May 13, 2025

Stories: Old West & Beyond 05.13.25

“When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” —Viktor Frankl 

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Good morning. This is Tuesday, May 13. One of our stories today features an artist who creates Italian monuments with LEGOS. I was surprised to learn that LEGO is the largest tire manufacturer in the world. The company produces so many tiny wheels for their sets—roughly 318 million a year—that they far exceed the total output of Goodyear, Firestone, or Michelin.

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1. THE OLD  WEST:  FIRST FEMALE DETECTIVE

Kate Warne became the country’s first female private eye after making a successful argument to Allan Pinkerton about the value of women as undercover operatives. "Lady in Disguise.”

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2. THE OLD WEST: FEMALE SPIES

During the Civil War, several women worked as spies for the Union. Among them were Elizabeth Van Lew, Pauline Cushman, and Hattie Lawson. 

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3. A COUNTERTOP ROBOT THAT COOKS YOUR MEALS

It’s more complicated than a coffee machine but operates under the same premise. Posha uses computer vision to make meals on a countertop device. Here’s how it works:  

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4. STRUGGLING TO FIT INTO AN AIRLINE SEAT? YOU’RE NOT ALONE 

The size of airline seats is shrinking, making it more challenging to wiggle into a comfortable position. Discomfort is bad enough, but experts warn of potential health risks. 

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5. BACK TO THE FUTURE IN THE 1950s 

Predicting the future is risky business. In the 1950s, illustrator Charles Schridde created his vision of the home of the future. It included technology at the center of the design.  

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6. LEGO BRICKS AND ITALIAN MONUMENTS 

Italian artist Lucas Petraglia uses his realistic attention to detail to recreate Italian monuments with LEGO bricks. Petraglia describes his incredible works of art as “miniature emotions.” 

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7. WHY EVERY WHITE CASTLE’S SQUARE HAMBURGER HAS FIVE HOLES The success of White Castle, the first fast-food hamburger chain in the world, can be attributed to “paced growth” rather than rapid change. Established in 1921, its staying power is fueled by creativity, innovation, and customer loyalty. 

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8. TIME OUT FOR A LITTLE FUN  

Random Goat, the World’s Dumbest Game, and Rotating Sandwiches have one thing in common. They’re part of a long list of Totally Useless Websites. 

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“Be silent, if you choose; but when it is necessary, speak—and speak in such a way that people will remember it.” —Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

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