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THE KITTY WAS A SPY

Wednesday, February 14, 2024

In today’s newsletter, we discover when the CIA crept in on little cats’ feet, strengthen our bones beyond vitamin D, profile a couple united in love—and volcanoes ... and learn why Frederick Douglass chose February 14 as his D.O.B.

Feral cats roam the streets of Baltimore.

PHOTOGRAPH BY VINCENT J. MUSI

At CIA headquarters, there’s a famous wall of agents who gave their lives for America. Should a cat be there, too?

What happened to the Agency’s $20 million Operation Acoustic Kitty serves as a warning to the limits of using animals as spies. But do feathery or furry animals (one shown slinking above) still engage in espionage today?

WHAT ANIMALS MAKE THE BEST SPIES?

STORIES WE’RE FOLLOWING

Katia and Maurice Krafft gaze at a volcano in the distance as plumes of ash, steam, and gasses billow behind them.

PHOTOGRAPH BY IMAGE'EST

This couple loved volcanoes—and changed the way we see them (Pictured above, Katia and Maurice Krafft.)

Why are doctors overdiagnosing melanoma at alarming rates?

Dementia has no cure. But there’s hope for your loved ones to get better care.

What happens to your body when you're in love—and when you're heartbroken?

Love your bones: It takes more than vitamin D

The origins of Valentine’s Day (and when it wasn’t always about love)

Love and power: Napoleon and Joséphine

Love and chocolate: Is it time to break up with sugar? Related: Is chocolate actually good for you? Related: How sugar and fat affect your brain

Love and Lent: Is there something you want to give up this Ash Wednesday?

One last thing: Do bats sing songs of love?

WHERE IN THE WORLD?

A coral reef in a heart shape in light blue ocean waters, seen from above

PHOTOGRAPH BY DUKAS PRESSEAGENTUR, PRISMA/ALAMY STOCK PHOTO

This Valentine’s Day … affection is everywhere you look. From Arizona to Dubai, these spots around the world are shaped like the iconic symbol for love, whether naturally-occurring or manmade. Which of these places has this heart-shaped destination?

A. Papua New Guinea
B. The Maldives
C. Australia
D. Fiji

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT

WON'T YOU BEE OUR VALENTINE?

National Geographic’s A REAL BUG’S LIFE, now streaming on Disney+.

LAST GLIMPSE

A portrait of American abolitionist and former slave Frederick Douglass

PHOTOGRAPH BY CORBIS, GETTY IMAGES

206 years ago today… is the celebrated birthdate for Frederick Douglass. While his official D.O.B. was never recorded, he chose to celebrate his birthday on February 14th, because his mother would call him her “Little Valentine.” As we celebrate the legendary orator, and iconic figure in American history, we remember and unpack what his deeds can teach us today. Here’s the story.

“THIS IS NOT A LESSON IN FORGIVENESS”

Today’s soundtrack: Love You For A Long Time, Maggie Rogers

We hope this newsletter brightened your Wednesday! It was curated and edited by David Beard, Nancy San Martín, Jen Tse, and Nishita Naga. Know someone who might want our newsletter in their inbox? Here’s the signup. See you tomorrow!

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