“Instead of staring straight ahead at the waterfront, Nixon started smiling at people and striking up conversations. And pretty soon, more than a few early-risers began joining him on the bench, sometimes even unburdening themselves to Nixon, who was by then a familiar face. As Nixon would sit contemplatively on the bench, they would open up to him about their lives, asking him for advice about relationships, careers and personal problems. ‘I was happy to listen,’ Nixon said. ‘I wanted them to walk away knowing they didn’t have to feel alone.'” Let’s get Feel Good Friday kicked off a little earlier than usual this week. Cathy Free in WaPo (gift article for ND readers): It started because he went to watch the sunrise. Now he’s a trusted confidant to strangers each morning from his bench. And the whole thing runs on solar power and human decency. More of both would be great.