Good morning! 🌞 

The voices of Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse were married in real life!!

Wayne Allwine (Mickey) and Russi Taylor (Minnie) tied the knot. How cool is that?!

Environment

World’s Largest Coral

National Geographic explorers have discovered the world’s largest known single coral colony in the Solomon Islands, measuring an astonishing 34 meters (111 feet) long and 32 meters (105 feet) wide—an area equivalent to five tennis courts. Estimated to be 300 to 500 years old, this coral, of the species Pavona clavus, provides a glimpse into the remarkable biodiversity thriving in remote marine ecosystems.

The discovery occurred during an expedition to the Three Sisters island group in Makira-Ulawa Province. Initially mistaken for a shipwreck due to its vast underwater shadow, the coral displays a stunning palette of brown with patches of bright yellow, blue, and red. Classified as "Least Concern" by the IUCN, this species underscores the resilience of marine life in isolated regions. National Geographic explorer Enric Sala likened the find to discovering the tallest tree on Earth, emphasizing its role in showcasing the untapped biodiversity of the oceans and its potential to inspire future conservation efforts.

Expedition scientist Molly Timmers compared the coral to "Big Momma," the previous record-holder in American Samoa, describing it as resembling melted ice cream spread across the seafloor. Its immense size benefits nearby marine ecosystems by fostering biodiversity and supporting stable reproductive cycles for neighboring reefs. The colony’s longevity is attributed to its location, outside major storm corridors in the Southern Seas, which has protected it from destructive environmental events. This discovery serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving the ocean’s hidden treasures for future generations.

Lifestyle

The New ‘Village’

A recent survey shows that modern parents are redefining what it means to have a "village" for raising kids. Unlike past generations, today’s parents are using different and evolving support systems, often moving away from the extended family structures their parents relied on.

Many parents grew up surrounded by relatives—like grandparents, aunts, and family friends—who were involved in raising them. Now, families are less likely to depend on extended relatives and instead turn to friends, especially those they meet through their kids, to create a supportive community. This shift is due to several reasons. Some parents still prioritize family to maintain strong bonds, while others choose not to rely on relatives due to busy schedules, strained relationships, or wanting more independence. Financial and practical factors also shape how parents build their support systems. Despite these changes, one thing is clear: parents agree that having a good support network benefits both them and their kids. These networks help with children’s social and emotional growth and give parents the time and energy to be more present at home.

Parenting today is challenging. Experts like Dr. Lauren Loquasto from The Goddard School stress the value of using all available resources. Whether it's family, friends, schools, or childcare, having a strong "village" makes parenting easier and more rewarding.

Culture

£1-Billion Gift

The British Museum is poised to receive what is believed to be the most valuable donation ever made to a UK museum: a collection of Chinese ceramics valued at an estimated £1 billion. The Sir Percival David Foundation, which has owned the collection for decades, is donating 1,700 pieces following a 15-year loan to the museum. This extraordinary gift will significantly enhance the museum's Chinese ceramics collection, elevating it to one of the largest and most important assemblages outside the Chinese-speaking world. Renowned items like the David vases from 1351, which played a pivotal role in dating blue-and-white ceramics, a Chenghua emperor’s chicken cup, and rare Ru wares from the Northern Song dynasty are among the highlights.

Sir Percival David, born into a wealthy family in Bombay in 1892, inherited a baronetcy and his family's business before moving to London in 1914. He devoted his life to collecting Chinese art and literature, acquiring pieces from Europe, Japan, Hong Kong, and China. The foundation's trustees emphasized that Sir Percival's lifelong mission was to inspire and educate through his collection. Since 2009, the ceramics have been displayed in the British Museum’s specially designed bilingual Room 95, where they have been lauded as "incomparable" by the museum’s director, Dr. Nicholas Cullinan.

The donation underscores Sir Percival’s vision of preserving the collection, ensuring public access, and using it to enrich future generations. Foundation chairman Colin Sheaf called the gift a fulfillment of Sir Percival’s goals, while Arts Minister Sir Chris Bryant praised it as a "phenomenal act of generosity." Pieces from the collection will also tour globally, with planned loans to the Shanghai Museum and New York's Metropolitan Museum. Final ownership transfer awaits Charity Commission approval, marking a historic moment for the British Museum and global cultural heritage.

Mind Stretchers

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Yesterday’s Mind Stretchers:

I am the beginning of eternity, the end of time and space, the start of every end, and the end of every place. What am I?

• The letter ‘e’ — Albert Knox got this right first! 🌞 

Be the first to send us the correct answer for today’s mind stretcher for a shout-out with the answer tomorrow. Just send us the answer and your name to [email protected]

If you have any uplifting stories and experience you might want to share, send those over to [email protected] for the chance to be featured.