Travel
November 20, 2020

Japanese Village Hosts “Water Hose Festival” To Test Its Impressive Fire Extinguishing System

Twice a year, the picturesque and quiet village of Kayabuki no Sato puts on a popular water display. Though the event does attract tourists, its true purpose is to test the 62 fire extinguishers scattered across the historic site. Just before the houses (and the passersby) are doused with water, small huts designed in the traditional style of the village open up their roofs to reveal hidden mechanical sprinklers.

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Sculpture
November 19, 2020

Artist Reconstructs Stone Sculptures With Stunning Strips of Glass Slicing Through Them

Artist Ramon Todo breathes new life into stone sculptures and simultaneously celebrates the use of contrasting materials. His Stone Series features the use of unique rocks—including obsidian, volcanic rock, fossils, debris, and rocks from historical sites—all carefully selected to tell different stories about time and place. These stones are split and reattached with bluish glass layers—ranging in thickness and size—that diffuse light and allow us to see through each piece.

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Music
November 18, 2020

12 Facts You Might Not Know About the Legendary Band Fleetwood Mac

On June 18, 1977, Fleetwood Mac's song “Dreams” peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 charts in the United States. Forty-three years later, record players have been replaced by Spotify. However, modern apps and music streaming bring new possibilities for classic rock. After a TikTok video featuring a man named Nathan Apodaca skateboarding to “Dreams” went viral this year, the song entered the charts once more.

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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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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.