Wrapping up the week with an eclectic bundle of good news stories from around the world.
Nice Surprise
A watercolour by JMW Turner could fetch a cool half-a-million when it hits the auction block. The foggy watercolour sketch of the Venetian lagoon was identified as being by the 19th-century English painter when it was submitted to Christie’s “Request an Estimate” digital appraisal service. It had previously been falsely attributed to the Victorian artist John Ruskin. This discovery was an unexpected windfall for the artwork’s owner, since the new attribution to an artist as renowned as Turner has inflated the painting’s price tag by around 10 times. The Approach to Venice or Venice from the Lagoon (c. 1840) will appear in Christie’s Old Master and British Drawings sale in New York on February 4. It has an estimate of $300,000 - $500,000.
South Pole Solo
A 21-year-old Norwegian woman has become the youngest person to reach the South Pole on skis, solo and without assistance. Karen Kylleso accomplished the feat overnight between Monday and Tuesday, 114 years after fellow Norwegian and polar explorer Roald Amundsen became the first person to reach the South Pole. Kylleso covered the 702 miles in just under 54 days, and posted this image of her happy face on Instagram when she reached the South Pole. The young Scandinavian thereby dethroned Pierre Hedan of France, who, according to Guinness World Records, held the record for being the youngest person to reach the South Pole, solo and unassisted, at the age of 26.
Matilda Day
Today, dog-loving residents of Austin, Texas will celebrate the city’s newest holiday: Matilda Day. It honors the late rescue dog, Matilda, a beloved companion to local woman Amanda Stronza. Matilda was a local internet sensation, with Stronza sharing vibrant photos and stories of the pup on social media until and after Matilda passed away at the age of 18 in 2023. The holiday’s goal is to raise funds for the nonprofit Austin Pets Alive! and its work to provide support and care to senior animals. Most of all, though, Stronza hopes the holiday raises awareness about the needs of senior pets and promotes adoption for older animals. The long-term goal, according to APA!, is to expand Matilda Day into a national event that inspires senior pet adoption across the country.
Nine Emperors
A team of archaeologists have discovered a hoard of 141 Roman gold coins dating back to around the Fourth Century CE in northern Luxembourg. According to the National Institute for Archaeological Research, the coins were struck during the reign of nine different emperors who ruled between 364 and 408 CE.
Dickens' Younger Years
Charles Dickens fans know he was a Londoner to his core, with the city often a main character in his novels. So while many places in London are associated with the famous author, his Georgian terraced house on Doughty Street in Kings Cross - converted into the Charles Dickens Museum in 1925 - serves as a unique behind-the-scenes peek at his inner world. In celebration of the museum’s 100th anniversary, an upcoming exhibit will offer visitors a glimpse into a different side of Dickens, going back to his younger years.
Important Moment
Right now, a number of lawsuits in America are looking to hold the fossil fuel industry liable for billions of dollars in damages from climate disasters because of their alleged role in driving the climate crisis. The lawsuits argue that the companies deceived the public about how fossil fuels contribute to climate change. In response, governments in states like California, Colorado, and New Jersey are looking to hold them responsible for billions in damages from wildfires, rising sea levels, and more. The companies appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court to block the lawsuits - and the court just rejected that appeal, allowing the lawsuits to continue.
"Hope is the eternal tool in the survival kit for mankind." Sidney Poitier
On This Day
17 January 1917: The United States purchased three of the Virgin Islands - St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix - from Denmark for $25 million.
Today's Articles
Magnesium: Great for essential bodily functions like protein synthesis and muscle regeneration, it also promotes better sleep.
Mood Boosting Video
Unique Lizard: Rare look at how marine iguanas feed underwater.