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Amy Poehler spreads love for Boston, takes serious turn in 'Smart Girls' video

"Parks & Recreation" funny woman Amy Poehler has been making short videos for her Smart Girls Channel since last July, and has been answering questions from young people about everything from makeup to anxiety to friendship. But in her latest video, which went online Thursday, she seems to be not just answering a question from a 16-year-old ... but looking at a larger, very immediate issue: The re

"Parks & Recreation" funny woman Amy Poehler has been making short videos for her Smart Girls Channel since last July, and has been answering questions from young people about everything from makeup to anxiety to friendship. But in her latest video, which went online Thursday, she seems to be not just answering a question from a 16-year-old ... but looking at a larger, very immediate issue: The recent Boston Marathon bombings.

The teenager, identified as Millie, asked Poehler about how she can avoid watching what are often negative videos and images all of her friends -- and millions of others -- are absorbing from the internet. She wanted to know what she can do to find and spread more positive, better messages.

Poehler, looking subdued and sitting on the floor near a window, says she's wondered about that question herself and suggests that those addicted to the images they're seeing everywhere "soften our hearts and minds and eyes and give our eyes a break and try to see things in a different way." She tells Millie, "It's okay not to be looking at what everyone else is looking at all the time ... and be okay with letting some things rest in peace."

It's a big answer to Millie's question, and it's almost not clear where such deep thoughts may be coming from, until Poehler signs off. As she ends, she says, "I don't know if this makes any sense, but this has been a weird week, hasn't it? So thanks Millie, and I love you, Boston. See you soon."

The actress/comedienne has a direct connection with what's going on in Boston. She was raised in Newton, located a few miles outside Boston, and graduated from Boston College, where she got her start in improv comedy. And in May 2011, she was a speaker before a crowd of graduating seniors and parents on Class Day at Harvard University

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