Condensed Soup

Animals as stowaways and real estate planners; plus, the Maori have invented the way to make the biggest splash -- and science just proved it.

Delta flight delayed because 2 pigeons sneaked aboard a plane in Minneapolis (AP)

Hermit Crabs Trade Up by Exchanging Shells in Queue (Ivan Chase, Scientific American)

Rule the Pool This Summer and Make the Biggest Splash (Jason Maderer, Georgia Tech)

Mastering the Manu: How a Human Can Create the Biggest Splash (The Bhamla Lab, Georgia Tech)

Why are teachers still paying for school supplies in America? Plus, the controversial move of standing up when the plane lands. (I'm bracing myself for letters about this...)

Las Vegas allows school supply donations to pay for parking tickets (Las Vegas Sun)

Why Are Educators Still Buying Their Own School Supplies? (Amanda Litvinov, NEAToday)

Donors Choose (official)

You Actually Should Stand Up ASAP When the Plane Lands, Says Travel Expert: Here’s Why (Exclusive) (Natalia Senanayake, People)

This country is fining airplane passengers who stand up too quickly after landing (Sanya Jain, Hindustan Times)

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As if Final Destination wasn't scary enough -- do you want it in 5D? Plus, the games where doping is legal and the end result of the world's fascination with the American West.

Movie Theater Ceiling Collapses During Final Destination: Bloodlines Screening (Raven Brunner, People)

Introducing the Enhanced Games - the Pro-doping Olympics (Luis Prada, Vice)

Norwegians using ‘Texas’ to mean ‘crazy’ actually isn’t so crazy (Laurel Stvan, The Conversation)

Theatre review: Dark Noon, Sydney Festival 2025 (Gina Fairley, Arts Hub)

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Since I'm on ships so much this year, here's a dip into ship culture -- and how we can be as responsible as possible in the industry!

Tough But Enjoyable Life, Says Seafarer Working on Cruise Ship (Liz Lagniton, Maritime Fairtrade)

How to Cruise in a More Sustainable Way (Alex Outhwaite, A Life Well Travelled)

Sustainable Cruises: 6 Cruise Lines Making Progress (Nicole Wood, US News & World Report)

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Want an easy treat for your next Taco Tuesday? Dorilocos have got it in the bag. Plus, an insurance fraud story that is bearly believable.

This Dorilocos Recipe is a Party in a Bag (Kat Thompson, Eater)

Quick & Easy Walking Tacos Recipe (Carrie Barnard, Eating on a Dime)

They told insurers a bear damaged their car. But it was actually a person in costume (Rachel Treisman, NPR)

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Olivia Jaquith went into labor on the air and kept going...! Someone get that kid a SAG card. Plus, the latest DMV phishing scams are being unleashed on Americans (including me). 

Albany CBS6 Anchor Olivia Jaquith Goes Into Labor On Air (Michael Mashburn, Daily Voice)

Americans are warned as latest DMV phishing scam targets phones (Alana Wise, NPR)

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(This episode was recorded sneaking around on a cruise ship.) Mules are carrying mail in Arizona, and University of Minnesota crown their new Head Lettuce

How the most remote community in America gets its mail (Sarah Yager, The Atlantic)

UMN students gather for annual lettuce-eating competition (Ahmed Hassan, The Minnesota Daily)

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Inspiring stories today, whether you're a nontraditional student... or a monkey. Plus, a realization about ChatGPT queries. 

Vietnam veteran, 79, graduates from college to keep ‘mind and body updated’ (Chris Williams, FOX 13)

A baboon worked for a South African railroad company in the 1880s. 

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An intense summer is coming to Tokyo, and the government is helping people stay cool. Also staying cool: Kermit in his speaker era and a gathering of 3,000 Smurfs. 

Kermit the Frog to Deliver 2025 Commencement Address (Maryland Today, University of Maryland)

Tokyo to waive water fees this summer to combat extreme heat (James Chater, BBC News)

Photos: 3,000 ‘Smurfs’ — French town breaks world record (Al Jazeera)

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Hey frequent flyers -- keep your portable chargers in view! Southwest has new rules, and other airlines are sure to follow. Plus, a Pokémon exhibit you'll love, no bones about it.

Southwest Airlines tells passengers to keep chargers in plain sight as it tries to curtail lithium battery fires (Josh Funk, Fortune, AP)

Japan’s Kansai Airport World record — No Luggage Lost in 30 Years (Alex Ledsom, Forbes)

Pokémon Fossil Museum to Debut in North America at Chicago’s Field Museum (official)

Field Museum Pokémon Exhibit (official)

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