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Sebastian Hernandez, left, 15 and his brother Benjamin, 12, pose May 24 in Los Angeles. While some kids are stressed, confused, bored and isolated during quarantine, the Hernandez brothers have relished the opportunity to slow down.<br>Jason Armond, Los Angeles Times/TNS

Though controversial, distance learning has benefited many students

Those annoying puffy spots under the eyes of eighth-grader Natalie Alvarez began to disappear, followed by the 10 a.m. hunger bouts and the midafternoon yawns — much to the Carson, Calif., girl’s delight and surprise.

Adopted rescue dog Halo sits in a park across the street from the Upland Borough Police Department in Upland, Pa., July 22.<br>Jessica Griffin, The Philadelphia Inquirer/TNS Adopted rescue dog Halo sits in a park across the street from the Upland Borough Police Department in Upland, Pa., July 22.<br>Jessica Griffin, The Philadelphia Inquirer/TNS
Paw-licing the community
Carla Bleiker, Trent Theiler and Robert Williams took matters into their own hands when the rooftop pool at their Washington, D.C. apartment did not open because of the pandemic. <br> Katherine Frey/The Washington Post Carla Bleiker, Trent Theiler and Robert Williams took matters into their own hands when the rooftop pool at their Washington, D.C. apartment did not open because of the pandemic. <br> Katherine Frey/The Washington Post
The inflatable pool is the official symbol of America's lost summer
Three robots developed by Japan's ZMP are seen June 18 in the company's office lobby in Tokyo: from left, a self-driving wheelchair, a patrol robot and a delivery robot.<br>Simon Denyer/The Washington Post
Three robots developed by Japan's ZMP are seen June 18 in the company's office lobby in Tokyo: from left, a self-driving wheelchair, a patrol robot and a delivery robot.<br>Simon Denyer/The Washington Post

In a time of social distancing, robots could be what the doctor ordered

As the coronavirus pandemic rewrites the rules of human interaction, it also has inspired new thinking about how robots and other machines might step in.

Jim Carrey’s new book, “Memoirs and Misinformation,” is a strange work of autofiction, satirizing Hollywood’s self-absorption. Here, Carrey is photographed remotely via Facetime on an iPad from his home on June 16. <br>Jay L. Clendenin/Los Angeles Times
Jim Carrey’s new book, “Memoirs and Misinformation,” is a strange work of autofiction, satirizing Hollywood’s self-absorption. Here, Carrey is photographed remotely via Facetime on an iPad from his home on June 16. <br>Jay L. Clendenin/Los Angeles Times

Books

Jim Carrey fashions a wild story about acting, Hollywood and privilege

Jim Carrey’s new semi-autobiographical novel, “Memoirs and Misinformation,” features flying saucers and a fire-bombing on Rodeo Drive, apocalyptic fires devouring Malibu and a mega-budget Hungry Hungry Hippos movie written by Kenneth Lonergan. One moment, “Carrey” dreams of strangling his late mother; the next, he pines for Renee Zellweger (“his last great love”) and challenges Nicolas Cage, a man “whose artistic bravery had always given him courage,” to a jujitsu duel. (Warning: Cage fights dirty.)

Strength training is important for mature adults who have lost muscle mass, mobility and power due to sarcopenia. <br>iStock
Strength training is important for mature adults who have lost muscle mass, mobility and power due to sarcopenia. <br>iStock

Strength training can help mature adults regain muscle mass, mobility and power

Starting sometime in our 30s (the data aren’t precise), we lose up to 8% of our muscle mass per decade, a decline called sarcopenia, along with up to 30% of our strength and power. This leaves us weaker, less mobile and — especially after we cross age 50 — more vulnerable to injury from falls and similar accidents. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

"The Lincoln Conspiracy" co-author Brad Meltzer writes of another time when America was deeply divided.<br>Michelle Watson/CatchLight Group
"The Lincoln Conspiracy" co-author Brad Meltzer writes of another time when America was deeply divided.<br>Michelle Watson/CatchLight Group

‘Lincoln Conspiracy’ recounts plot to kill president-elect en route to inauguration

So entrenched and revered is Abraham Lincoln in America’s national myth that it is almost impossible to imagine what the country would look like without his presidency. There’s the real possibility it wouldn’t exist at all — at least not as the still functioning, if admittedly strained and battered, United States. It is startling to read, then, how close the nation came to losing its most consequential and important president before he was even sworn in.

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games

Ghost of Tsushima is an open-world game about a samurai hero set in 13th-century Japan that abounds with nifty elements. <br>Sony Interactive Entertainment
Ghost of Tsushima is an open-world game about a samurai hero set in 13th-century Japan that abounds with nifty elements. <br>Sony Interactive Entertainment

Rich characters, stunning visuals propel Ghost of Tsushima

Though Ghost of Tsushima’s charismatic characters and intricate combat are a significant draw, what first kindled my admiration for the new open-world RPG set in 13th century Japan is its respect for poetry.

europe after hours

A rack of rabbit with white wine sauce, black olives and thyme at Gregorelli's in Frankfurt, Germany. The entree also came with spinach, carrots and roasted potatoes.<br>David Edge/Stars and Stripes
A rack of rabbit with white wine sauce, black olives and thyme at Gregorelli's in Frankfurt, Germany. The entree also came with spinach, carrots and roasted potatoes.<br>David Edge/Stars and Stripes

At Gregorelli’s in Frankfurt, good service can’t redeem bad food

There are plenty of Italian restaurants scattered around Frankfurt, but oddly, not too many in the city’s central area. So if you get a sudden craving for some Italian after touring the city, Gregorelli’s would be a prime candidate.

pacific after hours

The mutton curry set with garlic naan and a side of chili chicken from KC's Dining near Yokota Air Base in western Tokyo.<br>Theron Godbold/Stars and Stripes
The mutton curry set with garlic naan and a side of chili chicken from KC's Dining near Yokota Air Base in western Tokyo.<br>Theron Godbold/Stars and Stripes

It’s worth going the extra mile for a meal at KC’s Dining in Hamura

Stand at any gate at Yokota Air Base in western Tokyo and throw a rock. Chances are you’ll hit an Indian restaurant.

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the meat and potatoes of life

Pandemic party fashion faux pas

For a few minutes last weekend, I was winning at life. My husband, Francis, and I were getting ready for a small gathering of friends on our neighbors’ wraparound porch overlooking the bay. It was a warm summer evening, my stomach felt flat for once, and I was in the mood for a cocktail.