History
August 31, 2023

Pompeii’s Ancient Roads Had Raised Crosswalks for People to Safely Avoid the Muddy Streets

Prior to the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE, and consequently being buried under volcanic ash, the ancient Roman city of Pompeii was a thriving place. The vibrant settlement played a critical role in trade; thus, its 15,000 inhabitants lived in impressively modern conditions for the era. When tourists visit the site today, they are able to see the preserved ruins of a well-planned city that accounted for its citizens' needs.

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Music
August 31, 2023

13-Year-Old Joins a Busker in the Streets of Ireland for a Beautiful Cover of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah”

The song “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen, first recorded in 1984, has become an anthem that transcends generations and backgrounds. After all, Cohen himself said that “many different hallelujahs exist,” as the tune speaks of finding faith in life itself. No aspect of this song explains this as well as the myriad of covers that have been recorded—some mournful, some full of hope. The version above, sung by 13-year-old Fionn Wheelan, is certainly an inspired take.

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Funny
August 30, 2023

Ornithologist Wears a Giant Bird Head To Earn the Trust of Wild Birds, but Fails Miserably

Being a scientist doesn't always mean sitting at the computer or working in a lab. If anything, this career also allows you to do some fun stuff in the name of science, right? For example, an unnamed ornithologist—an expert on the behavior of birds—found a unique way to study his subjects. He wore a giant bird mask during his visits to a bird habitat for a year… and he did it for science.

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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.