Day: May 25, 2025

Return And Earn?

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In an inspiring story of dedication and environmental consciousness, 36-year-old Damian Gordon from Australia’s Central Coast managed to purchase a two-bedroom house by recycling approximately 450,000 cans and bottles over seven years.

Utilizing New South Wales’ Return and Earn program, which offers 10 cents per eligible container, Gordon amassed around AU$70,000 (approximately €41,000 or $44,000 USD).

Initially, his recycling began as a way to unwind after work, collecting containers during beach walks and at music festivals. This habit grew into a significant endeavor, enabling him to save enough for a house deposit.

Even after achieving his goal, Gordon continues recycling to help with mortgage payments, demonstrating how consistent small actions can lead to substantial financial and environmental impacts.

FULL STORY HERE

Most Annoying Neighbor?

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Alan Davis, dubbed Seminole County’s “junk man,” has been a persistent thorn in the side of local authorities and neighbors for 25 years due to his cluttered, debris-laden yard in Altamonte Springs, Florida.

To mark the anniversary of his first county code violation in April 2000, Davis unveiled a provocative 6-foot-tall fiberglass sculpture of human buttocks, adding to a collection of similar sculptures he’s displayed over the years.

His property, overflowing with scrap metal, PVC pipes, rusted appliances, junked vehicles, and overgrown weeds, is both a personal statement and a legal battleground, as he claims his “art” is a First Amendment-protected protest against county regulations.

FULL STORY HERE

Dressing Up As Bears?

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At the San Diego Humane Society’s Ramona Wildlife Center, staff are wearing bear costumes to rehabilitate a two-month-old orphaned black bear cub found alone in Los Padres National Forest on April 12th, 2025.

The cub, the youngest ever cared for by the center, was rescued after his mother didn’t return despite efforts to reunite them. To prevent the cub from bonding with humans, which could hinder his ability to survive in the wild, staff don bear masks, fur coats, and leather gloves, and rub themselves with black-bear-scented hay. This minimizes human imprinting, crucial for his eventual release in about a year.

The cub, initially fragile at three pounds, has gained nearly 10 pounds and is thriving with round-the-clock feeding and enrichment activities mimicking natural behaviors, like climbing and foraging.

The center, the only facility in San Diego County permitted to rehabilitate apex predators, relies on donations for its efforts, as it receives no state funding.

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Box Office History!

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The 2025 Memorial Day weekend marked a historic box office, driven by Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch and Paramount’s Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning starring Tom Cruise.

Lilo & Stitch grossed an estimated $183 million domestically over the holiday, setting a new record for the biggest Memorial Day weekend opener, surpassing Top Gun: Maverick’s $160 million in 2022. The film, with a $100 million budget, also earned $341.7 million globally, fueled by strong appeal among families, Gen Z, and younger Millennials, particularly teenage girls and women, with 41% Latino and Hispanic audiences. It scored a 72% Rotten Tomatoes rating and an “A” CinemaScore.

Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning opened with $78 million domestically over four days, a franchise-best, beating Fallout’s $61.2 million. It grossed $190 million worldwide, with a 79% Rotten Tomatoes score and an A- CinemaScore. The film’s success was boosted by Cruise’s star power and a strong social media presence, though some criticized its fan-service-heavy approach.

Together, the films propelled the weekend to a record $325 million in U.S. and Canada ticket sales, topping 2013’s $314 million. The diverse audience appeal (Lilo & Stitch for families and younger viewers, Mission: Impossible for adults over 25) drove this success, signaling a robust recovery for theaters post pandemic.

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A Little Too Real?

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On May 19th, 2025, a ceiling panel collapsed at Cinema Ocho in La Plata, Argentina, during a screening of Final Destination: Bloodlines, injuring 29-year-old Fiamma Villaverde.

She sustained bruises on her knee, shoulder, back, and ankle and was hospitalized. Villaverde reported that the debris narrowly missed her head because she was leaning slightly over the armrest.

The incident, which occurred during a film known for its themes of cheating death and catastrophic accidents, led some to note the ironic coincidence.

No fatalities were reported, and the theater was temporarily closed for investigation.

STORY IS HERE

A Star Is Born!

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On May 25th, 1951, a 20-year-old Willie Mays stepped onto the field for the New York Giants, marking the beginning of one of baseball’s most storied careers. Fresh from the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro Leagues, Mays brought an electrifying mix of athleticism, charisma and raw talent to the majors. His debut at the Polo Grounds against the Philadelphia Phillies was a historic moment, signaling the arrival of a player who would redefine the game.

Mays’ start wasn’t flawless. He went hitless in his first 12 at-bats, a slump that shook his confidence. Feeling overwhelmed, he reportedly told manager Leo Durocher, “I can’t hit up here. Send me back to Minneapolis.” Durocher’s response was unwavering: “You’re my center fielder.” That faith proved prophetic. Mays soon broke through, finishing his rookie season with a .274 batting average, 20 home runs, and 68 RBIs, earning the National League Rookie of the Year award.

Mays’ impact went beyond the stat sheet. His signature “basket catch” (catching fly balls at his waist with a flair that became his calling card) revolutionized outfield play. His powerful arm and blazing speed made him a defensive marvel in center field. Offensively, he delivered clutch hits, including key contributions during the Giants’ miraculous 1951 pennant chase, culminating in Bobby Thomson’s “Shot Heard ‘Round the World” against the Brooklyn Dodgers.

Nicknamed the “Say Hey Kid” for his exuberant personality and love for the game, Mays quickly became a fan favorite. His infectious energy resonated with New Yorkers and his presence at the Polo Grounds helped bridge baseball’s past with its integrated future. As one of the first Black superstars in the post-Jackie Robinson era, Mays carried immense cultural weight, inspiring generations with his grace and excellence.

Mays’ 1951 debut was just the start. Over his 22-year career, he amassed 660 home runs, 3,283 hits, and 24 All-Star selections, earning induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1979. His time with the Giants, from New York to San Francisco, laid the foundation for a legacy as one of the greatest players to ever step onto a diamond.

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