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Score (98)
First Glimpse: New Observatory Set to Unveil Stunning Images of Millions of Galaxies
Astronomy enthusiasts, get ready. The Vera C. Rubin Observatory is about to release a treasure trove of images that promise to transform our understanding of the universe. A sneak peek has already shown the vast potential of this powerful facility, capturing millions of galaxies and countless asteroids in just ten hours of observation. The observatory's telescope has kicked off its 10-year mission known as the Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST). This ambitious project will map the southern sky in near-ultraviolet, optical, and near-infrared wavelengths. By photographing the entire sky every few days, it aims to create an extensive time-lapse of cosmic events. With its 3,200-megapixel camera—the largest ever built—each region of the sky will be photographed around 800 times. This level of detail allows scientists to gather unprecedented data on celestial phenomena. In one early image, we see the Trifid and Lagoon nebulas located within our Milky Way galaxy. Situated a few thousand light-years from Earth, these nebulas are bustling with newborn stars. Not only do these formations offer stunning views, but they also hold key insights into star formation processes. The observatory captured this particular image by combining 678 individual observations over seven hours. While these initial glimpses are impressive, more excitement awaits this morning as the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) and Department of Energy (DOE) will host a full reveal event where all remaining images will be released at 15:00 UTC (11:00 EDT). Eager viewers can catch live watch parties globally or tune into a livestream on YouTube. We'll have more coverage throughout the day on the Goodable app. Stay tuned!
Score (97)
Domino Daredevils Break World Record with Tower as Tall as a Three-Story Building
A team of domino enthusiasts has set a new world record for the tallest domino tower, standing at an impressive 10.12 meters. This achievement outdoes the previous record of 10.03 meters. The successful attempt took place at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C., with Lily Hevesh and her team leading the charge. Hevesh, known for her elaborate domino projects on YouTube, assembled a group of fellow experts, including Stephan Burton, Alex Huang, Brady Dolan, Michael Fantauzzo, Paul Nelson, Wim van Otterdijk, William Ford, Pim Vriens, Ivan Kramskoy and Marco Vorbusch. Together, they tackled this monumental task using a strategy called the "octo tower technique." Explaining their approach to a Guinness film crew present during the event, Hevesh noted that instead of using a traditional square-sided technique, they opted for constructing pillars with octagonal shapes. "It’s gonna be pillars of these octogans," she said. "Hopefully that makes it a little bit more stable so we can build it taller without it tipping over." The team faced some challenges along the way. During construction, three dominoes fell out of place, forcing them to make a tough call: continue building with the risk that the tower might collapse or attempt repairs and potentially cause further damage. After much consideration and discussion among themselves, they decided to press on with their project. Building such an ambitious structure required two scissor lifts to reach higher levels—a detail not every team member found comfortable. Michael Fantauzzo humorously admitted his discomfort with heights but soldiered on for the sake of breaking the record. Once completed and measured by official Guinness World Records representatives to confirm its towering height of 10.12 meters, there was only one thing left to do: bring it down in spectacular fashion. The team chose an unconventional method by launching a stuffed animal at the top of their creation to bring the tower down.
Score (97)
The Personality Trait Steve Carell Says Fueled His Success—and Why Experts Agree
Steve Carell, the beloved actor known for his kind demeanor both on and off-screen, recently shared a piece of advice that he believes is needed now more than ever. Speaking at Northwestern University's commencement ceremony on June 15, Carell emphasized the importance of kindness and respect as essential soft skills for young people to develop. Carell, who has built a reputation as one of Hollywood's genuinely nice figures, told graduates that kindness could significantly impact their personal and professional lives. "It’s difficult for me to process just how much you’ve all experienced in your young lives," said the 62-year-old actor. "Remember the little things, like being kind and that you’re not alone." He highlighted how simple acts of kindness can open doors to new opportunities, deepen connections with colleagues, and help navigate the uncertainties of life transitions. He encouraged graduates to support each other: "Take care of one another," adding that finding moments to laugh or cry is equally important. In Hollywood, Carell's niceness is legendary. Mindy Kaling noted in her book "Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?" that even under challenging conditions, Carell maintained his friendly disposition. This reputation has paid off professionally; his positive relationships with co-stars like Will Ferrell and Judd Apatow led to additional roles and responsibilities behind the scenes. Outside showbiz, many employers recognize the value of kindness among their staff. Suzy Welch, an author and management professor at New York University, prefers employees who deliver feedback with empathy and kindness. Such traits are linked to better job performance and environment. Experts also argue that kindness benefits those who practice it. Jan-Emmanuel De Neve from Oxford University points out that generosity toward others correlates strongly with personal life satisfaction and well-being. Kindness creates a beneficial cycle; helping others boosts happiness for both parties involved. Carell warns against envy as it undermines kindness by fostering competition and insecurity while reducing empathy for others. "Envy comes from ignorance and lack of belief in your own gifts," he explained during his speech. He urged graduates to transform jealousy into admiration to fuel ambition positively. Through these insights, Steve Carell reminds us all about the power of small acts of goodwill in shaping a fulfilling life. His message resonates beyond academia or Hollywood—it applies universally across various aspects of life where human connections matter most.
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Score (98)
From Recovery to Record: How He Ran 465 Half-Marathons in a Year and Shattered World Records
Edward Molineaux, a 34-year-old personal trainer from the UK, has taken his passion for running to extraordinary heights. After recovering from a hernia that sidelined him from more explosive sports like boxing, Molineaux turned to jogging as a means of rehabilitation. This decision spiraled into an impressive feat; he smashed the world record by completing 465 half-marathons in just one year. From April 6, 2023, to April 7, 2024, Molineaux logged an outstanding 9,656 kilometers. His record-breaking achievement surpassed his own previous record of 282 half-marathons set between 2022 and 2023. SWNS reported that this remarkable accomplishment earned him a prestigious world title. Molineaux acknowledged the impact the hernia had on his athletic pursuits and how it redirected his focus to running. "I used to love sports like boxing, but when I suffered a hernia it took me about two years after my operation to get my body back," he shared. "All I could do was run." What initially started as a recovery exercise gradually evolved into a steadfast commitment. Known for inspiring others with his dedication, Molineaux enjoys motivating those around him. "I love giving inspiration to other people, and that warrior feeling," he expressed. The endurance athlete also clinched victory in a demanding virtual race across Africa spanning approximately 3,218 kilometers. Molineaux meticulously organizes his week around completing 13 half-marathon runs. He explained his routine: three runs each on Monday and Wednesday, two on Tuesday and Thursday, and one half-marathon for each of the remaining three days. Despite facing challenges such as blisters and fatigue along the way, he remains undeterred. "Some days I did not feel like doing it," he admitted, "but you need to do it." His nutrition strategy is equally disciplined. Molineaux prefers running on an empty stomach or after eating just a banana to avoid feeling full while logging miles. In the evenings, he refuels with meat and fish to prepare for another day of rigorous training. The drive behind Molineaux's success lies in self-discipline and mental resilience. He described how his belief powers him through difficult runs: "What I would do is do one half-marathon in about two hours, have five minutes rest and then get onto the next one." This approach helped him maintain momentum throughout his grueling schedule. On June 1st, Molineaux officially received recognition for his achievement with a Record Breakers world record certificate from SWNS. Reflecting on what he's accomplished despite past setbacks gives hope: "I like showing people that you can do it through everything."
Score (90)
Meet the 5-Year-Old Piano Prodigy Who Plays Masterpieces Blindfolded
In the bustling life of a five-year-old, some might expect a preoccupation with toys and cartoons. But for Alec Van Khajadourian, an Armenian-American child prodigy, life revolves around the piano. Before reaching his sixth birthday, Alec is set to perform at Carnegie Hall, a feat that underscores his extraordinary musical talents. Alec's journey into music began early. At two years old, he displayed an uncanny knack for the piano. By three-and-a-half, his teacher identified his perfect pitch, a rare ability to identify musical notes without reference tones. This skill is estimated to occur in only one out of every 10,000 people and has undoubtedly propelled Alec's rapid development as a pianist. His father recalls Alec's early fascination with the piano: "When he started walking, he’d go right to the piano, tapping keys and smiling from ear to ear." This natural affinity for music has led him to remarkable achievements. At four, Alec performed alongside much older children in recitals. By five, he had already secured multiple awards in international music competitions. The young pianist's performances have caught global attention through social media videos managed by his parents. One video captures Alec executing a challenging piece blindfolded—a testament to his proficiency and confidence at such a young age. Alec’s favorite piece to play is "Flamenco" by W. Gillock. The composition requires advanced techniques that even seasoned players find demanding. Yet, Alec tackles it with ease and enthusiasm. His viral success brought him into the spotlight of local news channels across the United States. Audiences are captivated not just by his technical skills but also by the visible joy he exudes while playing. Online comments praise his talent and predict a bright future ahead. Many wonder if parental pressure plays a role in Alec's dedication to music. However, his parents emphasize that their son is self-driven: “As long as it brings him joy, we’ll continue to support him," says Alec’s father. Outside of music, Alec enjoys typical childhood activities like playing video games and attending preschool. Yet when seated at the piano, he exhibits an intense focus unusual for someone so young. Alec's next major milestones include performances at both Carnegie Hall in New York City and Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. These invitations came after his dream of playing at these prestigious venues gained momentum on social media. Remarkably, Alec isn't just performing; he's also starting to compose original pieces—a talent reminiscent of Mozart who composed music at age five.
Score (96)
Lost Egyptian City Resurfaces: How Researchers Made the Astonishing Discovery
Archaeologists from the University of Manchester, along with colleagues from the University of Sadat City in Cairo, have stumbled upon an ancient Egyptian city that is sparking fresh discussions about life in Late Period Egypt. The city, known as Imet, was found in the eastern Nile Delta using a combination of remote sensing and traditional archaeological methods. Dr. Nicky Nielsen, who led the project, expressed excitement over the find. "Imet is emerging as a key site for rethinking the archaeology of Late Period Egypt," he said. He added that this discovery provides new insights into daily life, spirituality, and urban planning in the region. One of the standout finds was a cooking pot containing what remains of a 4th-century BC fish stew. Tilapia bones were discovered inside, with platters nearby likely used for leavening bread in the sun. Dr. Nielsen described the experience of handling these ancient items: "When you take it out of the ground and you are the first person to touch it in 2,500 years, then it does give you a bit of a jolt." Previous excavations dating back to the 1800s focused on temples and cemeteries near Imet but overlooked its residential areas. This recent effort has unearthed multi-storey homes and granaries alongside a ceremonial road linked to Wadjet, the cobra goddess. The team also found several intriguing artefacts at Tell el-Fara'in or Tell Nabasha. Among them was a shabti figurine made from green faience ceramic dating back to around 2,300 years ago during Egypt's 26th Dynasty. These figurines were common in tombs for high-ranking officials; they were believed to serve as laborers for their owners in the afterlife. Another notable find was an amuletic tomb marker known as a stela depicting Harpocrates standing on crocodiles with Bes above him. This charm was thought to protect against disease. A bronze sistrum adorned with Hathor’s twin heads also came to light; this instrument played an essential role in temple rituals. Remote sensing technology played a pivotal role in these discoveries by identifying clusters of ancient mud bricks before any digging began. This led researchers to dense architectural remnants, including substantial tower houses—multi-storey structures supported by thick foundation walls—found mainly between Late Period Egypt through Roman times but rare elsewhere across Egypt, according to Nielsen. Additional findings pointed towards Imet having had an active local economy alongside its religious importance: paved areas meant for grain processing, plus animal enclosures, revealed thriving community activity beyond spiritual practices alone. In another part of Imet stood large buildings featuring limestone plaster floors supported by massive pillars dating back mid-Ptolemaic period, which offered further insight into evolving religious practices within ancient Egyptian society as well. A spokesperson from the University of Manchester highlighted how their ongoing involvement helps reshape global narratives about forgotten Egyptian cities like those within the Delta regions.
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Basketball Legend Lenny Wilkens Honored with Historic Statue at Climate Pledge Arena
Seattle's basketball scene buzzed with excitement on Saturday, as the community gathered to celebrate Lenny Wilkens. The former Seattle SuperSonics player, coach and executive saw his legacy cemented outside Climate Pledge Arena with a statue, making him the first person to receive such an honor there. Reflecting on his journey since being traded to the Sonics in 1968, Wilkens remarked on the power of community support. "You know, we're a better community when we're supportive of one another," he said. His contributions have not only been felt on the court but also throughout Seattle's neighborhoods. Wilkens' storied career includes being inducted into the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame three times—as a player, a coach, and for his role as an assistant coach with the iconic 1992 USA Olympic "Dream Team." Though his professional journey spanned multiple teams, his heart stayed rooted in Seattle, where he led the Sonics to their only NBA championship in 1979. The event highlighted Wilkens' off-court contributions as well. Through a foundation he started in 1971, Wilkens focused on local causes like the Odessa Brown Children's Clinic. Washington Governor Bob Ferguson praised Wilkens for uplifting Seattle both during and after his sports career. "Please thank him just as much for all that hard work that he's done for our community," Ferguson urged. Former governor Jay Inslee humorously noted that while Wilkens brought out star players like "Downtown" Freddy Brown during games, he also championed important community institutions like the Odessa Brown Clinic. Wilkens’ impact reached far beyond basketball courts. Steve Smith shared how playing under Wilkens inspired both him and teammate Dikembe Mutombo to give back. Detlef Schrempf echoed this sentiment by acknowledging their collaborative charitable efforts. Nate McMillan credited Wilkens with setting high standards for what it means to be a SuperSonic, both professionally and personally. "The respect for the game, the respect for the community, the respect for the league; I took all of that from you," McMillan stated. The selection of Wilkens as the first person to be honored with a statue at Climate Pledge Arena underscores his deep connection to Seattle's sports history. Soon joining him will be Sue Bird from the Seattle Storm; her statue is slated for unveiling during an upcoming game against the Phoenix Mercury. Sculptor Lou Cella crafted Wilkens' statue; he's previously worked on tributes to other Seattle sports legends at T-Mobile Park and Husky Stadium. Interestingly enough, Spencer Haywood pointed out a small detail: despite being renowned for his left-handed skills, Wilkens' statue depicts him driving right. Adding another layer of anticipation was talk about potentially bringing back the SuperSonics franchise. NBA commissioner Adam Silver recently mentioned that expansion discussions are planned for next month's Board of Governors meeting in Las Vegas. "I hope the NBA is watching," McMillan said hopefully about reviving Seattle's team tradition, a tradition deeply intertwined with Coach Lenny Wilkens' enduring legacy.
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Meet Oscar: The Feathered Enforcer Keeping Euston Station Pigeon-Free
Euston Station in London has welcomed a new team member, and he's already making waves, or perhaps rustling feathers. Oscar, a Harris's hawk, is now on duty to help manage the station's persistent pigeon problem. Once a week, he takes to the skies above the station to discourage these feathered interlopers from nesting and roosting in areas frequented by passengers. Network Rail has described pigeons as a "persistent issue" at Euston Station. The birds not only roost but also nest and feed in public spaces, often causing inconvenience for commuters. Enter Oscar with his natural ability to deter these nuisance birds without harming them. According to Network Rail, this approach offers a "humane solution." The strategy of using hawks to manage pigeons isn't new for Network Rail. Back in 2018, Aria, another Harris's hawk, was employed at Waterloo Station to address similar pigeon-related challenges. Rufus, an American Harris's hawk, has been keeping Wimbledon’s tennis courts free of pigeons for 17 years and even boasts his own Instagram following. Matt Ferguson, senior station interface manager for London Euston, expressed satisfaction with Oscar's impact so far: "We're always looking for innovative ways to improve the station environment for our passengers, and Oscar is already proving to be a valuable member of the team." He noted that there's been a "noticeable drop in pigeon activity" since Oscar started patrolling. Oscar’s handler, falconer Adel Letchford, shares that the hawk has adapted quickly to his new role: "Oscar has taken to Euston like a pro: cool, calm, and already ruffling a few pigeon feathers." Letchford added that passengers enjoy spotting Oscar during his patrols. The presence of hawks like Oscar provides an effective way to manage unwanted pigeon populations in busy areas while maintaining a welcoming environment for travelers. With their deterrent effect evident at such iconic locations as Euston Station and Wimbledon, it seems these feathered protectors have found their niche in urban wildlife management.
Score (96)
Meet The Voice Behind Your GPS: How One Woman Turns Directions Into $500K
Tawny Platis, a seasoned voice actor and content creator, has built a remarkable career with her vocal talent. With over 1.4 million followers across various social media platforms, Platis has become a familiar voice to many, having worked with more than 40 brands. Her voice resonates in everything from video games and animated works to audiobooks and automated systems. Starting young in the entertainment industry, Platis appeared in her first advertisement at just six months old. While her childhood involved local commercials and smaller gigs, by her twenties she secured more consistent roles. Now at 34, she collaborates with major brands like Hulu and Disney+, balancing high-profile projects with loyal repeat clients. Platis likens voice acting to running a restaurant, emphasizing the commitment it requires. "You don't break in," she told PEOPLE. "You build up a business." She describes the journey as one involving numerous cold emails, auditions, and strategic investments. Her success lies not only in her vocal versatility but also in her knack for branding and networking. She stresses that having a "cool" voice isn't enough; it's about the acting skills behind it. This skill set has helped her earn nearly $500,000 from just one of her automated voices. Platis enjoys voicing characters in video games and animation due to their rich narratives. Recently, she voiced multiple characters in the upcoming sequel to Symphony of War: The Nephilim Saga, calling it a career highlight thanks to its collaborative creative process. In commercials and e-learning projects, Platis often uses bright, friendly tones that align naturally with her voice type. For audiobooks featuring warrior women, she adopts a lower, resonant tone which comes easily to her. One challenge for Platis is roles requiring mature-sounding voices; she humorously notes how young she sounds naturally. However, this hasn't stopped her from thriving as a text-to-speech (TTS) voice actor—a role she values for its accessibility benefits. Partnering with Narrativ for TTS work makes high-quality voiceovers accessible on smaller budgets. "They're focused on ethics, affordability, and accessibility," says Platis. Despite an abundance of offers now coming her way, and the difficulty of turning some down, Platis remains grateful for this predicament. She finds joy in every workday: "Most of my days feel like playing with friends," she shares with PEOPLE.
Score (98)
Three Sisters, One Dream: How They United to Win Lacrosse Glory
Sisters Nicole, Ashley and Chloe Humphrey helped lead the University of North Carolina (UNC) to victory in the NCAA lacrosse national championship this May. The trio from Darien, Connecticut, played key roles in their team's undefeated season and shared their story. Nicole Humphrey, the oldest sister, initially began her college lacrosse journey at UNC before transferring to the University of Southern California, telling PEOPLE. She intended to play her final year there, but an injury brought her back to UNC, where she rejoined her younger sisters on the field. Ashley Humphrey started playing for Stanford, driven by academic ambitions and a love for Palo Alto. Despite her appreciation for Stanford, Ashley felt a pull towards UNC. Her decision led her back east, where she found herself alongside Nicole once more. Chloe Humphrey arrived at UNC as a top recruit in the 2023 class. After redshirting her freshman year due to a foot injury, she made an impressive debut on the field this season. Reflecting on their childhood in Darien, the sisters recalled their early days of playing lacrosse, inspired by their mother, who played at Dartmouth College. Their father was a basketball hall of famer at Middlebury College, while their grandfather had been drafted by the Detroit Tigers after playing baseball at Dartmouth. This athletic legacy clearly influenced their path. The sisters enjoyed only one collegiate season together but it was unforgettable. "To be able to share the season with them was nothing I could have ever imagined," Chloe said. "To then hoist the national championship trophy beside both of them was just an unreal feeling." With Nicole and Ashley’s college careers over, they look forward to supporting Chloe as she continues her time with UNC's team next season.
Score (98)
This Skateboarder Just Completed an Epic Journey From England to Africa in Just 55 Days
A 21-year-old skateboarder has captured attention by skating from Brighton in the UK to Tangier, Morocco. Sam Allison covered about 2,415 kilometers on his board over 55 days. Along the way, he faced challenges like a downhill fall and having all his possessions stolen. Despite these setbacks, he remained focused on raising awareness for mental health. Allison's efforts have raised more than £5,000 so far for the Ben Raemers Foundation, a charity that supports mental wellbeing within the skateboarding community. Speaking to BBC Radio Sussex, Allison shared how personal mental health battles inspired him to support this cause. "I had my own challenges with mental health," he said. "The skate scene is very tight-knit; it's very community-driven." The physical demands of such a trip were significant. Allison explained that he needed to cover between 48 and 88 kilometers each day. Initially tough, his body quickly adapted to the routine. "It was definitely harder at first," he noted, adding that daily skating soon felt normal. The journey wasn't just about distance but also about managing various terrains. While downhill stretches provided much-needed breaks—offering adrenaline and conserving energy—uphill climbs were less forgiving. A tumble down one hill left him with a scraped arm but otherwise unharmed throughout the trip. Setting an initial fundraising goal of just £100, Allison was surprised by how donations surged as news of his effort spread. By the end of his trek, contributions had exceeded £5,000. "On the last day I cracked over £5,000, which was crazy," he said. With all funds going directly to charity, Allison now faces another task: replacing his well-worn skateboard wheels. Reflecting on the state of his gear after completing such an arduous feat, he joked about their condition: "I did the one pair of wheels—I will say they're absolutely haggard."