Birds
June 4, 2022

Meet the Laughing Kookaburra, the Bird With a Distinctive Call That’s in Hollywood Films

If you've ever watched a movie with a jungle scene, you are probably familiar with the distinct sound that many people believe is a monkey. This “OOOOOO-OOO-OOO-HA-HA-HA-AHAHAHA” is very distinct, yet we never see exactly what animal is making the noise. But if you are from Australia, you certainly know this cackle. It's not a monkey at all, but rather a bird—the laughing kookaburra.

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Modern Art
June 3, 2022

Unraveling the Emotional Depth of Edward Hopper’s Modern Masterpiece ‘Nighthawks’

Celebrated as a key figure of 20th-century American art, lifelong New Yorker Edward Hopper held that “great art is the outward expression of an inner life in the artist, and this inner life will result in his personal vision of the world.” While this intimate artistic approach is apparent in many of Hopper's masterpieces, it is particularly apparent in Nighthawks, an iconic oil painting that has helped define the Modernist movement.

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Good News
June 3, 2022

Life-Changing Gift From Kind Customer Moves Starbucks Barista to Tears

Small acts of kindness can sometimes make a greater difference than we’ll ever know. But occasionally, we actually get to see the positive effect we have on the lives of those around us. One TikTok user experienced this first hand when they performed a random act of kindness for a Starbucks barista and brightened the employee’s entire outlook on life in a matter of minutes.

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Science
June 3, 2022

Researchers at the University of Cambridge Use Algae to Power a Computer

Our 21st-century world is full of electronic devices communicating with each other. This elaborate network—from the smallest motion sensor chips to your smartwatch—is known as the Internet of Things. By 2035, it is estimated that this network will contain one trillion devices, all of which require power to run. Where will this energy come from? Researchers at the University of Cambridge have a potential, organic solution.

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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.