The Brief, April 29: Happy Hippo, Pork Permission

Get your academia on — or at least visit a wizardry museum and round out your book smarts with some life smarts. Read up on a long-lost message from a man who's been to hell and back. We can all learn a thing or two from a survivor this strong. And even if you're too proud to admit it, go ahead and see what the Web has dug up on you. Could be good info to have. Learn the good stuff here on the Brief.

• Go ahead and eat your bacon if you must. (Fakin' Bacon is better. Just sayin'.)
• Survivor's message in a bottle unearthed.
• $250 apiece for millions — it's a start.
• Forget about swine for a minute and say hello to Happy the Hippo! Sure to renew your animal love.
• Lookin' like we'll keep fighting the good fight on the climate change front!
• Following NOLA's footsteps, twister-torn town goes green.
• Go ahead: Google yourself! (You know you wanna.)
• Windy City Hogwarts fans can take a break from heavy headlines and make a beeline for a Potter-approved museum.
• Well-rounded brainiacs prove there's more to life than making the grade.