2 Hours Later…
Day: March 10, 2025
On The Carpet…
Daily Prompt @ The Pie!
Hey, old man! I hope you’re reading this with a smirk, maybe a glass of something strong in your hand. It’s probably more like a cup of tea if the doctor’s finally won that battle. I’m sitting here in 2025, trying to imagine what a century of life looks like on you. I’m picturing a lot of wrinkles, a few scars, and, if I’ve done this right, a hell of a lot of stories.
I’m wondering what you’ve made of your life. Did we chase those dreams I’m scribbling about today? The ones about building something that matters, loving hard and seeing every corner of this wild world? I hope you’re nodding, thinking, “Yeah, kid, we did alright.” I’m betting you’ve got some epic tales. How about that time we climbed a mountain, or made a family, or just sat quietly somewhere beautiful and felt alive?
I’ll admit, I’m a little nervous writing this. What if we didn’t figure it all out? What if we stumbled too much? But I’m choosing to believe you’re proud of me. You’re proud of us. I hope you’ve learned to forgive the dumb stuff I’m probably doing right now, like stressing over things that won’t matter in a decade, let alone a lifetime.
How’s the world now? Did we fix the mess we’re in, or is it still a chaotic ride? I hope you’re surrounded by people who matter like some kids, grandkids, friends who’ve stuck around. I’m working hard to set that up for you. And if you’re alone, I hope you’ve found peace in it, because I’m promising you now that I’ll live a life worth remembering.
Take care of yourself, alright? Don’t give up on the little things. Stretch those creaky bones, laugh at something stupid and tell someone you love them. I’m rooting for you from back here, trying to make sure you’ve got a good story to tell.
Mystery Solved?
The recent discovery of a submerged car in the Columbia River may be linked to the disappearance of the Martin family from Oregon 67 years ago.
In December 1958, Ken and Barbara Martin, along with their three daughters Barbara (14), Virginia (12), and Susan (10) set out from Portland to collect Christmas greenery in the Columbia River Gorge. They never returned. The family’s Ford station wagon vanished without a trace, leaving behind a decades-long mystery.
In May 1959, the bodies of Susan and Virginia were found in the river near Bonneville Dam, about 40 miles apart, but no sign of Ken, Barbara, or the youngest daughter, Barbara, was ever uncovered. Theories ranged from an accidental plunge into the river to foul play, but the case went cold. However, things have now changed.
In late 2024, a diver named Archer Mayo, who had been searching for the vehicle for seven years, located a Ford station wagon upside down, 50 feet underwater and 90% buried in sediment in the Columbia River near Cascade Locks.
On March 7th, 2025, after two days of dredging, a crane pulled the car’s frame from the river. The body of the vehicle detached during the process and remains underwater, but authorities are confident it matches the description of the Martins’ car. No human remains were found inside during the initial recovery, though the car was filled with rocks and debris.
The frame is now headed to a warehouse for forensic analysis, which could finally shed light on whether the family’s disappearance was a tragic accident (perhaps a plunge off a cliff or road into the river) or something more sinister. The discovery has reignited hope for closure in a case that’s haunted Oregon for nearly seven decades.
High Speed Maneuvers!
On March 10th, 2025, a notable incident occurred in Georgia where a pursuit exceeding 90 mph concluded with a PIT maneuver.
The Pickens County Sheriff’s Office chased a suspect in a pickup truck, wanted for aggravated assault, along a two-lane highway after a neighboring sheriff’s department issued an alert. The chase ended when deputies used the PIT maneuver to stop the fleeing vehicle.
The PIT maneuver, or Precision Immobilization Technique, is a tactic where a pursuing vehicle makes controlled contact with the rear side of a fleeing car, causing it to spin out and stop.
While effective, it’s controversial due to its risks. Nationwide reports say it’s been linked to at least 30 deaths between 2016 and 2020, often in high-speed scenarios or for minor offenses, according to various sources.
In this Georgia case, specific outcomes like injuries or arrests weren’t detailed in the brief reports, but the maneuver successfully halted the pursuit.
Robotic Bees?
MIT researchers have been working on tiny robotic insects that could revolutionize agriculture by assisting with pollination, particularly as natural bee populations decline due to factors like pesticides, habitat loss, and climate change.
These robotic bees are engineered to mimic the behavior of real bees, using advanced sensors and artificial intelligence to navigate and locate flowers with precision. They’re lightweight (often less than a gram) and capable of sustained flight, with some models hovering for over 1,000 seconds (more than 16 minutes), a significant leap from earlier designs.
The robots feature flapping wings powered by artificial muscles made from materials like elastomers and carbon nanotubes, allowing them to perform complex maneuvers like flips and precise path following. This agility and endurance make them promising candidates for pollinating crops in controlled environments, such as greenhouses or vertical farms, where natural pollinators might struggle.
Making S’mores?
According to authorities, the suspected cause of the recent Long Island wildfires was a resident attempting to make s’mores in their backyard. On Saturday, March 8th, 2025, a person in Suffolk County, New York, reportedly used cardboard to start a fire around 9:30 a.m. ET.
Strong northwest winds made it difficult to ignite initially, but once lit, the fire quickly spread beyond control. Embers from this initial blaze are believed to have been carried by winds gusting up to 45 mph, sparking multiple fires that burned approximately 600 acres of the Pine Barrens region.
Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina described this as the “operating theory,” supported by an ongoing investigation involving 25 arson detectives, though it’s considered strongly accidental in origin as of this post.
The incident led to a state of emergency, injured two firefighters and damaged at least two commercial structures, with over 600 firefighters from 80 volunteer departments responding to the crisis.
The Painting Penguin?
Marley, a northern rockhopper penguin at Moody Gardens in Galveston, Texas, has taken the internet by storm with her artistic talents.
For nearly two decades, this 21-year-old penguin has been creating paintings by waddling across canvases with her feet coated in nontoxic paint, a process that’s part of her enrichment activities.
Her fame exploded recently when a TikTok video showcasing her painting (and her adorable tail wagging reaction to her finished work) went viral, racking up around 60 million views and millions of likes.
See videos and find out more about Marley by clicking the link below!
Inflation Proof?
Imagine this: It’s 1999, and you’re clipping a coupon from your Midwest newspaper for a Domino’s large one topping carryout pizza. The price is $6.99.
Fast forward to 2025, and you’re scrolling Dominos.com, snagging the same deal for $7.99. Just a buck more in 26 years?
While Big Macs and Taco Bell tacos have doubled or tripled in price, Domino’s seems to defy inflation. So, is their pizza truly inflation proof?
Follow the link and read the story from our friends at The Hustle to find out!
Pineapple On Pizza?
Few topics in the culinary world ignite as much passion (or outright chaos) as the question of pineapple on pizza. Known as the Hawaiian pizza (despite its questionable Hawaiian credentials), this topping combo of sweet, juicy pineapple and savory, melty cheese has been dividing pizza lovers since its inception. So, should pineapple be allowed on pizza? Let’s slice into the debate, weigh the pros and cons and see if we can find some common ground. Or do we agree to disagree over a hot slice?
Let’s start with the pro-pineapple camp, because I’ll admit that I’m a bit of a convert. Pineapple on pizza brings something unique to the table: a burst of sweetness that cuts through the richness of cheese and the saltiness of toppings like ham or pepperoni. It’s a flavor contrast that works in the same way a drizzle of honey elevates a charcuterie board, or a splash of balsamic glaze transforms a Caprese salad. Sweet and savory isn’t a new concept. I mean, it’s a classic for a reason.
The texture’s another win. Those golden chunks of pineapple add a juicy, tender bite that complements the crisp crust and gooey cheese. When paired with ham or Canadian bacon (as in the classic Hawaiian style), it’s a nod to surf and turf vibes. There’s land and sea, sweet and salty, all in one bite. Plus, it’s a mood lifter. There’s something inherently fun and rebellious about pineapple on pizza! It’s the topping that says, “I don’t play by the rules and I’m delicious doing it.”
On the flip side, the anti-pineapple crowd has some strong arguments, and I get it. The pizza traditionalists aren’t wrong to clutch their pearls. Pizza, at its core, is an Italian masterpiece born from simple, harmonious ingredients: dough, tomato sauce, mozzarella, maybe some basil or a sprinkle of oregano. Pineapple feels like an interloper, a tropical gatecrasher at a Mediterranean party. For purists, it’s not just a topping, but rather a betrayal of pizza’s soul.
Then there’s the practical gripe: pineapple can make pizza soggy. Its high water content seeps into the crust, turning a perfectly crisp base into a mushy mess if not handled with care. And let’s talk about taste. Some people argue that the sweetness overwhelms the balance, clashing with the tangy sauce and savory toppings rather than complementing them. “Pizza’s not dessert!” the detractors cry, and they’ve got a point here. We agree there’s a line between innovation and absurdity, and pineapple might just be tiptoeing over it.
So, should pineapple be a pizza topping? Yes, because it can be, and plenty of people love it. I include myself inthis grouping on the right day. But if you’re a staunch traditionalist who thinks it’s an abomination, I respect your right to a pineapple free pie. The real magic of pizza is that there’s room for all of us at the table. We welcome the purists, rebels and everyone in between. Just don’t ask me to share my slice.
The Social Pie Network! 