Architecture
April 19, 2025

BIG Drapes an Undulating “Veil” Over Kosovo’s Ballet and Opera Theater

The Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) is helping reshape Kosovo's capital. The new Opera & Ballet Theatre of Kosovo, set to house the country's philharmonic, ballet, and opera, comprises four performance halls topped by an undulating exterior skin of solar tiles. Influenced by the shape of a traditional folk skirt—the xhubleta—worn by Kosovar women, this outer shell envelops the space and gives it movement.

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Photo Contest
April 18, 2025

Reflective Puddle Wins Close-up Photographer of the Year’s ‘Something Beautiful’ Contest

An abstract reflection of trees in a puddle took home the win in the Close-Up Photographer of the Year (CUPOTY) “Something Beautiful” contest. This themed contest changes focus each year, with photographers given the directive to find beauty in the mundane for this year's edition. Photographer Linda Repasky took the theme to heart with her fascinating photo, which she took using an iPhone 16 Pro Max.

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Birds
April 18, 2025

Study Finds Crows Understand Basic Geometry, a Skill Thought to Be Unique to Humans Up Until Now

Alongside creatures like chimpanzees, dolphins, and dogs, crows are widely considered to be one of the world’s smartest animals. In fact, past research has proven that these birds can distinguish between human faces and voices, vocally count up to four, create and use tools, and even grasp the concept of water displacement better than an average 5- to 7-year-old child.

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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.