Stradivarius Violin Turned In At Swiss Lost-And-Found Office

“A Stradivarius violin – possibly worth several million euros – was handed in at a Swiss lost-property office after a hapless musician left it on a train … The owner had lent the precious instrument to a musician friend who took it on a train on Friday but forgot it when he got off at Bern … Police did not disclose the names of anyone involved, nor the value of the instrument.”

In Dubai, A Museum Of Women

“The Women’s Museum of the United Arab Emirates is the creation of Rafia Obaid Ghubash, an academic, psychiatrist and former president of the Arabian Gulf University, who campaigns for women’s education. Her aim is to educate visitors – locals, expats and tourists – that Emirati women have enjoyed more power and influence than is recognised.”

Where Pianos Go To Die

“The value of used pianos, especially uprights, has plummeted in recent years. So instead of selling them to a neighbor, donating them to a church or just passing them along to a relative, owners are far more likely to discard them, technicians, movers and dealers say. Piano movers are making regular runs to the dump, becoming adept at dismantling instruments, selling parts to artists, even burning them for firewood.”

Scientists Confirm Yet Another Obvious Fact About Pet Ownership

“A new study suggests having your pet nearby – or even thinking about him or her – can boost confidence and reduce stress, along with its physical symptoms.” (Previous studies had established that already.) “But there’s a caveat: This dynamic only applies to owners who feel a loving connection to their feline or canine companion. If you think of Fluffy as a flea-infested nuisance, no benefits.”