East African Runners Are Racing to Fame and Fortune on Vietnam’s Marathon Circuit

Ethiopian runner Tesfaye Tsegaye Keress navigated through nearly 18,000 participants to secure a prime spot at the Techcombank Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon in December. Standing at just 5.3 feet and weighing 116 pounds, the 27-year-old used his size to his advantage in Vietnam’s largest marathon. Keress arrived in Ho Chi Minh City with fellow Ethiopian Dereje Alemu Miko, who competed in the half-marathon. Their presence sparked curiosity among local media eager to learn about these East African athletes. For Keress, running was more than a passion; it was an opportunity. Winning first place would earn him $2,500—a significant sum for his family back home in Sendafa, Ethiopia. “We plan to expand our farm using the money from marathon races,” he shared. Keress faced stiff competition from Kenya’s Edwin Kiptoo, a dominant figure on Vietnam’s marathon circuit. Despite being considered average by Ethiopian standards—his personal best is 2:23:50—Keress found himself a top contender in Vietnam's burgeoning running scene. Marathons have surged in popularity across Vietnam as part of a fitness trend among its growing middle class. In 2023 alone, there were 41 full marathons with over 264,000 entrants nationwide. Kiptoo's journey also highlights the challenges and rewards for African runners abroad. Initially struggling with accommodation costs upon arrival, he found unexpected support from local runner Le Hoan. Kiptoo went on to win the race and has since become a celebrated athlete in Vietnam. Despite setbacks like delayed prize payments and logistical hurdles, both Keress and Kiptoo continue to pursue their dreams while supporting their families back home—a testament to their resilience and determination.

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Oregons Beloved Waterfall To Become Public Land After Decades Of Private Stewardship

One of Oregon’s most beloved waterfalls may soon belong to everyone. Abiqua Falls, a striking 28-metre cascade tucked into forest near Scotts Mills, is set to be purchased by the state after its longtime owners placed the property on the market. For more than a century, the waterfall and surrounding land have been owned by Mount Angel Abbey and Seminary. The abbey’s foundation has held the property since 1908 and has allowed visitors to experience the site for decades. Now the organization says it is ready to pass the responsibility on. Rather than selling to a private buyer, the abbey worked with state officials on a plan that would keep the falls accessible to the public. State Senator Fred Girod moved quickly to negotiate a deal and include funding for the purchase in Senate Bill 5701, a $500 million statewide funding bill for construction and maintenance projects. The proposal sets aside $2 million to acquire the waterfall, about 17 hectares of surrounding land, and roughly 65 hectares of additional property upstream owned by a timber company. Girod said the abbey made the process possible by agreeing to a lower price so the land could remain open to visitors. “If the abbey insisted on getting top dollar then this wouldn’t have happened,” Girod told the Statesman Journal. “They’ve been good stewards and bent over backward to make sure public access was guaranteed.” Abiqua Falls has become a favourite destination for hikers and photographers in the Pacific Northwest. The plunge waterfall drops over dark columnar basalt cliffs coated in moss before crashing into a deep pool below. Surrounded by forest and reached by rough back roads and minimal trails, the site offers a rugged and relatively quiet experience compared with more developed parks. Even after the purchase, officials say the goal is not to transform the area into a large new state park. Instead, leaders are considering ways to protect the fragile environment while keeping access similar to what visitors experience today. Expanding parking lots or building large trail systems could overwhelm the delicate landscape. Possible options include transferring the property to the county or placing it under the care of Oregon’s forestry department. For Mount Angel Abbey, the agreement represents the next chapter in a long history of caring for the land. “It is with deep gratitude and hope for the future that the Abbey Foundation of Oregon entrusts the stewardship and legacy of Abiqua Falls to the state of Oregon,” said Amanda Staggenborg, director of communications for Mount Angel Abbey and Seminary. “The beauty of Abiqua Falls will be enjoyed by generations of Oregonians and all those who love Oregon’s natural wonders.” If the funding bill moves forward as planned, the iconic waterfall will soon shift from private ownership to public protection. And the same view that has drawn visitors for decades could remain just as wild and quiet for many years to come.

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Finnish Pair Wins Barrel Of Ale In Annual 'Wife-Carrying' Contest In England

Marriage vows usually promise to carry each other through life. In one corner of England, some couples take that idea very literally. About two dozen pairs gathered on a grassy hillside in Dorking, Surrey, on Sunday for the annual U.K. Wife Carrying Race, a quirky competition where partners sprint uphill and down while carrying their significant other on their backs. Clinging tightly, the “wives” bounced along as their partners tackled the 380-metre course, navigating hay bale obstacles and even the occasional splash of water thrown in their direction. The fastest pair of the day came from Finland. Teemu Touvinen and Jatta Leinonen completed the course in one minute and 45 seconds, winning the race and the traditional prize: a barrel of local ale. The unusual event is loosely inspired by a 19th-century Finnish legend about a gang that raided villages and carried women away. Today, the competition has evolved into something far less sinister and far more playful. Participants often show up in costumes, and the rules allow flexibility in who carries whom. “You do not have to carry your own wife. It could be someone else’s. Or a mate, girlfriend, boyfriend, sister or brother,” organizers said. “They should ideally weigh less than you do.” The only strict requirement is weight. The person being carried must weigh at least 50 kilograms. If they weigh less, they must wear a backpack filled with flour or water to meet the minimum. Competitors can choose their own carrying style, but most racers opt for the traditional “Estonian Hold.” In that technique, the partner hangs upside down on the carrier’s back with their legs wrapped around the runner’s shoulders and crossed in front of their face. It looks awkward. And it is. But it also allows the runner to keep their arms free and maintain better balance as they race across the hillside. The course itself is not especially long by normal running standards, but with someone hanging upside down from your back, it becomes a much bigger challenge. Organizers describe the distance as “a long way under the circumstances.” While still considered a niche sport, wife carrying competitions have spread well beyond Scandinavia. Events now take place in the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, Poland and several other countries. The race in Dorking first began in 2008 and has grown into a popular annual spectacle. The fastest British couple this year, Edward Nash and Kathryn Knight, finished just four seconds behind the Finnish winners. Their second-place finish still comes with an important reward. Nash and Knight will represent the United Kingdom at the World Wife Carrying Championships in Finland this July. There, they will join competitors from around the world who are ready to run, stumble and laugh their way across another course. All while holding on tight.

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A Boy Was Just Rescued After a 200ft Fall at a Historic Tourist Site

A dramatic rescue unfolded at one of England’s most famous landmarks after a boy tumbled down a steep hillside and had to be pulled to safety. The incident happened Sunday evening near the Westbury White Horse in Wiltshire, a historic chalk hillside figure that attracts visitors from across the country. Wiltshire Search and Rescue said the boy fell about 60 metres down the slope around 18:00 GMT. In total, 45 people joined the rescue effort as teams worked against fading light, dropping temperatures and thick fog. Rescuers used ropes to winch the boy up the steep hillside, while placing glow sticks along the slope to mark a safe route. In a statement posted on Facebook, the volunteer rescue organization said the boy had “tumbled” down the hill but his injuries were not believed to be life-threatening. The challenging terrain made the operation difficult from the start. “Light was fading, the temperature dropping and fog setting in by the time the rescue operation began,” the group said. The location was also difficult to reach. “The location was just under half a kilometre from the nearest track; we were able to drive off-road some of the way, but the terrain and obstacles meant the final leg had to be on foot.” Rescuers brought additional equipment to the scene using a 4x4 vehicle, including lighting, a stretcher and a hypothermia blanket to help keep the boy warm. Because of the fog and conditions on the hillside, crews decided that using a rope system to lower and raise the stretcher would be safer than attempting an airlift by helicopter. Throughout the ordeal, the boy remained calm. Wiltshire Search and Rescue praised his behavior during the rescue. “It was noted by all involved that despite his young age, he showed remarkable maturity and calmness in a situation that some adults would struggle with,” the organization said. Firefighters from Westlea Fire Station and paramedics from South Western Ambulance Service also assisted in the rescue operation. The boy was eventually brought safely up the slope and into the care of medical teams.

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New Housing Project In Georgina Moves Forward After Community Open House

Plans for a new housing development in Georgina took a step forward after York Region hosted a community open house that drew nearly 100 residents, business owners and community partners. The event, held Feb. 24, gave attendees a chance to learn more about the proposed Queensway South development and share feedback that will help shape the project as it moves into the design phase. The development will bring 86 new housing units to the area, including 32 community housing units, 18 transitional housing units and 36 emergency housing units. Plans also include about 743 square metres of dedicated community space intended to support local services, community organizations and programs for residents. Regional officials say the project is aimed at addressing growing housing needs while also strengthening local support services. The Queensway South development has received unanimous support from Georgina’s town council and backing from York Region’s Housing and Homelessness Committee and Regional Council. The Town of Georgina has committed $3 million toward the project. Additional funding is coming from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s Housing Accelerator Fund and the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing’s Building Faster Fund. Officials say the project reflects collaboration between municipal, regional and federal partners working to expand housing options and improve community services. The open house also marked the start of community engagement that will continue as the project develops. A Community Liaison Committee will gather input from residents and stakeholders to help guide the design process. Construction is expected to begin in 2026. Once completed, the Queensway South development will provide new housing and community space for residents in Georgina and the wider York Region area. More information about the project, including how to apply to join the Community Liaison Committee, is available at york.ca/TheQueenswaySouth.

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Scientists Discover Living Marsupials Thought Extinct for 6,000 Years

For thousands of years, scientists believed these animals existed only in fossils. Now two small marsupials thought to have disappeared more than 6,000 years ago have been rediscovered deep in the rainforests of New Guinea. Researchers confirmed the existence of the pygmy long-fingered possum and the ring-tailed glider on the island’s Bird’s Head Peninsula in Indonesia’s Papua region. The findings were described in two studies published March 6 in the journal Records of the Australian Museum. The rediscovery makes the animals rare examples of what scientists call “Lazarus species,” creatures believed extinct that unexpectedly reappear. Finding even one such species is extremely unusual. “The chances of finding one Lazarus mammal species is ‘almost zero,’” said Tim Flannery, a zoologist at the Australian Museum who helped lead the research. Discovering two, he said, is “unprecedented and groundbreaking.” Other scientists reacted with similar excitement. “In a world awash with bad news, and no more so than for the environment, it is always joyous when species once thought extinct turn out not to be,” said Euan Ritchie, a wildlife ecologist at Deakin University in Australia who was not involved in the research. Until now, the pygmy long-fingered possum and the ring-tailed glider were known only from fossil remains discovered in the region. Scientists suspected they might still survive because the remote forests where the fossils were found had never been thoroughly surveyed for marsupials. Working with members of the Tambrauw and Maybrat Indigenous communities, researchers were finally able to confirm the animals’ presence and photograph them in the wild. The pygmy long-fingered possum is a small striped marsupial about 36 centimetres long from nose to tail tip. Roughly half of that length is its tail. Its most unusual feature is a dramatically elongated finger on each hand. Researchers believe the possum uses that finger to hunt insects hidden inside rotting wood. According to Flannery, the animals listen for low-frequency sounds made by beetle larvae and then tear open the wood to retrieve them. The ring-tailed glider is equally mysterious. The nocturnal animal nests in holes in trees and uses its long tail to grip branches as it moves through the rainforest canopy. It feeds mainly on tree sap and leaves, and possibly fruit and insects. Tribal elders describe the animal’s body as roughly “the length of two open palms,” according to the study. The research also revealed that the ring-tailed glider represents an entirely new genus of marsupial. Scientists named it Tous, inspired by the name Indigenous communities use for the animal: “Tous wansai” or “Tous wan.” Researchers believe the species represents an ancient branch of the possum family tree that dates back millions of years. For local Indigenous groups, the animals have long held cultural meaning. Some communities believe the ring-tailed glider represents the spirits of their ancestors and treat the surrounding forest with deep respect. The old-growth rainforest where the animals live is considered sacred. Scientists are now working to learn more about the creatures’ populations and habitats. Early indications suggest both species may be vulnerable to habitat loss caused by logging and land clearing across parts of New Guinea. For now, researchers are keeping the animals’ exact locations secret to prevent wildlife traffickers from attempting to capture them. Flannery said the animals would likely struggle to survive outside their natural habitat anyway. “They would be incredibly difficult to keep in captivity because their diet is so highly specialized,” he said. “Advanced warning for anyone who’s thinking of keeping one as a pet: It won’t live long.” For scientists and conservationists, the rediscovery offers a rare moment of optimism. Two species once believed lost to time are alive again in one of the world’s most remote forests.

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Gen Z Is Volunteering, But it Might Not Be in The Way You Think

If you picture volunteering as teenagers picking up litter or sorting cans at a food drive, you might be missing most of the story. A new survey suggests young people are helping their communities in large numbers. They are simply doing it differently than previous generations. About eight in 10 Americans between the ages of 12 and 25 say they have taken part in some form of community service or volunteering, according to a survey conducted by The Allstate Foundation and Gallup. But much of that service happens outside traditional nonprofit structures. Many young people describe helping others as something woven into everyday life rather than a formal activity scheduled through an organization. “When we typically think of service it can be very narrow. Of, like, kids picking up litter or engaging in food drives,” said Zoë Jenkins, 22, who oversees recruitment for the youth engagement nonprofit Civics Unplugged. “That all definitely counts as service. But I think for me, how I think about it is just people helping other people. And that’s, I think, a really broad bucket.” Among the young people who volunteer, about two-thirds said helping others or making a difference was a major motivation. Roughly six in 10 said contributing to their community was a key reason, while about half said they wanted to support causes they care deeply about. The findings come as many nonprofits try to rebuild volunteer networks that shrank during the COVID-19 pandemic and now face an aging volunteer base. Younger generations appear eager to help, but they often struggle to find opportunities that fit into busy schedules or that they even know about. About half of respondents who said they had never volunteered told Gallup that a lack of time and not knowing where to find opportunities kept them from participating. Even so, many are still stepping in to help in smaller ways. Around seven in 10 young people reported helping someone with a task at least a few times in the past week. Researchers say that suggests many young people see service less as a formal obligation and more as an everyday habit. Greg Weatherford II, director of youth empowerment initiatives at The Allstate Foundation, said service can take many forms. “We so applaud the young people that build complex nonprofits that solve complex issues,” he said. “Equally important is the young person that’s taking time to write a letter to a classmate who may just be needing to have some extra encouragement as they get ready to take their school test or just navigate a new semester.” The survey found that donating goods is the most common type of service. About half of respondents said they had donated or organized donations of food, clothing or other items. These efforts can be easier for young people to organize quickly, especially through social media, and do not require transportation or complicated scheduling. Fundraising and awareness campaigns were also common. About three in 10 young adults who volunteer said they had raised money for a cause, while roughly two in 10 said they had helped raise awareness. “Young people are perhaps more aware than ever of the power of money,” Jenkins said. The survey also found that many young volunteers want more control over how they participate. About half said their service experiences allow them to make decisions, help plan activities or take on leadership roles at least sometimes. But young people are less often involved in setting goals or designing how projects are carried out. That gap has prompted some nonprofits to rethink how they engage younger volunteers. Jenkins said many organizations still offer the same limited activities, such as litter cleanups or canned food drives, regardless of volunteers’ ages. She believes service opportunities should evolve as young people grow older and gain new skills. Storytelling and advocacy are two examples she points to, where young people can use their voices and networks to advance causes they care about. “It’s not that young people don’t care," Jenkins said. "We’re not necessarily providing the right opportunities that actually let young people feel like they’re showing up as their full selves.” Some nonprofits are already adapting. The American Red Cross says it has seen a surge in youth involvement since the pandemic. From 2024 to 2025, the organization reported a 25% increase in volunteers from Generation Z, making it the fastest-growing age group in its volunteer base. Much of that growth comes from more than 1,400 youth-led clubs, many based in high schools. Students help decide how their clubs will participate in Red Cross activities, ranging from disaster preparedness education to blood drives and fundraising campaigns. Matt Bertram, the organization’s vice president of volunteer services, said flexibility is key. “There's lots of folks who want to do traditional volunteering. There's lots of folks who want to do a one-time project. And there's lots of folks who want to maybe do something through a club or school or through their service organization,” he said. “If we can continue to work hard to put all those people together, that’s how we’ll build that workforce of the future.”

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Texas Couple Celebrates Engagement Where Love First Took Flight: Airport Chili's

Romance can strike almost anywhere. Even next to a plate of fajitas at an airport Chili’s. Travelers passing through Chicago O’Hare International Airport recently witnessed a surprise proposal inside the Chili’s restaurant in the terminal. What started as a typical airport stop quickly turned into a moment that had passengers and staff cheering. Videos shared on TikTok show the couple approaching the restaurant as an instrumental version of Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love” plays softly in the background. Then, in front of diners and airport employees, the man dropped to one knee. People nearby quickly pulled out their phones to record the moment. Staff members paused their work, and travelers gathered around to see what would happen next. When the bride-to-be said yes, the restaurant erupted in cheers. The proposal included another unexpected touch. One of the screens inside the restaurant displayed a montage of photos and videos featuring the couple, playing as the big moment unfolded. For a place usually filled with travelers watching departure boards and grabbing quick meals between flights, the restaurant briefly turned into something else entirely. A crowd of strangers became an instant audience for a moment the couple will likely remember long after their flight home. And for a few minutes inside a busy airport terminal, love managed to land right on time.

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Now Boarding: Goose Airlines Takes Off For Spring

If you look up this time of year, you might spot a familiar sight in the sky. A V-shaped formation of honking geese heading north. Think of it as the busiest airline you’ll never book a ticket on. Every spring, millions of migrating geese launch what could be called the most reliable seasonal flight schedule in nature. Their journey north usually begins in late February and continues into May as birds leave their winter homes and return to breeding grounds across North America. The reason for the annual trip is simple. Food. “When geese migrate, they're following their food,” said Mitch Weegman, an avian ecologist at the University of Saskatchewan in Canada. Winter conditions make survival difficult in northern regions. “Because it's cold, sometimes ice prevents the access to drinking water for these birds, and snow is preventing access to food,” Weegman said. “So they're getting kicked out of these places.” While geese could stay in their southern wintering areas year-round, that would create another challenge. Competition. “Any one environment can only support so many different species,” Weegman said. As temperatures rise and daylight stretches longer, conditions improve in the north. Snow melts, fresh vegetation appears and the birds begin moving again. “They are following the green wave, as we call it,” said Andrea Kölzsch, an assistant professor of ecology at Radboud University in the Netherlands. Across North America, migrating geese follow four main flight corridors known as flyways. The Pacific flyway runs between Alaska and California. The Central flyway stretches from western and northern Canada down to Arizona and Texas. The Mississippi flyway connects northern Canada to Louisiana. And the Atlantic flyway carries birds from eastern Canada to Florida. Before takeoff, geese prepare the only way endurance athletes know how. They eat. A lot. “They bulk up” on crops like corn, beans and wheat, Weegman said. The birds build up fat and protein reserves that fuel long flights. But there is a limit. “They have to kind of find a balance,” Kölzsch said. Too much weight can slow them down in the air. The passengers on these flights often include entire extended families. Parents, siblings and offspring frequently travel together, along with what Weegman calls “loose family associates.” Not every goose migrates, though. Over the past 30 to 40 years, some Canada geese have adapted to stay year-round in places where they once spent only summers. These resident birds tend to be larger and more aggressive than other species. “You can imagine how they win these interactions with foxes, coyotes, other birds,” Weegman said. “They're serious competitors.” For birds that do migrate, the trip length varies. Some faster species can reach their destinations in just a few days. Others take weeks or even months to complete the journey. Snow geese and Ross’s geese often stop frequently along the way. Meanwhile, black brant and Atlantic brant geese are capable of flying roughly 1,600 kilometres without stopping. To travel efficiently, geese rely on smart aerodynamics. That famous V-shaped formation helps birds conserve energy in flight. “The bird in front flies, and the one flying behind it can profit from the air currents that the wings of the first bird is producing,” Kölzsch said. Leading the formation is demanding work. The bird at the front breaks the wind, creating lift for those behind it. To share the load, geese regularly switch positions during the journey. If a bird gets tired, sick or encounters rough weather, another goose can move forward to take the lead. And the flights are rarely quiet. “There's a lot of continued conversation, or decision making, throughout the year, not only in the air, and that leads to lots of individuals being able to take over the lead position,” Weegman said. During layovers, geese rest and refuel before continuing north. But changing climate conditions are making the trip more unpredictable. Storms are becoming more frequent and intense, sometimes forcing birds to move along faster than planned. Eventually the travelers reach their summer breeding grounds. By then, many geese have already chosen a partner. Once they pair up, they usually stay together for life. Most return to the same nesting sites they used the year before. By early to mid-summer, goslings hatch and begin growing quickly. They do not have long to prepare. By August or September, the young birds will be making their first major flight south for the winter, following their parents along the same ancient routes. And with that, another season of Goose Airlines is officially underway.

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Young People are Embracing 'Grandparent Hobbies' Like Blacksmithing And Needlepoint

At 23, Emma MacTaggart noticed something about her downtime. It barely existed. And when it did, it usually ended with a glowing phone screen. MacTaggart was working long hours in investment banking, and when the workday finally ended, scrolling often filled the gap. So she and her roommates decided to try something different. They went looking for a hobby that would keep their hands busy and their phones out of reach. They landed on needlepoint. The craft was something MacTaggart had briefly learned from relatives as a child, but had not touched in years. It did not take long before the group got pulled in. “It was a really therapeutic way to kind of distract yourself from either work or stress, but also just do something with your hands instead of doomscrolling,” she said. “We became completely obsessed.” MacTaggart is part of a growing wave of young people turning to tactile hobbies as a break from constant digital life. Knitting, gardening and needlepoint are often labeled online as “grandma hobbies,” a tongue in cheek reference to the generations who traditionally practiced them. But the label has not scared younger hobbyists away. In fact, it seems to be part of the appeal. Beyond the familiar crafts, activities like pottery, origami and even blacksmithing have gained attention among Gen Z and millennials online. Many of these hobbies saw renewed interest during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, when people suddenly had more time at home. What started as a lockdown pastime has continued to grow. MacTaggart leaned into that momentum. Now 26, she runs a needlepoint business called What’s the Stitch and manages social media accounts under the same name. What began as a personal hobby turned into a storefront selling canvases, accessories and digital designs. Her creations often include cheeky humor and occasional profanity, a twist on a craft known for being prim and traditional. “It is such a historically buttoned up craft, so it’s fun to put a young spin on it,” she said. Psychologists say the appeal of hobbies goes far beyond nostalgia. Jaime Kurtz, a professor of psychology at James Madison University who studies happiness, said hands-on activities can ease anxiety and stress while giving people a sense of accomplishment. “Hobbies are really important, and a lot of us have lost them, or we just don’t prioritize them enough, or we think we’re too busy,” Kurtz said. “But just finding little bits of time to carve out to do these kinds of things is a really wise use of time.” For some people, the draw is the chance to slow down. Clara Sherman co-founded the company So Bam Fun to introduce mahjong to a younger crowd. When she plays with friends, she said the game creates a calm focus that is hard to find elsewhere. “You kind of feel like you’re existing in this little bubble of just myself, my friends and this game we’re all enjoying together,” Sherman said. “It just really does allow you to shut off the rest of the world.” Not every hobbyist sees technology as the enemy. Some are blending traditional activities with digital tools. Isaiah Scott, a 22-year-old birdwatcher, artist and content creator in Savannah, Georgia, uses the app eBird to track sightings. The platform allows birders to log observations while contributing to research and conservation efforts. Scott said his generation’s reputation for being glued to phones misses part of the picture. “It’s easy to say his generation is ‘glued to their phones,’ Scott said, but that access to technology also ‘opens so many doors to get involved in hobbies that may have been forgotten about or (are) just difficult to get into otherwise.’” Birdwatching, he explained, feels a lot like the Pokémon games he grew up playing. “It feels like a video game, but in real life.” Traveling to different places feels like unlocking new levels, and spotting species adds to the score. Scott has logged about 800 species so far. The hobby also pushed him into conservation work. Scott founded the nonprofit Rookery and Roots Conservancy and recently purchased a 16 hectare property in Rincon, Georgia, to protect wildlife habitat. Support from his online audience helped make the purchase possible. Social media has also helped turn traditional crafts into full-time careers. Anna Weare works as a blacksmith and farrier and shares videos online under the name AnvilAnna. While she already had steady clients before posting online, her audience has expanded worldwide. The interest, she said, may reflect frustration with disposable goods and factory production. “People, now more than ever, are realizing that things made in factories or mass produced, they wear out so quickly,” Weare said. Demand for her handmade one-piece spurs is so high that customers now face a waitlist of about a year. “People want longevity, and this craft has been around for so long for a reason.” Community is another part of the draw. Kristie Landing created Verse & Sip, a platform for poets and paper craft enthusiasts. Her videos feature letter writing, wax seals, origami and carefully folded correspondence. Her followers often ask about tools and paper, but many are simply looking for connection. Landing recently launched a pen pal matching service after viewers began asking for someone to exchange letters with. She also runs the Verse & Sip Mail Club, sending an original poem and tea each month to subscribers around the world. She hopes the content slows people down for a moment. “I am trying to create slower moments on platforms that are based on really quick, short attention span kind of videos,” she said. “These kind of stop you in the scroll.” Many hobbyists say their crafts are not passing trends but part of a conscious shift toward slower, hands-on activities. MacTaggart, for one, has embraced the “grandma hobby” nickname completely. “I joke with my friends that I have been a grandma my whole life,” she said, “so it’s only fitting that this is now my career.”

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A Sleepy Jaguar is Still Getting Used to the Time Change, and it's Lounging at the Oakland Zoo

A sleepy jaguar was spotted lounging at a California zoo in footage posted on Monday, March 9. Footage taken at Oakland Zoo shows jaguar Lucha lolling about in his enclosure. “Take notes from Lucha,” the zoo wrote on X. “It’s time to head back to bed and celebrate National Napping Day.” Monday was National Napping Day, a day to recover after daylight saving time, according to reports. 📸 Oakland Zoo via Storyful

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