Good News
November 17, 2020

Arkansas School Installs Solar Panels to Save Millions On Energy and Pay Teachers More

Public school districts across the nation are facing massive budget deficits. As districts tighten their fiscal belts, art classes are cut, teacher salaries stagnate, and it grows harder to attract (and keep) talented staff. The way out of large deficits may seem daunting, but the economic success of one Arkansas school district offers a guiding example for many others.

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Nature
November 16, 2020

Mesmerizing Time-Lapse Videos Show How Much Plants Move During a Day

It might not seem like it, but plants are continuously moving throughout the day. Although many are anchored to the soil, their leaves change position as their environment changes, too.  This phenomenon is best demonstrated through time-lapse videos of the tiny movements that a plant makes over the course of a day. When sped up, it’s incredible to see just how much is happening when we aren’t looking.

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History
November 15, 2020

Celtic Knots: Discover the Meaning Behind These Intricate Designs

You've likely seen the Celtic knot before. This intricate motif is found in many places, including tattoos, decorative crosses, and silver jewelry. But how much do you know about it? Celtic knots are strongly associated with the Irish culture in Ireland and overseas. However, few know the history and meanings behind these beautiful designs. Their story is a long one and shockingly global; many societies have developed motifs of endless or infinite knots.

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History
November 13, 2020

Marine Chronometers: The Clocks That Changed the Course of Globalization

Traveling across time zones can be disorienting—watches, clocks, and even your sleep schedule need adjusting to a new longitude. This problem faced by modern travelers had more serious implications in the 18th century—a time of fierce imperial competition on the high seas. As ships traveled east and west through different longitudes, their clocks were not able to maintain accurate time.

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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.