Tag: travel

Daily Throwback @ The Pie!

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On May 18th, 1980, Mount St. Helens, a stratovolcano in Washington State, erupted with a force that reshaped the landscape and left a lasting mark on history. After two months of ominous rumblings (earthquakes, steam venting and a growing bulge on its northern flank) the volcano unleashed its fury in a series of three explosive eruptions within 24 hours. This catastrophic event not only altered the region’s geography but also taught scientists and communities about the raw power of nature.

For weeks, Mount St. Helens had been signaling unrest. Starting in mid-March 1980, seismographs detected thousands of small earthquakes, indicating magma movement beneath the volcano. By late March, steam and ash began venting and a noticeable bulge on the north side grew at an alarming rate of up to 6 feet per day. Geologists warned of an imminent eruption, leading to evacuations and restricted access zones. Despite these precautions, the scale of what was to come was unimaginable.

At 8:32 a.m. on May 18th, a magnitude 5.1 earthquake triggered a massive landslide on the north flank, releasing the pressure of the bulging magma chamber. The result was a lateral blast, one of the most powerful in recorded volcanic history, which obliterated everything in its path for 230 square miles. Trees were flattened, rivers choked with debris and a plume of ash soared 15 miles into the atmosphere.

The initial blast was followed by two more eruptions within 24 hours, each sending additional ash and pyroclastic flows across the region. The ash cloud spread across the United States, with deposits reaching as far as the Midwest, disrupting air travel and blanketing communities in a gritty, gray haze.

For local communities, the eruption was a humbling reminder of nature’s unpredictability. Memorials and visitor centers, like the Johnston Ridge Observatory, now stand as tributes to those lost and as educational hubs for future generations.

The May 18th, 1980, eruption of Mount St. Helens remains one of the most studied volcanic events in history. It underscored the importance of preparedness and respect for natural forces, leaving a legacy that continues to inform science and policy today. As we reflect on that fateful day, we’re reminded of both the destructive power of the Earth and its capacity for renewal.

Daily Prompt @ The Pie!

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Daily writing prompt
What is your favorite type of weather?
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Weather is one of those universal topics that everyone has an opinion about. Whether you’re the type who thrives in the chaos of a thunderstorm or prefers the quiet calm of a sunny day, I think your favorite type of weather says a lot about you. It’s not just always about comfort. It can also be about the vibe, the mood and the possibilities each forecast brings. So, what’s my favorite type of weather? Let’s explore a few contenders before I land on my pick.

First, there’s the crisp, cool magic of a clear autumn day. The air feels fresh, the leaves crunch under your feet and there’s just enough chill to justify a cozy sweater. It’s perfect for a walk, a coffee run, or even just staring out the window with a book in hand. The sunlight has that golden slant that makes everything look a little more cinematic. It’s hard to argue with a day that feels like nature’s hitting the reset button.

Then there’s the drama of a thunderstorm. The sky darkens, the wind picks up and suddenly you’re in the middle of a live performance! The thunder rolls like percussion and lightning cuts through the gloom. It’s raw, unpredictable energy. For some, it’s a thrill worth staying up for; for others, it’s a cue to hide under a blanket. Either way, it’s weather with personality.

What about a snowy day? The world goes quiet under a blanket of white and there’s something almost meditative about watching flakes drift down. It’s the kind of weather that begs for hot cocoa, a fireplace, or (if you’re feeling adventurous) building a snowman that’ll collapse by morning. It’s nostalgic and serene, though I’ll admit the shoveling part isn’t a selling point for me!

Sunny and warm seems to be a huge fan favorite! Endless summer days where the sky’s a perfect blue and you can practically feel the vitamin D soaking in. It’s the weather of picnics, beach trips and flip-flops. But let’s be real: too much of it can turn into a sweaty slog, especially if you’re not near a pool or an air conditioner.

So, where do I land? My favorite type of weather is a tie between a cool, foggy morning and a rainy afternoon. Fog has this mysterious, almost otherworldly quality. It has that vibe like the world’s been softened around the edges. It’s quiet, introspective and makes even a quick walk feel like an adventure. Rain, on the other hand, is my productivity weather. The steady patter against the window is the perfect background noise for writing, thinking, or just zoning out with a playlist. Plus, it’s an excuse to stay inside without guilt.

The End Is Here!

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On March 21st, 1963, the United States marked the end of a storied chapter in its penal history when the federal penitentiary on Alcatraz Island (famously known as “The Rock”) officially closed its doors.

Located in the chilly, treacherous waters of San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz had long been synonymous with isolation, impenetrability and the incarceration of some of America’s most notorious criminals. Its closure after nearly three decades of operation signaled a shift in the nation’s approach to punishment and prison management, leaving behind a legacy that continues to captivate historians, tourists and storytellers alike.

Alcatraz Island’s history as a place of confinement dates back to the 19th century, when it served as a military fort and prison. However, it was in 1934, during the height of the Great Depression and the era of organized crime, that the federal government transformed it into a maximum-security penitentiary. Designed to house the most dangerous and escape-prone inmates, Alcatraz quickly earned its reputation as an inescapable stronghold. Surrounded by swift currents and frigid waters, the island was a natural barrier, reinforcing the notion that no prisoner could flee its grasp.

Over the years, Alcatraz became home to infamous figures like Al Capone, George “Machine Gun” Kelly, and Robert Stroud, the so-called “Birdman of Alcatraz.” Its strict regimen, limited privileges, and remote location made it a symbol of unrelenting justice. This was the place where society’s worst were sent to be forgotten.

By the early 1960s, however, the cracks in Alcatraz’s formidable facade began to show. The decision to shutter the prison was driven by a combination of practical and economic factors. The island’s aging infrastructure, battered by salty air and harsh weather, required constant and costly repairs. Supplying the prison with essentials like food, water, and fuel was another logistical nightmare, as everything had to be ferried across the bay. Estimates at the time suggested that maintaining Alcatraz cost three times more per prisoner than other federal facilities.

Beyond the financial burden, the penitentiary’s purpose was increasingly questioned. The harsh conditions and psychological toll of isolation didn’t align with emerging ideas about rehabilitation in the penal system. The famous escape attempt of June 1962 (when inmates Frank Morris and the Anglin brothers vanished using a raft made from raincoats, leaving behind dummy heads in their beds) also exposed vulnerabilities in Alcatraz’s “escape-proof” reputation. Though their fate remains a mystery, the incident underscored the prison’s limitations.

On March 20th, 1963, the last 27 prisoners were transferred off the island, and the following day, Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy officially announced the closure. After 29 years of operation, Alcatraz stood silent, its cells empty and its legacy cemented.

The closure of Alcatraz didn’t mark the end of its story. In the years that followed, the island took on new roles. From 1969 to 1971, it was occupied by Native American activists protesting federal policies, an event that drew national attention and left a lasting imprint on the island’s cultural significance. Eventually, Alcatraz became part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, managed by the National Park Service. Today, it’s one of San Francisco’s most popular tourist attractions, drawing millions who wander its eerie corridors and ponder the lives once confined there.

As we look back from here, Alcatraz remains a haunting reminder of a bygone era, its silhouette against the San Francisco skyline a testament to a time when isolation was the answer and escape was the ultimate dream.

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Finger Lickin’ Good?

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On March 20th, 1930, a pivotal moment in culinary history unfolded that would eventually give rise to one of the most iconic fast-food chains in the world: Kentucky Fried Chicken, or KFC for short. This date marks the day Harland David Sanders, a man of grit and determination, took a significant step toward building his fried chicken legacy.

Born on September 9th, 1890, in Henryville, Indiana, Harland Sanders was no stranger to hard work. After losing his father at a young age, Sanders took on various jobs throughout his life. He was a farmhand, streetcar conductor, blacksmith’s apprentice and railroad fireman, just to name a few. By 1930, he had settled in Corbin, Kentucky, where he operated a service station along U.S. Route 25, a busy road for travelers. It was here that Sanders began to lay the groundwork for what would become his fried chicken empire.

While March 20th, 1930, is often cited as a key date in KFC lore, it doesn’t mark the official founding of the KFC franchise as we know it today. Instead, it’s the day Sanders is said to have first served his now famous fried chicken to customers at his service station. At the time, Sanders wasn’t running a restaurant in the traditional sense. He began cooking for hungry travelers who stopped by for gas, offering home cooked meals like pan fried chicken, ham, biscuits and vegetables. His food quickly gained a reputation for its quality and flavor, especially his chicken, which he prepared using a blend of spices that would later become the cornerstone of KFC’s “Original Recipe.”

Sanders’ cooking wasn’t an overnight sensation. By 1930, he had perfected a method of pressure frying chicken, which cooked it faster than traditional methods while keeping it juicy and flavorful. This innovation, combined with his secret blend of 11 herbs and spices, set his chicken apart from anything else on the market.

The success of his roadside meals led Sanders to expand his operation. He soon opened a small dining area next to the service station, calling it “Sanders Court & Café.” It wasn’t a franchise yet, but it was the precursor to KFC. The café became a local hit, drawing in travelers and residents alike. In 1935, Kentucky Governor Ruby Laffoon recognized Sanders’ contributions to the state’s cuisine by commissioning him as a Kentucky Colonel. This would be an honorary title that Sanders would later embrace as part of his public persona.

While this historic day in 1930 marks the beginning of Sanders’ fried chicken journey, the KFC franchise as we know it didn’t come into being until much later. In 1952, Sanders struck a deal with Pete Harman, a restaurant owner in Salt Lake City, Utah, to sell his chicken under the name “Kentucky Fried Chicken.” This was the first true franchise, and it launched the brand into national prominence. Sanders sold the company in 1964 for $2 million (about $18 million in today’s dollars), but he remained its public face, donning his signature white suit and black tie until his death in 1980.

So, the next time you bite into a piece of KFC, remember that it all traces back to a dusty service station in Corbin, Kentucky, and a man with a vision, flipping chicken on March 20th, 1930. The day that started the meal and an entire movement.

Proof Of Time Travel?

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There’s a black and white photo from 1941, taken by Edwin Rosskam on Chicago’s South Side, showing a bunch of kids lined up outside a cinema.

The buzz? It’s all about a boy on the far right of the photo who’s holding something rectangular that some folks swear looks like an iPad.

Naturally, since iPads didn’t exist until 2010, people started throwing around the idea that it’s evidence of time travel

Pretty wild, right?

But here’s the thing: others look at it and say, “Nah, that’s just a book or a notebook.” Back in the day, kids often carried stuff like that, especially if they were dressed up nice for a movie outing (Think Sunday best vibes here.)

Some even pointed out that ushers used to check for notepads to stop people from sketching bootleg copies of films, which kinda fits the scene.

Plus, the photo’s got that vintage charm where everyone’s decked out in hats and coats, making it feel more like a snapshot of the past than a science fiction plot.

You be the judge! Check the link below and let us know what you think!

PHOTO IS HERE