Happy Birthday to The Iron Horse: Celebrating Lou Gehrig

Lou Gehrig, one of baseball’s most respected players, was born on June 19, 1903, in New York City. Nicknamed “The Iron Horse,” Gehrig was the only surviving child of German immigrant parents and grew up in Manhattan. Encouraged by his mother, he pursued both academics and athletics.

Gehrig attended Columbia University, where he played football and baseball. His talent on the baseball field led to his signing with the New York Yankees in 1923. By 1925, he became the team’s regular first baseman and went on to play 2,130 consecutive games, setting a record that stood for many years.

During his 17-year career, Gehrig posted impressive statistics, including a .340 batting average, 493 home runs, and 1,990 RBIs. He helped the Yankees win six World Series titles, won the Triple Crown in 1934, and set a long-standing record with 23 career grand slams. His time with Babe Ruth was a highlight of the era.

In 1939, Gehrig was diagnosed with ALS, a disease now commonly associated with his name. He retired that year and delivered a memorable farewell speech at Yankee Stadium. After his passing in 1941, his wife Eleanor worked to preserve his legacy and support ALS research.

Lou Gehrig’s achievements and character continue to be remembered and appreciated by baseball fans and beyond.

Mars Volcano Rises Above the Clouds

If you think Earth’s mountains are tall, Mars has them beat by a mile—or several, actually. NASA’s Mars Odyssey orbiter recently captured a striking image of Arsia Mons, a volcano on Mars that stands about 12 miles high. For comparison, that’s roughly twice the height of Mauna Loa in Hawaii, Earth’s biggest volcano. The Mars Odyssey orbiter has been circling the planet since 2001, continuing to send back useful data and images for researchers on Earth.

What makes this new image interesting is how Arsia Mons rises above a layer of early morning clouds. The photo, taken in early May, shows the volcano’s summit poking through the clouds, which isn’t something scientists have seen from this angle before. The Odyssey spacecraft had to rotate 90 degrees to get this unique perspective, making the view possible.

Arsia Mons is part of a group of three volcanoes called the Tharsis Montes. It’s known for being the cloudiest of the trio, especially during a period in Mars’ year when the planet is farthest from the sun. During this time, water ice clouds often form around the volcanoes, and the new image gives researchers a better look at how these clouds interact with the Martian landscape.

According to Jonathon Hill, who works with Odyssey’s camera team, they specifically aimed to catch the volcano’s peak above the clouds—and the results matched their expectations. These kinds of images help scientists study both the volcanoes themselves and the Martian atmosphere, including how dust and clouds change with the seasons.

Inside the Grand Egyptian Museum: A New Home for Egypt’s Ancient Treasures

Even if a trip to Egypt isn’t on your calendar, it’s hard not to be intrigued by what’s happening near the Pyramids these days. Ancient history is making headlines once again, and it’s interesting to see how the story continues to unfold—even from afar.

Scheduled to officially open on July 3, 2025, the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) has been more than 20 years in the making. Located just two kilometers from the Giza Pyramids, the museum spans nearly five million square feet and is considered the largest archaeological museum in the world dedicated to a single civilization.

A 36-foot-tall statue of Ramesses II greets visitors in the main atrium, where it has stood since 2006. The museum’s layout features wide staircases and extensive galleries, which together will eventually house more than 100,000 artifacts spanning 5,000 years of ancient Egyptian history.

Although parts of the complex—including the Grand Atrium, Grand Staircase, and sculpture gardens—have opened to limited visitors in recent months, the upcoming launch will mark the debut of the galleries devoted to Tutankhamun. These exhibitions will include the pharaoh’s golden funerary mask and more than 5,000 objects, many of which will be on public view for the first time.

The building was designed with a blend of modern and traditional elements, including a façade made of alabaster and glass, engraved with 500 cartouches representing royal names. The museum is not intended to replace the Egyptian Museum in Cairo but to complement it by expanding the country’s capacity for exhibition, conservation, and research.

Among the other major exhibits are two solar boats excavated near the Great Pyramid, collections of ancient manuscripts, sculptures, and a section focused on mummified animals. The Grand Egyptian Museum is positioned to become a central site for the preservation and display of Egypt’s cultural heritage.

Jackson Laurie: A Model for Accessible Hip-Hop Production

At its core, hip-hop depends on strong production—the beats and sounds that set the tone and support the lyrics. With music-making tools now more accessible than ever, many amateur producers are creating high-quality tracks that push the genre forward, making hip-hop more open to fresh ideas. These emerging talents are reshaping the scene and deserve closer attention.

Jackson Laurie, based in Atlanta, is a prime example of this new wave. His innovative production style blends jazz, funk, soul and electronic elements within hip hop, creating a distinctive sound that stands out. His atmospheric and layered sound design crafts immersive productions that use ambient synths, layered instrumentations and dynamic rhythms which provides depth and engages listeners on multiple levels. His rhythmic sophistication features intricate drum patterns, crisp hi-hats and deep bass lines that drive energy while also providing melodic elements, demonstrating his ability to balance groove and mood. Jackson Laurie’s 2019 album, Mania, showcases this fusion, with tracks like “Starlight” and “Perspective” highlighting his skill.

Meanwhile, producers like Montreal’s Team Ross mix dancehall, afrobeat, amapiano, and chill R&B into vibrant beats that fit artists such as Omah Lay and Drake. French producer Kofi Bæ combines jazz, soul, indie, and electronic sounds into soft, lo-fi instrumentals, contributing to France’s underground scene.

Blending styles and strong production are vital to hip-hop’s ongoing evolution. Underground and emerging artists, like Jackson Laurie, Team Ross, and Kofi Bæ, keep the genre dynamic and diverse. Their creativity fuels hip-hop’s growth and ensures it remains relevant in an ever-changing musical landscape.

Forget the Gym: Even a Little Movement Can Work Wonders

Here’s some refreshing news for anyone who’s ever groaned at the idea of hitting the gym: you don’t have to. Really. Science says so.

There’s no “best” exercise, according to researchers who’ve studied physical activity for decades. That’s right — no gold medal for the treadmill or a blue ribbon for yoga. What matters most? Moving your body in any way that fits your lifestyle.

Whether it’s biking to the store, raking leaves, dancing in your kitchen, or walking the dog — it all adds up. Even brief bursts, like climbing stairs or dashing to catch the bus, can cut your mortality risk by as much as 40%.

Here is a list of easy and practical suggestions to include short bursts of movement throughout your day.

Taking a brisk walk during a phone call.

Carrying groceries instead of using a cart.

Throwing a ball around with your kids.

Parking a little farther from your destination.

Skipping the elevator and taking the steps.

The real magic happens when you go from doing nothing to doing something. A few extra steps a day can support your heart, brain, and immune system. And forget the 10,000-step myth. Experts say 7,000–9,000 is plenty — and even 3,000 is a solid start.

Researchers are still uncovering how movement benefits us — how working your legs can improve your lungs, kidneys, and more. But one thing’s clear: your body loves movement. And the best kind of activity? The one you’ll actually stick with.

So skip the guilt and forget the pressure to be an elite athlete. Move how you can, when you can — and don’t underestimate the power of everyday activity. Your future self will thank you.

Everyday Style Inspired by the Met Gala

The 2025 Met Gala theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” was all about celebrating Black fashion and tailoring – and let’s just say, mission accomplished. Think old-school glam with a bold, modern twist. Drawing inspiration from the Harlem Renaissance fashion and Black dandyism, the looks felt timeless and incredibly current.

Tailored suits were everywhere, but not in the traditional sense. These were refined, high-quality pieces combined with bold accessories and personalized elements. Zendaya took her Louis Vuitton zoot suit – originally a symbol of jazz clubs in the 1930s and 40s – and reimagined it for today with sharp lines and crisp white fabric. Rihanna’s structured Marc Jacobs outfit blended the vintage drama of yesteryear with the streetwear edge of today.

Historically, zoot suits and pinstripes made bold statements—that hasn’t changed. But today, it’s less about following fashion rules and more about owning your story through what you wear.

To bring these trends into your own wardrobe, think menswear-inspired pieces with a twist: a tailored blazer, trousers, or pinstripes – styled your way. Pair them with a crop top, statement jewelry, or heels to add a modern, personal touch. It’s all about mixing classic structure with expressive, contemporary flair. The end result should feel polished and statement-making.

Expect more looks that blur the lines between masculine and feminine, formal and casual—fashion that feels truly free. Personalized tailoring and cultural storytelling are on the rise, and the fusion of history and modern design is officially in style.