Hidden Treasure

Good morning, and welcome to your weekend edition!

Today’s edition explores hidden plastics, America's ballooning credit card debt, and a ring lost to the ocean for nearly five decades. Let’s uncover the details together!

Here's everything you need to know today:

Let’s kick off your Sunday with a heartwarming and unexpected story.

Think about losing a treasured possession to the ocean. That's exactly what happened to Canadian alumnus Frederick Morgan Perigo, who lost his graduation ring 47 years ago.

Today, Alex Davis, a diver with keen eyes and a metal detector, discovered the gold ring buried beneath layers of sand and coral. The clues—“McMaster University,” the year 1965, and the initials FMP—set off a treasure hunt.

Davis tracked down Perigo, now 83, through the university. Perigo received the ring he had thought he'd never see again on his birthday. His words? “What a wonderful, unexpected birthday present.”

Proof that sometimes, what’s lost can still be found.

Swipe, Owe, Repeat

Americans’ credit card debt just hit a staggering $1.17 trillion. Yes, trillion. Compared to last year, that's an 8% increase and $24 billion higher than just three months ago.

What’s driving this surge? Costs are rising, budgets are stretched, and many rely on plastic to make ends meet. A typical household owes $6,329—with interest rates above 20%. Ouch.

Positively, delinquency rates have dipped, with more people paying on time. However, rising interest rates and high balances can trap families in a debt cycle.

So, the big question is: Can this be sustained, or are we in trouble?

Tiny Invaders, Big Problems

Microplastics are everywhere—yes, everywhere. Tiny plastic fragments contaminate our water, food, and even our air. They've been found everywhere, from bottled water to carrots and chicken nuggets. Researchers are concerned about heart disease, lung damage, and other conditions associated with tobacco use.

Can we avoid them? Not entirely. But there are ways to reduce exposure. Tap water is better than bottled water, processed foods should be limited, and air purifiers can help. And don’t forget the basics: exercise, eating right, and managing stress can boost your health.

The truth is that microplastics are here to stay—for now. But the fight against them is gaining traction, from advanced filtration systems to fungi that digest plastic. Even though we can't escape them entirely, small changes can make a big difference.

What We Learned This Week?

1. Trump’s plans to reshape America (again).

2. Amazon’s new Haul storefront and what it means.

3. Russia’s crackdown on child-free advocacy.

4. Malcolm X’s assassination: a 100-million-dollar question.

5. Can OpenAI’s Operator redefine what AI can do?

6. Mike Tyson’s comeback: a clash of generations.

7. The real reason people didn’t smile in old photos.

8. How is AI Search redefining how we find everything?

9. A look at America’s most dangerous roads.

10. The truth behind toilet paper sizing.

💡 Core Wisdom

📸 Lens to Life

World Press Photo Contest 2024 winners.

🧮 Core Count: 35,000

Americans consume tons of pasta each year.

🗓️ Flashback:

1831 - Venezuela and Ecuador separate from Gran Colombia.

1869 - The Suez Canal opens in Egypt, connecting the Mediterranean and Red Seas.

1922 - The last sultan of the Ottoman Empire, Mehmed IV, was expelled to Malta.

1970 - Douglas Engelbart receives the first computer mouse patent

2003 - Britney Spears became the youngest star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 21.

I'm glad we could get together here. Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow!

Fatih Taskiran