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)
