Music
May 21, 2020

Google Doodle Honors 61st Birthday of Hawaiian Singer-Songwriter Israel Kamakawiwo`ole

Google is known for honoring anniversaries, people, and events with their illustrated Google Doodles. One of the search engine’s most recent Doodles celebrates the 61st birthday of late native Hawaiian singer-songwriter and activist Israel Ka`ano`i Kamakawiwo`ole with a heartwarming animation. Widely referred to as the “Voice of Hawaii,” he is perhaps best known for his beloved rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow“—the soundtrack of the Doodle.

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Birds
May 20, 2020

New Guinea Has Rare and Beautifully Haunting Creatures Called ‘Dracula Parrots’

There are some beautiful birds in the world but perhaps none with a name quite as frightening as one species found in New Guinea—the Dracula parrot. This is the nickname for the Pesquet's parrot (Psittrichas fulgidus), which is endemic to the island's hill and montane rainforest. With rich black feathers and a scarlet red underbelly, it has all the coloration of Count Dracula's cape, but looks can be deceiving.

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Tattoos
May 20, 2020

“Hole in the Head” Tattoo Transforms Man’s Head Into a Mind-Bending Optical Illusion

Tattooist Matt Pehrson has transformed his client’s head into a mind-bending optical illusion. Using a combination of perspective and shading, the bald noggin looks as though there's a hole in it, or a vortex that is pulling everything towards its deep center. The effect is as amazing as it is impressive—especially because from certain angles, the illusion seems to engulf the entire head in its dizzying design.

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Animals
May 19, 2020

Photographer Shows Deer Having a Day at the Park in Japan With No People Around

One of the oldest public gardens in Japan, Nara Park is home to over 1,200 wild sika deer who roam freely around the 502 hectares (1,240 acres) grounds. The gentle creatures usually share the park with crowds of tourists, but since the COVID-19 lockdown, the deer have been enjoying the quiet time. Locals are still allowed to visit (as long as they uphold social distancing)

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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.