1. Japan Cancels Whale Hunt
Whales swimming in the Southern Ocean can breathe a sigh of relief, at least for this fiscal year. Japan has agreed to cancel its Antarctic whale hunt for the first time in 25 years after a UN court ruled that the Japanese have been disguising the commercial hunt as scientific research. However, Japan will continue whale hunts in other areas including the northern Pacific ocean.
2. Widower Finds 1966 Time Capsule From Wife
When contractors remodel old homes, they’ll occasionally stumble upon belongings of past occupants, but this is rare: a time capsule found in the wall of a Scottsdale, Ariz., home. In it was a picture and letter dating back to 1966. That capsule’s owner was Betty Klug, a woman who died back in the late 1970s. So, the contractors looked for her widower and found him still living in the area. His reaction is priceless.
3. Did You Take All of Your Vacation Time Last Year?
Americans use only 51 percent of their vacation packages, according to a new survey. Not surprisingly, work-related anxiety is a major factor in unused vacation time. Post-recession job instability seems to increase competitiveness between coworkers and also fear of being replaced. Sound familiar? Do you feel comfortable taking all of your vacation time? Tell us your thoughts on our Facebook page.
4. US Behind “Cuban Twitter” to Stir Unrest
A new report from The Associated Press says the U.S. government created a “Cuban Twitter” in 2009 with the hope of undermining communism in the country. The project, called ZunZuneo, aimed to chip away at Cuba’s strict Internet regulations by building a young base of users and then pushing them towards dissent. All the while, the U.S. was collecting information for itself. Programs like this require approval from the president and congressional notification to be legal.
5. April Snowstorms Bring May Flowers?
The Midwest is getting walloped again and Minneapolis is likely to be hardest hit, with an expected 13 inches of snow beginning Thursday night. This looming storm has the potential to break the April snow record of 13.6 inches set in 1983. Fingers crossed this is the last bout of winter weather for this season.
6. Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen Are Adorable
Sirs Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen may be famous for playing foes on the Silver Screen, but the two are ridiculously adorable friends in real life. After finishing their plays “No Man’s Land” and “Waiting for Godot” in New York City, the pair decided to take on the role of ultimate tourist. Check out their collection of pictures.
