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How The Mona Lisa Is Inspiring Filmmaker Gus Van Sant's Work
Gus Van Sant is revisiting the Mona Lisa six decades later in his own work. A series of new paintings dedicated to that pillar of Western art is now on view at Vito Schnabel’s gallery in St. Moritz, Switzerland. Without crowds to obstruct his view, Van Sant has deconstructed the silhouette into pointillist squares, similar to pixels of a digital image.
Score (90)
Can Dogs Really Talk? Ripley the Aussie Might Be the Closest Proof Yet
Dogs already know how to get our attention — a bark, a nudge, a stare that says “I want a treat.” But some dogs, like Ripley, a 2-year-old Australian Shepherd, are going well beyond the basics. Ripley uses talking buttons — programmable devices that play words when pressed — to communicate with his humans. And according to more than a million viewers on TikTok, he’s surprisingly good at it. In one viral clip posted in March 2024, Ripley interrupts his parents' lunch by pressing the button for “smell.” When they ignore him, he starts barking. When they ask, “What do you smell?” he hits “outside” followed by “gardens.” It sounds random — until they discover a leaking bottle of detergent in the laundry room. The scent of the floral cleaner had filled the air, and Ripley had been trying to tell them something was off. It wasn’t an emergency — but it could’ve been. And it’s what makes his communication attempt feel so remarkable. “He was so mad y’all weren’t moving,” one viewer commented. Others were more direct: “Give him all of the treats.” Ripley’s TikTok page, @letsgoripley, has amassed over 85,000 followers and countless moments like this one — him asking for water, for food, for his grandma (who, as you’d guess, brings treats). His owners say he doesn’t just press buttons for fun or reward. They’re convinced he knows what he’s saying. And science might be catching up. Studies show dogs can recognize hundreds of words and distinguish between real words and gibberish. In 2023, researchers even found that dogs can tell the difference between familiar and unfamiliar languages — suggesting their grasp of language is deeper than we thought. Of course, whether dogs understand grammar or sentence structure is still up for debate. But dogs like Ripley — along with others in the growing “talking dog” community — are making a compelling case that canines may be closer to human-like communication than we ever imagined. Speech-language pathologist Christina Hunger pioneered the button method with her dog Stella in 2019. Since then, kits like FluentPet have become popular with curious pet parents eager to try it themselves. As for Ripley, he’s not just a smart dog — he’s a smart Australian Shepherd, a breed long recognized for its intelligence and drive. “They thrive when they have a job,” says the American Kennel Club. For Ripley, it seems, that job is telling his humans exactly what’s on his mind. And maybe, just maybe, reminding the rest of us to listen a little more closely.
Score (96)
Photographer Captures Scotland’s ‘route 66’ After Driving It 17 Times and Logging 10,000 Miles
A local photographer has created a breathtaking visual guide to Scotland’s North Coast 500 — after driving the route a record 17 times and racking up more than 10,000 miles behind the wheel. Steve Campbell, 51, who lives near Inverness, has made it his mission to showcase the NC500 like it’s never been seen before. The result is a rich gallery of photographs taken across years of road trips through one of the most scenic parts of the country. Often dubbed “Scotland’s Route 66,” the NC500 stretches 516 miles, looping through the Highlands from Inverness to the far north and back again. Since it was officially launched in 2014 to boost tourism, it has become one of the country’s most iconic drives — and a magnet for adventurers, influencers, and international visitors. “I have made the North Coast 500 my life’s passion,” Campbell said. “Although I have been so many times, no two trips are the same.” His obsession with the route dates back to childhood holidays before it even had a name. After returning to Scotland in 2017 following years of living abroad, Campbell decided to retrace those early memories with a camera in hand. That first full trip turned into 16 more — with an 18th already in the works. Even during the pandemic, he found himself pulled back to the Highlands. “Covid gave me more time,” he said. “I really missed photography, and I missed getting out and about taking pictures.” For Campbell, the NC500 isn’t just a stunning drive. It’s personal. He revisited Loch Carron, where he spent time as a kid, and Torridon Valley, where he once took girlfriends on first dates. “Torridon Valley is still my favorite area in the whole of Scotland. It’s so romantic and incredibly atmospheric to drive through,” he said. “It is probably as close as you can get to the Rocky Mountains. The scale of the mountains as you pass along the bottom of them is so immense. Sometimes when the light comes through the clouds there, it is like a postcard.” Campbell has spent roughly 2,000 hours photographing the route, often waiting for the “perfect light.” He’s driven it in every season, through some of Scotland’s harshest conditions. In 2021, he even completed the full loop in a single day — leaving Inverness at 5am and returning at 11pm. But not every moment has been idyllic. One of the most intense experiences came on Bealach na Bà, the steep and winding mountain pass that has become infamous among drivers. “I was on a narrow mountain pass with a sheer drop on one side and a camper van and I came face to face,” he recalled. “It was like a Mexican standoff, except there was absolutely nowhere for either of us to go. There was one point when I thought my car was going to slip off the edge of the mountain.” The NC500 has exploded in popularity in recent years, earning nicknames like the “Instagram Highway” for its appeal among younger tourists eager to share photos at jaw-dropping viewpoints. Tens of thousands of visitors each year now take on the route, starting and ending in Inverness. While Campbell hopes his visual guide inspires others to explore it, he’s also sounding a note of caution about the toll that heavy tourism can take on the Highlands. “It is so important that people look after the Highlands and treat these locations with respect,” he said. “Many people live along the route, and tourists need to take that into consideration when they are driving the route. So, if you come, please leave it as you found it.” For now, he’s planning his next trip — and it likely won’t be his last. As Campbell sees it, the NC500 offers something new every time. The weather shifts, the light changes, and the route keeps evolving. “You have a route to explore and places to see,” he said. “That’s part of the appeal. Not just driving around Scotland aimlessly.”
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Score (98)
These Dogs and Cats Are Saving Lives — One Blood Donation at a Time
Every month, Dolly the black Lab takes a trip to DoveLewis Veterinary Hospital in Portland — not for a check-up, but to donate blood. Dolly is one of 94 dogs and 48 cats who are regular donors at the DoveLewis blood bank, one of only a handful of its kind in the U.S. Her owner, Denise Duncan, says the 7-year-old Lab isn’t thrilled about the donation process itself, but there’s a treat at the end — baby food and a new toy — and that’s enough to keep her tail wagging. “She’s not crazy about the actual donation, but she gets a treat of baby food after and a toy, so that’s what she’s looking forward to,” Duncan told Oregon Live. Pet blood donations play a vital role in saving lives, especially in emergency and critical care situations. But according to DoveLewis blood bank manager Kelsey Reinauer, demand far outweighs supply. “There’s a very large deficit between the need and the supply in veterinary medicine for blood right now,” she said. “There’s maybe just a handful of blood banks our size in the United States.” Each donation takes less than 10 minutes. Reinauer often tells new pet owners that the process is built on trust and communication — not just with the animals, but with the humans who care for them. “What I tell owners is, it’s a relationship that we’re going to build here,” she said. “I will tell you what I see, if I see stress or nervousness in them, and you tell me how you think they feel, and then we’ll just go from there.” That approach seems to work. Many pets return month after month — like Rocket, a 2-year-old golden-Lab mix, who bounded off the donation table straight to the reward stash. “As people, we don’t necessarily think that animals need blood transfusions,” said Rocket’s owner, Kim Laird. “But with critical care for your pet, it’s very important. This is one way we can give to help dogs across the country.” If you’re interested in signing up your pet as a donor, you can visit We Are The Cure to learn more. Because whether you’re human or animal, saving lives can start with a single pint.
Score (97)
'90s Music Takes Center Ice at Olympic Rhythm Dance—and the Crowd Is Loving It
When the unmistakable beat of “Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)” hit the arena speakers during Friday’s rhythm dance competition in Milan, the crowd didn’t wait for the skaters to start moving. They were already on their feet. Polish ice dancers Sofiia Dovhal and Wiktor Kulesza were only the second team to perform that morning, but their leopard print, high-energy routine ignited the crowd in a way rarely seen before noon. And it didn’t stop there. As more teams took the ice with routines set to 1990s bangers—from Madonna’s “Vogue” to RuPaul’s “Supermodel (You Better Work)” and the Offspring’s “Pretty Fly (For a White Guy)”—the atmosphere turned electric. Medleys from the Backstreet Boys, Lenny Kravitz, and even a full “Men in Black”-themed routine added to what felt more like a throwback concert than an Olympic skating event. The International Skating Union’s choice to assign the 1990s as this season’s rhythm dance theme raised some eyebrows when it was first announced. But what followed was a surge of creativity and nostalgia that’s brought new life—and new audiences—to ice dance. For Canada’s Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier, the decision to build their program around RuPaul’s “Supermodel” was instant. “We really wanted this program to be fun and for people to be smiling and dancing along with us and strutting along with us,” Poirier told ESPN. The pair added Right Said Fred’s “I’m Too Sexy” for extra flair, a nod to the era’s fashion excess and playful energy. Their program, choreographed with Alexandra Crenian, isn’t just campy fun—it’s deeply personal. “It being a style of dance that emerged from the queer community made it really meaningful,” said Poirier, who came out in 2021. The duo shared the behind-the-scenes process in Netflix’s new Glitter & Gold: Ice Dancing, revealing how they fine-tuned every detail, from facial expressions to character development. For some skaters, the path to performance hasn’t been so smooth. After returning to competition last year, U.S. siblings Maia and Alex Shibutani debuted a rhythm dance they called “A 90s Night in Tokyo,” with music from Wu-Tang Clan and A Tribe Called Quest. Their program honored the influence of American hip hop on Japanese street culture. But at the national championships, they were met with low scores and confusion from judges unfamiliar with the references. “Not all of the judges… were familiar with hip hop or Wu-Tang Clan,” Alex said. “We came up with something that was very individual to us… but we’re competing because we want to score well.” Ultimately, they scrapped the program and built a new one to Jamiroquai’s “Canned Heat” in just six weeks. They placed ninth and missed out on the Olympic team. Others faced different hurdles. French contenders Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron had to abandon their original plan to skate to Depeche Mode’s “Personal Jesus” after learning the single came out in 1989—technically ineligible under ISU rules. They pivoted to Madonna’s “Vogue” and have since won two Grand Prix titles and the European Championship. Meanwhile, Team USA’s Madison Chock and Evan Bates are skating to a medley of Lenny Kravitz hits, channeling what Chock describes as Kravitz’s “unique style.” They’re three-time world champions and the heavy favorites heading into Monday’s rhythm dance portion of the individual competition. But medals aside, the biggest win this season may be how the ‘90s theme has transformed the sport’s public image. Even the Spice Girls got in on the action, posting a video of Britain’s Lilah Fear and Lewis Gibson’s “Wannabe” routine to their Instagram Story. Dressed in Union Jack and leopard print tributes to Geri Halliwell and Mel B, the British duo finished third in the team event—and helped prove that ice dance can be fun and fiercely nostalgic. “It’s not my favorite decade,” Gibson admitted, “but I do love knowing so many of the tracks. It makes it way more fun during practice just to be able to sing along and get out of your head.” As the rhythm dance competition moves into its final stages, one thing is clear: skaters and fans alike are vibing with the ‘90s. And for a sport often stuck with classical expectations, that’s a revolution worth dancing to.
Score (98)
Mother and Son Make Olympic History Together in Milan-Cortina
Most parents cheer from the sidelines. Sarah Schlepper will be racing right alongside her son. At the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, Schlepper and her 18-year-old son, Lasse Gaxiola, are making history as the first mother and son to compete at the same Winter Games — a rare Olympic moment of shared legacy, grit, and love. Schlepper’s Olympic story stretches back nearly three decades. The former U.S. alpine skier first competed in the Games in 1998. After retiring from Team USA, she became a Mexican citizen and has since represented Mexico at multiple Olympics. This year, she returns once again for Team Mexico — but she’s not going it alone. Lasse, now an Olympic alpine skier himself, will join his mom on the slopes as the country’s only two alpine representatives. Their story is more than just a footnote in Olympic trivia. It’s a celebration of perseverance, family, and the powerful ways sport can bring generations together.
Score (96)
MacKenzie Scott Donated $7.1 Billion Last Year — Quietly and Without Fuss
MacKenzie Scott gave away another $7.1 billion in 2024 — bringing her total donations since 2019 to a staggering $26 billion. In a rare blog post published on her philanthropy site, Yield Giving, Scott detailed her latest contributions, which span nonprofits around the world. “Since my post last December, I’ve given $7,166,000,000 to organizations doing work all over the world,” she wrote. Scott’s giving is notable not just for its scale, but also for its style: recipients often don’t even know they’re being considered until the money lands. Many learn of the gift through a quiet call or email, sometimes from an unfamiliar intermediary. That was the case for Kim Mazzuca, CEO of the California-based nonprofit 10,000 Degrees, which helps low-income students access and afford higher education. Mazzuca told the Associated Press that the news came via a call from someone at Fidelity Charitable — not even the firm that manages Scott’s fortune. “I was just filled with such joy,” she said. “I was speechless and I kind of stumbled around with my words.” Scott, who received her Amazon fortune following her 2019 divorce from Jeff Bezos, has consistently focused her giving on equity and access — particularly for underserved communities. In her latest blog, she explained that her own experiences with hardship as a student guide her decisions. “Whose generosity did I think of every time I made every one of the thousands of gifts I’ve been able to give?” she wrote. “It was the local dentist who offered me free dental work when he saw me securing a broken tooth with denture glue in college.” She also recalled a former roommate who loaned her $1,000 so she wouldn’t have to drop out. Those stories have shaped a pattern in her donations: many of Scott’s recipients support education, student aid, and community development — often with a focus on racial and economic equity. Scott rarely seeks public attention for her philanthropy and doesn’t attach strings or restrictions to her gifts. The organizations she supports are often left with no reporting requirements and full discretion over how to spend the money. Her model has reshaped how many view high-dollar philanthropy: less ceremony, more trust, and a willingness to give big without micromanaging the result. And at $26 billion in just five years, she’s proving that doing good quietly can still make a global impact.
Score (98)
Small Town Rallies Together To Help an Unhoused Man and His Dog During a Winter Storm
When a rare winter storm swept through St. George, South Carolina, on January 25, one man and his dog found themselves exposed to the cold—until the town of 1,800 came together to help. Chris Brannon and his dog, Mowgli, had nowhere to go as temperatures plunged and freezing rain fell. That’s when Carlos Canales spotted them, shivering in the cold. “He was out there shivering,” Canales said. He handed Brannon all the cash he had, but couldn’t stop thinking about them. When he returned later with hot food, he noticed icicles forming in Brannon’s beard. Moved by what he saw, Canales went home and told his wife. “She just told me, ‘I think God is trying to tell you something,’” he said. Canales couldn’t find Brannon again, so he turned to Facebook, asking the community for help. Within hours, he was flooded with calls and messages. One of them came from Lisa Steward Westbury, a retired judge’s assistant, and another from Ruthie Tripp, a member of the local town council. The two women searched the town, following leads from social media, until they finally found Brannon and Mowgli, still out in the cold. “He had icicles on his beard, that’s how cold it was and rainy,” Tripp said. By the time they reached a local hotel, the people of St. George had raised enough money to pay for a week’s stay for Brannon and his dog. Donations continued pouring in: more than 70 acts of generosity followed, from warm meals to cash to extra nights at the motel. “Our community, when we ask, we get,” said Steward Westbury. Even residents with very little found ways to give. Holly Noble, an EMT who saw the Facebook post, donated a winter coat for Mowgli—even though she was struggling to afford gas to get to work herself. “I’ve slept in my truck with my dog before,” Noble said. “I don’t know his story. I just wanted to help.” Brannon and Mowgli have now found temporary shelter, thanks to the outpouring of support. The motel manager even added a few nights for free. “What struck me was the diversity of different people from different backgrounds,” said Canales. “No racial barrier that you saw. What you saw is humanity.” Brannon was overwhelmed with gratitude. “You guys have definitely given us another chance at life,” he said. “This time here will make a difference throughout the whole year.”
Score (97)
WWII Veteran “Johnny Q” Celebrates 100th Birthday Aboard His Second Home: The Battleship New Jersey
John “Johnny Q” Quinesso Sr. spent his 100th birthday doing what he loves most: sharing stories of service aboard the Battleship New Jersey, the historic ship he’s called a second home for more than two decades. Friends, family, and fellow volunteers gathered Thursday to celebrate the South Jersey native’s milestone with a luncheon and recognition ceremony on the nation’s most decorated battleship, now a floating museum on the Camden waterfront. His actual birthday was January 24. For Quinesso, who served as a Navy radioman in the South Pacific during World War II, the event was about more than turning 100. “I call the Battleship New Jersey my second home,” he said. “I’ve been a tour guide here for over 20 years. It’s one of the most wonderful things I’ve ever done in my life.” Quinesso’s life of service began in 1943, when he enlisted at 19. As Radioman 2nd Class aboard LSM-302, he delivered troops and supplies to beaches in Guam, Wake Island, Saipan, and Okinawa during some of the fiercest fighting in the Pacific. But it’s one radio transmission he received in the middle of the night that stands out more than any other. “The message read, ‘The Japanese had surrendered. The war is over,’” Quinesso recalled. “I ran right down to the captain and banged on his door.” The news unleashed a wave of emotion across the ship. “The crew was crying, hugging — all hell broke loose,” he said. “That was my most glorious moment. I’ll never forget it — it feels like yesterday.” After the war, Quinesso returned home to build a 43-year career with the IRS. But when the Battleship New Jersey opened as a museum in 2001, he found a new mission: sharing the human side of history with visitors young and old. “To let them know that without the battleship, we may not be able to start building our freedom today,” he said. His impact hasn’t gone unnoticed. Marshall Spevak, CEO of the Battleship New Jersey Museum, said Quinesso brings more than knowledge to the ship—he brings living memory. “There’s still a certain reverence when you talk to a World War II veteran,” Spevak said. “There will only be a few more years where we have World War II vets in this world. That’s why it’s so important that we continue to tell their stories so their legacy lives on.” During last week’s ceremony, Quinesso was awarded the New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal, the state’s highest military honor. But the recognition, he said, isn’t what matters most. “I went in as a young boy and came out a grown-up young man,” he said. “That’s what service did for me.” At 100, Johnny Q remains sharp, quick-witted, and committed to what he calls “the most wonderful job in the world”: keeping history alive.
Score (97)
Study Finds Caffeinated Coffee and Tea Linked to Lower Dementia Risk
Your daily coffee or tea habit might be doing more than keeping you awake—it could be helping your brain stay sharper as you age. A large new study from researchers in Boston suggests that people who regularly drink caffeinated coffee or tea have a lower risk of developing dementia. The findings, published Monday in JAMA, are based on long-term data from over 131,000 medical professionals, tracked for as long as four decades. “Greater consumption of caffeinated coffee and tea was associated with lower risk of dementia and modestly better cognitive function, with the most pronounced association at moderate intake levels,” the researchers wrote. The team, which includes scientists from the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Mass General Brigham, and Harvard Medical School, analyzed data from two landmark studies: the Nurses’ Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study. Participants in both groups periodically reported their diet and health over a span of up to 43 years, allowing researchers to look at how consistent caffeine consumption might influence brain health over time. Out of the total participants, about 11,000 went on to develop dementia. Those in the top 25 percent of caffeine consumers were found to be 18 percent less likely to develop the condition compared to those who drank little to none. Moderate coffee and tea drinkers also reported fewer signs of cognitive decline: 7.8 percent, compared to 9.5 percent among non-drinkers. But not just any brew seems to help. The protective pattern didn’t appear among those who drank decaffeinated coffee or tea, pointing to caffeine as the likely key factor. While some previous studies have hinted that even decaf could offer minor benefits, this new data supports the idea that caffeine plays a more central role. Though the study can’t prove causation—only a strong association—the results align with earlier findings suggesting caffeine’s possible role in supporting brain health. A 2024 meta-analysis estimated that coffee drinkers had a 10 percent lower risk of developing dementia. And more isn’t necessarily better. The greatest benefits were linked to drinking about two to three cups of coffee or one to two cups of tea per day. People who drank more didn’t see additional reductions in risk. Researchers caution that caffeine is no miracle cure. Even if it does offer some protection, the effect is likely modest. Still, as long as your intake stays within reasonable limits, you’re probably helping your brain—not hurting it. So if you’re sipping a cup of coffee while reading this, you might be doing your future self a small favor.
Score (96)
New Wearable Airbag Vest Is Protecting Downhill Skiers at Extreme Speeds at the Olympics
At this year’s Winter Olympics in northern Italy, elite skiers are getting a boost from an unusual piece of safety gear: an airbag vest that inflates during crashes. The vest, developed by Italian engineering firm Dainese, is designed to cushion athletes in high-speed wipeouts—something all too common on the slopes of Cortina d’Ampezzo, one of the fastest courses in the world. Downhill skiers routinely top speeds of 145 km/h there, and even a small mistake can lead to serious injury. The International Skiing Federation (FIS) has now made the airbag vests mandatory for all World Cup speed events and Olympic downhill races. The gear uses GPS and motion sensors, trained on years of skiing data, to detect when a crash is imminent. It deploys instantly in real-time—without interference from normal, aggressive movements on the course. “You can’t make a sport of speed totally safe… but you can do much more on training pistes,” retired Italian downhill star Kristian Ghedina told Reuters. The move follows a string of high-profile crashes, including a brutal stretch in late December when five World Cup athletes were seriously injured on the Stelvio course in Bormio. That slope, where Olympic Downhill and Super-G events are being held this year, includes sections where racers exceed 145 km/h. One athlete suffered a brain hemorrhage. For years, ski gear innovation has focused mostly on making athletes faster: stiffer boots, sleeker suits, more aerodynamic skis. But safety hasn’t kept pace. Some skiers admitted they were skeptical of the airbag vests at first, worried a misfire could affect their times. Others say the small risk of deployment error is worth the extra peace of mind. Post-crash studies back that up. Researchers have found that in several cases, injuries would likely have been worse without the airbag. The technology has been quietly evolving for more than a decade, but its formal introduction into Olympic and World Cup competition marks a major shift. Beyond airbags, the FIS and event organizers are also modifying courses to improve safety. They’ve widened fall zones, added more netting, and reworked training slope layouts. Equipment manufacturers are even exploring innovations like quick-release bindings and redesigned boots to reduce lower-leg injuries during crashes. Still, the nature of the sport makes total safety impossible. Speed skiing thrives on risk, adrenaline, and split-second decisions. But the new rules aim to make that risk a little more survivable. For many Italian athletes, the rollout of the Dainese vest represents a long-overdue adjustment—one that finally brings protection in line with two decades of speed-obsessed innovation. And for fans watching from home, it’s a quiet revolution that could help keep the world’s best skiers racing for years to come.