For Lunch…
Watch For Watermelons!
In a story that could only come from the Sunshine State, a 51-year-old Florida woman named Shelly Hardwick found herself in handcuffs after allegedly turning a watermelon into an unconventional weapon.
The incident, which took place in Dunedin, a quaint Gulf Coast city, has left the internet buzzing with a mix of amusement and disbelief. As reported by our friends at The Smoking Gun, Hardwick was arrested on a misdemeanor domestic battery charge following a heated altercation with her boyfriend. The weapon of choice? A whole watermelon.
According to the police affidavit, the drama unfolded on a Sunday evening at a motel where Hardwick and her 56-year-old boyfriend resided. What began as a “verbal confrontation” escalated when Hardwick reportedly picked up a watermelon and launched it toward her partner. Fortunately for him, he dodged the fruity projectile, avoiding what could have been a messy (and painful) impact. The weight of the watermelon wasn’t specified, but one can only imagine the force behind such an impulsive toss.
When police arrived at the scene, they found evidence that couldn’t be denied: watermelon seeds scattered across the victim’s face and clothing. Hardwick, however, maintained her innocence. She admitted to throwing the watermelon “out of frustration” but insisted it wasn’t aimed at her boyfriend. The seeds, it seems, told a different story.
A New Hot Spot?
If you’ve been paying attention to urban trends lately, you might have noticed a steamy new contender vying for the title of America’s favorite hangout: the sauna.
Once relegated to gym basements or Nordic vacation fantasies, saunas are popping up in cities across the U.S., transforming from a niche wellness ritual into a full-blown social phenomenon.
Move over, coffee shops and cocktail bars—sweating it out in a wooden box is the latest way to connect, unwind, and maybe even network.
Actual Factual Pie – March 9th!
The year is 1864 and General Ulysses S. Grant was appointed commander in chief of the Union forces during the American Civil War.
This pivotal moment marked a turning point in the conflict, as Grant’s relentless leadership and strategic brilliance would eventually lead the North to victory and shape the nation’s future.
In 1916, Mexican revolutionary Pancho Villa led 1,500 horsemen in a daring raid on Columbus, New Mexico.
The attack left 17 U.S. soldiers and citizens dead, sparking outrage and prompting a U.S. military expedition into Mexico to pursue Villa, escalating tensions along the border.
In 1959, the world meets an icon known as Barbie.
Debuting at the American Toy Fair in New York City, Ruth Handler’s creation by Mattel revolutionized dolls with her adult-like design and endless possibilities. From that day, Barbie became more than a toy—she sparked imaginations and shaped culture for generations.
In 1964, automotive history was made when the first Ford Mustang rolled off the assembly line at Ford’s Dearborn, Michigan plant.
This iconic pony car, with its sleek design and affordable price, captured the hearts of millions and launched a legendary legacy that continues to gallop strong today!
In 1986, Navy divers located the crew compartment of the space shuttle Challenger in the Atlantic Ocean, weeks after its tragic explosion during launch.
The somber discovery included the remains of the seven astronauts, marking a poignant moment in the recovery efforts following the disaster.
Music History Sunday!
The Year: 1997
Beloved New York rapper Biggie Smalls (The Notorious B.I.G.) is gunned down in Los Angeles just six months after his rival Tupac Shakur met the same fate.
Bonus Slice +++
The Year: 1985
REO Speedwagon’s “Can’t Fight This Feeling” hits #1 in America, where it stays for three weeks.
My Prediction…
Choosing Deodorant…
A 40 Year Fugitive?
Imagine living a double life for four decades. You spend it as a fugitive on the run, always looking over your shoulder, yet somehow blending into society. That’s the story of José Enrique Sánchez-Mulero, a 67 year old man who escaped from a Puerto Rican prison in 1984 and wasn’t caught until early 2025. His tale is a wild mix of cunning, luck and a system that took 40 years to catch up.
Back in 1984, Sánchez-Mulero was serving a life sentence for murder when he seized his chance. Puerto Rico’s prison system was chaotic at the time. There were riots, overcrowding and multiple breakouts created the perfect storm for an escape. And escape he did, slipping away into the shadows. From there, he made his way to the U.S. mainland, eventually settling in the Bronx, New York, under an alias. For 40 years, he lived a quiet life, evading the law while the world moved on.
So how did it end? In early 2025, U.S. Marshals finally tracked him down, acting on a tip that broke the case wide open. Now 67, Sánchez-Mulero’s run came to a close, proving that justice, though slow, can still find its mark. The arrest highlights not just one man’s determination to stay free, but also the persistence of law enforcement and the power of modern coordination between agencies.
How did he avoid detection for so long? What kind of life did he build in the Bronx? And what finally gave him away? While the details are sparse, the story is a gripping reminder that the past has a way of catching up, no matter how far you run.
Daily Prompt @ The Pie!
Daily writing prompt
What is your middle name? Does it carry any special meaning/significance?
My middle name is Eugene. Unaware of any real personal meaning or significance to me in relation to immediate family, I decided to dig a little deeper into the name.
Historically, Eugene has popped up in some fascinating places. It’s tied to European royalty (think princes and dukes from centuries past) and even has a religious angle with figures like St. Eugene, a 7th century martyr who stood his ground for his beliefs. There’s also Pope Eugene III in the 12th century, who led the Catholic Church during some wild times, like the Second Crusade.
Closer to home, I found out it’s a name that’s had a steady presence in the U.S. as well. It seems to have peaked in popularity around the early 20th century, often as a first name, but still hanging on as a middle name for folks like me.
I’m not sure how much of that “well born” vibe I’ve earned yet. I mean, I try to be a decent person, but I’m no saint or prince. Still, there’s something motivating about carrying a name with that kind of legacy. It makes me wonder if names shape us in subtle ways. Like, do I feel a little more responsible, a little more grounded because of it? Or is it just a fun piece of trivia to pull out at parties? Either way, I’m kind of proud to have Eugene tucked in there, like a hidden badge of honor.
If It’s Important…
The Social Pie Network! 