Day: March 12, 2025

132 Years Old!?

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It seems there has been a recent discovery of the Western Reserve, a 132-year-old shipwreck found in Lake Superior.

This 300-foot steel steamer sank on August 30th, 1892, during a fierce gale, claiming 27 lives and leaving only one survivor.

Owned by millionaire shipping magnate Peter G. Minch, the vessel was on a summer cruise with his family and crew when it broke apart about 60 miles northwest of Whitefish Point, Michigan.

The wreck was located in the summer of 2024 by the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society using side scan sonar technology aboard their research vessel, the David Boyd. It rests in nearly 600 feet of water, unusually preserved with its bow section atop the stern.

This find, announced in March 2025, adds to the lore of Lake Superior’s “Shipwreck Coast,” a graveyard for over 350 known wrecks. The cold, deep waters have kept the ship remarkably intact as there are no signs of marring by invasive mussels. Reports claim even its bell and red port light remain visible.

Researchers plan to return this spring for more footage, hoping to unravel why it split so catastrophically. Theories suggest insufficient ballast or structural flaws, but the exact cause remains a mystery, much like the lake itself, which rarely yields its secrets.

STORY IS HERE

A Turtle In Your Pants?

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An unusual incident occurred on March 7th, 2025, at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey.

A Pennsylvania man was going through TSA security when a body scanner triggered an alarm in the groin area. After a pat down, the TSA officer determined something was concealed in his pants. When asked, the man reached into his pants and pulled out a live turtle, wrapped in a small blue towel. The turtle, identified by the man as a red eared slider, was about 5 inches long and appeared unharmed.

The turtle was confiscated by Port Authority Police, who also escorted the man out of the security checkpoint, causing him to miss his flight. It’s unclear whether the turtle was his pet or why he chose to hide it in his pants. Thomas Carter, TSA’s Federal Security Director for New Jersey, noted that while travelers often try to conceal weapons, this was likely the first time they’d encountered someone smuggling a live animal this way. The professionalism of the TSA officer during the pat down was commended and authorities planned to involve the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and local animal control. Red eared sliders, by the way, are a common pet species but are considered invasive when released into the wild.

STORY IS HERE

An Incredible Reunion!

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It’s a heartwarming story of a cat named Aggie and her reunion with her owner, Katherine Kiefer, after the Palisades wildfire in Los Angeles.

In January 2025, the wildfire destroyed Katherine’s home, and Aggie, a 5-year-old Maine Coon, went missing during the chaotic evacuation. Katherine, an 82-year-old woman, feared the worst but held onto hope. Two months later, on March 8th, 2025, the West Los Angeles Animal Shelter contacted her with the incredible news that Aggie had been found alive near the ruins of their home.

The reunion, captured in a TikTok video by Katherine’s daughter Carolyn Kiefer, showed an emotional Katherine crying tears of joy as Aggie curled up in her arms. The video quickly went viral, amassing over 1 million likes, with viewers touched by the bond between the two. Aggie had survived in a dire state (described as “skin and bone” and suffering from starvation) requiring multiple blood transfusions and specialist care. The family raised over $21,000 of a $30,000 GoFundMe goal to cover her vet bills, and they were set to be fully reunited when Aggie was released from the hospital on March 13th, 2025.

Katherine, who had received Aggie as a gift during the COVID 19 pandemic, shared a message with other pet owners: “Don’t underestimate cats,” reflecting on her feline companion’s remarkable resilience. This story has captured widespread attention, highlighting the strength of pets and the hope that can persist even after disaster.

STORY IS HERE

Do You Stack?

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I mean, who doesn’t stack?

Ever wonder why pancakes end up in a wobbly tower on your plate instead of fanned out like some breakfast buffet masterpiece? Turns out, there’s more to it than just tradition.

First off, stacking is practical. Pancakes fresh off the griddle are hot and piling them up keeps that warmth trapped longer than if you spread them out to cool like a deck of cards. Plus, it saves space. When you’re drowning them in syrup or plopping butter on top, a stack keeps the mess contained. Spread them out and you’re mopping sticky chaos off the table.

Then there’s the vibe that stacked pancakes are the image. We want you to think diner menus, Saturday morning cartoons, or those Instagram food pics with syrup cascading down the sides. It’s not just food; it’s a mood. Spreading them out? That’s for people with too much time and a ruler, not a fork.

Sure, you could argue spreading them means more topping per bite, but who’s measuring? Stacking is the easy way. Take it straight from pan to plate, no rearranging required. It’s less about logic and more about what feels right. So next time you’re flipping flapjacks, don’t overthink it. Stack ‘em high and dig in.

Making History…

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History is full of incredible women who didn’t just step up—they kicked down doors, shattered glass ceilings and paved the way for the rest of us. From science to sports, politics to the arts, these female firsts dared to go where no woman had gone before.

These women (and so many others) didn’t just achieve “firsts” for the sake of a title. They faced skepticism, outright hostility and systems built to keep them out. Yet they pushed forward, proving that talent, determination and a little bit of rebel spirit can rewrite the rules. Every time a woman steps into a new role today (whether it’s in a boardroom, a cockpit, or a lab) she’s standing on the shoulders of these giants.

Inspired by a fantastic roundup from our friends at Reader’s Digest, let’s take a moment to celebrate some of these pioneers who changed the game.

STORY IS HERE

Actual Factual Pie – March 12th!

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The year is 1894 and Coca Cola takes a fizzy step forward as it is sold in bottles for the first time! This iconic drink, born in Atlanta, went from soda fountains to portable glass, thanks to Joseph Biedenharn’s bottling vision. A refreshing milestone that popped the cap on Coke’s global journey!

In 1912, Juliette “Daisy” Gordon Low founded the Girl Scouts in Savannah, Georgia. Inspired by the Boy Scouts, she aimed to empower young girls through outdoor activities, leadership, and community service. The first troop had just 18 members. Today, millions have embraced her vision of building courage, confidence, and character in girls worldwide.

In 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt delivered the first of his iconic “Fireside Chats.” Speaking via radio from the White House, he addressed a nation gripped by the Great Depression, explaining the banking crisis in a calm, relatable way. These Sunday evening talks became a hallmark of his presidency, offering hope and clarity during turbulent times.

In 1959, a historic moment unfolded as the U.S. House of Representatives voted to approve Hawaii’s statehood, following the Senate’s lead. This paved the way for Hawaii to become the 50th state of the United States, officially joining the Union on August 21st of that year. A milestone in American history!

In 1994, a historic moment unfolded as the Church of England ordained its first women priests, breaking centuries of tradition. At Bristol Cathedral, 32 women were welcomed into the priesthood, marking a significant step toward gender equality in the church. This bold move sparked both celebration and debate, reshaping the religious landscape forever.

Music History Wednesday!

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The Year: 1988

Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna Give You Up” hits #1 in the US. The video, which shows a buttoned-up Astley singing his way around London, does well on VH1, but really takes off two decades later with the Rickrolling trend, as webmasters point links to the song’s YouTube video to trick unsuspecting readers into watching it.

Bonus Slice +++

The Year: 1974

John Lennon and Nilsson get drunk and disorderly at a Smothers Brothers comedy show at the Troubadour in Los Angeles. They get thrown out and Nilsson takes heat in the press for being a bad influence on Lennon. Said Nilsson: “It ruined my reputation for 10 years. Get one Beatle drunk and look what happens.”