Now Hear This: People, Trends and Ideas

Photo by National Geographic Channel/Shea Roggio

Pet Project

Among the coolest warriors in New York’s war on animal abuse is Nicholas Richard Maccharoli Sr., aka Batso, a tattooed 75-year-old auto customizer. He’s one of a beefy group of do-gooders whose feats on behalf of exploited dogs, cats and other animals are being chronicled on National Geographic Channel’s new series Rescue Ink Unleashed. “I came out of nothing,” says Batso, referring to a troubled childhood. “I wanted to be something before they put the dirt on me.” Chris Albert, a spokesman for the cable channel, says, “Without [the squad], some of these abused animals wouldn’t have a chance. And the guys feel they’re giving back to society in a positive way.”

Looking Westward

Apparently the West may have the right stuff: Adults age 65 and older living in the West say they feel younger and healthier than do their counterparts living in other parts of the United States, according to a Pew Research Center survey. That doesn’t surprise University of Utah associate professor Scott D. Wright, who researches aging and environmental issues. “The western United States is a magnet, drawing aging baby boomers that already have an active lifestyle,” he says. The survey also notes that 77 percent of older adults in the West say they exercise daily, compared with 69 percent in other regions.

Mike Tucker is a writer in Virginia.