Author: Emily Nguyen Le
Side hustle saves drivers from costly fines If you’ve ever thought your side hustle options were limited to dog walking, babysitting or flogging your old clothes online, think again. One New York woman has carved out a niche that’s so bizarrely simple it’s gone viral: literally just sitting in people’s cars for money. Sydney Charlet, 29, originally from Seattle, moved to Manhattan earlier this year after losing her marketing job on the West Coast. Faced with hefty rent on her Upper West Side flat, she came up with an idea that’s turned into a booming business — professional car sitting.…
The patient room on the 7th floor of a private hospital was eerily still. The heart monitor pulsed in rhythm, and sterile lights illuminated the pale features of Harley—a woman just recovering from thyroid surgery. Not fully awake from the anesthesia, Harley blinked and saw her husband Mark standing by the bed, a pile of documents in his hands. – You’re up? Good. Sign this. His tone was distant, completely void of sympathy. Harley blinked in confusion: – What is that… what kind of document? Mark slid the papers toward her, replying curtly: – Divorce forms. I’ve filled everything out.…
Finding a worm in your fruit can be unpleasant, but it’s not uncommon—especially with organic or homegrown produce. Here’s what you should do if it happens. 1. Don’t Panic – It’s Usually Harmless Worms found in fruit are typically insect larvae, such as those of fruit flies or moths (e.g., codling moth in apples or the Oriental fruit moth in peaches). While the sight may be unappealing, they are not harmful to human health in most cases. Accidentally ingesting a small larva is unlikely to cause illness. For illustrative purposes only 2. Examine the Fruit Once you spot a worm,…
Proper food storage is essential for maintaining safety and freshness. One common question many people have is: How long can cooked food stay in the refrigerator? According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), most cooked foods are safe to eat for 3 to 4 days when properly refrigerated. For illustrative purposes only Safe Storage Guidelines To ensure that your leftovers remain safe and flavorful, follow these basic storage tips: Temperature: Keep your refrigerator at or below 40°F (4°C). Storage Time: Do not leave cooked food at room temperature for more than 2 hours (or 1 hour if the temperature is above 90°F/32°C). Containers: Store food in shallow, airtight containers to help…
In the quiet town of Brookside, nestled between green hills and winding creeks, there lived a man everyone simply called Mr. Harris. He was the kind of teacher who never raised his voice but somehow commanded attention. Always in crisp dress shirts, with neatly combed hair and a satchel worn from years of use, Mr. Harris was known for his calm presence, dry humor, and the deep kindness in his hazel eyes. He had taught fifth grade at Brookside Elementary for nearly three decades—and not once had anyone seen him accompanied by a partner. He never married. Never dated publicly.…
I stared at the plane tickets in disbelief. “One first-class seat… for Daniel. One for his mother, Eleanor. Three economy tickets… for me and the kids.” At first, I thought it was a mistake. Maybe he clicked the wrong button. Maybe the airline messed up. But no—when I asked Daniel about it, he smiled like it was the most natural thing in the world. “Babe, Mom has a bad back,” he said. “And, well, I wanted to keep her company. Besides, you and the kids will be just fine back there. It’s only an eight-hour flight!” For illustrative purposes only…
At first glance, square waves—also known as a cross sea—may look mesmerizing, like a giant checkerboard across the surface of the ocean. But don’t let their beauty fool you. These rare, geometric patterns are a natural warning sign of potential danger lurking beneath the surface. If you ever spot square waves forming, it’s critical to get out of the water immediately. Here’s why. For illustrative purposes only What Are Square Waves? Square waves occur when two wave systems intersect from different directions at nearly perpendicular angles. Instead of the smooth, parallel waves we usually see at the beach, square waves create…
Senior prom. For most high school girls, it’s the night they dream about — the dress, the hair, the dance, the memories. For me, it was supposed to be all that, too. I’d saved for months, stashing birthday money, babysitting on weekends, even skipping a few coffees to reach my goal. My dream dress was a soft blush pink with a trail of delicate sparkles, and I’d already tried it on twice. For illustrative purposes only I had just left the boutique downtown after my second fitting. I told the clerk I’d be back next week to buy it —…
A powerful flash flood struck Camp Mystic before dawn on July 4, leaving behind devastation, unanswered questions, and the confirmed loss of one of its young counselors. Katherine Ferruzzo, a 19-year-old counselor at Camp Mystic in the Texas Hill Country, was confirmed d.ead on Friday, July 11, 2025. Her death comes days after flash flooding swept through the area, causing devastation along the Guadalupe River. Source: Facebook/GageGouldingTV Ferruzzo’s family confirmed the discovery of her remains and expressed gratitude to those involved in the recovery efforts. They extended thanks to search and rescue professionals, volunteers, and especially the Texas Rangers for…
When I decided to host a Father’s Day dinner for both sides of the family, I genuinely believed it could be a fresh start. It had taken me years to build a fragile truce between my husband’s mother, Evelyn, and myself. We were never close—she thought I wasn’t good enough for her son James. But after we had our daughter, Willa, she’d started making small gestures. A knit baby hat. A soft lullaby hummed during a visit. It felt like she was trying. And I wanted that—for James, for Willa, for all of us. For illustrative purposes only That Father’s…