [Read the Story]( [The friendship between Chinese and American gymnasts is what the world needs right now]( America and China have not had the best of relations in recent years, with escalations on multiple fronts including technology, military, and on the issue of Coronavirus. The Tokyo Olympics has shown that the animosity of the government need not necessarily translate down to the athletes of both countries, who share a friendship. There were multiple instances of athletes from both nations enthusiastically cheering each other on, especially in the field of gymnastics. One poignant moment was when US gymnastics star Simone Biles won bronze in the women's balance beam final and then warmly embraced Chinese gymnast Guan Chenchen who clinched gold in the event. For Guan, who's 16, it was a moment she's not likely to forget any time soon, as she identifies Biles as her hero, reported CNN. Chinese gymnast Tang Xijing had clinched silver in the event. [Read the Story]( [10 awkward friendships you probably have — we all have a #9.]( When you're a kid, or in high school or college, you usually don't work too hard on your friend situations. Friends just kind of happen. For a bunch of years, you're in a certain life your parents chose for you, and so are other people, and none of you have that much on your plates, so friendships inevitably form. Then in college, you're in the perfect friend-making environment, one that hits all three ingredients sociologists consider necessary for close friendships to develop: “proximity; repeated, unplanned interactions; and a setting that encourages people to let their guard down and confide in each other." More friendships happen. [Read the Story]( [A boy told his teacher she can't understand him because she's white. Her response is on point.]( Fifth-grade teacher Emily E. Smith is not your ordinary teacher. She founded The Hive Society — a classroom that's all about inspiring children to learn more about their world ... and themselves — by interacting with literature and current events. Students watch TED talks, read Rolling Stone, and analyze infographics. She even has a long-distance running club to encourage students to take care of their minds and bodies. [Read the Story]( Let's be social! [Facebook]( [Instagram]( [Website]( [Twitter]( [LinkedIn]( Copyright © 2021 GOOD | Upworthy, All rights reserved. 1370 N St Andrews Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90028 You can [update your preferences]( or [unsubscribe from this list](.