Today's Enjoyment:

• Reel of the Day: There’s a benefit to spilling tea…

• Trending Loveable Stories: 

  • Whales' "Dance" Creates Inspiring Art

  • Farmer's "Door-Stop" Rock Is Worth $75K

• Quote: Happiness is a state of mind…

Reel of the Day 📽️

That last line of advice is pure gold!🫗💖

Loveable Stories 📰

ANIMALS

Whales' "Dance" Creates Inspiring Art

Off the coast of Massachusetts, a mesmerizing spectacle unfolded as humpback whales swam in perfect harmony, creating a stunning spiral pattern in the waters south of Martha's Vineyard.

These captivating moments were beautifully captured by researchers from the New England Aquarium, revealing the intricate dance of these majestic marine creatures. But this wasn't just a random display of aquatic grace.

The whales were engaging in a unique hunting technique known as "bubble feeding" or "bubble netting." This method involves the whales coordinating their movements to blow air bubbles, which serve to corral their prey, primarily krill and fish. As the prey gets trapped within these bubbles, the whales lunge upwards, engulfing them in a swift motion.

As described by a NOAA Fisheries page on humpbacks, "Once the fish are corralled, they are pushed toward the surface and engulfed as the whales lunge upward through the circular bubble net. Different groups of humpback whales use other bubble structures in similar ways, though there appears to be some regional specialization in bubble-feeding behaviors among populations."

Among the group of 16 whales observed bubble feeding was a particularly special member named Salt.

Recognizable by her white-speckled dorsal fin, Salt is a veteran of these waters, having been first spotted in Massachusetts in the mid-1970s. Now over 50 years old, Salt has given birth to 16 calves.

The New England Aquarium shared their excitement on spotting her, stating, "Salt, who was first seen in Massachusetts in the mid-1970s and has given birth to 16 calves, was seen bubble feeding with three other whales south of Martha’s Vineyard. It was a rare treat for our survey team to see this iconic female humpback!"

This remarkable observation was made during an aerial survey of an area where a wind farm is under construction. The presence of these whales, especially engaging in such a coordinated hunting technique, underscores the rich biodiversity of the region.

Recent times have seen humpback whales making headlines for their awe-inspiring displays, from synchronized breaches off Cape Cod to swimming alongside whale-watching boats in California.

These gentle giants of the sea continue to captivate and remind us of the wonders that lie beneath the ocean's surface.

(Click here to read the full story)

WOW

Farmer's "Door-Stop" Rock Is Worth $75K

In a remarkable twist of fate, a Michigan man discovered that what he had been using as a mere doorstop for years was, in fact, one of the state's largest meteorites.

This seemingly ordinary rock, which had been dutifully holding doors open on a farm, weighed in at a hefty 22.5 pounds.

But its true significance lay hidden until experts took a closer look.

Mona Sirbescu, a geologist from Central Michigan University, was astounded when she examined the rock. She didn’t need any kind of test to tell what she was looking at.

"I could tell right away that this was something special," she expressed. Her excitement was palpable as she added, “It’s the most valuable specimen I have ever held in my life, both monetarily and scientifically.”

The rock's owner, David Mazurek, had been in possession of this meteorite for about three decades. Curious about its origins, he approached Sirbescu for verification.

The meteorite’s backstory, now dubbed the Edmore meteorite, is as fascinating as its discovery.

When Mazurek bought a farm in 1988, the previous owner had been using this unique rock as a doorstop. This owner shared a captivating tale from the 1930s.

According to him, he and his father had witnessed the meteorite plummeting to Earth. The next day, they dug it out from its impact site, and it was still warm.

As part of the farm's sale, the meteorite was handed over to Mazurek, who continued to use it as a doorstop and occasionally showcased it during his children's school visits. Later recognizing the potential value of meteorites, Mazurek decided to have his rock appraised.

Given their rarity and scientific significance, meteorites can fetch substantial sums. Mazurek's meteorite was no exception. He sold it to Michigan State University’s Abrams Planetarium for a whopping $75,000.

In a heartwarming gesture, he's donating 10% of the sale to CMU’s earth and atmospheric sciences department.

From a simple doorstop to a treasure worth thousands, the Edmore meteorite's journey is a testament to the hidden wonders that can be found in the most unexpected places.

(Click here to watch the full story)

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Quote of the Day 💭

On This Day In History…🗿

Did you know that on this day in History in 1587, the very first child ever born on American soil to English parents was born? Her name was Virginia Dare. She was born into the colony that occupied what is now known as Roanoke Island, North Carolina.

Now known as the “Lost Colony”, the small village of roughly 100 settlers mysteriously vanished sometime between 1587 and 1590. The colony’s Governor (and Virginia’s grandfather) John White, was the last person known to have interaction with the colony when he left them to set sail back to England in 1587.

When he returned in 1590, there was neither hide nor hair of the colony he left behind. The only clue ever found was “the word CROATOAN carved on a post of the palisade erected by the settlers and the letters CRO on a tree.” Neither Virginia nor any of the other settlers were seen or heard from again.

Also on this day…

• 1227 - Infamous Mongol emperor Genghis Khan dies.

• 1735 - Boston’s newspaper, the “Evening Post,” publishes its first edition.

• 1896 - According to the stuff of legend, over 200 outlaws gathered at Brown's Hole from regional gangs in the American West to hear Butch Cassidy’s proposal to organize a “Train Robbers' Syndicate.” This said “syndicate” later became infamously known as the Wild Bunch.

• 1920 - The 19th Amendment allowing all American women the right to vote is ratified after Tennessee pens the 36th signature.

• 1963 - James Meredith became the 1st black man to graduate from the University of Mississippi.

Notable Birthdays:

• 1774 - Famous American explorer and Pacific Northwest Pioneer Meriwether Lewis was born.

• 1927 - American 1st Lady Rosalyn Carter, wife of 39th President Jimmy Carter, was born.

• 1936 - American actor and director Robert Redford was born.

• 1952 - American actor and dancer Patrick Swayze was born.

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Can You Spot The Dog?

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