Everybody’s Talking

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Porcelain drift: The circular hall of the Bourse de Commerce in Paris, France, hosts a quietly strange display. Porcelain bowls drift across a pool and chime as they bump into one another. The work by artist Céleste Boursier-Mougenot fills the space with gentle sound, shaped by water and motion. There’s no conductor, only subtle currents guiding the bowls and shaping the experience. The artist designed this piece to fit the architecture, turning the domed gallery into a kind of living instrument. As visitors sit near the basin, they become part of the

installation by being still. With no beginning or end, the piece invites pause, letting randomness take the lead. It’s a thoughtful installation where sound and movement naturally unfold.

Ambulance gift: In a generous move, India donated 88 ambulances to Sri Lanka, helping to build the country’s first national emergency service. The fleet now provides free, round-the-clock transport, reaching patients in cities and remote areas. Many lives have been saved thanks to the quick response and skilled care provided along the way. Originally a goodwill gesture, these vehicles now play a key role in Sri Lanka’s healthcare. They respond to strokes, cardiac events, road accidents, and other emergencies where every minute matters. Combined with additional public health gains, the ambulances have helped boost health outcomes nationwide. A single gift can keep making a difference, long after the ribbon is cut.

Nature break: Tucked along a scenic rail line in Nagano Prefecture, Japan, a quiet platform has become a surprise destination. Seiryu Miharashi Station isn’t meant for commuting. It has no entrance, no buildings, and no roads. Instead, it invites train passengers to briefly step off and absorb the view: a winding river cutting through steep hills, with forested slopes that shift in color across the seasons. The platform includes lookout areas, but nothing more. There are no distractions and no hurry. Visitors often linger, taking photos or walking on nearby trails before continuing their journey. Its unexpected popularity has brought new life to local tourism. The station simply gives people a reason to pause and enjoy the view.

Heroic hound: A ranch dog named Buford emerged as an unexpected hero in the wild canyons near Seligman, Arizona (U.S.). After a young boy vanished into the desert, traversing nearly 7 miles (11.3 km), Buford somehow found him and led him toward safety. Search teams, navigating rugged ground and wildlife threats, were stunned to see the pair appear together at last. The boy explained he’d sheltered under a tree before deciding to follow the friendly canine. Rescuers called the outcome astonishing, given the risks and harsh desert conditions the boy faced. Unfazed by the attention, Buford returned home to hearty praise and a well-earned feast. Sometimes a dog’s steady heart can lead the way when hope begins to fade.

Quoteable Quotes

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“The meaning of life is to give life a meaning.”

—Viktor Frankl

“The universe is full of magical things patiently waiting

for our wits to grow sharper.”

—Eden Phillpotts

What’s Happening

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Trivia

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1. A peninsula, neck, or isthmus is narrow land connecting two larger masses.

2. France had three major revolutions—T/F?

3. What does heat measurement BTU mean?

4. This artist painted the Sistine Chapel ceiling.

5. A formation of rock on the top of hills is a tor, tumble, or butte?

Trivia answers at the bottom of the page!

Your Weekly Horoscope

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Lucky numbers this week: This week’s odds favor Sagittarius winners with the luckiest number being 7.

Did You Know...

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Gurgle guide: That rumble in your stomach is often just digestion at work. As your digestive system processes food, liquids, and air, it creates sounds similar to water flowing through pipes. These noises also can happen when you’re hungry.

Tiny timing: “Jiffy” is an actual time unit, not just a casual way to say “soon.” In scientific terms, jiffy refers to a fraction of a second that’s so small you’d miss it if you blinked. Even everyday sayings can have technical roots.

Shark shield: A shark’s skin is covered in tiny, tooth-like scales called denticles, which help it glide smoothly through water, guarding against scrapes, bites, and parasites. This natural armor gives sharks both speed and surprising protection.

Tree roots: Before her music fame, Taylor Swift lived in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania (U.S.), on what once was a Christmas tree farm. Her dad kept it going part time, and one of the singer’s early jobs was picking praying mantis eggs off trees.

Sacred scent: Frankincense has served many purposes throughout history, from temple rituals to home remedies. This fragrant tree resin has been burned in sacred ceremonies, dabbed in perfumes, and rubbed on for skin care.

On the Lighter Side

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My dentist calls a gold tooth “a flash in a pan.”

I lift weights on Saturday and Sundays. Monday to Friday are weak days.

Billy: “I just had 10 rides on the carousel.”

Bobby: “You really get around don’t you?”

Knock! Knock! Who’s there? Hammond. Hammond who? Hammond eggs for breakfast.



What did the bookshelves learn in school? Their upper and lower cases.