Euro News

Bordeaux, France just surpassed Paris in a new ranking of the world's most beautiful cities, with Europe dominating nine out of the top 10 spots. The rankings are based on buildings that adhere to the 'golden ratio' for balanced and harmonious structures. Venice takes the lead as the most beautiful city, followed by Rome and Barcelona in second and third place respectively. Despite iconic landmarks, Paris lands at 12th place. In fifth place is the only non-European city to make the top 10: New York City.

9 Out of 10 of the World’s Most Beautiful Cities Are in Europe, Says New Ranking

Artnet

In a significant move for the restitution of African cultural heritage, the Netherlands recently returned 119 Benin Bronzes to Nigeria. This marks the largest restitution of its kind and is part of a broader international effort to address colonial-era looting. Just a week later, Boston's Museum of Fine Arts handed over two additional Benin pieces to the Oba of Benin.

The Museum of Fine Arts took a different approach by returning its artifacts directly to the current monarch of the ancient Kingdom of Benin, rather than to Nigeria as a state. These items included a terracotta and iron commemorative head from between the 16th and 17th centuries and a bronze relief plaque from the same era.

Oba Ewuare II, who oversees Benin culture, described this act by the Netherlands as "divine intervention" during a ceremony in Lagos. The Nigerian government will now decide how these works will be displayed.

Matthew Teitelbaum, director of MFA, expressed satisfaction with returning their pieces to Prince Aghatise Erediuwa on behalf of His Royal Majesty. "As custodians of these exceptional objects for the past 12 years, it is deeply gratifying to see them returned to their rightful owner," he stated.

This movement reflects changing attitudes in museum ethics and policies regarding restitution. The British raid on Benin City in 1897 resulted in many treasures being taken from the palace and distributed among museums and private collections worldwide. Despite recent repatriations, thousands remain abroad, raising questions about rightful ownership—whether it should be with Nigeria or directly with the Oba.

Benin has a rich history as an influential city-state dating back to the 1200s. Its bronzes, crafted partly from Portuguese brass bracelets since around 1500, are famous globally. However, tensions rose during Europe's "Scramble for Africa," leading to British forces attacking after being warned not to enter during a festival in January 1897. This resulted in devastation for Benin City and exile for Oba Ovonramwen.

Lawrence Kaye, an art lawyer at Freedman Normand Friedland in New York, noted that typically national governments pursue artifact returns but highlighted that Benin's case is unique because they were taken from its king. The Kingdom was under British rule until Nigeria gained independence in 1960.

The Surprising Journey of the Benin Bronzes: Why They're Finally Going Home

People

Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, the surviving members of The Beatles, recently shared insights into their enduring friendship in an interview with The New York Times. With John Lennon and George Harrison gone, McCartney highlighted the special nature of his bond with Starr. "With John and George not here, I think we realize nothing lasts forever," McCartney said. "There’s only me and Ringo, and we’re the only people who can share those memories."

Starr reminisced about his time in The Beatles, touching on his experiences writing songs for the iconic band. Despite being known primarily as a drummer, he had aspirations to write music. "It’s hard to come to the front when you’ve got John and Paul," Starr admitted. His early songwriting attempts often resulted in laughter from his bandmates. However, he eventually found success with tracks like "Don't Pass Me By" and "Octopus's Garden."

In December 2022, McCartney and Starr reunited on stage at London’s O2 Arena for the first time in five years. They performed “Helter Skelter,” an experience that left McCartney feeling emotional despite its high-energy nature.

The profile also explored Starr's legacy as a drummer. Max Weinberg of The E Street Band dismissed claims that Starr was merely lucky to be part of The Beatles. He described Starr's inclusion in the band as a significant achievement for the other members. McCartney echoed this sentiment, emphasizing how fortunate they felt when Starr agreed to join them.

Reflecting on his relationship with McCartney, Starr told AARP magazine that they share a brotherly bond: “Paul loves me as much as I love him.” As an only child before joining The Beatles, he found family within the group.

In 2023, McCartney and Starr released “Now and Then,” a song originally started by Lennon before his death. Advances in technology helped them clear background noise from Lennon’s demo so they could complete it decades later.

The Beatles' Last Duo: How Mccartney and Starr Keep Their Legendary Bond Alive

In 2016, the streets of southern Sweden became home to some curious new additions—tiny, intricately designed mouse-themed shops and homes. These miniature scenes sparked widespread intrigue and quickly went viral, making their way onto The Late Late Show with James Corden. The mysterious art installations were credited to a secretive group known only as Anonymouse.

Fast forward to today, the mystery behind these charming creations has finally been solved. Swedish artists Elin Westerholm and Lupus Nensén have stepped into the spotlight as the creative forces behind Anonymouse. Both artists work in film and television prop design. They conceived the idea for the project during a trip to Paris, drawing inspiration from childhood stories about mice living hidden lives alongside humans.

Over nine years, Anonymouse crafted whimsical miniature environments across Sweden and beyond. Their work included a castle on the Isle of Man and even a radio studio in Canada. Each installation was meticulously designed, inviting passersby to pause and appreciate the tiny details woven into each scene.

Now, fans of their work can see six of these intricate creations at the Skissernas Museum in Lund. The exhibition is set up like a treasure hunt within the museum's walls, where visitors can discover these miniatures tucked away in unexpected places. Alongside these installations are sketches and plans from Anonymouse's archives, offering a glimpse into the creative process behind each piece.

With their identities revealed and the project coming to an end, Westerholm and Nensén have expressed readiness to move on from this chapter of their artistic journey. When asked if they might create something similar in public again, Westerholm shared a playful uncertainty: “We never know.”

Step Inside Sweden's Tiny, Enchanting Mouse-Size Worlds and Meet Their Creators

NBC News

In an unexpected turn of events on Florida's Turnpike, two Miami-Dade school police officers became unlikely midwives. On Tuesday morning, 21-year-old Lorena Acosta found herself in labor while driving from Homestead. Her water broke, and with no time to make it to the hospital, she ended up delivering her first child on the side of the road.

The situation unfolded when Acosta's father-in-law managed to flag down Officers Sophia Blancas and Melissa Fernandez. They were nearby and responded swiftly by calling for emergency medical help. However, traffic conditions meant that professional medical assistance would not arrive in time.

Officer Sophia Blancas took the lead role in this impromptu roadside delivery. Remembering her own experiences as a mother, she was able to guide Acosta through the birthing process with calm assurance. "I put gloves on," Blancas recalled. "I guided her through the delivery. I told her, 'Look, just go with the flow, your body will tell you what to do.'"

Officer Melissa Fernandez arrived soon after and asked Blancas how she could assist. "Once I arrived there, I immediately put on my gloves and said, 'Sophia what do you need?' And immediately she said, 'We need a blanket,' so I ran to the back of my patrol car. I had an emergency blanket," Fernandez explained.

Both officers have six years of experience with the department but admit that this roadside assistance was far beyond their usual duties of maintaining school safety. After successfully delivering the baby boy, they accompanied Acosta to HCA Florida Kendall Hospital for further care.

A heartwarming photo captured Acosta holding her newborn while surrounded by both officers and other first responders before being transported in an ambulance. Reflecting on this unusual experience, Acosta expressed gratitude towards the officers who provided support during such a critical moment. Speaking to NBC Miami in Spanish, she shared how nervous she felt since it was her first baby but appreciated Blancas' reassurance throughout the process: "Everything’s going to be OK, don’t worry, we’re here to help you."

Unexpected Heroes: School Officers Just Delivered a Baby on a Busy Florida Highway

Talker News

Feeling loved might be as simple as expressing love yourself. A new study suggests that performing small, everyday acts of love can increase feelings of being loved. This could play a significant role in overall happiness and well-being.

Researchers at Pennsylvania State University, led by Professor Zita Oravecz, explored how expressing love affects our sense of being loved. Their study tracked the feelings and actions of 52 participants over four weeks, sending them prompts six times daily to gauge their experiences with love at those moments.

Participants rated how much they felt loved and how much they expressed love using a scale from zero to 100 for each question. The research team then analyzed the changes in responses over time.

The findings, published in the journal PLOS One, revealed that when people express love towards others, they tend to feel more loved themselves. Interestingly, those who received love did not show an increased likelihood of expressing it back. The study also noted that feelings of being loved lasted longer than the act of expressing love itself.

Oravecz explained that these differences could impact how individuals benefit psychologically and physically from experiencing love. "Love is usually not grand gestures," she said. "More often, people experience love as smaller and more regular acts."

This concept aligns with a psychological theory known as "positivity resonance," which looks at how everyday acts of love create and strengthen connections between people. According to Oravecz, these acts can be categorized into giving and receiving love.

Further insights came from surveying participants about their overall happiness and self-perceived flourishing in life. Those who reported feeling loved were more likely to see themselves as thriving.

Oravecz believes these findings could inform psychological interventions aimed at improving well-being by encouraging people to express more love in their daily lives. She emphasized this point by stating, “Let’s spread more love in the world by expressing love throughout our daily lives.”

This Simple Trick Reveals How To Feel More Loved, According to a New Study

Khaleej Times - Culture

When Al Harith Hameed Al Mansouri was a baby, his family got life-changing news. Their son had thalassemia, a hereditary blood disorder that would require regular hospital visits and transfusions. Now, at 17, he's graduated from high school in Ras Al Khaimah, showcasing remarkable resilience.

"Despite the health challenges I went through, I was able to achieve this accomplishment thanks to God, the support of my family and my country," said Al Harith, reflecting on his achievement.

Thalassemia is a condition that affects haemoglobin production in red blood cells. For Al Harith, it meant frequent hospital visits for transfusions every two to three weeks. The disorder is prevalent in the Middle East due to genetic factors. In response, specialized centers have been established in the UAE to offer comprehensive care.

"The treatment period was difficult, but I didn't let the illness stop me," he said. His mother played a crucial role by staying with him during hospital stays and helping with his studies.

A significant medical turning point came when Al Harith underwent a bone marrow transplant. His sister donated her marrow, offering him what he describes as "a new life." This procedure involved replacing his diseased bone marrow with healthy donor marrow and required extensive preparation and recovery time.

With this successful transplant at Yas Clinic in Abu Dhabi, Al Harith could look forward to reducing dependency on blood transfusions and living a more typical teenage life.

Throughout his education, school staff provided essential support. Led by Khadija Al Shamili, teachers like Hanadi Al Nuaimi and Naema Al Shahi ensured he kept up with lessons despite medical interruptions.

His family's unwavering support was pivotal. His mother became not only a caregiver but also a study partner during challenging times. "My mother was my second soul during this period," he expressed emotionally. His father and siblings also stood by him consistently.

Now aspiring to be a radiology specialist, Al Harith wants to help others experiencing pain similar to what he endured. His firsthand experience provides unique insights into patient care within the medical field he hopes to enter one day.

Teen Defies Odds: Student Graduates High School After Life-Changing Transplant

ABC News

As temperatures soar across the United States, zoos are stepping up efforts to keep their animal residents cool and comfortable. From misting systems to creative frozen treats, zookeepers are using a variety of methods to beat the heat.

In many zoos, animals like polar bears and penguins have access to air-conditioned environments. However, for those housed outdoors, zookeepers employ several strategies to help mitigate the effects of high temperatures. One popular approach involves providing animals with ice blocks filled with meat or fruit. This not only offers a refreshing snack but also encourages natural foraging behaviors.

At the Phoenix Zoo in Arizona, where summer temperatures can exceed 40 degrees Celsius, animals benefit from specially designed shade structures and cooling misters. "We take the heat seriously," said zoo curator John Smith. "It's important for us to create environments that resemble their natural habitats while ensuring they stay healthy."

Water features are another effective way to help animals stay cool. At the San Diego Zoo, elephants enjoy splashing around in large pools while seals dive into cold water tanks. These aquatic spaces offer essential relief from the oppressive heat.

Diet adjustments also play a role in keeping zoo animals healthy during hot weather. Some zoos increase hydration by adding more water-rich foods like watermelon and cucumbers into their diets. In addition, zookeepers monitor feeding times closely to ensure that food does not spoil under the sun's intense rays.

Behavioral changes are frequently observed among animals during extreme heat conditions. Many species become less active, opting for longer naps in shaded areas or dens. Zookeepers adjust their schedules accordingly to minimize stress on these animals by conducting training sessions and health checks during cooler parts of the day.

In Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens in Florida, an innovative cooling method has been introduced: snow machines aimed at creating winter-like conditions for certain enclosures. Although it might seem unusual in such a warm climate, these machines provide temporary relief on particularly sweltering days.

Public education is key as well; zoos often use this opportunity to inform visitors about wildlife conservation and how climate change affects animal habitats globally. By observing how animals adapt to warmer climates within zoo settings, visitors are gaining insights into broader environmental challenges.

Cool Moves: How American Zoos Are Helping Animals Beat the Scorching Heat

Gizmodo

If you find yourself envying morning people, science might have just given you another reason to do so. A recent study from Monash University in Australia has shown that early risers are likely to be more physically active than night owls. The researchers discovered that those who hit the hay early tend to clock in more exercise the following day compared to their late-night counterparts. 

The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), examined sleep and exercise habits through data from wearable trackers. Researchers analyzed information from about 20,000 participants who wore activity trackers for a year, amounting to roughly six million nights of sleep data. On average, participants went to bed around 11 p.m., with early sleepers turning in by 9 p.m. and late sleepers staying up until about 1 a.m.

Findings revealed that early sleepers engaged in an extra 30 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily compared to late sleepers. They also exercised about 15 minutes more than those who slept at typical times. This pattern held steady even when analyzing data from a second group of nearly 6,000 individuals wearing Fitbits.

While the study did not specifically address why night owls might exercise less, lead author Josh Leota suggested some reasons. "Standard 9-to-5 routines can clash with the natural sleep preferences of evening types," said Leota, a scientist at Monash’s Sleep and Circadian Rhythms research program. This misalignment can result in "social jetlag, poorer sleep quality, and increased daytime sleepiness," all of which could dampen enthusiasm for physical activity.

Though genetics and work schedules heavily influence our sleeping habits, there's hope for those looking to change their routines. The researchers found that people who shifted their bedtime earlier while maintaining their usual sleep duration were likely to be more active the next day.

Leota emphasized that public health campaigns should consider promoting earlier bedtimes as part of efforts to boost physical activity levels. "Rather than just promoting sleep and physical activity independently," he said, "health campaigns could encourage earlier bedtimes to naturally foster more active lifestyles."

So if you're aiming for better health through exercise and good sleep, adjusting your bedtime might be worth considering. But don't expect everyone to jump on board with pre-dawn runs anytime soon; some still draw the line at waking up too early for their workouts.

Why Early Birds Get More Than Just the Worm: New Study Links Bedtimes to Exercise Habits

GoodGoodGood

Billie Eilish is making waves again, but this time it’s not just about her music. The pop sensation is pushing the boundaries of sustainability in the music industry, and her latest project tackles the massive issue of unsold concert merchandise.

Teaming up with Universal Music Group (UMG) and its merchandise division Bravado, Eilish aims to give a second life to unsold apparel languishing in warehouses. Alongside her mother, Maggie Baird, she has launched an initiative to "upcycle" these items. Specifically, 400,000 shirts from a Nashville warehouse are headed to Morocco. There, Spanish clothing designer Hallotex will transform many into new cotton yarn for recycled shirts. Those that can't be converted will become housing insulation fabric. In the end, Bravado expects about 280,000 new shirts for artist merch in Europe this fall.

Baird emphasizes the importance of thoughtful merch production: “We are drowning in clothes on this planet," she stated. "I think we have to be extremely thoughtful about what merch gets put out in the world—why does it exist, how is it made, and what happens to it in its second life?”

Eilish has been ahead of the curve when it comes to sustainable merchandise options. Even before she became a household name, she and her team were advocating for eco-friendly practices. For Earth Day this year, she collaborated with small clothing labels to release one-of-a-kind sustainable merch pieces.

This new initiative at UMG expands such efforts significantly. Matt Young, president of Bravado, credits Baird's passion for helping drive the initiative forward: “She and Billie show the power that one artist has to really make a difference.” Dylan Siegler, head of sustainability at UMG, calls this effort “the most ambitious upcycling project ever undertaken in the artist merchandise space.”

While sustainable options often come with higher costs, Bravado plans to absorb these additional expenses for now. Young expressed optimism about scaling up sustainably produced items: “Our ultimate goal is to get this to be such a widely accepted practice that the price drops.”

Eilish’s involvement lends notable weight and credibility to these efforts; her endorsement encourages other artists to join the cause. As interest grows within the industry for greener practices amid declining record sales revenues, merchandise remains a crucial revenue stream.

“[These] garments reflect the belief that sustainability isn’t a trend—it’s a responsibility,” said Eilish.

Billie Eilish's Bold Move: Transforming 400,000 Unsold T-Shirts Into Eco-Friendly Merch

BBC News

At Chester Zoo, a rare and heartwarming event has caught the attention of both visitors and staff alike. Scampi and Flounder, two male Humboldt penguins, have successfully hatched and are raising a chick together. This marks a significant moment in the zoo's history as part of its "bumper year for penguins," with ten chicks hatched altogether.

This particular chick is one of two eggs laid by another penguin pair, Wotsit and Peach. The zoo's bird experts took a strategic approach by sharing the eggs between the two nests. This move aimed to provide both chicks with an optimal start while increasing the likelihood of their successful fledging.

Humboldt penguins are classified as vulnerable to extinction by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), making this breeding success at Chester Zoo particularly noteworthy. The species faces various threats in the wild, including disruptions in food supply due to strong El Niño currents affecting their habitat along the chilly Humboldt Current off South America.

Zoe Sweetman, Chester Zoo's penguin team manager, expressed her enthusiasm about this achievement. "It's fantastic news for the species," she said, describing it as "a brilliant success for the international conservation breeding programme." She further noted that all ten fluffy newcomers are thriving under their parents' care, having almost quadrupled in size since hatching.

Raising these chicks involves shared parenting responsibilities among penguin couples. They take turns feeding their young ones by swallowing fish provided by zookeepers and regurgitating it as a nutritious soup for them to consume. This collaborative effort ensures that each chick receives ample nourishment during its early days.

Currently residing on Penguin Island within Chester Zoo's facility, eight of these young birds have already received names inspired by celestial wonders: Ursa, Alcyone, Quasar, Orion, Dorado, Cassiopeia, Altair and Xena. Meanwhile, two remaining chicks await names from a public vote on social media channels.

Humboldt penguins may be social creatures living in large colonies, but they also possess impressive swimming abilities with speeds reaching up to 40 kilometers per hour. They effortlessly glide through water in search of small fish like anchovies or herring alongside crustaceans that make up their diet.

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