|  | | | 🫶🏻 Happy Friday vibes! We’re raising our glasses to the National Bird – the majestic bald eagle, flying high with pride. And if you're in the mood for a little fun (and perhaps a few things to do), Disney’s got $1 deals – if you know the right day to score them. Let’s jump into a week of history, discovery, and a touch of Disney. 😉 |
| Quick SummaryIn our 309th edition, here’s what we found: National: Bald Eagle | Official Bird of the U.S. Wildlife: The Sounds of the Wild Florida Corridor Travel: Disney World | Lost and Found for $1 Featured: Piersica | NSF Phase II Grant Event Highlight: Harlem Globetrotters
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| | |  | | 🦅 It's finally official: The bald eagle becomes the national bird of the US. | Tal Dem The bald eagle, long recognized as a symbol of the United States for 250 years, was officially designated as the national bird through an act of Congress in December 2024. On Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, President Biden signed Senate Bill 4610 into law, making the bald eagle, officially, the national bird of the United States. Did anyone else know that it was the unofficial national bird? If you’re wondering why it just became official, NPR explains it here. In short, it was never signed into legislation. Now you know. Speaking of U.S. Presidents, in honor of the late President Carter the Challenger Center will run a screening of Jimmy Carter: Rock & Roll President at 6 PM today. Give them a call for tickets. FYI: Florida has one of the densest concentrations of nesting bald eagles in the lower 48 states, with an estimated 1,500 nesting pairs, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Florida ranks third in the nation, according to Audubon Center for Birds of Prey. 🥉
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| | WILDLIFE SOUNDS OF THE WILD |
|  | IC: Florida Wildlife Corridor via IG |
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| The sounds of the Florida Wildlife Corridor are nature’s melody to one's souls. 😌🎧 | Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation Immersing in the wild sounds of Florida is truly special, but as development takes over green spaces, these natural symphonies are at risk of disappearing. To preserve Florida’s wild soundtrack, everyone must unite to complete the 18-million-acre Florida Wildlife Corridor. 🌿 Join the movement to protect and connect the natural heritage, ensuring the sounds of the Corridor stay wild, not drowned out by construction. 🚧 | Learn More
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| | |  | Image Credit: Disney World Items via IG |
| Snag Disney World Lost & Found Gems for Just $1—Thrilling Thrifting Awaits! 👓🏰 | beercutieandfoodie IG Social media influencer Genesis (@beercutieandfoodie) spotlighted the thrift store in an Instagram video, dubbing it a “little hidden secret.” The Hope Chest is located at 1802 W Broadway St. in Oviedo, Florida—just 40 miles from the iconic amusement park. DYK? This thrift store in Oviedo not only sells Disney World’s donated lost and found treasures but also hosts an epic $1 thrifting sale every Saturday. You’re limited to 30 items max for the dollar sale. Just like the influencer, we’re all about sharing these hidden gems—never about gatekeeping. When we discover something exciting and fun, we can’t wait to let you in on the secret!
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| | |  | | Piersica | NSF Phase II Grant
Piersica Inc. Awarded $1 Million NSF Phase II Grant Piersica Inc. has secured a $1 million Phase II grant from the National Science Foundation to advance its solid-state battery technology. This funding will drive research and development, refine prototypes, and support the company’s efforts to create safer, more efficient energy storage solutions. Claudiu Bucur, CEO of Piersica, said, “We are honored to receive NSF’s Phase II grant. This funding will enable Piersica to further validate our advanced technology and proprietary materials. It marks a critical step in our journey as we advance our developmental cells into a multi-layer prototype of our next-generation, solid-state battery, which will be ready for demonstration to potential customers in 2025.” Piersica continues to lead innovation in clean energy, contributing to the global shift toward sustainability. | View Full Press Release
Source: Piersica and Stacey Gaswirth |
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| | |  | Image Credit: Harlem Globetrotters |
| Fun / Things To Do Saturday, Jan. 11 Tuesday, Jan. 14
FSU's 37th Annual MLK Week: January 14 to 25, 2025 Tuesday, Jan. 14 | United We Influence: MLK Awards and the Golden Torch Lecture Series Present Ziwe Fumudoh | 5 PM | Ruby Diamond Theater | Free Thursday, Jan. 16 | United We Reflect: Reflection Station with Seminole Dining | 12 PM | Seminole Cafe Monday, Jan. 20 | United We Serve: Community Service with Engage TLH | All Week Wednesday, Jan. 22 | United We Advocate: Kemba Film Screening and Panel Discussion: Criminal Justice Reform and Advocacy | 4 PM | Askew Student Life Cinema Thursday, Jan. 23 | United We Celebrate: Block Party | 5 PM | Student Union Green; Performing Arts Showcase | 7:30 PM | Moore Auditorium Saturday, Jan. 25 | United We Educate: Memories of a Living King hosted by Florida State University's Civil Rights Institute | 6 PM | FSU Alumni Center
Thursday, Jan. 16
Thursday to Monday, Jan. 16 to 20
Saturday, Jan. 18 Sunday, Jan. 19
Tuesday, Jan. 21
Thursday, Jan. 23 |
| | | ✨ We love it when people send us their stories, updates, and events! Have a relevant topic, press release, or event for us? Please submit info via form here. Note: We may not be able to publish items submitted. |
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