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Next Month's Total Solar Eclipse Will Make Baseball History. Here's How.
Get ready for an exciting day on April 8, as a total solar eclipse will pass over two cities hosting Major League Baseball games. Arlington, Texas and Cleveland, Ohio will both experience this rare event during game time. Fans in these cities can enjoy the spectacle of the eclipse before cheering on their teams at Globe Life Field and Progressive Field. Make sure to grab your solar eclipse glasses and cameras to safely view this incredible celestial show!
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Maryland Zoo Celebrates Birth Of 8 Rare African Penguin Chicks
Eight critically endangered African penguin chicks have hatched at the Maryland Zoo, offering a small but meaningful boost to a species facing rapid population decline in the wild. The zoo announced the births on Monday, Dec. 8, noting that the penguin keepers had named the chicks after fruits and vegetables. The first two names released were Kiwi and Cayenne, with the remaining six to be revealed in the coming weeks. African penguins, native to the coasts of South Africa and Namibia, are listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Their numbers have plummeted by 90% since the early 1900s. Today, only around 52,000 remain in the wild. Despite legal protections, the threats remain urgent. Overfishing, habitat loss, oil spills, and climate change continue to batter the population. “The number of African penguins in the wild is dropping,” said Jen Kottyan, the Maryland Zoo’s bird curator. “If we can fix the issues these birds face in the wild... one day penguins from our highly managed [Species Survival Plan] could be sent to their native South Africa and Namibia to repopulate the wild colonies.” Kottyan also serves as program leader for the African Penguin Species Survival Plan (SSP), which coordinates breeding efforts across zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The Maryland Zoo is home to the largest colony of African penguins in North America. Since 1967, the zoo has successfully hatched more than 1,000 of them. While most remain in Baltimore, others have helped establish new colonies at facilities in 35 U.S. states and Canada. The penguins at the zoo breed from mid-September to the end of February, a timeline designed to mimic their natural breeding season in southern Africa. Kottyan says every new chick matters. “Every chick hatched here is important to this species’ global survival,” she said. “We’re keeping the hope alive.”
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Local Pub Offers "Warm Space" for Community Amid Rising Heating Costs
In the market town of Newport, Shropshire, one pub has quietly stepped up as more than just a place for pints. The Pheasant has opened its doors as a “warm space” this winter, offering heat, comfort, and conversation to locals who are struggling with rising living costs and loneliness. The idea started after licensees Emma and Ben Holmes began hearing more and more from customers about how expensive it had become to heat their homes. “We’ve genuinely heard people say how much cheaper it is to come in and have a few drinks and stay warm and speak to their friends, than stay at home and put the heating on,” Emma said. Their response was simple: make the pub a welcoming space for anyone needing warmth — no purchase required. A recent social media post from The Pheasant invited locals to come in for “warmth without worry,” adding, “We want to be somewhere you can walk into, always see a familiar face, and where it’s warm enough you don’t need to leave your coat on. Bring yourself a sandwich if you want to.” For many, it’s made a real difference. “It is my second home,” said 79-year-old Michael Tucker, a regular. “The house is empty, my wife is in a home. So I come down and get some nice company. I don’t have to have the house red hot, I just come here and it’s lovely and warm, you know, all the time.” Warm spaces like this are increasingly common across the UK, typically run by churches, libraries, or community centres. The goal is to help people reduce heating bills and avoid isolation during colder months — but seeing a pub take the initiative is still relatively rare. Rob Williams, another regular who visits most afternoons, appreciates both the warmth and the social aspect. He’s got his spot by the window — and more importantly, right next to the radiator. “It means I do not have to turn on the gas for half a day,” he said. “I am nice and warm and snug. I am interacting with people, it is good for your mental state. It is very good.” Emma Holmes agrees. “If someone lives on their own, it’s a lot to go 24 or 48 hours without speaking to anybody else,” she said. “Some of them just come in and read the newspaper with a pint, but they’re welcome to do what they want in here really.” And that kind of casual, pressure-free atmosphere seems to be exactly what people are looking for. Rob Dudley, another local, compared the pub to Cheers, the classic sitcom bar where everybody knows your name. “It is brilliant,” he said. “The beer is pretty cheap, the sport is always on, and everyone feels comfortable. The bar staff here carry the beer over to the older chaps — you don’t get that in many pubs.” Emma says the response has been heartening, but also a sign of the times. “The cost of living is going up more,” she said. “It’s something we’re hearing more when people say how warm it is in the pub.” For now, The Pheasant is doing what it can — not with a flashy campaign or a grand announcement, but with warmth, familiarity, and an open door.
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Restorer Reunites Family With Late Miner’s Lamp, Preserving Precious Legacy
In a touching story of sentiment triumphing over profit, a miner's lamp has found its way back to the family of Les Bausor, a former pit worker at Bolsover Colliery in Derbyshire. This reunion was made possible by Kev Pattison, a passionate restorer and former mining apprentice who has dedicated himself to preserving these historical artifacts. Pattison bought Bausor’s retirement lamp online in a bundle of three from an eBay seller in Bolsover. After giving it a thorough clean and polish, he was struck by the intricate engraving marking Bausor's retirement on 19 October 1983. Motivated to return the lamp to its rightful home, Pattison reached out through a Bolsover Facebook group, where he connected with Neil Bausor, Les’s grandson. “I can’t wait for him to see it actually in his hands because these are the real things,” Pattison shared with enthusiasm. For Neil Bausor, 41, this lamp represents more than just a piece of history; it's a cherished reminder of his grandfather's dedication and hard work. He plans to gift the lamp to his father for Christmas. Mining lamps hold significant meaning for those who worked underground. They were not only sources of light but also crucial safety tools that detected dangerous gases. If the flame went out unexpectedly, miners knew they needed to evacuate immediately. Pattison's relationship with mining goes back decades. He joined the National Coal Board in 1967 as an apprentice at Bilsthorpe Colliery in Nottinghamshire before moving up to become a development worker and then deputy by 1984. After leaving the industry in the 1990s, he turned his attention to buying, restoring, and selling miners’ lamps worldwide. His efforts highlight what he sees as an injustice regarding how many miners' lamps were treated when collieries closed. “A lot of the miners at most of the collieries didn’t get a lamp when they shut the pits,” Pattison explained. Instead of being distributed among workers as mementos, many lamps were discarded down mine shafts along with other debris used as landfill. Despite this disappointment, Pattison remains committed to his restoration hobby. He's made an appeal for spare parts since sourcing original components is becoming increasingly difficult. With more fittings available, he hopes to continue reuniting ex-colliers or their families with these meaningful pieces of history. Through his work and passion for preserving miners' heritage, Kev Pattison continues to make small but impactful gestures that honor those who once labored deep beneath the earth’s surface.
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At 101, the “Nutcracker Lady” Still Reigns Over America’s Biggest Nutcracker Museum
In the postcard-perfect town of Leavenworth, Washington — where even the McDonald’s leans into a Bavarian alpine aesthetic — one woman has built a legacy out of tiny soldiers, centuries-old tools, and a very specific kind of crunch. Arlene Wagner, better known as the “Nutcracker Lady,” just celebrated her 101st birthday, and she’s still working daily at the Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum, home to over 9,000 nutcrackers from around the world. It's the largest collection of its kind in the United States and, for a time, held the Guinness World Record for the most nutcrackers anywhere. “I had no idea it would turn into this,” Wagner told NPR, seated in her usual spot by the museum entrance in full German dirndl dress, her white curls perfectly coiffed. What began in 1976 as a prop search for a ballet production of The Nutcracker has turned into a lifelong obsession. Wagner was directing a Renton, Washington ballet company at the time and needed a suitable nutcracker for Clara to hold. That led to the purchase of a few toy soldier-style pieces — the tall-hatted, red-jacketed figures now synonymous with Christmas — and eventually to a vast, global collection. But Wagner didn’t stop at the festive kind. After a trip to an antique show in Portland with her late husband George, the couple became fascinated with more obscure and historic nutcrackers: porcelain figures, metal lever tools, ornate Indian betel cutters, even stone “nutting bowls” used thousands of years ago. “We were so taken!” she recalled. “That’s when we got introduced to the porcelain ones and the old metal ones.” Instead of cruises or beach holidays, the Wagners traveled the world in search of nutcrackers. Estate sales, auctions, antique fairs, and European markets all fed their growing collection. By 1995, they’d amassed 7,000 pieces — too many for home display — and opened the museum. Even after George passed away in 2011, Wagner kept collecting. In 2021, Guinness confirmed her tally at 9,103 unique nutcrackers, though she was soon outpaced by a Lithuanian man who claimed the title with 10,000. “Officials counted three times,” she said with a laugh. Among her favorites is a bronze nutcracker dating back to between 200 BC and 200 AD, discovered near Naples and adorned with lion designs — likely once owned by an upper-class Roman family. Another is a 16th-century French lever-style piece, carved from boxwood and dated 1554. “It’s the earliest known-of dated nutcracker in the world,” Wagner said proudly. The museum is now one of Leavenworth’s top attractions, especially during the holidays. Tourists often wander in after a beer garden visit or a stroll through the town’s Christmas-lighted streets. Inside, they find not just toy soldiers, but nutcrackers shaped like animals, historical figures, and holiday mascots from New Year’s to Cinco de Mayo. Wagner personally curates every display. She also greets visitors, hands out scavenger hunt lists to kids, and keeps an eye on the gift shop — all from her perch near the front door. “These are the real things, they’re the real McCoy,” said Linda Krueger, a fellow collector visiting from California, who’s been building her own nutcracker stash for over 45 years. So how did nutcrackers become holiday icons? The answer dates back to 19th-century Germany, when author E.T.A. Hoffmann’s 1816 The Nutcracker and the Mouse King introduced the now-famous toy soldier. Nutcrackers were already common in Germany, often carved to resemble kings or warriors and given as fall or winter gifts to bring good luck. But it wasn’t until post-WWII, when American soldiers stationed in Germany brought them home, that they gained popularity in the U.S. Then came George Balanchine’s 1954 ballet production in New York — and the rest is Christmas history. Now, Wagner’s own likeness is joining the tradition. German artisans have carved a 10-inch nutcracker modeled after her — white hair, pearl necklace, and all — which just went on sale at the museum. She’s also begun training her successor, Michelle McMullen, who’s been helping run the museum for years. But retirement doesn’t seem to be on Wagner’s mind. “The key to living a long life is to stay busy,” she said. So far, it’s working.
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A Young Cancer Warrior's Dream Just Came True, Thanks to These Local Firefighters
After spending five days in hospital receiving chemotherapy, four-year-old Benjamin Bahmanizad got a much-needed break — and a surprise he won’t soon forget. Benjamin, who was first diagnosed with a rare and aggressive childhood cancer at just two years old, recently relapsed after months in remission. But thanks to a family friend, County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue station manager Gary Tough, the little boy got to live out an early Christmas dream: becoming a firefighter for the day. “To see him just have a carefree day, especially after we've just spent five days in hospital receiving his chemotherapy, to see his little face light up, it just means the world to us,” said his mother, Nicola Bahmanizad. Benjamin was given the full VIP treatment. He suited up in firefighter gear, explored the fire engines, and spent the day alongside the crew — laughing, smiling, and forgetting, even briefly, the weight of his diagnosis. The family had celebrated his remission back in March, but a routine check-up in September brought devastating news: the cancer had returned. Moments like this one, Nicola said, are more than just memories — they’re fuel to keep going.
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Family Discovers Doorstop Rock Is Actually Worth Over $1 Million
For decades, it was just a humble doorstop in a quiet Romanian village. But the 3.5-kilogram chunk of “rock” propping open the door of a home in Colți wasn’t just any old stone — it was a massive nugget of amber worth more than €1 million (US$1.1 million). The discovery was only confirmed years after the woman who originally found it had passed away. According to El País, she picked up the piece from a stream bed in southeast Romania, likely unaware of its true value, and used it to keep a door from slamming shut. The amber remained unnoticed — even by jewel thieves who once broke into the house — until a relative inherited the property after the woman’s death in 1991 and began to suspect the doorstop might be more than it appeared. His instincts were right. After having it assessed by experts at the Museum of History in Krakow, Poland, the stone was confirmed to be one of the largest intact pieces of rumanite, Romania’s prized form of amber known for its deep reddish hues. The relative eventually sold it to the Romanian state. Since 2022, the nugget has been held by the Provincial Museum of Buzău, in the county where it was originally found. “Its discovery represents a great significance both at a scientific level and at a museum level,” said Daniel Costache, the museum’s director. The story echoes another surprising find across the ocean — that of a Michigan man who discovered the 10-kilogram doorstop he had used for decades was actually a rare meteorite, later valued at $100,000. Romania’s Colți region, nestled near the River Buzău, has been known for its amber since the 1920s. Local residents and miners have long found amber deposits embedded in the sandstone banks of the river. But few have stumbled on anything close to the size of the doorstop discovery. Amber, a fossilized form of tree resin, can date back over 100 million years and has the unique ability to preserve organic material in exquisite detail. While it’s commonly found in parts of the Northern Hemisphere, discoveries in the southern half of the globe have been far rarer. In recent years, scientists have made breakthroughs in amber research. In Ecuador, a 112-million-year-old amber deposit preserved evidence of spiders and insects, including flies, fungus beetles, and a piece of spider web thought to have been woven in a style resembling modern orb-weavers. And in 2024, researchers found amber in West Antarctica for the first time, dating it to between 83 and 92 million years ago. The fossilized resin, along with preserved roots, pollen, and spores, gave scientists one of the clearest glimpses yet into what they believe was a mid-Cretaceous swampy rainforest at the South Pole — dominated by conifer trees, much like those found in present-day New Zealand and Patagonia. “This discovery allows a journey to the past in yet another more direct way,” said Johann Klages, a marine geologist at Germany’s Alfred Wegener Institute. Amber’s ability to lock away ancient ecosystems in perfect detail has made it one of the most scientifically valuable substances in paleontology. From arthropods to fragments of ancient flora, the material continues to reveal the intricacies of long-extinct environments. And sometimes, it’s just sitting by the front door — holding it open for 30 years.
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This Teen Broke an Underwater Record, While Raising $500K for Ocean Conservation
During the COVID-19 lockdown, while most kids were stuck at home on Zoom, Avery Fisher had a different idea: learn to scuba dive, perform magic tricks underwater, and break a world record. She did all three — and then some. Avery was just 13 when she set a Guinness World Record for performing the most magic tricks underwater in three minutes — 38 in total — while submerged at San Francisco’s Aquarium of the Bay. Now 15, she volunteers there as a youth ambassador, helping raise awareness and funding for marine conservation. “I was like, ‘Let’s spend the lockdown in a creative way,’” she told PEOPLE. That creative spark turned into hundreds of hours of scuba training, more than a dozen diving certifications, and an unexpected platform for inspiring others. Growing up in Tiburon, California, right by the bay, Avery had always been drawn to the water. As an only child in the fifth grade, lockdown hit hard. She felt isolated from friends and school. Her solution: go deeper — literally. With support from her parents, Avery started scuba training. Her early certification required over 10 hours of open water instruction and multiple rounds of pool testing. “Once I dove, I got a huge liking for it,” she said. “And I would just read manual after manual about all the different certifications.” Since then, she’s completed more than 30 open ocean dives and earned over a dozen certifications — each involving hours of confined water training and hands-on practice. The underwater magic record, set in 2023, wasn’t a random stunt. It was her way of combining two passions: scuba diving and performing. The location — Aquarium of the Bay — had special meaning. She’d visited since she was young, and she described her first time stepping into the aquarium’s glass tunnels as a turning point. “You can see everyone below, and it’s just kind of like you’re in a different world,” she said. “That just sparked a really big interest for me.” After breaking the record, Avery didn’t stop. She partnered with the aquarium on a conservation fundraiser that brought in over $500,000. She credits her time underwater with making the cause feel personal. “It was just such a surreal experience,” she said. “That inspired me not only to raise awareness about the ocean but to be able to do it through scuba diving.” She now volunteers about 10 hours a month at the aquarium, giving talks and answering questions from visitors. “I've talked to hundreds of people,” she said. Her connection to the ocean started long before COVID. Avery’s childhood vacations almost always revolved around water — whale watching in Hawaii, road trips to Santa Cruz — and she says those memories shaped her love for marine life. “I grew up loving whales,” she said. “I’ve seen a lot of beauty from the ocean.” Avery has also started attracting attention beyond the aquarium. She’s currently in talks for a sponsorship deal, and she hopes to dive in more places around the world. “That’d be a dream of mine,” she said. Now a high school sophomore, Avery is juggling school, volleyball, and her volunteer work. But her passion for diving hasn’t waned. “I feel like it came pretty easily to me,” she said, “but there’s definitely a lot of experience you have to have in the water before you can do it safely.” What started as a creative idea during lockdown has turned into something bigger — a way to connect, perform, and protect the ocean she loves.
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Kevin Smith Pays Heartfelt Tribute To His Late Mother, Grace V. Smith
Filmmaker Kevin Smith is sharing an inspiring tribute after the loss of his mother, Grace V. Smith, who passed away on December 1. In a heartfelt message shared with fans, the Clerks and Chasing Amy director credited his mom as the single most influential person in his life — and the reason he became who he is. “The bill for 55 years of unconditional love came due on December 1st,” he wrote. “And the costly price was having to watch the strongest person I’ve ever known – my absolute favorite person in the world – exit the stage after a lifetime of setting it for her children. My Mom is gone.” For fans of Smith’s work — which includes cult classics like Mallrats, Dogma, and the Jay and Silent Bob series — his mother’s passing feels personal. Grace Smith wasn’t just a behind-the-scenes figure in his life; she helped shape the voice, humor, and heart that have defined his decades-long career in independent film. “She was a lioness, fiercely protective of her pride, who lived for her kids,” Smith said, reflecting on her unwavering support. “There’s never been a day in my life when I didn’t know in my bones that I was valued as human being, cherished as a child, and deeply loved beyond reason.” Grace raised her children with a strength and tenderness that Smith says gave him the confidence to speak his mind, create bold characters, and share his world with fans. “My Mom made me feel like I mattered – to our family, to the world, and especially to her.” Smith ended his tribute with a note of gratitude and love. “Thank you for making me and taking me on the journey of a lifetime. I love you so much, Mom. You’ve always been, and will forever be, my hero. Love, Tiger.” Fans flooded social media with condolences and thanks — not just for Grace’s impact on her son, but for the ripple effect it had on their lives through his work. “She made Kevin Smith, who he is today,” one wrote. “And we’re all grateful for that.”
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Croatians are Diving Into Tradition With Winter Swims For Over Two Decades — Here's Why
In the Croatian coastal town of Opatija, where the Adriatic breeze turns crisp in winter, a decades-old tradition is bringing locals and tourists alike into the sea — even as the temperature drops into the single digits. For 22 years, a group called Opatija Kukali has been organizing winter swims along the northern Adriatic coast. Between November and January, the swimmers gather on the beach, peel off their layers, and wade into waters that can dip as low as 10°C. The ritual has grown beyond a local pastime. What started as a small community gathering is now drawing international visitors, with hotels in the area even offering guests the chance to join in. Among them was Paula Knauss from Austria, who recently took part and described it as “a great experience to swim in the sea,” comparing it to her usual cold dips in Wuster Lake. Cold-water swimming has been gaining popularity across Europe, boosted by growing interest in both mental and physical health benefits. In Opatija, many of the swimmers say they’ve felt those benefits firsthand. “From our many years of experience with winter swimming and from studying professional and scientific literature, we can say that the benefits are significant,” said Dr Mario Susanj, president of Opatija Kukali. According to Susanj, regular cold-water immersion can improve circulation, heart and lung function, and blood vessel elasticity — especially important for older adults. “And it strengthens immunity during the winter period,” he added. Beyond the physiological perks, the plunge triggers a surge of endorphins and norepinephrine, a hormone associated with alertness and the body’s fight-or-flight response. The group’s New Year’s Day swim has become one of the city’s most iconic winter events. Swimmers, bundled in hats and scarves one minute and barefoot in the surf the next, take the plunge as onlookers cheer. It’s a spectacle that symbolizes renewal and resilience, and the growing number of participants each year suggests it’s a message that resonates. Still, the icy practice isn’t without risks. Doctors caution that sudden exposure to cold water can cause a rapid spike in blood pressure, which could be dangerous for those with heart issues. Staying in the water too long can also lead to hypothermia, especially for inexperienced swimmers or those not dressed appropriately. While some studies suggest positive outcomes from cold exposure, much of the research has been short-term and based on small groups. That hasn't slowed the rise in popularity, but it has prompted health experts to stress moderation and proper preparation — especially for newcomers. In Opatija, the chill doesn’t seem to be stopping anyone. For many, it’s about more than health stats or adrenaline spikes. It’s about community, tradition, and the quiet satisfaction of walking back up the beach, skin tingling and spirit lifted, in the dead of winter.
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Neurodiverse Fashion Revolutionizes Comfort And Style
Millie Haywood spent most of her teenage years in hospital wards, fighting a debilitating eating disorder and struggling to find her place in the world. Now 22, she’s turning those painful experiences into something soft, comforting — and empowering. From her home in Chalford, a village in southern England, Haywood is the founder of Mentally Unstitched, an online embroidery business that creates sensory-friendly hoodies inspired by her own mental health and neurodivergent journey. “I used to absolutely love running, it was my passion. It was my purpose in life,” she told CBS News. But after being diagnosed with anorexia at 13 and enduring years of treatment, that part of her identity was stripped away. “I felt like I had no purpose, because I could no longer run and I just didn't have anything to live for, other than my family.” That sense of loss and disconnection stayed with her for years. The physical reminders — including a visible feeding tube — made job interviews especially difficult. “I went for quite a few interviews, and I was just immediately turned down,” she recalled. “It just really knocked my confidence... but at the same time, it lit this fire in me, to create something that I'm proud of.” The real turning point came at 21, when Haywood was diagnosed with autism. “It just changed my life,” she said. “I started to understand myself and accept myself, and it was like I’d finally found my voice.” With that new understanding came a creative spark — and a very specific idea. On one particularly tough day, Haywood remembered hugging a plush toy for comfort. “I was like, to my mum, ‘I wish this was in a hoodie. I wish this feeling, that hug that you get, could be in a hoodie, so I could just go out and feel that comfort.’ I just said to her, ‘I’m gonna create that. I’m gonna design that.’” And she did. Working from her home studio, Haywood designed her first hoodies to recreate that feeling of safety and calm. The result is a line of sweatshirts that feel like weighted hugs — two kilos each, with oversized hoods that fit over headphones, tag-free fabric, and soft textures designed to soothe sensory sensitivities. She also embroiders quirky, confident phrases across the items, many of which reflect neurodivergent pride: “Slay-DHD” and “Rizz Em with the Tism” are among the top sellers. “It just feels like a hug in a hoodie,” she said, showing off the sweatshirts to CBS News. “I really hope I can inspire people with my designs, and with my story that, you know, what’s different makes you stronger.” Haywood’s brand — equal parts comfort and empowerment — has resonated far beyond her home village. With each order, she’s not just shipping a hoodie. She’s sending a message: that softness can be strength, and that identity doesn’t have to be stitched to the mainstream. Eventually, she hopes to expand Mentally Unstitched into a full clothing line designed specifically for the neurodivergent community — gear that’s not only functional and sensory-friendly, but stylish, too. For Haywood, every hoodie sold is another step forward in her recovery. “Finding Mentally Unstitched has kind of lit that spark back inside of me,” she said. It’s a quiet triumph — built not with loud slogans or dramatic transformations, but with thread, softness, and a sense of self she’s finally claimed.