It wasn’t all bad
■ Diving close to 2,000 feet underwater, researchers in Ecuador’s Galápagos marine reserve found a thriving marine environment filled with pink octopuses, sharks, and squat lobsters. The discovery of the well-preserved coral reef has fueled optimism about the future of such ecosystems, which have been decimated over the past decade.The coral, at the summit of an underwater volcano, has survived for thousands of years. “The captivating thing about these reefs,” said marine researcher Stuart Banks, is that they are “essentially pristine.”
■ Hassan Tibwa and Sami al-Gada, two mechanical engineering students, saved at least 60 people trapped in Khartoum, Sudan’s capital, after fighting broke out last month. Driving a battered Toyota sedan, the 20-somethings rescued several United Nations officials and foreigners stranded in their buildings, including a Korean couple with two children and an eight-months-pregnant woman who was trapped for 10 days with her child. During their mission, they faced robberies, arrests, and death threats while recovering passports and pets. At one point, a soldier from one of the capital’s warring faction pointed a Kalashnikov at al-Gada’s head. “The bravery of these guys is just amazing,” said Fares Hadi, a factory manager they helped. “So impressive, so courageous.”
■ At 92, Mary Silvestri finally achieved her dream of auditioning for the Rockettes. Although the Connecticut native wanted to compete for a spot in the dance company more than 80 years ago, she was unable to find a ride to New York City. So, in April, Silvestri’s nephew and son accompanied her to Radio City Music Hall, where she was one of the more than 800 dancers to perform. She delivered a few kicks and was photographed posing with dancers doing with the Rockettes’ classic bevel move. “Do your routine and enjoy it,” Silvestri said. “You have to enjoy what you’re doing.”