NUNS, MONKS ERASE LIFESPAN GAP
A long-running German-Austrian study of monks and nuns is putting a hard edge on the gender gap in longevity: inside the cloister, the difference in lifespan nearly vanishes, suggesting the real culprit is how men live, not biology. Researchers at the Vienna Institute of Demography say the rule-bound rhythm of religious life — prayer, purpose, community, routine — appears to promote “successful aging,” a finding getting fresh attention after Benedictine Brother David Steindl-Rast turned 100. The project, which drew on data from about 16,600 religious order members, is forcing a sharp rethink of what drives who lives longer.
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This Day in History
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Russian Submarine K-141 Kursk Sinks in Barents Sea (2000)August 12, 2026
While completing naval exercises with dummy torpedoes on August 12, 2000, the Russian submarine Kursk suffered two explosions two minutes and 15 seconds apart. The second explosion registered about a 3.5 on the Richter scale. The blasts destroyed the front hull, and all 118 crew members died. It was initially believed that the entire crew died quickly. However, what evidence later suggested that some survived in another area of the submarine for about four hours after the explosions?
While completing naval exercises with dummy torpedoes on August 12, 2000, the Russian submarine Kursk suffered two explosions two minutes and 15 seconds apart. The second explosion registered about a 3.5 on the Richter scale. The blasts destroyed the front hull, and all 118 crew members died. It was initially believed that the entire crew died quickly. However, what evidence later suggested that some survived in another area of the submarine for about four hours after the explosions?Today’s Birthday
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James Buchanan "Diamond Jim" Brady (1856)August 12, 2026
Financier and philanthropist "Diamond Jim" Brady exemplified the American Dream. He started out as a bellboy and messenger before getting a job with the New York Central Railroad and then working his way up through the industry, eventually amassing a fortune selling railroad supplies. With his newfound wealth, he indulged in his two greatest weaknesses: food—one restaurant owner reportedly called him "the best 25 customers I ever had"—and jewels. What was supposedly a typical meal for Brady?
Financier and philanthropist "Diamond Jim" Brady exemplified the American Dream. He started out as a bellboy and messenger before getting a job with the New York Central Railroad and then working his way up through the industry, eventually amassing a fortune selling railroad supplies. With his newfound wealth, he indulged in his two greatest weaknesses: food—one restaurant owner reportedly called him "the best 25 customers I ever had"—and jewels. What was supposedly a typical meal for Brady?Today’s Holiday
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Queen's Birthday (Thailand)August 12, 2026
The Queen's Birthday is a nationwide celebration in Thailand of the birthday of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit (b. 1932). Throughout the country, buildings are decorated to honor the queen, but the most splendid are in Bangkok, where buildings and streets are brilliant with colored lights.
The Queen's Birthday is a nationwide celebration in Article of the Day
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Lake MalawiAugust 12, 2026
The third largest lake in Africa and ninth largest in the world, Lake Malawi is bounded on the west and south by Malawi, on the east by Mozambique, and on the north by Tanzania. Also known as Lake Nyasa—so named by Scottish missionary David Livingstone in 1859—it is approximately 360 miles (580 km) long with an average width of 25 miles (40 km). Fed by 14 rivers, it is home to more than 200 recorded species of fish—making it one of the most species-diverse lakes in the world. How deep is it?
The third largest lake in Africa and ninth largest in the world, Lake Malawi is bounded on the west and south by Malawi, on the east by Mozambique, and on the north by Tanzania. Also known as Lake Nyasa—so named by Scottish missionary David Livingstone in 1859—it is approximately 360 miles (580 km) long with an average width of 25 miles (40 km). Fed by 14 rivers, it is home to more than 200 recorded species of fish—making it one of the most species-diverse lakes in the world. How deep is it?
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