Break out the Cadbury Creme Eggs, Easter came early this year! The Christian holiday, which celebrates the resurrection of Jesus and is preceded by a 40-day period of Lent, often occurs in April — in fact, today is only the sixth time it’s fallen in March since the year 2000. And the reason for its time shifting might surprise you. Though Christianity doesn’t primarily follow the lunar calendar, Easter is a lunar holiday, meaning its date is determined by the phases of the moon, just like Ramadan, Passover, and the Chinese Lunar New Year. Learn more about why it’s taking place on March 31, and then check out 40 “eggs-cellent” traditions to consider starting with your loved ones if you celebrate Easter.
Featured Story
These Floral Artists Are Brightening the World, One Petal at a Time
Where one person sees a sheet of tissue paper, Copenhagen-based artist Marianne Eriksen Scott-Hansen sees a canvas for a massive sunflower display. And for Lewis Miller, a designer in New York, a trash can is so much more than a place to toss garbage — it’s a destination for an absolutely epic flower installation. Welcome to the world of floral art: where every petal is celebrated in a unique and wonderful way. Just like flowers, floral art comes in many forms. Some creators use materials like paper, metal, and sugar, while others embrace fresh blooms. And the vases are equally as varied. Arrangements blossom in blocks of ice, picture frames, on food trucks, and more. Treat your eyes to the work of 19 talented floral artists in our article below, each of whom demonstrates the power of creativity and the beauty of nature.
An Easy Way to Get a Good Night’s Sleep? Count Us in
Nighttime routines are often complicated these days, but with Mood, you can keep it simple and still get the good night’s sleep you deserve. The brand’s Sleepytime Gummies use 100% federally legal cannabis, sourced from small, family-owned farms across the U.S. The formula — lab tested for the highest quality — includes Delta-9 THC, as well as CBD, CBN, and melatonin. It arrives at your door in discreet packaging, and shipping is free over $100. Click below to learn more and get 20% off your first order with code FIRST20. Sweet dreams!
If you’re looking to move to an up-and-coming hub, but still want the quaintness of a small city, we’ve got just the list for you. MoneyGeek analyzed the economic growth and prosperity markers of 211 U.S. cities with populations of 63,000-100,000, looking at average annual gross domestic product growth, median household income, unemployment, and five-year population growth. The personal finance site recently revealed its findings, sharing a list of 25 “rising hotspots” dominated by cities in Florida and Texas. North Port, Florida, took the top spot, with increases of 28% for population, 43% for housing units, and 46% for median household income since 2017. Northeast of North Port, the city of Kissimmee (pictured) led the pack for attracting newcomers, ranking No. 1 in net migration. The Texas cities on the list, including New Braunfels, Georgetown, and Mansfield, show particular promise when it comes to housing development and new businesses. Check out the top 25.
Health
At-Home Cervical Cancer Screening Device in the Works From Health Startup
Teal Health
For many, a pap smear is an unpleasant, albeit important, health to-do. But for others, the cervical cancer check can be a deeply overwhelming experience, and is therefore often postponed, putting the patient at risk of having the disease go unnoticed and untreated. That’s what the Teal Wand is trying to help change. Developed by startup Teal Health and measuring less than an inch in diameter,the at-home cervical cancer screening device is designed tobe more comfortable and accessible than a pap smear, while also putting power in patients’ hands. Per the company’s website, the wand fits all bodies and allows users to privately self-collect vaginal cells in less than five minutes. Serena Williams, who invested in the company via her venture capital fund, said the autonomous device is overdue. “For far too long women have been disenfranchised by their current healthcare experiences,” she said in a statement. In January, Teal Health announced a clinical trial that it said will hopefully lead the Food and Drug Administration to put its stamp of approval on the wand — learn more about how it works.
Science
Dogs “See” Objects in Their Minds Just Like Humans, Study Says
It’s common knowledge that dogs can recognize certain terms — that’s clear enough to anyone who’s said “treat” in earshot of a pup. What hasn’t been clear is what exactly occurs in the canine mind to elicit responses to human language. That is, are they simply reacting to words via learned behavior or do they truly understand the meaning? In a recent study, scientists set out to answer those questions, focusing on whether the animals’ cognition is similar to ours. “We were interested in whether dogs understand words the way humans do,” co-lead author Lilla Magyari explained to Popular Science. Magyari and her team hypothesized that dogs envision objects in their mind’s eye just like we do, through a process called mental representation. To confirm this, they used non-invasive EEG testing to track dogs’ electrical impulses as they interacted with their owners and toysthey knew by name. The team found that the dogs’ brain response patterns mimicked those of ones widely regarded as being indicative of mental representation in humans. Watch a video featuring a few of the adorable dog participants to learn more.
Steve Martin is a generation-spanning talent. He recently earned a host of new fans through his role on the series Only Murders in the Building, but the banjo-playing comedian and actor has been making people laugh for over five decades. Featuring early footage, diary entries, and interviews with the 78-year-old entertainer, this new Apple TV+ documentary explores Martin’s life and career from two perspectives: past and present.
Something We Love
Scentbird
There are those who’ve been sporting their signature fragrance for years, and those who love to experiment with different scents. If you’re in the latter group, Scentbird is right up your alley. The much-buzzed about subscription service sends you a different 8-milliliter bottle of designer perfume or cologne every month, and your first one comes with a sleek, reusable atomizer case. Take this quiz to build your scent profile.
In 1916, four years before women were granted the right to vote in the U.S., pioneering suffragist Jeannette Rankin ran for Congress. She won the seat, making her the first American congresswoman, and was sworn in as a representative for Montana on April 2, 1917. “I may be the first woman member of Congress, but I won’t be the last,” Rankin declared after learning of her victory. Click the photo to see her original election certificate — and in honor of her legacy and the end of Women’s History Month, consider taking this final opportunity to donate to Nice News’ March Cause of the Month, the YWCA.
Summer Travel Hack: Learn a Language With Babbel
Summer travel is right around the corner, and Babbel is the best way to prepare for international trips. After just three weeks of regular practice, you’ll be ready to explore hidden gems, order food with confidence, and connect with other cultures. For a limited time, click below to save 55% on Babbel’s language learning program.
