The Blog

    1. Yes, They Will!    The class of 2020 may not know what it feels like to walk across a stage in an ill-fitting polyester sack and be handed a piece of paper by a stranger but they will know what wise words Barack and Michelle Obama have to impart about the future. That’s right, after soon-to-b-graduates from around the world implored the Obamas to give a commencement speech at their virtual ceremonies, it’s actually happening! The commencement ceremony featuring the dream team as well as guests like Lady Gaga, Malala Yousafzai, and Alphabet CEO Sundar Piachi will be broadcast via livestream on June 6th to honor graduates from high school, university, and everything in between.   Read more here: Forbes: Barack And Michelle Obama Will Give Virtual Commencement Speeches For Class Of 2020 2. Pet Peeve  In the WFH age, “dog crashed my weather forecast" somehow seems a lot more plausible than “dog ate my homework.” Tampa-based meteorologist Paul Dellegatto was minding his own business informing the good people of Florida about, oh probably, a day of perfect sunny weather, when his Golden Retriever, Brody, decided to reclaim the spotlight. A little hungry and a bit curious about the cameraman filming from outside the window, Brody stole the show and captured the hearts of viewers with his endearing disruption. Read more here: HuffPost: Weatherman's Dog Crashes Forecast, Becomes Internet's New Quarantine Hero 3. Drive-In Diplomas   The only thing showing at the drive-in theater in North Salem, New York these days is a graduation ceremony. After forgoing classes, end-of-year celebrations, and prom, Principal Vince DiGrandi thought his high school seniors deserved a little something special to commemorate their big accomplishment. Instead of the typical pomp and circumstance, all 103 grads plan to pull up in decorated cars, watch the valedictorian speech in high def on a massive movie screen, and receive their diploma from the comfort of their vehicles with the help of of 6-foot retractable arm that their Principal had specially made for the occasion by the industrial arts teacher. And the after party? A screening of “Groundhog Day,” of course. This just might be the start of a new tradition!    Listen here: NPR: Students To Get Graduation Pomp At Drive-In Theater Despite Circumstances 4. The Great Indoors They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Sometimes that word is “pancakes.” Stuck inside, travel photographer, Erin Sullivan got creative about capturing the beauty of the great outdoors from the great indoors. With the help of salt, cotton balls, paper bags, piles of laundry, and yes, pancakes, Sullivan is recreating her favorite natural wonders like mountain ranges, lakes, canyons, and ice caves with what she can find around the house. See more here: Buzzfeed: This Travel Photographer Takes Stunning "Nature" Photos Using Household Objects And They Actually Look Very Realistic 5. Proud Parents Just because in-person ceremonies are out doesn’t mean your parents can’t gush about your accomplishments in public. That's what billboards are for! Brandon Truett had just earned his PhD in English after defending his dissertation via Zoom when he got a larger than life reminder of just how proud his parents are. A 14-foot reminder, to be exact. Father Jimmy, who hadn’t graduated high school himself, honored his son’s 6-year journey with a billboard in his hometown of Conway, South Carolina for friends, family, and people on the internet to behold. Read more here: Chicago Tribune: COVID-19 canceled graduation, so proud parents rent billboard to celebrate son's doctorate from University of Chicago EXPLORE

Do you ever think about what you would say to your past self if you could? Your January 2020 self, for example? Maybe, you’d suggest they go ahead and grab coffee with that friend who lives in the same city but never see. Enjoy the great outdoors. Buy an extra roll of toilet paper or two. How about a few board games? Canadian actor, writer, and funny lady Julie Nolke, took to Youtube to explore what it would be like to visit herself four months ago and the advice she would impart: “Put a little money in Zoom...trust me.” And while these things are important, maybe you would also encourage yourself to be positive. Be realistic, of course, but look for and cherish the amazing examples of kindness, heroism, and creativity that exist all around us and remind us that life is still sweet. 1. Dive into Nature     What happens to tourism when the tourists are all at home in their pajamas? In the case of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, tourism teamed up with science to collaborate on some much needed coral restoration. For the first time, tour operators are working alongside researchers to plant coral throughout the world’s largest coral reef system which means healthy coral now and breathtaking  scuba and snorkeling experiences when we finally leave our couches one day.    Read more here:  BrightVibes: With No Tourists, Australian Scuba Tours are Planting Coral Instead 2. That's Nuts! Squirrels are hilarious-what with their backyard antics and bushy little tails. But one Mom in Illinois harnessed their true potential when she started selling tiny picnic tables for them. Lunchroom and playground aid, Maria Trezza was suddenly out of work and in need of a source of income when schools closed due to Coronavirus. With the help of her business-minded son and crafty neighbor, Trezza started selling a few wooden tables for friends, complete with red and white checkered table cloth and bag of peanuts wrapped in a bow. Now business is booming and people (and squirrels?) can’t get enough. Read more here: Buzzfeed: A Mom Is Out Of Work Due To The Coronavirus But Now Has A Business Selling Tiny Picnic Tables For Squirrels 3. The Ultimate Stay-Cation @jessicasfeir we out of here as soon as we get the OK. ✈️✌🏻 ##treadmillchallenge ##airport ##luggage ##quarantine ##coronavirus ##travel ##flying ##vacation ##mepracticing ♬ Crowd - Loud Airport Terminal Sound Effect - Hollywood Sound Effects Is your roller-board feeling a little neglected? Do you miss the thrill of sprinting through a terminal to catch a flight or the suspense of waiting for your luggage on the baggage carousel? Jetsetters determined to keep their travel skills sharp are posting videos to Tik Tok, Facebook, and Twitter that recreate their airport experiences using treadmills and empty suitcases. It might just be the next best thing until we can safely fly the friendly skies once again.    Watch here: Insider: People on TikTok are using treadmills and empty suitcases to recreate the airport experience   4. Ain't No Party like a Quarantine Party The club may be closed but that doesn’t mean you can’t connect with friends and party like it’s 1999. Tune into Instagram Live where celebrity DJ D-Nice is spinning tracks and hosting massive dance parties on the daily. We’re talking 100K-live-viewers-massive! You can also catch an array of guest stars making appearances during sets including Rihanna, John Legend, Jennifer Lopez, and yes, Bernie Sanders. Read more here:  CNN: DJ D-Nice is throwing the best quarantine party    5. Open Mic with Mom     Jenie Borders, of Wyoming could tell you what life is like at home with three kids during quarantine but she’d rather sing it to you. After weeks of being cooped up inside amidst mounting arguments, constant cleaning, and a dwindling supply of vino, this mom processed her experience through a relatable parody of the chart topping song “Dance Monkey" by Australian electropop singer, Tones and I. Listen here: Today: Mom's epic 'Dance Monkey' parody nails COVID-19 quarantining with kids  EXPLORE

Hey, there. How you holdin’ up? Yeah, us, too. You’ve officially washed your one billionth dish, your dog is your self-appointed new shadow, and some of the so-called comforts of home are starting to grate on you. A lot. After weeks living and working side-by-side with her partner, blogger Maureen Boesen documented the discovery of her husband’s annoying habit that had somehow gone unnoticed throughout 10 years of marriage. Turns out: “Okay, fine! Fine. He was breathing.” But she also makes note of the amazing opportunity this has been to spend (an exorbitant amount of ) time together, learn more about each other, learn more about ourselves, and appreciate that in new ways, life is still sweet.    1. A Change of Scenery   If you’re like most of us, you’ve been looking out the window at the same old, same old for weeks now. But before you start resenting the tree staring at you from across the street, take a minute to test drive another view from across the city, the country, or even the world. “View from my Window" is a public Facebook group where members post just that; sharing the scenery from their vantage point and allowing others to live vicariously through it. It’s basically a mini vacation for your eyes.    See more here: Facebook: View from my Window  2. Embraceable You Sometimes all you need is a hug from your mom. But when you’re a nurse working in the ICU, like Kelsey Kerr at Christ Hospital in Ohio, that’s not always possible. Her resourceful mama, Cheryl, had an idea and turned a fresh bed sheet into a protective shield so the two could finally embrace after what felt like ages. I’m not crying, you’re crying! Read more here: CNN: A mom of an ICU nurse covered her daughter with a bed sheet to give her a hug 3. Some News is Good News     If you loved Jim Halpert’s little smirks to the camera on “The Office,"  you just might adore John Krasinski’s new gig on “Some Good News.” The positive-news-only web series sheds light on the good things in life from around the world. And there’s a lot! In the show’s third week Jim, I mean, John, highlights the amazing efforts, celebratory dances, and recovery stories coming out of hospitals. Oh yeah, and sports! To show his love for his hometown healthcare heroes at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts, Krasinski teamed up with Red Sox legend, David Ortiz to give a big “thank you" to the Covid unit. Home run!    Watch here: Boston Globe: John Krasinski, David Ortiz, and the Red Sox surprise Boston nurses on ‘Some Good News’         4. Who Let the Dogs Out? Apparently, the answer is Palm Beach County. At least for today. For the first time ever, all of the kennels in the Stray Housing and Adoption Overflow unit at the Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control were totally empty thanks to ramped up adoptions and fostering. Read more here: CBS: South Florida Animal Shelter Empty For First Time Ever 5. All in a Day's Work (or not)        The children are home. And so are you. And while one mother has shared her color-coded daily schedule chock full of regimented and enriching activities, others are being a little more real. Maybe too real. Ample screen time, repeat viewings of Frozen II, some light bribery, and, of course, nonstop fighting dominate the day in these hilarious alternative agendas. Read more here: Today: Parents share their kids' 'realistic' quarantine schedules   EXPLORE

Amsterdam is like a good outfit; appropriate year round and goes seamlessly from day to night. No matter your travel style, pace, or experience, Amsterdam greets visitors with open arms and provides the kind of effortless encounter that jetsetters dream of. Whether your jam is food, museums, music, or a solid aged gouda, Amsterdam is yours for the taking, one canal at a time?        SEE   For the art buff, Museumplein is your one stop shop for the best works Amsterdam has to offer. The Rijksmuseum boasts over 8,000 pieces on display from their collection of over 1 million objects including Dutch masters like Rembrandt and Johannes Vermeer. The building itself, designed by Pierre Cuypers in 1885, is a sight to behold and worth getting lost in on the hunt for national favorite, “The Night Watch" by Rembrandt..        The Van Gogh Museum unpacks the man, the myth, the legend through its thoughtful audio guide and honest telling of Vincent’s personal and artistic struggles. See famed works like pieces from the “Sunflowers” series and early days attempts at capturing the common man in “The Potato Eaters.” Considered the most visited museum in the Netherlands, the museum covers the full span of his art and life as well as that of some of his closest contemporaries.     Van Gogh also makes an appearance along with Chagall, Matisse, Warhol, and Pollock at the modern and contemporary art hub, the Stedelijk Museum.  Along with paintings, sculptures, installations, moving image and sound, and photography the museum has also offers virtual “ARtours" for visitors to learn more about objects within the museum’s walls and well beyond into the surrounding city. Whether visiting one or going for the entire trifecta, be sure to buy tickets online well in advance!      EAT Hours of art appreciation is sure to make anyone hungry and Amsterdam has a cure for that, too. Enjoy the national junk food staple: frites. These plump butcher fries are paired with a side of mayo of all kinds including truffle, curry, or even pesto. Variety of sauces and lines abound at Manneken pis Verse Vlaamse Friet located just a short walk from Amsterdam Central Station and makes for a great late night snack. For a more laid back experience, meander around the Waterlooplein Market where frite stands punctuate the eccentric flea market.    Pancakes Amsterdam has multiple locations (including next-door to the famed Anne Frank Museum) and is a go-to for the traditional Dutch pancakes both savory and sweet. Plate-sized and crispy, Dutch pancakes are embedded with everything from baked apples to ham, spinach to smoked salmon. Eyes bigger than your stomach? Try the Poffertjes or baby pancakes topped with powdered sugar.    For the real cheese connoisseur, swing by Reypenaer Cheese to get your gouda fix or, better yet, sign up for a cheese tasting class. Over the course of an hour or two, learn what goes into a real good gouda, how to pair with beverages and spreads, and cut like a pro using le guillotin.    NIGHTLIFE While the Red Light District gets all the attention, nightfall is also a great time for jazz, especially during the various jazz fests that take place throughout the year. Between festivals, try Bourbon Street Music Club, Jazz Cafe Alto, and Bimhuis; well known staples of the scene with some creative surprises.  Looking to dance the night away? Greet the morning sun at a number of cool, original venues that each bring something new to the nightlife. House and techno music reign at Shelter which, as the name might imply, is accessed through a trapdoor. Located in a former technical school, De School is open 24 hours and doubles (triples?) as a restaurant and art exhibit. AIR is grand in square footage as well as design. Founded in 2010, the club is all about inclusivity and makes everyone feel at home amidst hip hop and R&B tracks.  DAY TRIP     Lastly, no trip to the Netherlands would be complete without a windmill sighting. The quaint neighborhood of Zaanse-Schans lies just outside of Amsterdam proper and features breathtaking landscapes, handsome wooden houses worthy of a fairy tale, and, of course, a collection of windmills each with its own character and backstory.     While in the area, pet some farm animals, grab some cheese and be sure to take advantage of the chance to get up close and personal with the craftmanship and history behind wooden clogs at the local shoe factory.     Just try to resist getting a custom pair of your very own!  

Yup, this is still happening. Really. Can you believe it? You need a haircut, a vacation, maybe even a drink. I think we can all agree that it's 5 o'clock somewhere when you're in quarantine. Time is funny: crawling slower than molasses and racing forward at warp speed all at the same time. We're finding new ways to celebrate our favorite spring holidays and birthdays from miles and continents apart. Who knew that a bunch of little squares singing to you on a screen would feel like all you ever wanted? We're making the best out of the worst and getting better at it all the time. And it's in those little moments that we're reminded that life is still sweet. 1. Dress to Impress   All dressed up and no place to go? Apparently, that’s just a matter of opinion. Taking out the trash might be the only thing on our social calendars these days but some Australians with a flare for fashion have challenged each other to dress for the occasion. We’re talking formal gowns, unicorn onesies, superhero costumes, inflatable T-Rex suits, and even the occasional swimsuit..    Watch here: Funny or Die: Australians Are Dressing Up To Take Out The Trash, Why Isn’t Everyone Doing This 2. Going the Distance So, there’s bored and then there’s running a full marathon in your backyard bored. As a way to celebrate his 32nd birthday (and yes, the term “celebrate,” is being used pretty loosely here), James Campbell spent five hours running 26.2 miles back and forth in his garden and even live streamed the whole thing on Twitter. In addition to getting super sweaty, the stunt raised over $22,000 for Britain’s National Health Service. Read more here: CBS: British man runs marathon in backyard garden, raises $22K for COVID-19 relief 3. Animal Kingdom   It’s not quite Planet of the Apes level yet but there is a substantial animal takeover going down. With the majority of the world under lockdown, some pretty bold members of the animal kingdom are reclaiming their turf. Mountain goats are strutting their stuff through the empty streets of Llandudno, Wales; flocks of ducks are congregating along major avenues in Adana, Turkey; and herds of cattle are catching some rays on the beaches of Poriccio, Corsica.     Watch here: CN Traveller: The animals Taking over cities while the world is in lockdown   4. Meet and (not) Greet As more time passes without seeing another human being IRL (no, your plants don’t count), it’s fair to say some of those people skills might be getting a bit rusty. One friendly toddler is setting a solid example of how not to let a little social distancing affect your social skills. Instead, Ralph greets imaginary passersby each day on his morning walk. Definitely cuter when you’re three Read more here:  Story Pick: 3-YO Says ‘Hi’ & ‘Good Morning’ To Imaginary People During Quarantine 5. Club Quarantine @emilytorchia It was a good time ##ButterGlossPop ##gamingszn ##selfquarantine ##coronavirus ##MoodBoost ##21 ♬ original sound - emilytorchia Moms will do almost anything to make their kids happy and these days that includes playing a bartender at a fake nightclub in the garage. When it became clear no one was going to be hitting the town any time soon, a mother in New Jersey decided to open the rather exclusive “Club Quarantine" to celebrate her son’s 21st birthday complete with a bouncer and free shots all around. They grow up so fast! Read more here:  TIME: Mom Turns Their Garage Into a Swinging Hotspot 'Club Quarantine' to Celebrate Son's 21st Birthday EXPLORE

Rio de Janeiro is a lush paradise in the southeast of Brazil; plentiful in mountains, beaches, and festivities (though not without political connotations). With music alive in the streets and nature hugging every corner of concrete, the city has a certain magic about it. You could easily embrace the Carioca lifestyle for eternity. But when time is of the essence, get the most out of your trip with this shortlist of top experiences to guide you through “The Marvelous City.”     1. Grab a Caipirinha along the Mureta da Urca A walk along the muereta, or small wall, offers impeccable views of the Guanabara Bay and the Sugarloaf summit in the distance. Locals flock to Bar Urca, situated in this prime location to take in a dramatic sunset while quenching their thirst with a delicious Caipirinha (the national cocktail made of lime, sugar, and cachaça).   2. Reach New Heights on Corcovado Mountain  With tram rides, bus tours, and your own two feet there’s plenty of ways to get to the pinnacle of this “top" pick--though if you’re able, a hike through the Tijuca Forest National Park is a peaceful albeit challenging route to reach the 100 foot Christ the Redeemer Statue. The massive soapstone art deco Jesus is an almost surreal sight to behold as is the endless view of Rio down below.       3. Catch a Wave and some Rays  Not surprisingly, Rio is famed for its stretches of sandy beaches including household names like Copacabana and Ipanema as well as the slightly less lyrical Leblon. Most beaches are in close proximity to tile-laden promenades and high class restaurants and shops.       4. Take it One Step at a Time in Santa Teresa The artist village of Santa Teresa not only throws the best blocos (street parties) during Carnaval season but isn’t bad on the eyes either. Escadaria Selarón is just one photo-worthy example. A gift to Brazil from Chilean artist, Jorge Selarón, the 215 stairs of the world famous Escadaria Selarón is a labor of love and features thousands of scavenged tiles from over 60 countries across the globe.     5. Get your Antioxidants at Takaka Sucos Despite its unassuming diner-like appearance, Takaka notably serves up the best açaí in town. Less syrupy sweet than most açaí abroad and topped with mounds of self-serve granola and tapioca, you’ll be surprised how much of this refreshing treat you can put away in a sitting.     6. Flamengo Park at your Leisure One’s trash is truly another’s treasure at this landfill-project-turned-popular-park. Stretching 1.2 square KM, Flamengo Park, or, officially, Parque Brigadeiro Eduardo Gomes, is the innovation of famed Brazilian landscaper Burle Marx and features 300 species of trees, not to mention recreation areas, museum, and monuments.    7. Go Green at the Botanic Gardens  The aptly named Jardim Botânico district is home to the Jardim Botânico or Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden. Nearly 150 species of birds and over 6.500 species of plants can be found within the square mile of the gardens which also includes a museum, research center, art collection, and cultural centers as well as a darling little cafe. Meander through Amazon jungle greenery, cacti, bonsais, and even some plants of the carnivorous variety! And don’t miss the splendid Avenue of Royal Palms lined with 134 specimens, all descendants of a single palm tree once known as the Palma Mater.     8. Sample some Samba If you’re lucky enough to be in Rio during Carnaval, the week-long celebration that begins the Friday before Ash Wednesday (but in reality lasts months!)  you’ll want to grab tickets to the Sambadrone Parades that take place in the Marquês de Sapucai Sambadrome. Here, the top schools in the nation compete; showing off their music and dance skills, spectacular costumes, elaborate floats, and oftentimes biting political commentary. If big crowds aren’t your thing, the parades are just as fun to watch on TV at a local bar.      9. Gain Perspective atop the Sugarloaf Named for its likeness to refined sugar before the introduction of today’s sugar cube, this peak offers amazing panoramic views of the city, Guanabara Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean. Just take a glass-walled cable car from Praia Vermelha to the Sugarloaf Mountain, stopping at the tourist center atop Morro da Urca along the way.      10. Hit the Town in Botafogo Once led by Lapa, the quirky neighborhood of Botafogo is now where it’s at for nightlife in Rio. Here you’ll find samba circles, outdoor cafes, pubs, wine bars, dance clubs, karaoke, and even what was voted the best craft brewery in Rio: Hocus Pocus. EXPLORE