From an at-home movie date to a firefighter serenade, these are the things that made us smile today.
Welcome to #NotBadNews, our new (and hopefully short-lived) daily column where we round up the good, surprising, and weird things that have happened around the world during this coronavirus pandemic.
What This NFL Player Is Doing During Off-Season
Former Seattle Seahawks’ line-backer Marshawn Lynch spent his 34th birthday giving back. The NFL star went around his hometown of Oakland handing out masks to those in need (over 40,000 total)! He made stops at hospitals, homeless shelters, food banks, and even parks, as captured in this video.
Marshawn Lynch out here doing God’s work pic.twitter.com/SIa2CSJpkw
— Donté Stallworth (@DonteStallworth) April 23, 2020
Lynch continues to be an Oakland hometown hero!
A Reminder to Skip the Beaches for Now
While most beaches remain closed to help maintain social distancing, a select few reopened and saw huge crowds. These beaches sparked a new idea—forget the bathing suit and beach towel, head out for a day at the ocean in your Grim Reaper attire to remind beach-goers what it is they’re risking.
Many of you have asked if I am willing to travel around Florida wearing Grim Reaper attire to the beaches and other areas of the state opening up prematurely. The answer is absolutely yes. Beginning May 1 we will hit the road here in state. Please retweet and spread the word. pic.twitter.com/UO7QKg161n
— Daniel Uhlfelder (@DWUhlfelderLaw) April 22, 2020
The idea, while both a little dark and a little comical, carries with it an important message about keeping yourself and your loved ones safe.
Mom’s Spaghetti for First Responders
Is there anything better to follow a hard-work out with than a carb load? Eminem thinks not. Famous for his “Mom’s Spaghetti,” the Detroit rapper provided an Italian dinner for the hard-working medical responders at Henry Ford Hospital.
View this post on Instagram
To quote the hospital, this staff “lost themselves” in the delicious meal.
Recommended Fodor’s Video
New York’s Newest Cover Band
To honor the hospital workers at New York-Presbyterian in Lower Manhattan, members of the New York Fire Department crowded outside of their building for an elaborate “thank you.” Bringing with them an electric guitar and a very loud speaker, this group performed the national anthem in a way you probably haven’t seen before.
FDNY Firefighter Louis DeRosa #Ladder15 plays in honor of the #HealthcareHeroes at @nyphospital Lower Manhattan. FDNY salutes all who continue to serve in the city’s response to COVID-19. pic.twitter.com/izmC2QYuEi
— FDNY (@FDNY) April 24, 2020
We love seeing how New York’s first responders stick together in times of crisis—heroes thanking heroes!
This Scientist Says to Stick to Facts
After a recent press briefing in which President Trump eluded to the idea that UV rays or ingested bleach could help fight this virus, a scientist came forward to say, “Please don’t do that.” We’ll let him take it from here.
Watch a scientist react to Trump’s remarks about using light to fight coronavirus. pic.twitter.com/9cmv0oCGir
— Brianna Wu (@BriannaWu) April 23, 2020
Like he said, please, just don’t.
NBC Brings Back Leslie Knope for a Feeding America Fundraiser
If you were missing your favorite Indiana Parks and Recreation department, fret no longer. The group is coming back to NBC on April 30 with a special to raise money for Feeding America. So, gather all of your galentines (via Zoom) and prepare breakfast for dinner in honor of Parks and Rec’s return.
Leslie Knope wants to let you in on a secret… On April 30, #ParksAndRec is returning to NBC for “A Parks and Recreation Special”. Our workplace proximity associates, along with our neighbors at @StateFarm, are raising money for @FeedingAmerica. Join us! https://t.co/YuyWBTYmrH pic.twitter.com/ZId6Lq3rkJ
— Parks and Recreation (@parksandrecnbc) April 23, 2020
Looking forward to this much-needed laugh–April 30 is now officially Treat Yo’ Self day!
How These Two Went to the Theater in Lockdown
Planning a date night in quarantine is anything but easy. With little open and parks in many states closed, it typically comes down to ordering food and watching TV. This couple, however, wants to help you break out of your date-night in lockdown slump. Allison took to Twitter to show you how her wife surprised her with a night at the movie theater, all without leaving home.
My wife “took” me on a date to the movies. It was stupid cute and VERY expensive. 💜 pic.twitter.com/GiXoPPAGUP
— Allison Reese (@monsterreese) April 24, 2020
Select your movies and prepare some theater-style popcorn because this is a date we will all want to try! And if you aren’t quarantined with your spouse or significant other, try it with your roommates or best friends over FaceTime who are sure to get a kick out of this indoor-outing.
Check-in every day for an update on the wonderful and weird things happening in our current coronavirus world.