June 9, 2025

Everybody’s Talking

Frozen artistry: In Harbin, China, winter becomes a canvas for the breathtaking Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival, transforming the season into a dazzling spectacle. This annual celebration features life-sized replicas of global landmarks carved from ice, with shimmering lights casting vibrant hues over the frozen masterpieces. Visitors can explore reimagined icons like the Acropolis or slide down giant ice creations along the frozen Songhua River. The event’s magic peaks at night, when vivid colors illuminate the frosty structures, creating a surreal, dreamlike atmosphere. Beyond the festival, Harbin also offers the Siberian Tiger Park, home to the majestic big cats in their natural winter habitat, a perfect blend of wonder and wildlife.

Narrow charm: In the historic Malá Strana, or Lesser Town, district of Prague, Czech Republic, the city’s narrowest street, Vinarna Certovka, is a delightful find. Measuring about 19.6 inches (50 cm.) wide, this snug passage near the Charles Bridge includes a traffic light to manage pedestrian flow. Once a worker’s path, it now offers a quirky detour to the Certovka Canal, where charming waterfront views await. The area’s medieval cobblestone streets and Baroque architecture add to the enchanting experience. Visitors often stumble upon this hidden gem, marveling at its quaint appeal and discovering the tavern at its end. It’s a fun reminder that sometimes the smallest streets lead to the best adventures.

Timeless retreat: Founded in the year 705 C.E., Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan is a traditional Japanese inn that has been kept in the same family for centuries. Built around natural hot springs, this secluded retreat has welcomed shoguns and modern travelers seeking relaxation. Guests slip off their shoes at the entrance, stepping into a world of tatami floors, calligraphy-adorned walls, and deep tradition. Each stay includes multi-course meals made from local ingredients and tranquil baths fed by mineral-rich waters. Fires, typhoons, and falling boulders have threatened its existence, yet it endures. While many hotels chase expansion, this one remains content, offering a rare glimpse into Japan’s past, one warm soak at a time.

Styled camels: At a bustling cattle market in Karachi, Pakistan, traders hoping to attract buyers turn to skilled camel barbers for intricate makeovers. Using only a small pair of scissors, these artists shave elaborate patterns into the animals’ coats, transforming them into moving canvases. Designs range from simple geometric shapes to intricate motifs, each tailored to the camel’s size and color. While many traders believe a striking pattern increases value, others remain unconvinced. For barbers, who often learn the craft from their ancestors, this seasonal work is both art and livelihood. Beyond money, another reward is seeing their work walk away in style.

Quoteable Quotes

“Walls turned sideways are bridges.”

—Angela Davis

“What isn’t said is as important as what is said.”

—Colson Whitehead

What’s Happening

Trivia

Your Weekly Horoscope

Aries
(March 20 – April 19)

You may think the universe is purposely delaying you. Consider why that may be

true and respond appropriately. Focus on integrity in your thoughts and words.

Lucky numbers: 12, 16, 19, 27, 36, 45.

Taurus
(April 20 – May 20)

Taurus are hard workers, but sometimes tend to overdo things. This may be a

time for pleasure and fun. Take advantage of it and remember how to do so in the future.

Lucky numbers: 4, 5, 17, 20, 21, 22.

Gemini
(May 21 – June 20)

Today’s astrological energy has potential for accidents and mishaps. This applies

to all but especially Geminis. So be sure to act consciously and carefully.

Lucky numbers: 9, 13, 27, 30, 31, 45.

Cancer
(June 21 – July 22)

In the past year, you may have felt that your nurturing abilities were not operating at their best. The next 12 months you might find that these qualities are expanded.

Lucky numbers: 11, 12, 18, 24, 27, 25.

Leo
(July 23 – Aug. 22)

Ruled by the Sun, Leo has proactive, yang energy. For the next year, you may

have an opportunity to incorporate a softer, yin quality in your approach to others.

Lucky numbers: 1, 11, 12, 23, 40, 47.

Virgo
(Aug. 23– Sept. 22)

Virgos can be hard on themselves, often striving for perfection. For the next year,

you may have an opportunity to change this pattern and give yourself some

slack. Lucky numbers: 2, 3, 5, 6, 13, 42.

Libra
(Sept. 23 – Oct. 22)

Do you balance self care with nurturing others? For the next year, astrological

energy may encourage you to focus on better understanding yourself in this.

Lucky numbers: 10, 11, 13, 23, 29, 43.

Scorpio
(Oct. 23 – Nov. 21)

Scorpios can have difficulty communicating their intuitive insights to others. The next year may offer opportunities to successfully project more empathy in this process.

Lucky numbers: 3, 10, 12, 23, 24, 45.

Sagittarius
(Nov. 22 – Dec. 21)

A theme for Sagittarius is to be a seeker in some manner. What do you seek?

This may be a good time to evaluate how much progress you have made in

finding it.

Lucky numbers: 6, 13, 14, 30, 40, 46.

Capricorn
(Dec. 22 – Jan. 19)

Are you a Capricorn who achieved maturity at a young age, or did you struggle to reach adulthood? This may be a good time to evaluate where you are now.

Lucky numbers: 8, 18, 21, 31, 32, 38.

Aquarius
(Jan. 20 – Feb. 18)

A theme while Pluto moves through Aquarius is how humanity uses emerging technology like AI. How do you feel about this potential impact on human evolution?

Lucky numbers: 13, 14, 26, 34, 35, 36.

Pisces
(Feb. 19 – March 20)

Empathy is a strong attribute of many Pisces. For the next year, this quality may

be enhanced. Be aware of this so you aren’t overwhelmed by the challenges of

others.

Lucky numbers: 18, 22, 33, 43, 45, 47.

Lucky numbers this week: This week’s odds favor Taurus winners with the luckiest number being 17.

Did You Know...

On the Lighter Side

Sponsored by: MAISANO'S FINE WINE AND LIQUOR

Knock! Knock! Who’s there? Aurora. Aurora who? Aurora just came from that big polar bear!

What do you get if you mix a skunk with a hospital? A medical scenter.

Pity the one who can’t find a singing partner. They need a duet yourself kit.

It doesn’t take a very big person to carry a grudge.

Tim: Why do you have a cow in the front yard?”

Jim: “It’s mooing the lawn.”

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