Inspiring
June 15, 2022

Teacher Keeps Empty Chair in Classroom for Over 50 Years for an Incredibly Touching Reason

Teachers do more than simply give lessons on people, places, and dates to memorize. And though they teach us the fundamentals of how to read, write, and solve equations, some also go beyond the basics. Teachers are some of the most impactful people in their students' lives. Dan Gill, a social studies teacher at Glenfield Middle School in Montclair, New Jersey, takes the opportunity to positively impact young minds very seriously.

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Sculpture
June 14, 2022

Sculptures at The Morton Arboretum Honor the Connection Between Humans and Nature

South African artist Daniel Popper is expanding his collection of sculptures at The Morton Arboretum. His Human+Nature exhibition has been on display at the 1,700-acre arboretum since 2021 and will remain on view until 2023. Already his largest-ever exhibition when it opened, Popper has added three more sculptures, which brings the total works up to eight. The three new sculptures are a continuation of Popper's goal to inspire awe as they connect people and trees.

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Environment
June 14, 2022

Biologist Uses UV Light to Expose the Hidden World of the Amazon Rainforest [Interview]

Brazilian biologist, photographer, and National Geographic Explorer Leo Lanna is passionate about nature. And this passion has led him on a path to study the praying mantis. Since 2015, along with designer Lvcas Fiat, Lanna has been exploring the micro-world of insects thanks to his non-profit Projeto Mantis. By marrying science, art, and technology, they hope to bring a new perspective to the state of the Amazon rainforest.

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Good News
June 13, 2022

Ukrainian Mom Tells Son With Down Syndrome They’re Fleeing To Meet John Cena, and It Really Happens

Misha is a Ukrainian teenager who has Down’s Syndrome and is also nonverbal. When his family was forced to flee the Russian invasion, the boy didn't understand why they had to leave their Mariupol home. To make him feel better, his mom told him they had to travel across Europe in order to meet John Cena. The pro-wrestler-turned-actor is a personal hero of Misha, and it comforted him as they crossed borders.

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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.