Amazing
Making a Bridge Out of a Giant Fan


Bridges in Ireland are often thought of as stone constructs with old-style appearances and handcrafted masonry from hundreds of years before, now moss-covered and aged with time. So, when one walks across the BladeBridge in Midelton to Youghall this year, they might be forgiven for being a bit confused. That’s because this new bridge in County Cork is constructed from recycled wind turbine blades, and real big ones for that matter. The new bridge is wide enough to handle cyclists, pedestrians and even vehicles for emergency transit.
The new bridge was put in place at the beginning of 2022 and provided both a new means to get across as well as put old equipment to new use that otherwise would have been scrapped and probably end up in a landfill absent other re-use. The timing for the recycling idea is perfect as a good number of the existing wind turbine blades around the country are already starting to see the end of their lifespan in the next decade or two. And that means there will be a hefty supply of “bridge-making” materials on hand as a result.
Originally used by Everun for an N29 wind turbine assembly, the blades were removed for both efficiency and safety per their original design and turbine maintenance expectations. However, once a few heads got together with some creative thinking, the length of the decommissioned blades became apparent and useful for other purposes, especially when lined up together. The idea of a bridge practically made itself obvious when the blades were seen on the ground with full dimensions. Given that the area of the County Cork Greenway needs dependable access across, the bridge concept picked up legs quickly and ran.
The bridge idea isn’t the only one on the table. An interdisciplinary team involving research, municipal agencies, universities and stakeholders are all involved in developing options for recycling old turbine materials like the blades, which are already designed to handle the elements and being outside anyway. The goal, of course, is to avoid landfills and incinerators altogether, which just add to pollution and waste.
However, the new challenges of recycling are a downstream impact of the use of new technologies. As ideas from two decades ago for more efficiency and less impact on the environment play out, they create new obstacles that didn’t exist before. As long as people are able to find a way to re-purpose what is left after usage, then ideally the new technology remains more efficient. If, on the other hand, it just creates a new unsolvable problem, then all the new technology did was shift a problem from one hand to the other. Therefore, the goal of re-use projects like the Cork County bridge is ideally to keep the net balance positive in terms of new technology benefits over their full lifetime, not just the advantages up front when brand new.
Amazing
Three Unlikely Animals Share A Den


The animal kingdom is full of surprises, and one of the most remarkable is the story of a hyena, a warthog, and a porcupine that share a den in harmony. According to the African Journal of Ecology, these unusual roommates coexist in a den at a wildlife preserve in Kenya. Researchers were amazed to discover that these animals could live together in such close quarters, despite being predator and prey.
The den contains 7 hyenas, two porcupines, and three warthogs. They have lived together for months and use the same entrance and exit. Inside the den, they occupy separate chambers so they can keep their distance, but it is still unusual since these animals are both predator and prey. The only explanation so far is that each animal has its own defensive mechanism. Hyenas are natural predators, warthogs have big tusks, and porcupines have sharp spikes.
What is even more fascinating is that the animals seem to have established some kind of social hierarchy, with the hyenas at the top and the porcupines at the bottom. The hyenas have been observed tolerating the presence of the other animals, but they still remain cautious and alert.
The researchers believe that the den may have been the result of a fortuitous set of circumstances. Once the soil in the area became softer after the rain, the species separated because they could find other shelter and dig new holes. However, for these particular animals, the den may have been the only option for shelter, and so they learned to tolerate each other’s presence and established a unique living arrangement.
It is rare to see such a diverse group of animals living together in harmony, and it raises many questions about how animals interact with each other in the wild. The researchers hope to continue studying these animals to gain a better understanding of their behavior and social dynamics.
Amazing
Recently Arrived Ukrainian Refugees Among Those Helping Mississippi Tornado Victims


In the wake of natural disasters, communities come together to provide support and aid to those affected. This is the case in Rolling Fork, Mississippi, where the devastating tornadoes that recently ripped through the town left 26 people dead and many more injured. In the midst of this tragedy, a group of volunteers has emerged from an unexpected place: Ukrainian refugees who recently moved to Minneapolis.
The group of refugees, who have been in the United States for only three months, felt compelled to help in any way they could. The Ukrainian refugees were helped by many kind people as they settled into the United States, and now they feel a strong desire to give back. The volunteers are part of a Minneapolis-based nonprofit organization called American Service, which heeded the call for help from Rolling Fork and gathered a team of volunteers to head south.
Despite the challenges that come with a language barrier and cultural differences, the Ukrainian volunteers have shown incredible resilience and determination to help those in need. They plan to bring water and other necessary supplies to people working to clean up and rebuild the devastated town. The volunteers are determined to make a positive impact in any way they can, even if it means putting themselves in difficult and unfamiliar situations.
It is heartwarming to see individuals who have recently faced hardship and adversity in their own lives stepping up to help others in need. Their actions also demonstrate the important role that immigrants and refugees play in building and strengthening communities across the United States.
As the volunteers make their way to Rolling Fork, Mississippi, they carry with them the hope of a brighter future for all those affected by the tornadoes. Their selflessness and generosity serve as an inspiration to all of us, reminding us that we can all make a difference in the lives of others, no matter our circumstances. In a time of great tragedy, their actions are a shining example of the resilience and compassion that unites us all as human beings.
Amazing
Surprise Birthday Party At 112 Years Old


On February 28th, 2023, the town of Wellesley, Massachusetts, came together to celebrate the 112th birthday of Herlda Senhouse, the town’s oldest citizen. The surprise gathering was put together by locals who wanted to honor the remarkable woman and her contributions to the community.
Senhouse, who was born on February 28th, 1911, is a beloved member of the Wellesley community. She has lived in the town for over 60 years and has been actively involved in local organizations and community events. Senhouse is known for her warm smile, sharp wit, and kind heart, which have endeared her to many in the town.
One of Senhouse’s most significant contributions to the community was her founding of Boston’s Clique Club in the 1960s. The social club was dedicated to raising money to help educate Black students in the Boston area. Senhouse and other members of the club believed that education was the key to achieving social justice and worked tirelessly to support educational opportunities for Black students.
At the birthday celebration, Senhouse was surrounded by family, friends, and members of the community who came together to wish her a happy birthday and express their appreciation for her life and contributions. The event was a testament to the impact that Senhouse has had on the town of Wellesley and the lives of those around her.
As the celebration came to a close, Senhouse expressed her gratitude for the outpouring of love and support she had received. She thanked those in attendance and said that she was proud to be a member of the Wellesley community. Herlda Senhouse is truly an inspiration and a reminder of the power of community and the impact that one person can have on the world.
Amazing
NYC Owl Escapes Zoo and Starts A New Life In The Wild

Flaco, the escaped zoo owl, has captivated the attention of people all over the world as he evaded capture for two weeks after escaping from New York City’s Central Park Zoo. However, the story has a happy ending as Flaco can now remain in the wild, thanks to his successful hunting and eating prey.
Flaco is a Eurasian eagle-owl, a large and majestic bird of prey that is found across Europe and Asia. He was living in captivity at the Central Park Zoo when vandals cut the mesh on his cage, allowing him to escape into the surrounding area. Zoo officials and animal experts immediately began searching for Flaco, fearing that he would not be able to survive in the wild after living in captivity for so long.
However, Flaco surprised everyone with his ability to adapt to his new environment. He quickly learned how to hunt and eat prey, and has been thriving in the wild ever since. Animal researchers have been keeping a close eye on Flaco, but efforts to recapture him have been called off, as he appears to be doing just fine on his own.
The story of Flaco is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of nature. Despite the challenges of living in the wild, Flaco has been able to survive and even thrive, thanks to his natural instincts and hunting skills. His story is also a reminder of the importance of preserving natural habitats and allowing animals to live in their natural environment.
Flaco, the escaped zoo owl, has captured the hearts of people all over the world with his incredible story of survival in the wild. Despite escaping from captivity, he has been able to adapt to his new environment and thrive, thanks to his natural instincts and hunting skills.
Amazing
Bear Successfully Rescued From Frozen Culvert In Northern Minnesota


A bear was saved by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in northwest Minnesota in a heartwarming rescue. When a passing motorist noticed the bear, it was stuck in a ditch and unable to climb out. The DNR was notified immediately, and a team of experts was dispatched to the scene.
The bear, a young adult of about two years old, was discovered to be in good health but distressed. The DNR team quickly assessed the situation and devised a plan to return the bear to its natural habitat.
The rescue operation was delicate because the team had to keep the bear’s safety and well-being in mind. Special equipment and techniques were used by the DNR to carefully lift the bear out of the ditch and place it on a stretcher. The bear was then transported to a nearby location before being released back into the wild.
The successful bear rescue demonstrated the DNR team’s skill and expertise. The bear was unharmed when it was returned to its natural habitat, and it quickly ran off into the forest, free once more.
This is just one of many rescues carried out by the DNR each year. This rescue is a prime example of the organization’s important work in protecting and conserving wildlife and their habitats. The DNR works tirelessly to protect all wildlife in Minnesota and to ensure that they have the resources they need to carry out their missions.
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