Inspiring

September 1, 2023

Ancient Greece’s Extinct Miracle Plant Once Used as Medicine and as a Contraceptive May Have Been Rediscovered in Turkey

The ancient Greeks used many natural remedies. Among them was a golden plant that grew on long thick stalks called silphium, or silphion. The plant treated coughs and fevers, functioned as a perfume, and was even used as an aphrodisiac as well as a contraceptive. Its importance was so great that it is found embossed on the reverses of ancient Cyrenaic coins from Cyrene, an ancient Greek city in modern-day Libya.

Read Article

August 29, 2023

American and Australian Pole Vaulters Agree to Share Gold Medal After Exhaustive Playoff

For many athletes, a gold medal represents the ultimate professional goal. After all, who wouldn't want to be named the best at their sport? Well, for two pole vaulters, sharing the glory means more than being named the sole winner. Katie Moon, from the U.S., and Nina Kennedy, from Australia, agreed to split the gold medal at the World Athletics Championship—a competition only second to the Olympics.

Read Article

August 27, 2023

Gold Medalist Para-Athlete Shares the Spotlight With His Opponent by Raising His Hand After the Match

Displays of sportsmanship have a way of touching people's hearts. A recent example shows that the spotlight doesn't have to shine on just the victor. After being named winner at the 2023 Asian Para-Karate Championships, Iranian athlete Farzad Safavi Vardin knew he wanted to share the glory. Following the standard bow, he sprinted across the stage toward his opponent, Faris Khouj, and raised his hand—as if saying that he was also a winner.

Read Article

My Modern Met

Celebrating creativity and promoting a positive culture by spotlighting the best sides of humanity—from the lighthearted and fun to the thought-provoking and enlightening.