🐤 Can you dig it?

🏦 Markets: Wall Street has had a fairly encouraging start to the year, but fears of a looming recession and higher interest rates threaten stock performance over the course of 2023. While most experts predict that we’ll see an economic recovery begin at some point this year, it’s anybody’s guess when that will be.

For now, investment executive Gerry Frigon recommends sticking to relatively safe bets, advising investors: “Stay focused on long-term strategies that seek to capitalize on innovative and growing businesses that are aiding the digital transformation of all enterprises.”

🤩 Universal beauty: The winner of this year’s Miss Universe pageant hails from the United States and accepted the crown in her home country during the competition on Saturday in New Orleans, Louisiana. R’Bonney Gabriel, 28, is making news for more than just her physical features and talent — she is also the first Filipino-American to achieve the title of Miss USA, which paved her way to the international competition. She’s also just the ninth Miss USA winer to go on to become Miss America. The runner-up among 84 contestants was Venezuelan Amanda Dudamel and third place went to Andreina Martinez Founier of the Dominican Republic.

🔌 Electric conversions: Although electric-powered vehicles currently only make up a small fraction of the vehicles on the roads across America and around the world, that is sure to change in the near future as governments implement rules that will essentially outlaw gas-powered vehicles. But what if you have a traditional vehicle that you don’t want to give up? Toyota might have a solution. According to the automaker’s CEO, there is a plan in place that will allow people to trade their internal combustion engines for a fuel cell and electric motor. Akio Toyoda made it clear that the process isn’t exactly simple, but expressed optimism that this is a feasible option to eliminate emissions from older vehicles. During a recent presentation, he also highlighted the performance and handling that he believes will convince fans of gas-powered cars that EVs and hydrogen-powered vehicles can be just as much fun to drive.

🙅‍♂️ Plastic prohibition: In the ongoing push to save the environment, single-use plastic products have come under intense scrutiny. Now, the United Kingdom is pursuing a ban on various products that fit the bill. According to recent reports, England is implementing strict regulations on plastic utensils, plates, bowls, and other items frequently used in the foodservice industry. Furthermore, the restrictions set to go into effect in October will target balloon sticks, polystyrene cups, and certain other items that are frequently discarded and take a long time to degrade. One important exception to the rule includes the plastic containers included in pre-packaged food items, which are already regulated as part of the U.K.’s so-called Extended Producer Responsibility Scheme. This move builds on a previous ruling that banned microbeads and a subsequent restriction on plastic straws, drink stirrers, and certain other products.

🚢 Cruise rescue: Boarding a massive Royal Caribbean ship for a relaxing cruise might give travelers an excuse to forget the cares of the world, but one recent excursion includes a blatant reminder of the plight that many desperate migrants around the world are facing. The Liberty of Seas ship encountered 17 Cuban migrants riding on a small boat in the ocean as the cruiseliner made its way to the Bahamas on Saturday. Passenger Josh Levine recalled: “The captain came on and said we have to stop. People just started running down the hallway to go check it out and we kind of followed them. It was a surreal experience.” In the end, the migrants were all brought to safety aboard the ship and all of the passengers received an experience they won’t soon forget.

Even if you’re just a casual history buff, you already know that Egypt is defined by an incredibly rich heritage that helped build the society we all enjoy today. Despite all of the discoveries that have guided our understanding of ancient Egypt, it’s clear that there’s plenty more waiting to be uncovered.

This week, news of one such revelation surfaced that has captured the attention of people around the world.

Digging up the past in Luxor

According to reports, a group of archaeologists was able to unwrap additional mysteries in a location where a host of artifacts have already been discovered. Luxor has been the site of archaeological digs in the past that have charted a historical map of the region all the way back to the days when pharaohs ruled Egypt.

Now, Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities Secretary-General Mostafa Waziri confirms that an ancient tomb is adding to that understanding of antiquity.

The city is located about 400 miles south of Cairo near the bank of the Nile River and is the home of a disproportionate number of incredible finds.

What we know about the tomb

According to Waziri, there are some important factors that contribute to the importance of this discovery.

• The tomb appears to have been established in the 18th Dynasty of Pharaonic Egypt.
• This historically significant period lasted for about 300 years beginning in 1550 BC.
• It is just the latest find that has put a spotlight on this region of the country.

As experts explain, discoveries like this are not only important for those who compile historical accounts of the world, but also for modern-day Egypt. Each new significant site adds to the growing list of attractions that help Luxor and the entire nation establish a more robust tourism industry.

If you’re from New York City or have ever even visited the city, you already know there’s no shortage of activities and destinations for tourists from all walks of life. But there was always something missing: A reason for mammoth bone collectors to visit the Big Apple.

Well, if that’s you, then consider this article your official invitation.

Dumped in the East River

According to a rumor that has been circulating far and wide recently, a huge stash of prehistoric fossils was dropped in the East River nearly a century ago. Whether or not there’s any truth to the claims, it’s enough to convince folks to make the trip and start searching for their share of a historically significant — and possibly valuable — sunken treasure.

New Jersey native Don Gann said he was willing to spend time and money on a search along the river. He set up shop along with his brother and two other mammoth bone hunters and explained why he felt compelled to join in the search.

“I think the chances are just as good as the lottery — and people buy those tickets every day,” he said.

It all starts with Joe Rogan

As with many of the trends in today’s society, this one has its roots in a podcast. Specifically, Alaskan gold miner John Reeves sat down with host Joe Rogan late last year to share his belief that various bones were dumped in the river.

He said that the artifacts were being transported to the American Museum of History but the fossils that were discarded were found to fall short of the facility’s standards.

“We’ll see if anybody out there’s got a sense of adventure,” he told Rogan.

Of course, museum staff said they had no evidence to support the claim.

Kids of all ages have taken part in the time-tested pastime of playing marbles — but most of them don’t treat it as a competitive sport. For those who participate in Rolley Hole, however, the game is a serious subject.

A Tennessee-Kentucky tradition

Each year, there’s a national championship game of a competition called “Rolley Hole” that is played in rural Tennessee near the Kentucky border. If you’re from this area, chances are you’ve heard of the local tradition. For everyone else, however, it deserves a proper introduction.

The origins of the game have been lost to history, but it’s clear that the game has been played in this area for many generations. The competition dates back 40 years and is tied to the influence of local icon Bud Garrett.

Using a proprietary machine, he was able to produce marbles that were smoother than others that were made locally in the river. Garrett’s fascination with the small spheres came from the fact that his family had long played marbles, including the Rolley Hole game that was likely imported to the U.S. from Europe.

So how do you play?

Kinsey Adams would be the person to talk to about the rules of Rolley Hole, but even he might not be able to fully explain all the details. He and his partner won the 2021 championship and he makes his own marbles out of flint (since glass isn’t strong enough for the tough competition).

“I think what makes it so challenging is you can’t just look at it and pick it up in two minutes,” he said. “You have to understand a few things about it.”

Even spectators don’t always fully comprehend what’s going on. In fact, Garrett’s own daughter admitted: “I just always was around watching it, but I don’t know.”