“It’s WILD, in the very best unbelievable way, what the scientists and everyone’s been able to do in this year of all-enveloping darkness to invent these vaccines and produce them. Confetti, balloons, cherry blossoms and wisteria from trees, hot music from the 2000s, stars should fall on these people, forever.” Katherine Miller: Everything Has Been Terrible — And That Deepens The Good, Transformative Moment Of Getting Vaccinated. (Bonus: You LIVE!)

+ Scientists in the US have developed a paint significantly ‘whiter than the whitest paint currently available.’ Tests carried out by researchers at Purdue University on their “ultra-white” paint showed it reflected more than 98% of sunlight. That suggests, the scientists say, that it could help save energy and fight climate change.” BBC: Whitest ever paint reflects 98% of sunlight.

+ How a tiny Calif. town rallied to save its Chinese restaurant.

+ The exchange project uniting young Americans during the pandemic.

+ An end to cigarettes? New Zealand aims to create smoke-free generation.

+ Winners of the 2021 World Press Photo Contest.