Urban and rural teens swap hometowns and are shocked by what they learn about each other

“We’re trying to create a kind of antidote to prejudice by bringing together groups of young people who are very different from each other ... politically, racially, ethnically, culturally, socioeconomically, and providing them with experiences that help them humanize the other so that they don’t demonize them later,” said David McCullough III, the founder of the American Exchange Project, which he launched in 2019 to break down entrenched stereotypes and spark lasting friendships.

Calling all former ‘Star Wars’ fans

Upcoming title Outlaws somehow makes game critic fall in love again with a galaxy far, far away

Wild new rides await at European volksfests

One important and much-beloved element of a volksfest or fun fair is the midway rides, especially the unique and high-caliber offerings. Here is where to find some of the most interesting.

Movie listings for the week of Aug. 16

Here’s what’s playing at on-base theaters.

Choosing your words, and your battles, wisely

As a busy military wife and mother of three, I’ve adopted a no-nonsense approach involving direct and informal use of words, with plenty of colloquialisms thrown in.

Bewitching pottery can still be found in Alsace’s Betschdorf, with some wandering

The French village of Betschdorf, which has been producing its signature salt-glazed, gray-and-blue pottery for hundreds of years, is a great destination if you’re curious about how the pottery is made and want to pick up a few pieces while there are still artisans around to create them.

Long lines greet Yoshinoya customers during promotion starring Nintendo’s Kirby

One of Nintendo’s cutest — and hungriest — game characters is causing long lines outside Japan’s oldest beef bowl chain nationwide. Now through Aug. 31, Yoshinoya is offering a special Kirby set that includes the chain’s famous gyudon — thinly sliced beef and onions atop a bed of white rice

Melenzane has its moments, but pizza time isn’t one of them

Melenzane is in the new Avenues Mall at Harbor Gate in Bahrain Bay at the far end near the food court, and you can’t miss it. Its towering decor makes it look like it was pulled off the set of “Mad Max.” The name translates to “eggplant,” which perhaps explains why its salads might be a better option than its hot pies.

Tours from Europe bases

Here are a few of the upcoming trips scheduled by military bases.

Recently announced concerts and events for Aug. 16 and beyond

Listings for recently announced concerts, special concerts and shows and on-base theater.

Go dinosaur hunting at this imaginative prehistoric park in Connecticut

A 1 1/2-mile trail will take visitors past more than 60 lifelike dinosaur models at Dinosaur Place, and other activities such as a maze and water play area also await.

Legend: New album should resonate with both kids and adults

The R&B-pop singer discusses his ambitious first children’s album, ‘My Favorite Dream,’ and new single, ‘L-O-V-E.’

10 ways parents can help their kids get back into school mode

Psychologists offer parents advice on helping their children make the transition from summer break to a new school year.

Switch’s technology smooths out some flaws in Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD

Nintendo is giving Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon a revamp, labeling it Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD. With the enhanced entry’s arrival on the Nintendo Switch, the game benefits from a more powerful system and better control scheme.

Where European stereotypes come to life in the best ways

Some well-known places and events in Europe are worth checking out even if they are travel clichés.

Armchair experts recall Olympic triumphs of yore

Olympic viewers fall into two categories: Those who are purely in awe of Olympic athletes’ extreme athleticism, persistent dedication and extraordinary talents. And, those viewers who watch with a twinge of narcissistic satisfaction, believing that they closely identify with Olympic athletes due to their own nebulous past involvement in sports.

Movie listings for the week of Aug. 9

Here’s what’s playing at on-base theaters.

Tours from Europe bases

Here are a few of the upcoming trips scheduled by military bases.

Germany’s Odenwald provides an extraordinary climb up the ‘sea of stones’

The Odenwald Felsenmeer – about an hour drive from Wiesbaden – makes for a challenging hike that combines history and myth.