How are zoo, aquarium animals coping with all this? Not badly, say keepers.
Zoo and aquarium animals have long helped humans make better sense of the world. Today, humans have an opportunity to return the favor.
Embattled TikTok: Behind the dance duels, a platform for youth activism
“TikTok was not the place for activism, but we got creative and turned it into that,” says TikTok user Alyssa Bigbee. “That just shows that that can happen in any space they enter, even if this app was gone.”
Young activists say their message will find an outlet, with or without a ban.
Ballet in the kitchen? What arts majors learned during lockdown.
If there is anything that Camille Sokk learned this spring, it’s that she can practice pliés and rond de jambes in the kitchen.
The dance major at San Jose State University simply cleared off a spot on the counter to use as her ballet barre when classes transitioned online. There were other adjustments, too: Checking her technique without looking in a dance studio mirror, and turning in a choreographed video using TikTok – the app popular among teens – as a final exam.
'Put this on the news': Powerful moments from Floyd protests
Anti-racism protests that started in Minneapolis quickly spread throughout the country, and the world, demanding justice for the killing of George Floyd, and for greater police accountability. Images of violence and looting dominated the news of the protests, even though most have been peaceful.
The hyperfocus on the violent actions during protests fuels negative feelings toward protesters and African Americans, says Danielle Kilgo, a University of Minnesota professor who researches social move
George W. Bush video calls for compassion and solidarity
As the United States, and the world, face an invisible enemy, former President George W. Bush urges Americans to remember something essential – we are not partisan combatants.
Former President George W. Bush reminded citizens that they are "equally vulnerable, and equally wonderful," calling for compassion and unity in the ongoing fight against the coronavirus.
Boston’s car-free streets offer glimpse of low-carbon future
“Transit is key to carbon neutrality and moving people out of cars onto bicycles and other carbon-free modes is very important,” says Vineet Gupta, the director of planning and engineering at the Boston Transportation Department. “That comes first.”
This pandemic-driven automotive vanishing act has not just reduced pollution in the city, it has also offered a potential vision of the future. Like many other cities around the globe, Boston has committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. To
Pandemic prom: John Krasinski meets a high school need
Sparkling dresses, perfect bow ties, polished shoes, and shiny jewelry – the class of 2020 was ready for prom. But as the pandemic swept across the globe, cancelling everything from sporting events to wedding parties, many teens were also deprived of this major high school milestone.
That is, until actor John Krasinski decided to host his own online prom party.
In the fourth episode of his positive video series, “Some Good News,” Mr. Krasinski put on his black tie, blew up gold balloons, and h
What if curators were teens? Museums try it.
“This institution is 150 years old. And so what does that mean for young people? Where do young people belong in such an old institution?” says Layla Bermeo, an associate curator at the MFA. “This project really tried to argue that young people belong in the center.”
“Black Histories, Black Futures” is the museum’s first exhibition curated entirely by high school students. It is the culmination of a partnership with local youth empowerment organizations, and reflects a growing trend, one that h
No sports on TV? Sportscasters share play by play of confinement.
The race is tight. The two contestants are head to head, not even feet away from each other, almost making contact. "Here they come they have completed lap number 5," the sportscaster announces. "You've got Lexi in the lead, Louie trying to track her down...."
It almost sounds like NASCAR has returned. But alas, most sports events are still on hold.
Since March, college and professional sports have canceled, temporarily suspended, or delayed their seasons – the National Basketball Association,
#ClapBecauseWeCare: World cheers for frontline workers
It began with one clap, then two, then three – then dozens resonated in unison above the streets of Boston on April 3, 2020 as part of the #ClapBecauseWeCare initiative encouraging people around the globe to pause and show appreciation and encouragement for essential workers helping to fight the coronavirus outbreak.
While some people simply clap as others sing, cheer, or bang pots, the intention is clear: a "thank you" to those tirelessly working to care for the ill, keep grocery stores open,
Reminder from an Italian videographer: Beauty is all around us
Since March 9, 2020, the paved streets of Italy have been deserted as the 60 million residents remain on total lockdown. The imposing Colosseum, the spectacular Pantheon, and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa are now surrounded by silence.
With 35% of the global population willingly staying indoors to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the world is getting quieter. From college abroad programs to adult learning trips, to family vacations to solo journeys, plans for exploring the world h
