This Weekly Escape discovers a possibly cursed gemstone, tackles waves with a surfer trying to rid them of plastic ... and celebrates a life-saving rodent hero. Plus, which nations (other than the U.S.) AREN’T on the metric system?

PHOTOGRAPH BY THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM, ALAMY STOCK PHOTO

Known as the Cursed Amethyst, this jewel inspired the plot of Anthony Doerr’s World War II novel All The Light We Cannot See. What was it—and do we often imbue gems with such dark meanings? And what about the “cursed” part?

PHOTOGRAPH BY MATTHIEU PALEY

PHOTOGRAPH BY ROGER KISBY, REDUX

America’s measuring system has been legal in the U.S. since 1866. Only three other countries still use our measuring system, which was developed by Britain. Which of these countries IS using the metric system?

A. Britain
B. Liberia
C. Myanmar
D. None of the above

Today’s Soundtrack: Miles, Jason Isbell

Bonus Track: (You’re So Square) Baby, I Don’t Care, Joni Mitchell 

Today’s newsletter was edited and curated by David Beard and Jennifer Baik and produced by Alisher Egamov. Thanks for reading!