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So Cute? Bronx Zoo’s Baby Vulture Being Raised by a Puppet

For the first time in three decades, a king vulture chick has hatched at the Bronx Zoo—and its caregiver is a little… unconventional.

The zoo announced the exciting arrival this week, noting that the rare chick is being hand-raised by staff using a puppet designed to look like an adult king vulture.

Bronx Zoo / Wildlife Conservation Society

The technique is used to mimic natural parenting behaviors while preventing the bird from imprinting on humans.

Bronx Zoo / Wildlife Conservation Society

The puppet allows zookeepers to feed and interact with the chick without compromising its ability to one day behave like a wild vulture. It’s part of a broader conservation strategy to help support and stabilize populations of species that aren’t often bred successfully in captivity.

Bronx Zoo / Wildlife Conservation Society

Native to Central and South America, king vultures are striking birds… if you’re into that sort of thing.

They’re known for their white feathers, black wingtips, and vibrantly colored heads.

While not currently endangered, their numbers are affected by habitat destruction and declining food sources in the wild.

The Bronx Zoo is one of the most prominent conservation-focused zoos in the U.S., and the successful hatching of this chick is a major milestone—especially after 30 years. No word yet on the chick’s name, but one thing’s for sure: it’s got the most dedicated (and imaginative) foster team a baby bird could ask for.

Bad Apple: Mom Late for ‘Thomas the Tank’ Event Hits 102 with Kid in Car

Thomas the Tank Engine is all about being useful, friendly, and on time—but also safe. Unfortunately, one New York mom took the “on time” part a little too seriously.

Police in Putnam County say 37-year-old Danielle DaSilva was clocked driving at a staggering 102 miles per hour early Sunday morning on I-95 near Madison, Connecticut.

Even more alarming: she had a two-year-old child in the back seat of her SUV!

When officers pulled her over and asked why she was driving so dangerously, her explanation was unexpected—and very specific. She said she was late for a “Thomas the Train” event.

DaSilva now faces multiple charges, including reckless driving, second-degree reckless endangerment, risk of injury to a minor, and failure to stop on the right side of the road. She was released later that day on a $500 bond.

Thankfully, no one was hurt.

But the story serves as a wild reminder that no event –– not even one starring your kid’s favorite TV character –– is worth putting lives at risk.

Thomas may always be on time, but he never hits triple digits to get there.

The Best (and Worst) Ways to Cook Bacon

Planning a career change? Our guide helps you identify your skills, explore new fields, and transition smoothly.

Bacon lovers, prepare for a sizzling debate. Whether you prefer it crispy, chewy, smoky, or somewhere in between, how you cook your bacon might be just as important as the kind you buy — and according to the food experts at TheKitchn.com, some of us have been doing it all wrong.

 

Let’s be honest: it’s hard to make bacon bad. But when it comes to getting that perfect balance of crisp, flavor, and (let’s not forget) easy cleanup, some methods clearly outshine the rest.

 

 

🔥 The Top Two Bacon Cooking Methods

Oven-Baked Bacon (The Clear Winner)

Hands down, the best way to cook bacon is in the oven. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, lay your strips out flat, and bake at 400°F. Go for 18 minutes with regular-cut or up to 24 minutes for thick-cut slices. The result? Evenly cooked, crispy bacon without the splatter — and bonus: parchment paper makes cleanup a breeze.

 

Cast Iron Skillet (For Purists)

Want that traditional sizzle? A cast iron skillet still holds up. Start with a cold pan, place the bacon in, then heat to medium. Flip occasionally and cook for 8–11 minutes, depending on thickness and how crispy you like it. It takes a bit more attention, but it delivers that classic, smoky flavor and gorgeous caramelization.

 

 

🙅‍♂️ The Two Worst Ways to Cook Bacon

The Water Method

 

Yes, it’s a real thing. This technique involves covering the bacon in water, boiling it, and gradually lowering the heat until the water evaporates. Supposedly, it helps render the fat and reduce splatter — but according to testers, it’s messy, inconsistent, and not worth the effort. Stick with dry heat.

 

The Microwave

You probably already know this one’s not ideal. While it can work in a pinch, microwaved bacon tends to come out hot, rubbery, and unevenly cooked. Even with paper towels to soak up grease, you’ll rarely get that satisfying crisp — just a lot of limp disappointment.

 
So, What’s Your Go-To?

 

Everyone has a bacon method they swear by. But if you haven’t tried oven-baking with parchment paper, this might be your sign. It’s cleaner, easier, and arguably more delicious.

 

After all, life’s too short for bad bacon.

A Pope with a Past—And a Left Hook?

Before he was the spiritual leader to over a billion Catholics, Pope Francis was keeping the peace in a very different way—as a nightclub bouncer in Buenos Aires. Yes, the man who later preached about mercy and inclusion once stood at the door deciding who got into the party. 🙃

Imagine trying to sneak into a club and being stopped by a future pope. “Turn the other cheek? Sure—after you show me some ID.” 

This was Pope Francis when he was young. I believe maybe in the 1950s? Or early 1960s? I’m not sure. He looks friendly as he was even later in his life.

It’s a detail that became legendary during his papacy—proof that even a guy who started off tossing drunks out of bars can end up in white robes waving from the Vatican balcony.

Pope Francis will be remembered not just for his groundbreaking firsts—first Jesuit pope, first from the Americas—but for his radically inclusive spirit, his deep compassion, and his willingness to bring ancient traditions into modern conversations.

Rest in peace 🌍✝️🕯️

Special Delivery: Mailman’s $10 Act of Kindness Goes Viral

In a refreshing moment of decency that’s striking a chord online, a Michigan mail carrier is being praised for returning a lost $10 bill he spotted in a homeowner’s driveway—rather than pocketing it and moving on.

The mailman, now identified as Joshua O’Hara, found the cash while delivering mail and made a point to try returning it. After ringing the doorbell and getting no answer, he left the money in the mailbox along with a handwritten note explaining what he’d found and where.

The homeowner later discovered the note—and the returned ten bucks—after reviewing footage from their doorbell camera.

Moved by the gesture, they shared the video online, and the clip quickly gained traction. Viewers were quick to recognize O’Hara, with many praising his honesty and integrity in the comments.

When interviewed, O’Hara offered a simple explanation for his choice: “Being kind to others doesn’t cost a thing. You never know who needs it, and one good deed can have a ripple effect.”

That ripple effect seems to be playing out exactly as he described. Messages of appreciation and admiration have poured in from across social media, with many calling O’Hara a reminder that small actions can still make a difference.

Wiener Dog Somehow Survived 16 Months in the Wild

After more than a year fending for herself in the rugged wilderness of Kangaroo Island in Australia, a tenacious mini dachshund named Valerie is finally headed home.

Australian wildlife officials announced Friday that they’d successfully captured the small (but surprisingly resilient) pup, ending a 16-month ordeal that started when she vanished during a family camping trip in late 2023. Valerie had darted off while her owners were setting up camp on the island, which sits off the coast of South Australia near Adelaide.

For 529 days, Valerie survived on her own in a landscape known for kangaroos, snakes, and wallabies – not tiny weiner dogs.

Wildlife officials believe she scavenged and may have even hunted small prey, defying expectations for a dog bred more for companionship than survival.

“She’s a miniature dachshund—we really didn’t think we’d ever see her again,” said one official involved in the rescue effort. “But somehow, she adapted. It’s incredible.”

Despite occasional sightings over the months, Valerie remained elusive—too skittish to approach, and quick to disappear into the dense terrain. But persistence paid off. Wildlife officers finally managed to humanely trap her, and a video of the capture shows her peeking out of a crate, seemingly cautious but healthy.

The reunion with her owners is expected soon, and veterinary staff have already begun assessing her condition.

Early reports indicate she’s underweight but in surprisingly good shape considering her time in the wild.

Valerie’s story has captivated many online, with commenters applauding her grit and determination. Some have even dubbed her “the Bear Grylls of dachshunds.”

From a vanished pet to a survival legend, Valerie’s journey is a remarkable reminder of just how strong the instinct to survive—and return home—can be, even in the smallest of packages.

Marathon Runner Helps Competitor Over Finish Line

In a moment that’s resonating far beyond the finish line, a runner at the Boston Marathon is being praised for putting compassion ahead of competition — and it’s all caught on video.

Brazilian runner Pedro Arieta was just seconds away from completing the marathon when he spotted another runner collapse just before the finish. Rather than pushing forward to beat his personal goal of 2 hours and 40 minutes, Pedro stopped, turned back, and helped the fallen runner to their feet.

Together, they crossed the finish line.

Pedro ended up finishing the race in 2 hours and 41 minutes — just one minute off his target time — but says he has zero regrets.

And after seeing the viral footage, it’s clear most people agree he came out a winner in a much bigger way.

“That’s what the marathon is about,” one commenter wrote. “Not just running, but community, heart, and humanity.”

The video, now circulating widely on social media, shows the emotional moment as Pedro lifts the runner and guides them to the line, with cheers erupting from the crowd. It’s the kind of gesture that reminds people why sports — especially endurance races like the Boston Marathon — mean so much more than numbers on a clock.

Pedro’s story is already inspiring runners and non-runners alike, with many praising his selflessness and sportsmanship. One user summed it up best: “He may have missed his goal, but he showed the world what a true champion looks like.”

@sorry.man God I love Boston #bostonstrong #bostonmarathon2025 #marathonmonday #marmon ♬ Take My Hand – Matt Berry

Walmart Is Locking Up Their Meat Now?

We’ve seen deodorant and baby formula behind locked cases. But meat? Welcome to 2025, where even your ribeye might come with a security cage.

Walmart customers are sounding off online after spotting cuts of steak in tiny wire lockboxes — not behind glass, but still secured with anti-theft devices that must be removed at checkout. Videos of the locked-up groceries have gone viral on TikTok and Instagram, sparking both disbelief and dark humor.

In one clip, a shopper stares at a packaged steak wrapped in a miniature metal gate and says, “That’s when you know it’s bad — when they put miniature gates so you don’t steal their meats.”

@solid_soul83

Walmart tired of yall! 🤣🤣🤣🤣 not the meat

♬ original sound – solidsoul83

Why the Locks?

Walmart hasn’t issued a new public statement about the move, but this isn’t a new phenomenon. Some stores in higher-theft areas have used this strategy for the past few years. However, its recent reappearance on social media — and the fact that it’s happening in the grocery section — has reignited debate about retail theft.

The locked meat isn’t a standard across all locations, suggesting it’s a localized response rather than a nationwide rollout. Still, the optics are striking: a T-bone under lock and key says a lot about the current state of retail.

Retail Theft: A Growing Issue

Big-box retailers have increasingly leaned on security measures as organized retail crime and shoplifting reports rise. In the past, this has meant locking up electronics, beauty products, or over-the-counter medications. But now, with inflation hitting grocery bills hard, high-priced food items are starting to show up on theft prevention lists too.

Walmart isn’t alone. Some Target and CVS stores have also been criticized for locking up everyday essentials, prompting frustration from paying customers who feel like they’re being punished for the actions of a few.

What’s Next?

While anti-theft cages on steaks might seem like a temporary quirk, it taps into a bigger conversation: how far stores are willing to go to protect inventory — and how much inconvenience shoppers will tolerate.

So far, eggs haven’t been caged. But at this rate? Don’t count anything out.

Ben Affleck Thinks His Kids Should Get Minimum Wage Jobs

Ben Affleck might be one of Hollywood’s highest-paid stars, but don’t expect his kids to be spoiled. In a recent interview, Affleck shared that he believes in old-school parenting when it comes to money—starting with minimum wage jobs.

Affleck, who’s worth an estimated $150 million and shares three children with ex-wife Jennifer Garner—Violet (19), Fin (16), and Samuel (13)—says it’s important for his kids to learn the value of a dollar the hard way. That includes saying no, even when the family bank account could technically say yes.

A recent viral video captured one such parenting moment, where Affleck shut down 13-year-old Samuel’s request for a $6,000 pair of sneakers. His response? Brutal in the best way.

“He was like, ‘We have the money.’ I was like, ‘I have the money. You’re broke,’” Affleck recalled with a laugh.

He then laid down a little real-world math: “If you want that, you can work 1,000 hours at minimum wage, and after all that, you might not want to spend it on a pair of shoes.”

Affleck said both of his older kids already have jobs, and his eldest is actively pursuing a summer internship. While he’s proud of their hustle, he’s clear that this is less about building a résumé and more about building character. “You love your kids, but you do them a disservice if you don’t teach them they have to work for what they want,” he said.

It’s a refreshing message coming from someone whose kids could easily coast on Hollywood privilege. Instead, Affleck is making a case for humility, hard work, and a bit of minimum wage reality—even if Dad’s red carpet is just a phone call away.

Jelly Roll Might Get a Full Pardon for His Crimes

The Tennessee Board of Parole has officially recommended that Jelly Roll, born Jason DeFord, receive a full pardon for past convictions, including felony aggravated assault and drug-related offenses. The decision, which came unanimously, now awaits final approval from Tennessee Governor Bill Lee.

Despite his musical success, Jelly Roll’s felony record has continued to cast a shadow over his life. International travel for performances has remained a major barrier, often preventing him from expanding his career beyond U.S. borders. A pardon would not only restore his civil rights but could also remove these obstacles, allowing for more freedom both personally and professionally.

From Inmate to Inspiration

Jelly Roll has been candid about his troubled past, using both his music and platform to highlight his journey through addiction, incarceration, and personal growth. At the parole hearing, he told the board:

“I want to be an inspiration for people who are now where I used to be . . . to let them know that change is truly possible.”

He was supported at the hearing by Nashville Sheriff Daron Hall, who has publicly advocated for Jelly Roll’s pardon. Following the meeting, Hall shared this on social media:

“One year ago I wrote Governor Bill Lee asking for a full pardon for Jason ‘Jelly Roll’ DeFord . . . Today the board unanimously recommended his pardon. It’s now in the hands of our governor.”

What’s Next?

The final decision rests with Governor Lee, who has not yet commented publicly on the recommendation. If granted, the pardon would remove Jelly Roll’s criminal convictions from his record — a symbolic and practical victory for someone who has worked hard to rewrite his life story.

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