Extreme Weekly #6
Ryugu no tsukai, Cheese Heist, Remote Job Opening, ICE, Gov Funded Drug Rooms & A Cheeky Brain Teaser
January 14th 2025
Good morning! Back mid-week this time, I want to aim for 2 releases a week, definitely every Sunday and hopefully every Wednesday as well :) as there are some crazy topics out there to discuss.
Ready? Lets do it
01. Oarfish Sighting Sparks Folklore and Curiosity
An unusual oarfish sighting off the coast of California has stirred fascination and whispers of ancient Japanese folklore. Oarfish, which can grow up to 36 feet long, are deep-sea creatures rarely seen near the surface. In Japanese mythology, these enormous fish are known as "Ryugu no tsukai" or "Messengers from the Sea God's Palace." Historically, sightings of oarfish were believed to be omens predicting earthquakes and natural disasters.
While modern scientists dismiss the superstition, they remain intrigued by oarfish behavior, as their appearance near the surface could indicate changes in deep-sea conditions. Known for their serpent-like bodies and metallic sheen, oarfish inspire both awe and mystery whenever they emerge from the depths.
02. The Great Cheddar Heist: Gourmet Cheese Worth Thousands Stolen
In an odd and flavorful twist of crime news, a high-profile cheese theft has made headlines. Thieves stole a large quantity of premium cheddar from Neal's Yard Dairy, a renowned London-based supplier of artisanal cheeses. Valued at thousands of dollars, the stolen cheddar wasn’t your everyday cheese—it included carefully aged varieties prized by chefs and connoisseurs worldwide.
Police are investigating the bizarre heist, and while stealing luxury goods isn't unusual, gourmet cheese isn’t a typical target. This incident has sparked speculation on whether black-market cheese trading could be a real thing. For now, fans of fine dairy products are left wondering: who would go to such lengths for a block of cheddar?
03. Sewer Gator Myth Confirmed, Urban Legend Comes to Life
For decades, the idea of alligators living in city sewers was dismissed as nothing more than a wild urban legend. However, city workers in Florida recently uncovered a startling truth. Alligators do exist in the sewers! Captured footage shows workers discovering a live gator lurking in a storm drain, confirming a long-debated myth.
The origins of this legend trace back to the early 20th century, with tales of exotic pets being flushed or released into the city’s sewer systems. Though often regarded as fiction, this recent discovery hints that perhaps some of those stories weren’t so far-fetched after all. Scientists believe these sewer-dwelling reptiles likely don’t thrive long-term, but the occasional appearance fascinates and freaks out urban dwellers.
https://nypost.com/2023/05/11/alligators-in-the-sewer-myth-is-true-watch-city-workers-find-out/
04. Scientists Are Hunting for Earth’s Oldest Ice in Antarctica
A team of scientists is on an extraordinary quest in Antarctica to uncover the world’s oldest ice. By drilling deep into the ice sheet, they hope to extract ice that dates back over 1.5 million years, providing a window into Earth’s ancient climate. Studying ancient air bubbles trapped in the ice will help researchers understand how greenhouse gases influenced past climate shifts.
This project is crucial because it could reveal patterns in Earth’s climate history, offering insight into how our current climate may evolve. It’s an icy time capsule waiting to tell us secrets about the planet’s past—and perhaps help predict its future.
05. Job Opening: Become the Manager of a Remote Scottish Island
Looking for a job that’s off the beaten path—literally? A remote Scottish island called Handa is hiring a seasonal island manager with a salary of around $31,000 a year. Handa Island, famous for its breathtaking landscapes and seabird colonies, is only accessible by boat and has no permanent residents. The job involves overseeing volunteers, maintaining the island’s eco-tourism operations, and protecting the wildlife.
For anyone seeking an escape from modern life and a unique opportunity to live surrounded by nature, this role could be the adventure of a lifetime. Just be prepared for long stretches of isolation and rugged weather!
06. Mysterious Chemical Fog Sparks Bioweapon Conspiracy Theories
In a bizarre and unsettling turn of events, residents across several U.S. states have reported sightings of a strange chemical fog, leading to widespread speculation and concern. The phenomenon was accompanied by reports of unidentified drones hovering over affected areas, sparking fears of potential bioweapons being tested. While officials have dismissed these claims, many remain skeptical due to the lack of a clear explanation for the fog’s origin.
Social media has been buzzing with theories, ranging from government experiments to environmental anomalies. Officials are continuing to investigate, but for now, the cloud of mystery surrounding the fog remains thick.
Quizzz
Q1: What planet in our solar system rains diamonds?
Q2: Which ancient civilization invented concrete, only for the recipe to be lost for over 1,000 years?
Q3: What is the only animal that doesn’t age biologically?
Q4: Where can you find rocks that naturally move across the ground with no human or animal intervention?
07. Only 1 in 5 can spot all differences in this tricky brainteaser in under 45 seconds
08. Love and Strength to LA: Bracing for More Wildfires
Our hearts are with everyone in Los Angeles as the city faces yet another devastating wave of wildfires. With Santa Ana winds expected to return early this week, there’s growing concern that the already ferocious flames will spread further. Tragically, 24 lives have been lost, and over 12,000 buildings have been reduced to ash. Millions of residents remain at risk, with many bracing for potential evacuations.
AccuWeather has raised its estimate for total damages to an astounding $275 billion, highlighting the scale of the destruction. As LA endures this difficult time, let’s send love, strength, and hope to all those affected. Wishing for safety and swift relief for everyone in harm’s way.
09. Inside the UK's First Legal Drug Consumption Room
In a significant move toward harm reduction, the UK’s first legal drug consumption room, called The Thistle, is opening its doors in Glasgow’s east end. After years of debate and legal wrangling, the center will begin welcoming clients who will inject illegally-obtained heroin or cocaine under medical supervision. The goal? To reduce overdoses, minimize drug-related harm, and curb public drug use.
Funded by the Scottish government, this initiative addresses the high number of public drug users in the area and aims to improve safety for both users and the surrounding community. The Thistle represents a controversial but bold approach to tackling Scotland’s drug crisis.
hmm
Fire Facts
1. Octopuses Can Edit Their Own Genes
Octopuses are so bizarre that they can rewrite their RNA on the fly! This ability helps them quickly adapt to extreme environmental changes, making them one of the most alien-like creatures on Earth.
Bananas Are Technically Berries, But Strawberries Aren’t
Botanically speaking, bananas meet the criteria of a berry, while strawberries don’t. Weird, right? The key difference lies in how the seeds are developed inside the fruit.
There’s a Waterfall That Flows Backward in Australia
On incredibly windy days at the Cliff Falls in New South Wales, strong gusts push the water upward, making it look like the waterfall is flowing backward into the sky.
4. Some Turtles Can Breathe Through Their Butts
Certain species of turtles, like the Australian Fitzroy River turtle, have specialized sacs in their rear ends that allow them to extract oxygen from the water. It's not glamorous, but it helps them survive underwater for longer!
I appreciate you all!
Quiz Answers
Q1 - Neptune
Q2 - Romans
Q3 - Immortal Jellyfish
Q4 - Death Valley, California
:D