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Time of India
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Baby hammerhead shark falls from the sky on Myrtle Beach golfers
A casual round of disc golf turned surreal in Myrtle Beach , South Carolina , when a baby hammerhead shark fell out of the sky and landed near Hole 11 of the Splinter City Disc Golf Course . The incident occurred on the morning of 18 May, just half a mile inland from the Atlantic Ocean. Jonathan Marlowe, 44, who witnessed the event with three friends, said it began when they spotted an osprey overhead carrying what looked like a fish. 'It's not uncommon to see an osprey carrying something, but you take note because it's really cool to see,' Marlowe told Garden & Gun magazine. Moments later, two crows swooped in, harassing the osprey as it flew above the course. Under pressure, the raptor dropped its catch into a nearby wooded patch. Initially thinking it was a routine fish drop, Marlowe's group approached the scene. But what they found was unexpected. Live Events 'The group watched as two crows chased the osprey into some trees. When the osprey then dropped its breakfast, the group went to investigate. They assumed it was a fish at first, but the closer they got, they realised it was something more extraordinary: a baby hammerhead shark measuring about 1 foot long,' ABC News reported. 'I've never even seen a hammerhead in real life, and here's a baby one on the ground that literally fell out of the sky,' Marlowe told the outlet. The shark's wide, T-shaped head left no doubt about what they were looking at. Though it was small and unmoving, the shock of the moment kept the group frozen for several moments. Marlowe explained that the Splinter City course, opened in 2020, is often teeming with nature. Sightings of raccoons, snakes, and even alligators aren't uncommon. He's seen owls perched in the trees. But this was different. 'We couldn't believe it and kept asking ourselves, 'did that really just happen?'' he told Garden & Gun. The group left the shark under the tree, considering that the osprey might return for it. Later that day, another player commented on Marlowe's Facebook post confirming the shark was still lying there. The local disc golf community was quick to weigh in. Myrtle Beach's Disc Golf Facebook page noted that while the area does see its share of animals, a shark on the course was a first. South Carolina's coastal waters are home to several species of hammerhead sharks. A 2013–2016 survey by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources documented bonnethead (Sphyrna tiburo), scalloped hammerhead (Sphyrna lewini), and great hammerhead (Sphyrna mokarran) along the state's shores. A newly identified species, the Carolina hammerhead (Sphyrna gilberti), was also discovered in 2013. These sharks can grow up to 20 feet and weigh over 1,000 pounds. They typically live between 20 and 30 years. The baby shark dropped by the osprey was estimated at just one foot in length, and its species remains unclear. The players did consider whether to try returning the shark to the sea. 'The disc golf course is adjacent to Myrtle Beach State Park and is about half a mile from the ocean, so the group considered taking life-saving measures to return the shark to the water,' ABC News reported. However, the group ultimately decided against it, judging that the shark likely wouldn't survive the trip back. For Marlowe, the event is a strange but memorable reminder that nature doesn't follow the rules of the game. 'It's a place where we often see wildlife,' he said. 'But never something like this.' While hammerhead sharks are no strangers to South Carolina's waters, seeing one delivered mid-game by a bird of prey is a twist that even seasoned golfers won't soon forget.
Eater
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Eater
At Black Restaurants, A Legacy of Community Comforts in a Tumultuous World
The day after the 2024 presidential election results were announced, Nicole Nicholas's Flatbush, Brooklyn neighborhood was 'eerily quiet.' She recalls how her cafe Aunts et Uncles, which she runs with her husband Mike Nicholas, became a place for emotional processing. 'We sat outside, shared conversations with customers, and even shed tears.' At that moment, their cafe became a vital space for healing — an anchor for Flatbush amidst the turbulent times expected ahead. In a country where systemic racism has long shaped the lives of Black people, Black-owned restaurants have consistently been more than just places to dine. They are places to gather, organize, celebrate, and heal. At one of the most consequential moments in recent history, these spaces are once again revealing themselves as cornerstones of community, just as they have been for generations. From legacy institutions to a rising wave of visionary newcomers, Black restaurants continue to serve as vital hubs where history, activism, and everyday life converge. At Aunts et Uncles, the Nicholases focus on vegan cuisine and nurturing an atmosphere that honors Caribbean heritage and Black creativity. Following the 2024 election, their space has quickly become a cultural anchor. From the beginning, the couple designed Aunts et Uncles to feel like home, not just aesthetically, but spiritually. 'It's a space where Black folks — queer, creative, curious, tired, and joyful can come as they are and be received with care,' Nicole explains. In an industry where such spaces are rare, Aunts et Uncles fills a gap that many didn't even realize was missing. 'People don't just come for the food. They come to feel seen and safe,' says Nicole. Black restaurants remind us that nourishment can be an act of resistance, a celebration of identity, and a powerful place to claim both dignity and joy. Dining and activism have long coincided, extending from practices developed in the South during the civil rights movement. In New Orleans, activism was expressed through the aroma of Creole gumbo and sizzling fried chicken at Dooky Chase's. Opened in 1941, the restaurant became iconic not only for its elevated dining experience but also for its role in supporting the movement during precarious times. The 'Queen of Creole Cuisine' and restaurant founder Leah Chase used her restaurant as a congregational space for leaders to strategize for change, offering food and a forum for discussion when many other public spaces were unavailable to them. For her, the mission was never just about preparing food, it was about fulfilling a higher calling. 'I was taught that your job was to make this earth better,' she said in a 2018 interview for Garden & Gun . Chase died in 2019; today, her family continues that legacy, with grandson Edgar Chase acting as executive chef and several other family members in key roles. Now still, the blended scent of simmering collard greens and sweet undertones of freshly baked cornbread circulates the warm space as laughter and conversation softly rise above the clink of glasses raised in unison. Echoing through the room, toasts are exchanged over plates of heartfelt fare while patrons dress in their Sunday best, spreading with them sounds that carry a sense of camaraderie and celebration. During its earliest years, the matriarch hosted the likes of Martin Luther King Jr. and Duke Ellington, and maintained an atmosphere of warmth and inclusion, in a sharp contrast to the cold, exclusionary dining rooms of their white counterparts. 'You did things back in those days and you didn't consider yourself changing anything,' Chase told Garden & Gun in 2018. During the Jim Crow era, these safe havens, erected in cities like Selma, Los Angeles, and New York, offered sustenance and solace to Black patrons weary and burdened by the weight of daily oppression and the constant threat of violence. Today, many Black restaurants have aimed to recreate and model a similar atmosphere in their own businesses, making food that comforts a common thread. Californian farm-to-fare freshness is combined with Southern comfort food at Post & Beam in Los Angeles, while Virtue in Chicago serves fish and grits with sides of smoked turkey collards and mac and cheese, paying homage to classic Southern dishes with a contemporary approach. In Atlanta, Paschal's has been a key gathering place to convene and fuel the movement forward since it was founded in 1947. Located near the Atlanta University Center, a historically Black college, founders James and Robert Paschal provided support during the civil rights movement by frequently posting bail for students arrested for protesting. To create a central meeting spot, the Paschal brothers would offer free meals and extend their hours to families waiting for their loved ones' release. In Greensboro, North Carolina, Woolworth's Lunch Counter became a historical landmark for peaceful sit-in protests at white-only counters to advocate the end of racial segregation. From their inception to today, these food havens have continued to be essential pieces of the community puzzle and stand as symbols of resilience, where tradition is preserved, and the collective spirit thrives. Restaurants, after all, serve as gathering spots for folks from all walks of life to dine, socialize, and feel a sense of belonging, and while Black-owned restaurants have long stepped up to the plate by bridging the gap between food and activism, a new generation is taking the baton. Today, Black Americans face a political climate marked by racial inequality and apprehension that is eerily reminiscent of previous generations. Voting rights are once again under attack through restrictive laws that disproportionately impact communities of color, echoing the poll taxes and literacy tests of the Jim Crow era. Additionally, the rise in book bans and curriculum restrictions reflects a broader attempt to silence Black history and lived experiences. In the face of all this, Black-owned restaurants offer a safe space for Black Americans seeking community amid strife. The pressure of code-switching is lifted by the freedom to share stories and laughter in spaces such as restaurants, with folks that look like one another, communicating in a language understood without words and in a context that doesn't demand translation. Aunts et Uncles has been actively collaborating with other Black-owned businesses that share the same values and community building, such as Down North Pizza — a North Philadelphia-based pizzeria that serves the predominantly Black neighborhood, Strawberry Mansion. The pizzeria was founded on a mission to exclusively employ formerly incarcerated individuals while providing culinary career opportunities at a fair wage. Muhammad Abdul-Hadi, owner and author of cookbook, We The Pizza , founded Down North Pizza in 2021 and hired Michael Carter as the executive chef. Formerly incarcerated himself, Carter carries a personal mission to help, inspire, and lead by example. 'No one gives you a crash course in returning to society and it's hard to find a job because of your track record,' he says. So the mission of Down North Pizza is to educate and 'reduce recidivism,' says Abdul-Hadi, by helping new employees find housing and training them in basic culinary skills. This foundation 'uplifts the individual, not their mistakes,' Abdul-Hadi adds. 'As Black people, resilience is in our DNA, and we respond by holding onto hope and recognizing that even the smallest efforts can ignite meaningful change,' says Mike Nicholas. This attitude is at the heart of most Black-owned restaurants, where food becomes a means to nourish not only the body but the soul. Still, the path hasn't been easy. 'We built Aunts et Uncles without capital or investments — just us,' says Mike. 'And with that comes a deep sense of responsibility. We're aware that DEI rollbacks are happening in real time, but we've never relied on anyone else to validate our worth or our work.' In the face of shifting support systems, they've only deepened their commitment to expanding their location in Brooklyn that extends far beyond food. 'Fear is never a failure for us and now more than ever, Black culinary influence deserves amplification from our spices, our recipes, to our presence — it's all legacy.' History has shown that Black communities have always had to adapt to challenges, often with fewer resources. Resilience remains key while proactive pivoting is equally vital. As the landscape evolves, Black-owned restaurants remain crucial to the movement of change — Blackness will always be celebrated, cherished, and protected in spaces they've worked hard to create for themselves and their community.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
A Hammerhead Shark Literally Dropped From the Sky
For better or worse, it will never be raining men. But in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, it did rain sharks. During one disc golfer's game, an osprey flew overhead, chased by two crows. The osprey then dropped its catch on the ground — a bonnethead shark, one of several species of hammerhead shark. The shark wasn't the full sized ocean dweller you typically associate with hammerhead sharks. The disc golfer, Jonathan Marlowe, told Garden & Gun magazine that he immediately noticed the bird. 'It's not uncommon to see an osprey carrying something, but you take note because it's still really cool to see,' Marlowe said. Shortly after he noticed the bird, it dropped what it had in its mouth. He walked over, thinking it was a fish, and was shocked to see that it was actually a tiny shark. 'We couldn't believe it and kept asking ourselves, 'Did that really just happen?'' Marlowe said. Marlowe decided to leave the small — already dead — shark, which looked to be less than two feet long, where it landed in case the bird returned. Marlowe made a Facebook post about the incredible wildlife moment he'd witnessed, which later helped other disc golfers understand why they stumbled upon a hammerhead shark in the middle of the woods. A Hammerhead Shark Literally Dropped From the Sky first appeared on Men's Journal on Jun 11, 2025
Scottish Sun
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Disc golf match interrupted as hammerhead SHARK falls from sky half-a-mile away from ocean
A witness shared the details of the unusual experience GOLFING WITH SHARKS Disc golf match interrupted as hammerhead SHARK falls from sky half-a-mile away from ocean A DISC golf game was put to a halt after a SHARK fell from the sky. A bird recently dropped a hammerhead shark onto a disc golf course in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Advertisement 4 A disc golf game was interrupted by an unexpected happening last month Credit: Alamy 4 A dead hammerhead shark was dropped on the Splinter City Disc Golf Course in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Credit: Jonathan Marlowe 4 Jonathan Marlowe holding the small hammerhead shark Credit: Jonathan Marlowe On May 18, disc golf games were taking place on Splinter City Disc Golf Course in South Carolina. However, a small dead hammerhead shark crashed down near the 11th hole of the wooded course. It turned out that an osprey bird flying over Myrtle Beach dropped the shark. Myrtle Beach is about half a mile away from the Atlantic Ocean. Advertisement The unusual event was witnessed by Jonathan Marlowe, who recalled the moment of the tiny hammerhead falling while he was playing disc golf. "It's not uncommon to see an osprey carrying something, but you take note because it's really cool to see," Marlowe told Garden & Gun magazine. "I thought it would be a random fish." The fish turned out to be a small, deceased hammerhead shark. Advertisement Marlowe said the bird dropped the shark after being accosted by a couple of crows in a tree. The shark was easily identifiable due to its distinctive, wide, T-shaped head. US Open release incredible video of army of lawnmowers to tackle rough as stars brand conditions 'unplayable' Marlowe was with friends during the sequence as the group left the shark under the tree in case the osprey wanted to retrieve it. However, Marlowe was informed later that day that the shark was still there, after another disc golfer who had noticed it commented on his Facebook post, recalling the situation. Advertisement Myrtle Beach's Disc Golf Facebook page revealed that the course tends to get visits from snakes, raccoons, and alligators. However, it's safe to say that seeing a shark on the property, which opened in 2020, is a first and likely won't happen again. "We couldn't believe it and kept asking ourselves, 'did that really just happen?'" Marlowe said. 4 A Google Maps image of Splinter City Disc Golf Course, which opened in 2020 Credit: Google Maps Advertisement It appeared to be a baby hammerhead shark. Hammerhead sharks can reach up to 20 feet in length and weigh over 1,000 pounds. They typically live for 20-30 years. There are 10 known species of the hammerhead shark. Advertisement It's not known which species fell from the sky in Myrtle Beach. But it's not unusual for hammerheads to swim in the South Carolina waters. A 2013-2016 survey by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources detected three types of hammerheads in coastal waters off South Carolina and Georgia.
Forbes
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Fore! The Most Unexpected Hazard In Disc Golf History: Falling Sharks.
Jonathan Marlowe holding the dropped shark. Jonathan Marlowe Today I learned that the osprey (Pandion haliaetus) has a rather odd, but fitting, nickname: 'fish hawk.' The reason for this moniker? It's the only bird species known to have feet specifically adapted for grabbing slippery, fast-moving prey from the water. Unlike most birds of prey, ospreys can rotate their outer toes to grasp fish with two talons facing forward and two facing back, giving them a better grip mid-flight. Their talons also curve more sharply than those of other raptors, and their footpads are equipped with tiny spines that act like Velcro against fish scales. It's an elegant, effective system that turns them into specialized fish hunters, and they're often seen flying with their catch in tow. I've witnessed this when I lived in Sarasota for university, sometimes watching as they carried small fish under 12 inches (30 cm) in this vice-like grip… and sometimes something much bigger. But even a bird this skilled has its limits, and nature doesn't always let the hunt end smoothly. Just ask Jonathan Marlowe, who recently had his afternoon interrupted by a very unusual sight. While enjoying a game at the Splinter City Disc Golf Course in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Marlowe looked up and saw an osprey flying overhead near the 11th hole. That in itself wasn't odd, since locals are used to seeing the raptors hunting near the Atlantic coast. But what happened next was. As the osprey passed overhead, it was suddenly attacked by two crows engaging in what's known as 'mobbing,' a behavior where smaller birds team up to drive off larger predators. It's a high-stakes, high-energy display often seen during breeding season when crows defend their nests from threats. Caught in the middle of this aerial ambush, the osprey managed to escape without injury, but it lost its meal in the process. As Marlowe watched, the catch hurtled from midair to the ground. Curious, he walked over to where it had landed, expecting a fish — but not that kind of fish. 'We couldn't believe it and kept asking ourselves, 'Did that really just happen?'' Marlowe told Garden & Gun magazine. What had fallen from the sky wasn't a trout or a mullet. It was a hammerhead shark. The dropped shark, who did not survive. Jonathan Marlowe Hammerhead sharks are hard to mistake for any other species of fish, let alone shark, thanks to their wide, flattened heads (known as cephalofoils). This design helps with sensory perception and maneuverability for all ten species of hammerheads that exist globally. Several make their home off the southern U.S. coast, including the bonnethead (Sphyrna tiburo), the scalloped hammerhead (Sphyrna lewini), and the great hammerhead (Sphyrna mokarran). In fact, the waters around the state of South Carolina have gained attention in recent years for being home to a rare species first described in 2013: the Carolina hammerhead (Sphyrna gilberti). At the time of writing this article, it has not been confirmed which species of hammerhead was scooped up (and then unceremoniously dumped) by the osprey, but the whole scene left quite an impression with those watching. Marlowe decided to leave the shark where it lay, just in case the osprey returned for it's lost meal. Which gave others time to come inspect the bizarre scene themselves… or stumble upon it by accident, like one group of disc golfers who stumbled upon the small hammerhead and were (understandably) confused. 'They were standing there in shock with no frame of reference for what could have possibly happened,' Marlowe said. It's not every day you just see a shark on your golf course, especially if it's not a themed one! While the idea of a shark falling from the sky may sound like the setup for a bad science fiction movie (ahem… Sharknado), it's a real example of how interconnected land, sea, and sky can aren't just incredible fishers — they're a living link between ocean and sky, capable of hunting creatures we usually think belong far below the waves. And while the shark, unfortunately, didn't survive the fall, it's life did not end in vain: we got to witness an incredible predation event many rarely see played out!
