Hi everyone! Here are the biggest news stories for August 12, 2018 along with a few of my own thoughts. I also have a fascinating question to ask all of you. I hope that you will join the discussion!

What’s Going on in Your World?

The United States has reportedly warned its ally, Great Britain to side with it on the Iran sanctions issue or face significant economic consequences. The European Union has already taken steps to protect businesses in the region from potential consequences resulting from not supporting the U.S. on this issue.

Burning money or lighting a guiding torch for science? That is the question! Today, NASA launched its “Parker Solar Probe,” which will travel directly into the sun! Scientists hope that the probe will help us to understand more about our sun as well as the planet that we call home.

For the first time in a decade, Tiger Woods has a legitimate chance of winning a major golf championship. Going into the final round, Woods trails Brooks Koepka by four shots.

British actor, Idris Elba has taken to Twitter to respond to rumors that he might be in line to be the next James Bond. In a Tweet earlier today, he said simply “My name’s Elba, Idris Elba.”

my name’s Elba, Idris Elba. pic.twitter.com/kEyyaVg8JX

— Idris Elba (@idriselba) August 12, 2018

Today’s Good News Story – This Late Night Encounter with a Widower Touched Everyone Involved

When Gregory Johnson noticed an older man in a wheelchair purchasing a cake and a bouquet of flowers, in a friendly attempt to make conversation, he commented, “It looks like you’ve got a big night planned!”

And while the man in the wheelchair did have a big night planned, it wasn’t quite what Johnson had expected.

The man, Jim, explained that the cake and flowers were part of a tradition that he had started five years earlier when his wife Gloria had passed away. Every year, he would honor her birthday by placing the fresh roses on his table and cutting a piece of cake for himself and one for his late wife.

Gregory was so moved by Jim’s story that he struck up a conversation. Before they knew it, they had been talking for hours!

Both men left the experience feeling inspired and much happier.

Read more about this story on here.

Margaret’s Message for the Day

A few days ago, I was delighted to see that I (and through me Sixty and Me) had been featured in an article in The Guardian. In the article, I talked about how I wanted to empower women to be themselves and to enjoy makeup and fashion at any age.

Among other things, I said, “I wouldn’t worry too much about us having wrinkles under our eyes, because that’s just what happens when we turn 60, right?”

I honestly felt good about the article… until I read the comments. Honestly, there was so much negativity. It wasn’t directly at me. There were several other women featured in the article.

Instead the criticism was leveled at the very idea that women over 60 should wear makeup or want to look attractive. Here are a few examples:

“I hate ageism as well and I firmly believe in limitless equality… However, why does equality need to manifest in such a pathetic way? Why do we need blogs and videos about skincare, beauty products and all the rest? Why does society care so much about such crap?” – PoseidonAD

“It’s really sad if you’ve reached your senior years and are still obsessing with make-up and your appearance.” – amarita

“All those years lived and you can’t find anything more interesting to talk about than what coloured fat to smear on your face. It’s sad.” – BrigadierCrispbread

Personally, I think that these comments miss the point. Of course, as older adults, we should learn to accept ourselves, wrinkles and all. But, there is nothing wrong with wanting to look our best. Furthermore, there is nothing wrong with still caring what other people think of our appearance.

We are not our grandmothers. We are vibrant and active. If we enjoy getting made up, there’s nothing wrong with that. If we don’t want to wear makeup, that’s also totally fine.

In any case, I’d love to hear your thoughts on this. Let’s start a conversation below.

Quote for the Day

“The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole. True beauty in a Woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she knows.” – Audrey Hepburn

Community Question for the Day

Do you still wear makeup? Why or why not? Do you think that women our age should still care about what other people think of our appearance? Why? Let’s have a chat!