Need Earth Day Optimism? Here are Some Awesome Environmental Do-Gooders

The theme of this year's Earth Day is "Our Power, Our Planet," emphasizing action through education, advocacy and community support. Despite challenges with climate change, grassroots movements are stepping up. Online communities are creating sustainable solutions and fostering connections worldwide. One group is Stick Nation, founded by Boone Hogg and Logan Jugler. This community celebrates nature by sharing videos of unique sticks found globally. For Earth Month, they aim to raise funds for nonprofits like One Tree Planted and World Wildlife Fund. "We're just trying to see how big of an impact Stick Nation can make," Hogg said. In Washington state, Liesl Clark and Rebecca Rockefeller launched the Buy Nothing Project after noticing plastic waste on Bainbridge Island's shores. Their initiative encourages people to share items instead of buying new ones, promoting a circular economy with millions participating globally. "If you had a good experience from giving something away or acquiring something... you'll post again," Clark said. DePhane Marcelle Weaver's Garden Exchange Stands Org empowers communities through gardening knowledge. Volunteers manage neighborhood stands where people exchange plants and seeds while learning about sustainable practices. "It's nice to just be able to bike down to your neighborhood stand...and then share what you have," Weaver said. These initiatives highlight how collective efforts can drive meaningful change in addressing environmental issues today.

Read More

Meet Britain's Brainiest Twins: The 10 and 11-Year-Olds Smarter Than Einstein

Meet Britain's brightest siblings, Krish and Keira Arora, who boast a combined IQ of 314 and joined Mensa at just 10 and 11 years old. The twins from London became members of the exclusive high-IQ society within six months of each other. Krish was inspired by his favorite TV character, Young Sheldon, to take the IQ test last November at age 10. He scored an impressive 162, surpassing even Albert Einstein's estimated IQ of 160. Following her brother's success, Keira took the test in May at age 11 and achieved a score of 152. "I was ecstatic when I got my result," Krish said. "Really, really happy." Keira added: "I wanted to try the test once Krish got his results. I felt a bit of pressure but I was pleased when I did it." Krish is a math prodigy who taught himself the Year 9 syllabus in just three weeks while still in Year 6. He also enjoys robotics and coding and has reached Grade 8 piano proficiency after only two years. Meanwhile, Keira excels in English and music; she is the lead singer in her school band and recently wrote a poem from an AI perspective. The twins are set to start secondary school this September—Krish at Queen Elizabeth's School and Keira at Tiffin Girl's School. Despite their academic prowess, both value time with friends over advancing too quickly through their studies. Their parents, Mauli and Nischal Arora, noticed early signs of their children's intelligence but remain amazed by their achievements. This summer, Krish and Keira will attend their first Mensa event before enjoying some downtime with chess games and movie nights featuring "The Parent Trap.

Read More

The Surprising Science Behind Why Singing to Babies Makes Them Happier

Parents are encouraged to sing more to their babies, as new research highlights the positive impact on infants' moods and parental well-being. A study published in Child Development by an international team of scientists explored how a music enrichment program could enhance health outcomes for both babies and their caregivers. The study involved 110 parents and their nearly four-month-old infants from the United States and New Zealand. Participants were randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group. Those in the intervention group engaged in a smartphone-based program designed to increase singing frequency. Dr. Samuel Mehr of Auckland University led the research, noting that during the four-week intervention, parents sang more frequently, particularly in soothing contexts. "Our main finding was that the intervention successfully increased the frequency of infant-directed singing," said Dr. Mehr. "This led to measurable improvements in infants’ general mood as reported by caregivers." Interestingly, caregivers naturally incorporated singing into soothing routines without explicit instructions from researchers. Among various soothing strategies, singing showed a significant increase following the intervention. Dr. Mehr emphasized that singing is a universal practice requiring no special equipment or training, making it accessible for all parents. He noted that improved infant mood can reduce parenting stress and enhance caregiver-infant bonding. Despite lasting only four weeks, the study observed clear benefits for infant mood, suggesting even greater potential with longer interventions. The research team plans further studies comparing singing with other activities like listening to music and reading.

Read More

Meet The 6-Year-Old Twins Brightening Days With Their 'Sunshine In A Cup'

Pittsburgh's own Steel City Twinz, 6-year-old brothers Major and Mehki Muhammad, are making waves with their unique lemonade stand. Every weekend, these young entrepreneurs set up shop in various neighborhoods with a mission to foster community spirit through kindness. Their stand offers "sunshine in a cup," featuring homemade lemonade in flavors like mango, lavender, and kiwi. But the twins aim for more than just refreshing drinks. "The best part is seeing people smile, and when they try our lemonade, we love seeing their faces light up and knowing that we are making them feel better," Major said. The boys fund their ingredients independently with minimal guidance from their mother, Sahira Muhammad. She homeschools them and emphasizes lessons in confidence, discipline, and entrepreneurship—values the twins have embraced wholeheartedly. Their donation-based model allows customers to pay what they can or wish to contribute. This inclusive approach ensures everyone can enjoy the experience. "We want to make sure everyone feels special and loved," Mehki said. With over 4,000 Instagram followers, the Steel City Twinz are becoming local icons—spreading joy one cup at a time.

Read More

MLB's Historic Move: Investing in Women's Pro Softball for the First Time

Major League Baseball is stepping up to the plate with a groundbreaking investment in women's professional sports. On Thursday, Commissioner Robert Manfred announced on "CBS Mornings" that MLB is partnering with the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL), marking its first major venture into women's sports. Manfred explained that the decision was driven by both existing engagement in youth softball and the rising popularity of women's sports. "We've been very engaged in the softball space as part of our youth participation programs," he said. "The growing popularity in women's sports motivated us to look around." When asked why MLB chose softball over women's baseball, Manfred pointed to existing infrastructure advantages. "There's such a great softball infrastructure that exists," he noted. Kim Ng, who previously worked at MLB for a decade, will serve as commissioner of AUSL. She emphasized the significance of this partnership, highlighting how women's college softball often outdraws men's during their respective College World Series events. "Having worked at Major League Baseball for ten years and having led that softball division, we were always trying to connect with the women's side," Ng said. MLB plans to broadcast select games on its network and streaming service while also assisting with marketing and financial support. The league's inaugural season kicks off June 7 with games in Rosemont, Illinois, and Wichita, Kansas. The Wichita game will air exclusively on MLB Network and MLB.TV at 7:30 p.m. ET. The AUSL features four teams—the Bandits, Blaze, Talons and Volts—competing through July 23 before concluding with a championship series from July 26-28 at Rhoads Stadium in Alabama.

Read More

Tiger's "Paw-dicure": How A Wildlife Park Saved Tschuna From Painful Claws

A 242-pound Amur tiger named Tschuna is on the mend after undergoing a successful procedure to remove an ingrown toenail at Yorkshire Wildlife Park in Doncaster. The 15-year-old feline had been limping, prompting park staff to investigate and discover the source of her discomfort. Veterinarians administered a short-lasting general anesthetic to Tschuna, allowing them to safely clip the problematic claw during a quick 15-minute operation. Dr. Charlotte MacDonald, director of animals at the park, reported that Tschuna "came back round relatively quickly and should have a speedy recovery," though she might experience some lingering effects from the anesthetic. To ensure her full recovery, Tschuna will be temporarily kept away from visitors. The procedure not only alleviated her immediate discomfort but also prevented potential infections. Bex Brown, head of carnivores at the park, explained that they typically avoid using anesthesia unless absolutely necessary. "Trying to trim it would have caused her pain," Brown said. "Because we don't sedate them often at all, it was a good opportunity to give her a full MOT while she was asleep." Tschuna has been part of Yorkshire Wildlife Park since 2013 as part of an international breeding program. Known for her regal demeanor, Ms. Brown affectionately described Tschuna as "a princess," noting her unique habit of placing food on one paw rather than directly on the ground. With this minor setback behind her, Tschuna is expected to return soon to delight visitors with her playful antics once more.

Read More

11 Rescued Penguins Waddle Back to Freedom in Heartwarming Argentina Release

Eleven penguins were released back into the sea off the coast of San Clemente del Tuyu, Argentina, after being treated by the Fundacion Mundo Marino, footage released on May 26 shows. In a press release, Mundo Marino said the group comprised 11 Magellanic penguins (four adults and seven nestlings) that had been found exhausted and malnourished in the Buenos Aires Province. The animals were most likely on their first migration north, the foundation said. “During this first journey, juveniles must learn to feed themselves. Being inexperienced, they often have difficulty locating and capturing prey, which makes them vulnerable to malnutrition,” Sergio Rodriguez Heredia, head of the group’s Rescue Center, said. “Unfortunately, this is a pattern we see every year: very young animals that are unable to find enough food and reach the coast exhausted.”

Read More

Step Inside Rock History: 'Rolling Stone' Unveils Immersive Photo Experience

Ever wished your favorite rock photos could come to life with a killer soundtrack? Artechouse and Rolling Stone have teamed up to make that dream a reality. Their new exhibit, "Rolling Stone Presents: Amplified, The Immersive Rock Experience," transforms the magazine's photography archive into an immersive journey through rock history. The showcase features over 1,000 images, 200 videos and 1,300 Rolling Stone covers. Visitors can enjoy classics from artists like Patti Smith and Radiohead while exploring the lives of around 300 musicians. "This is just another way to reach out to fans—whatever they’re fans of," said Joe Levy, music director of "Amplified" and former music editor of Rolling Stone. The 50-minute experience is divided into chapters such as “Backstage” and “The Band,” offering glimpses into how stars like David Bowie prepare for the stage. Other sections explore fan adulation and songwriting processes. Narration by actor Kevin Bacon adds a familiar voice to the mix. Led by Jodi Peckman, executive producer and former creative director at Rolling Stone, the project took two years of photo research and editing. The challenge was narrowing down over 60,000 archival images from renowned photographers like Lynn Goldsmith and Bob Gruen. “Music imagery is about experiences,” Peckman stated. Levy added that seeing these photos on a large scale communicates their power in a unique way. Levy noted that immersive showcases are not new to rock 'n' roll culture, citing psychedelic light shows from the '60s as inspiration. He emphasized that popular music has always evolved alongside technology. "The magazine recognized that rock ‘n’ roll was more than just music—it was also culture," Levy said. "I like to think that the show delivers all of that."

Read More

John Fogerty Just Rocked NYC at 80: A Legendary Night with the Rock and Roll Icon

John Fogerty celebrated his 80th birthday with a vibrant nod to his past and a fresh take on his legacy. The legendary musician, currently on an international tour, delivered an electrifying 100-minute performance at Manhattan's Beacon Theatre on Thursday night. The audience was a lively mix of longtime fans who remember Creedence Clearwater Revival's hits like "Proud Mary" and "Fortunate Son," alongside younger attendees likely introduced to the music by their grandparents. Fogerty appeared much like he did during his Creedence days, sporting his signature flannel shirt and shaggy haircut. His voice, though slightly mellowed with age, still carried the powerful roar that defined the band's sound. He played the same Rickenbacker guitar he acquired in the late '60s. The concert highlighted Fogerty's pride as both a rock ‘n’ roller and a family man. His band featured sons Shane and Tyler on guitar, with daughter Kelsy joining briefly. Offstage, wife Julie watched proudly; she played a crucial role in helping Fogerty regain rights to his song catalog after decades of legal battles. Fogerty is marking this victory with an upcoming album titled “Legacy,” featuring new versions of 20 songs from his Creedence years. A promotional film for “Legacy” opened the show, setting the stage for Fogerty’s encore set. Reflecting on Creedence Clearwater Revival’s rise and fall in the early '70s, Fogerty noted how they never recorded or toured together again after their split. The new album features tracks labeled “John's Version,” spotlighting him as the sole original member. As confetti rained down and lasers lit up the theater, fans sang along to classics like “Have You Ever Seen the Rain” and cheered for Fogerty, a rock icon celebrating both past triumphs and present joys.

Read More

The Secret Memory Powers of Cats: How Your Feline Friend Never Forgets You

Could your feline friend pick you out of a lineup? New research suggests they might, but not in the way you’d expect. A study published in PLOS One reveals that cats can recognize their owners by scent. This discovery adds depth to our understanding of cat-human relationships, challenging the stereotype of cats as aloof creatures. Previous studies have shown that only 54 percent of cats can identify humans by face alone. The research, conducted by Yutaro Miyairi and colleagues at Tokyo University of Agriculture, involved 30 cats differentiating between their guardian and an unfamiliar person based solely on scent. Cats were presented with swabs from under the armpit, behind the ear, and between the toes of either their owner or a stranger. An empty tube served as a control. Results indicated that cats spent more time sniffing unfamiliar scents than those of their guardians or the empty tube. A shorter sniffing time for familiar scents suggests recognition and comfort with their owner's smell. Interestingly, cats showed a tendency to use different nostrils when sniffing familiar versus unfamiliar scents—a behavior also observed in dogs. This may indicate that new information is processed using the right brain hemisphere while routine responses are managed by the left. Cats rely heavily on scent for communication and environmental awareness. Familiar smells provide comfort and security, helping maintain social bonds within feline groups. So next time you return from vacation to find your cat acting distant, it might be because you smell like a stranger. A quick shower with familiar products could help restore your bond. If your cat spends more time sniffing someone else, it's likely because they find comfort in your familiar scent rather than intrigue in something new.

Read More

Meet Curtis Lawrence III: The 20-Year-Old Prodigy Defying Ivy League Expectations

Curtis Lawrence III, a trailblazing student from Washington, D.C., is set to graduate from Florida A&M University (FAMU) at just 20 years old. Lawrence made headlines in 2021 when he became the youngest student at FAMU, enrolling at age 16 with a major in biology and a minor in liberal arts. Despite receiving over $1.6 million in scholarships and offers from prestigious institutions like Harvard and Yale, Lawrence chose FAMU for its welcoming atmosphere. "What really made me want to come to FAMU was that, during my visit, I really felt comfortable and at home," he told FAMU News. The transition wasn't without challenges. Initially shy and uncertain, Lawrence found his footing within the university's supportive community. He participated in campus traditions, joined Greek life events, and engaged in professional networking opportunities. As he prepares to continue his education at Villanova University with aspirations of becoming a professor, Lawrence reflects on his transformative experience at FAMU. "FAMU really brought out the best in me," he said. "I’m leaving here as a much different person." Lawrence credits the historically Black university for pushing him beyond his comfort zone and providing unique experiences that shaped his personal growth. His journey underscores the impact of finding a nurturing educational environment that aligns with one's values and goals.

Read More