11 in Greater Boston win 2025 Guggenheim Fellowships
Louis Chude-Sokei will be visiting Brookline Booksmith to discus his memoir.
Sharona Jacobs
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Emerson professor Tulasi Srinivas.
Lakshmi Srinivas
Three recipients teach at Harvard University.
Wellesley College historian James (Jay) Morton Turner.
Lisa Abitbol
Among projects the foundation has supported are Zora Neale Hurston's novel
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A complete list of 2025 fellows is available at
Mark Feeney can be reached at
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Boston Globe
13 hours ago
- Boston Globe
‘It's definitely Rat City for a reason.' A ‘rat safari' in Allston sheds flashlight on rodent problem
'When nighttime falls, we have to close up shop and not be in the backyard anymore, because the rats kind of take over,' Sudarska, who lives in Brighton, said. The free Rat Walk was organized by the Advertisement Reports of rats have surged in recent years, affecting Allston-Brighton and other neighborhoods. Last year, the city established the Boston Rodent Action Plan, which outlines strategies to reduce rodent infestation, and now, the city is advancing an ordinance to create a 'rat czar' after one was appointed in New York City, a metropolitan area that also struggles with the critters. Advertisement The walk shines a literal flashlight on the rodent problem — in a way that fits the area's 'punk, anti-establishment, against-the-grain' reputation, according to Ricky Meinke, the organizer of the walk and festival. 'There's always this phrase: Keep Allston weird,' he said. Rat rangers leaned into their roles, waving giant nets and wearing safari-inspired outfits. Qualifications for the job? 'You need to be courageous, knowledgeable, brave,' said rat ranger Alex Hartgrove. As the crowd gathered at the designated meeting point, a parking lot behind a liquor store, at 8 p.m., one passerby exclaimed, 'There's a city rat walk? Are you serious?' Yes, they were serious. During the walk, someone called out, 'It's in the bush!' A hush promptly fell over the group as flashlights lit up a shrub in hopes of catching a glimpse of a rat. A blue graffitied dumpster behind apartment buildings proved more promising. Rats scurried aplenty. Roger Duarte, 8 of Brighton, checks out a known rats' nest during the Allston Rat Walk. Danielle Parhizkaran/Globe Staff Mariya Sudarska and Brian Lambert, both of Brighton, wear their 'Ratatouille' inspired headbands for the Allston Rat Walk. Danielle Parhizkaran/Globe Staff There, Isa Contessi, 25, from Brighton, said one rat almost attacked the group. 'It came out of nowhere and then disappeared into nowhere,' Contessi said. Contessi said the neighborhood of Brighton is 'punk' and 'grungy,' just like a rat. 'The punkness of the rats is the punkness of the people.' Rob Glynn, 36, from Quincy, showed up to the Rat Walk with his skateboard. He frequents Allston for its skate spots and sees rats 'everywhere.' He wore a bright yellow T-shirt with a cartoon rat that read 'Rats off to ya!' The shirt had been waiting in his closet for a day like this, he said. 'It's definitely Rat City for a reason,' he said, with a relaxed smile. 'It's a way of life out here.' Advertisement Between sightings, rat rangers and Boston Inspectional Services Department representatives spoke about rat mitigation. They encouraged taking out trash in a timely manner, and limiting the amount of time trash bags sit on the sidewalk. 'The most effective way is sanitation,' said John Ulrich, assistant commissioner of environmental services. 'It's all trash. If there's no food, there'll be no rats.' He said pet owners should pick up after their dogs, as rats can live off their waste. 'It's like their cake,' one representative added. A rat is seen running through bushes during the Allston Rat Walk, hosted by the Rat City Arts Festival. Danielle Parhizkaran/Globe Staff Becca Allen of Brighton holds her bingo card during the Allston Rat Walk. Danielle Parhizkaran/Globe Staff The The city's rat problem poses health risks to impacted communities. according to a study published in April. In humans, symptoms include an upset stomach, and in some rare cases, multiorgan failure and death. Residents in Allston-Brighton have long been frustrated by the rat problem. Absentee landlords and a lack of management lead to rats coming in, which needs to change, said Meinke, the festival organizer. When Meinke moved to Allston in 2016, he had unwanted roommates who weren't paying rent: rats living in his walls. He struggled to get his landlord to arrange for an exterminator. 'Our neighborhood has seen such an increase in absentee landlords,' Meinke said. 'Tenants can't do everything to solve the rat problem.' Advertisement On a positive note, the nickname Rat City builds 'camaraderie' among the Allston-Brighton community, as neighbors exchange 'war stories' about rats, Meinke said. The nickname was coined off ' 'We live with the rats. We just deal with it, because we're working two jobs. We're getting to the gig,' Meinke said. The Rat City Arts Festival hosts many events spotlighting the neighborhood's arts scene. The week culminated in a 'Despite all the challenges that we, as neighbors, face, we're going to overcome them. We're still going to be our authentic selves, find joy in our neighborhood,' Meinke said. Rat ranger Jesse Sannicandro of Brighton carries a toy rat in a net to start the Allston Rat Walk. Danielle Parhizkaran/Globe Staff Jessica Ma can be reached at
Forbes
10-08-2025
- Forbes
When Parents Of College Students And Their Rules Are Over Controlling
Starting college is often an important transition within the relationships between students and their parents. A 2024 report on discussed three ways that parents can have unique impacts on college students and highlighted how supportive parents can help students reduce stress and burnout. However, some students present to campus counseling centers and report stressful relationships with their parents. Common examples of these stressful relationships are 'helicopter parents.' According to a 2025 report by Boston University, the term helicopter parent emerged as the baby boomer generation had more money and time to spend on their children than previous generations. This resulted in a tendency to be highly active as parents of college students, which included some parents micromanaging their students. As members of Gen X and Millennials became parents, the general trend of having more money and time for children continued, resulting in elaborations of the concept of helicopter parenting. For example, a 2023 report on summarized the potential harmful effects of 'snowplow parenting,' which describes a tendency of some parents to remove all stressors or challenges that their children might experience. Regardless of the term used to describe these behaviors, or the reasons why these behaviors exist, having parents who are over controlling can have detrimental impacts on students. Over Controlling Parents Can Hinder Development And Opportunities The traditional college-aged years are formative for the development of personal values. Instead of specific rules, such as who a child can spend time with outside of school, what time is curfew, and when to do homework, college is a place to establish values such as lifestyle choices, personal development, and academic performance. According to a 2025 study in the journal of Brain Sciences, the establishment of personal values is associated with individual decision-making. Thus, over controlling rules which limit students' ability to make decisions can hinder the development of long-term values. Furthermore, many colleges and universities have thousands of students on campus. If a student enters the campus community with a set of rules that are more strict than other students, then it's expected that the student will miss opportunities, such as attending certain social events that could result in having more friends, participating in extracurricular activities that could lead to future internships, or attending campus events that could result in being more excited about college. Over Controlling Parents Often Have Limited Influence As detailed in the report on parents generally have significant influence over college students. This influence is mostly experienced by students as parents being positive role models and giving practical advice; however, such influence can last a lifetime. On the contrary, over controlling rules can influence the behavior of college students, but this type of influence is time limited. As students proceed through their academic careers, most of them will obtain financial independence, and this independence will minimize the impact of any parental rules. A 2020 study in the journal of Psychological Reports found that parent-child attachment can also impact the social relationships of college students, including factors such as social anxiety. Consistent with these findings is the fact that many students with over controlling parents attempt to put rules and expectations on peers. This usually has limited influence on peers and can result in these students being rejected by others. In turn, many of these students will start resisting or rejecting their parents, which could produce a vicious cycle of attachment problems and difficulty connecting with others. Over Controlling Parents Often Reap What They Sow According to a 2025 report on rules often represent boundaries to children. As such, over controlling rules to college students often represent an over reliance of boundaries during a time of independence. It's often beneficial for parents to ponder that college students eventually reach a point in lifespan development in which they put boundaries on their parents. Examples include relocating after graduation, getting married, and starting a family. The boundaries that students place on parents later in life often reflect their feelings about the boundaries that parents once placed on them. In closing, it's important to note that there's no consensus on what constitutes an over controlling parent. Furthermore, students need rules while in college, and some students need more rules than others. However, it's usually obvious when a student is burdened with rules that are excessive and don't match the general experience of being in college. Most parents want their children to succeed in college, and they can help foster student success by setting appropriate and normative expectations.
Yahoo
04-08-2025
- Yahoo
15 Habits That Make People Instantly Like You
Building rapport quickly can be a game-changer in both personal and professional settings. Whether you're entering a room full of strangers or trying to make a good impression on someone new, there are specific habits that can make people instantly warm up to you. These aren't tricks; they're genuine behavioral practices that can help you connect with people on a human level. So, how do you make yourself more likable without coming off as insincere? Here are 15 habits that can help you do just that. 1. You're Genuinely Interested In People One of the simplest ways to make people like you is to show genuine interest in them. Ask questions about their lives, opinions, or experiences, and listen actively to what they have to say. According to research by Harvard University, self-disclosure activates the brain's reward system, making both parties feel a sense of connection. When you show that you care about someone's thoughts and feelings, it makes them feel valued and appreciated. It's not just about asking questions but really listening to their answers. Being genuinely interested in what people have to say also encourages them to open up more to you. When they feel heard, they're more likely to engage in deeper conversations and share more about themselves. This kind of connection can foster mutual respect and admiration. It also makes you memorable because people often recall how they felt in your presence. You become associated with positivity and support, setting the stage for a lasting relationship. 2. You Maintain Eye Contact Eye contact is a powerful tool for making people feel seen and understood. When you maintain eye contact during a conversation, it signals that you're engaged and interested in what the other person is saying. This simple act can build trust and create a sense of intimacy, making the interaction more meaningful. It can also give you insight into how the other person is feeling, allowing you to respond more empathetically. People appreciate those who can connect on an emotional level, and eye contact helps facilitate that connection. However, it's essential to strike a balance and avoid staring. Too much eye contact can make people uncomfortable or feel like they're being scrutinized. The goal is to be attentive, not intimidating. Aim for a natural rhythm of looking into the person's eyes and occasionally looking away. This balance will make the interaction feel more comfortable and less forced, contributing to a likable presence. 3. You Smile Warmly And Naturally A genuine smile can go a long way in making you more approachable and likable. People often respond positively to those who smile because it conveys warmth and friendliness. According to a study by the University of Kansas, smiling—even when you're not genuinely happy—can lead to a decrease in stress and an increase in positive emotions. This creates an atmosphere where people feel comfortable and at ease, making them more likely to enjoy your company. Remember, the key is authenticity; a forced smile can be just as off-putting as a frown. Smiling can also be contagious. When you smile at someone, they are more likely to smile back, creating a cycle of positivity. This can help set the tone for your interactions, making them more pleasant for both parties. A smile can also make difficult conversations easier and help diffuse tensions. It's a simple yet effective way to foster goodwill, especially when meeting new people. 4. You Show Up Consistently Consistency in your behavior builds trust and makes people feel secure in their interactions with you. When people know what to expect, it reduces anxiety and creates a more comfortable environment. Consistent actions, words, and attitudes communicate reliability, a trait that people naturally gravitate towards. Whether it's keeping promises, showing up on time, or maintaining a steady mood, consistency makes you dependable. It also reflects integrity, showing that you are a person of your word. Being consistent doesn't mean being predictable or boring. It's about aligning your actions with your values and principles. This shows that you are genuine and sincere, two qualities that enhance likability. People appreciate when they can rely on you, and this builds stronger, more trusting relationships. Consistency also allows others to understand you better, facilitating deeper connections. 5. You Refer To People By Name Addressing people by their names is a simple yet powerful way to make them feel special and acknowledged. A person's name is deeply tied to their identity, and using it in conversation can create a more personal connection. According to Dale Carnegie, author of "How to Win Friends and Influence People," remembering and using someone's name is crucial for making a lasting impression. It shows that you see them as an individual and value their presence. This small effort can make a big difference in how people perceive you. Using names also helps to keep conversations personalized and engaging. It can break the ice and make interactions feel more intimate, especially in group settings. However, it's important not to overuse it, as this can come off as insincere or manipulative. The key is to incorporate it naturally into the conversation. This practice not only enhances your likability but also strengthens your communication skills. 6. You're Kind And Empathetic Empathy is the cornerstone of meaningful connections. When you make an effort to understand someone else's feelings, it shows that you care, fostering a sense of trust and mutual respect. Empathetic people are often seen as more relatable and approachable, making them easier to like. They have an innate ability to make others feel understood and supported. This doesn't mean you have to agree with everything someone says, but showing that you understand their perspective can go a long way. Being empathetic helps you navigate social situations more effectively. It allows you to respond appropriately to other people's emotions, whether they're happy, sad, or angry. This can help you avoid misunderstandings and build stronger relationships. Empathy also encourages open dialogue, prompting people to share more freely with you. By putting yourself in another person's shoes, you demonstrate kindness and emotional intelligence, both of which are highly likable traits. 7. You Share Your Stories Openly Sharing personal stories can make you more relatable and help others understand you better. Dr. Paul Zak, a neuroscientist, found that storytelling releases oxytocin, a hormone that facilitates bonding and trust. By opening up about your own experiences, you invite others to do the same, paving the way for deeper conversations. This mutual exchange of stories fosters a sense of connection and camaraderie. People appreciate authenticity, and sharing your experiences is a great way to demonstrate that. However, it's important to share stories that are relevant and appropriate to the context. You don't want to overshadow someone else's story or make the conversation all about you. The key is to find common ground that encourages further dialogue. This can make the conversation more engaging for everyone involved. Shared stories can also create lasting memories, reinforcing the bond between you and those you interact with. 8. You're Happy And Positive A positive attitude is infectious and can significantly enhance your likability. People are drawn to those who focus on the brighter side of things rather than dwelling on negatives. Positivity can lift the mood and make interactions more enjoyable, creating an environment where people feel good. It doesn't mean you have to ignore problems, but rather approach them with a constructive mindset. This can inspire others to adopt a similar outlook, making you a source of motivation and encouragement. Being positive also helps in managing stress and setbacks more effectively. When people see you handling challenges with grace, it can earn you respect and admiration. Positivity encourages a can-do attitude, making you seem more approachable and easy to work with. It fosters a supportive environment, encouraging people to engage with you openly. Your optimistic outlook can make you a magnet for those seeking a bit of sunshine in their day. 9. You're Open-Minded And Accepting An open-minded approach invites different perspectives and encourages people to share their thoughts freely. When you welcome diverse opinions and ideas, it makes you more approachable and easier to connect with. People appreciate when their feelings and viewpoints are validated, even if you don't necessarily agree with them. Being open-minded demonstrates that you're willing to listen, learn, and adapt. It also suggests that you're not judgmental, making others feel more comfortable around you. Being open-minded doesn't mean you have to accept everything at face value. It's about actively listening and considering others' viewpoints, allowing for meaningful dialogue. This can lead to richer, more fulfilling interactions and help you grow as a person. Open-mindedness encourages a culture of learning and personal growth, making you more interesting to engage with. People are more likely to like you when they feel their voices are heard and respected. 10. You Give Genuine Compliments Giving compliments is an art that, when done genuinely, can make people feel appreciated and valued. A well-timed, sincere compliment can boost someone's confidence and make them feel good about themselves. It shows that you notice and appreciate the qualities or actions of others. However, the key lies in authenticity—people can usually tell when a compliment is insincere. A genuine compliment is specific, focusing on something you truly admire, rather than offering a vague or generic praise. Compliments also have a ripple effect. When someone feels good about themselves, they are more likely to pass on that positivity to others. This creates a culture of goodwill and mutual appreciation. Acknowledging the efforts or qualities of others not only boosts their mood but also strengthens your bonds with them. It shows that you're observant and mindful, traits that people find attractive and likable. By lifting others up, you also lift yourself up in their eyes. 11. You're Calm And Patient Patience is a quality that can significantly enhance your likability. When you exercise patience, it shows that you respect people's time and needs. Whether it's waiting for someone to finish speaking or allowing them to express their thoughts at their own pace, patience can create a more comfortable atmosphere. It demonstrates that you're considerate and understanding, which are qualities people appreciate. In a fast-paced world, the ability to slow down and give others space can set you apart. Patience also helps in dealing with challenging situations and people. It allows you to remain calm and composed, preventing unnecessary conflicts or misunderstandings. This level-headedness can earn you respect and trust, making people more likely to seek your company and advice. By being patient, you show that you're not easily rattled and can handle situations with grace. This resilience and composure are traits that people naturally gravitate towards. 12. You're Friendly And Approachable Approachability is often the first step to making people like you. It sets the stage for open communication and makes it easier for others to reach out to you. A welcoming demeanor, friendly body language, and a warm tone of voice are all components of being approachable. It's not just about smiling or being nice; it's about being accessible and responsive. When people feel that they can come to you without barriers, it fosters trust and openness. Being approachable also involves being present and attentive. People are more likely to engage with you if they feel you're genuinely interested in what they have to say. This means putting away distractions, maintaining eye contact, and actively participating in the conversation. It shows that you value their time and input, which can make them feel important and respected. An approachable attitude can open doors to new friendships and collaborations, making you a magnet for positive connections. 13. You're Honest And Authentic Honesty is a cornerstone of likability because it builds trust and credibility. People are naturally drawn to those who are transparent and truthful in their interactions. Being honest doesn't mean being brutally blunt; it's about being sincere and genuine in your communications. When you're truthful, people know they can rely on you, which fosters deeper and more meaningful relationships. Honesty also reflects integrity, a quality that people respect and admire. Being honest also means acknowledging your limitations and mistakes. Nobody is perfect, and owning up to your errors can earn you respect and admiration. It shows humility and a willingness to learn and grow, traits people find endearing. Honesty encourages a culture of openness, making people feel safe to express themselves around you. When people trust your word, they're more likely to like and respect you, laying the foundation for strong, enduring connections. 14. You Treat Everyone With Respect Respect is a fundamental aspect of likability. Treating people with dignity and consideration, regardless of their status or background, speaks volumes about your character. Respectful behavior fosters a positive environment where people feel valued and appreciated. It promotes mutual understanding and encourages cooperation and collaboration. When you treat others with respect, it often leads to reciprocal behavior, strengthening your relationships. Being respectful also means being mindful of people's boundaries and personal space. It involves listening actively and not interrupting or belittling others. Showing respect can also be about acknowledging diverse viewpoints and being open to constructive feedback. This kind of behavior cultivates an atmosphere of trust and harmony, making people more likely to enjoy your company. Respect is a two-way street, and extending it can make you a more likable and admired person. 15. You're Always Yourself Authenticity is a powerful trait that can make you instantly likable. When you're true to yourself, it shows confidence and self-assurance, traits that people often admire. Being authentic means embracing your quirks and imperfections, which can make you more relatable. People are drawn to those who are genuine because it creates a sense of trust and reliability. When you're yourself, you're more likely to attract people who appreciate and value you for who you truly are. Authenticity also encourages others to be genuine with you, fostering deeper and more meaningful connections. It allows for honest communication and can help build a strong foundation for relationships. When people see that you're not trying to be someone you're not, it makes interactions more comfortable and natural. Being yourself can also inspire others to do the same, creating a more open and supportive environment. Embracing authenticity can make you a magnet for genuine and lasting friendships. Solve the daily Crossword
