Pandemic

Photo: David Ryder (Getty Images)Avoiding large gatherings is part of how we’ve tried to stay safe for the past few months, but protests have something in common with hospital services and (apparently) takeout margaritas: They’re essential to our well-being as a society. I can’t tell you how to protest safely…

Photo: Claire Lower In times of great stress and turmoil, eating and (especially) cooking can seem extraneous, but existing in a body means you have to eat, even if you are actively protesting, providing essential services during a pandemic or paralyzed by anxiety and fear. For a lot of people,…

OurCrowd, the Israeli crowdfunding venture investment platform, today announced the launch of its Pandemic Innovation Fund, with plans to raise a total of $100 million. The money will be invested in “urgent technological solutions for the medical, business, educational and social needs triggered by global pandemics and other health emergencies.”…

The first step to joining a protest is simply showing up, but it’s also important to be prepared for all situations—from a long day in extreme weather conditions, to close contact with others in the midst of a pandemic, to possible arrest.Plan ahead for what you’re going to wear and…

Photo: ShutterstockWhether you come from a family that proudly displays their coat of arms in the foyer, or knows very little about where they came from, you may have some questions about your background. Being stuck at home thanks to the coronavirus pandemic means that we may have more time…

Photo: ShutterstockThe COVID-19 pandemic has changed our lives in so many ways, including how we get around. This is especially true for people who don’t have a car and rely on public transit. Four months ago, we may have taken the subway to run errands, or Amtrak for a quick…

Photo: ShutterstockAs of mid-March, all of the Disney theme parks and resorts around the world have been closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, as some states begin the process of reopening, Walt Disney World in Florida has announced its plans to welcome people back to the Happiest Place on…

Photo: ShutterstockIt’s 2020, so naturally, the mail has become politicized. Specifically, the president has insisted the push to make it easier to vote by mail during the pandemic is an attempt to fix the election because doing so is prone to fraud—a claim for which there is no actual evidence.…

Photo: ShutterstockIf your pet has been acting odd lately, you are not alone. Pandemic era pet owners have reported an array of strange new behaviors in their cats and dogs. Unusual hissing and growling, clinginess and disruptive behaviors such as attacking furniture, spinning, excessive grooming, increased vocalizing and scratching seem…

Gif: Xinhua/YouTubeChinese state news outlet Xinhua has introduced a new social media character in an effort to counter criticism of China in English-language media during the coronavirus pandemic. The cartoon character is called Terry-cotta, who explains that using face masks during a pandemic is good, that China isn’t hoarding PPE,…