Alaska Airlines Flight 2221: How Quick Thinking Prevented Disaster

By
Monica Pop
-

When Calm Turns to Crisis: The Alaska Airlines Flight 2221 Incident

What starts as an ordinary flight can quickly spiral into an emergency beyond anyone’s expectations. Passengers boarding Alaska Airlines Flight 2221 from Oakland to Portland were preparing for a routine journey when a sudden mental health crisis onboard transformed the flight into a tense ordeal at cruising altitude.

Shortly after takeoff, a male passenger experienced a severe psychotic episode, becoming aggressive and attacking other travelers. Panic swept through the cabin as passengers and crew faced an unexpected threat far above the ground.

Thanks to the swift and composed response of the flight attendants and several quick-thinking passengers, the man was subdued using seatbelt extenders as makeshift restraints.

This decisive intervention prevented injuries and allowed the crew to restore order. Upon landing in Portland, local authorities promptly took custody of the individual for a mental health evaluation. Despite the turmoil, the incident concluded without physical harm to any passengers or crew.

Key Takeaways

This event highlights the essential role of well-trained airline personnel and the importance of calm, immediate action when emergencies arise. It also illustrates how passenger vigilance and cooperation can be critical in maintaining safety onboard.

More broadly, the incident serves as a reminder of the complex challenges airlines face, including managing sudden mental health crises mid-flight. It underscores the importance of mental health awareness and preparedness to handle situations that go beyond the typical scope of in-flight emergencies.

Final Reflection

Alaska Airlines Flight 2221 was meant to be a simple domestic trip but quickly became a test of resilience, teamwork, and emergency readiness. The quick containment of the situation prevented potential tragedy and reassured passengers that safety protocols, combined with human courage and presence of mind, can save lives even at 30,000 feet.

As we consider the unpredictable nature of such events, this flight stands as a powerful example of why preparedness and compassion are indispensable in the skies.

Please SHARE this article with your family and friends on Facebook.

Bored Daddy

Love and Peace

The viral 70lbs baby who shocked viewers on Jerry Springer has grown up—see the incredible change

By
Monica Pop
-

In 1996, viewers of The Jerry Springer Show met Zach Strenkert, a 3-foot-tall, 17-month-old baby who weighed staggering 70lbs.

His parents, Laurie and Chris, searched for answers why their baby was growing rapidly and sought help from the media.

Zach was growing an inch and gaining 2 and a half pounds every two weeks.

During the appearance on the show, Laurie told host Jerry Springer, “He’s not a big eater. That’s one of the most frequently asked questions.

“And that is also why we’re so concerned. Where is the growing coming from?” 

The Jerry Springer Show

Finally, after Springer connected them with a geneticist, it was discovered that Zach had Simpson-Golabi-Behmel syndrome (SGBS).

According to Rare Diseases, the syndrome represents an overgrowth disorder, “meaning that people with the disease are larger than average at birth (macrosomia) and continue to grow and gain weight at an unusual rate.” It primarily affects males.

The Jerry Springer Show

Growing up in Port Jervis, New York, Zach often appeared on shows like Oprah, Maury, and Inside Edition.

Looking back, he explains that while his mother’s intention was to find help, the experience left him feeling isolated.

“They presented me as different, which only separated me further from everyone else,” Zach, now 29, told The Mirror. “I was known as the kid that was on TV.

“Nowadays, people ask me what it was like. They assume my mom was chasing fame or money, but that wasn’t the case.” he continued. “We just wanted help with geneticists, which wasn’t easy to come by with our insurance.”

Zach Strenkert today/ @GiantOpana/X

Zach explained that his family’s goal was to raise awareness about living with SGBS.

“We didn’t really get a lot of take-home pay after all the affairs were done. It was strictly to make sure that her kid was okay,” he said.

Following the release of the Netflix documentary Jerry Springer: Fights, Camera Action, which left viewers horrified at the dark and unethical nature of the show’s production that often exploited guests for shock value, Zach admitted: “It’s just a spin on what’s already out there. It didn’t reveal anything new. It’s the same content, just packaged with bells and whistles.”

zlsguy / Instagram

Today, Zach is focused on his physical health and overall well-being.

He used to weight 485lbs, but today, he weights around 280 pounds and feels better than ever.

He hopes his story would inspire others to start their health journey.

“If I can do it, anybody can do it,” he told Today. “You have to go at your pace. You’ll get there as long as you stay on the road and keep taking those steps.”

Please SHARE this article with your family and friends on Facebook.

Bored Daddy

Love and Peace

3 pain areas on your body that might be early cancer warning signs

By
Monica Pop
-

Detecting cancer at an early stage significantly increases the chances of successful treatment. There are over 200 types of cancer, each with its own signs and symptoms.

The most important thing is to listen to your body and consult a doctor if you notice any unusual changes.

Cancer can affect specific areas of the body, such as the stomach or skin, or cause more general symptoms, including unexplained pain, fatigue, or weight loss. Some symptoms, like a lump, are widely known, but that doesn’t mean they are the most important or most likely indicators. Any unusual symptom should be checked by a healthcare professional.

National Cancer Institute

Symptoms can vary from person to person, even for the same type of cancer. Some people may experience several symptoms, while others may have very few. It’s helpful to understand the types of symptoms to look out for:

  • Ongoing symptoms – last for more than a few weeks or keep coming back.
  • Unexplained symptoms – have no obvious cause, such as a new lump or unexpected bleeding.
  • Unusual symptoms for you – changes that are not normal for your body, like a persistent cough or a changing mole.

Understanding these signs and speaking to your doctor promptly can make a real difference in early diagnosis and treatment success.

This article highlights three types of pain that could signal early-stage cancer.

1. Unexplained Back Pain

Pexels

A number of people experience back pain every day. This pain may be a result of muscle strain, lifestyle factors, poor posture, certain underlying medical conditions, or simply, aging.

Cancer is rarely the cause for back pain, but it’s possible for lower back pain to be associated with cancers like spinal, colorectal, or ovarian cancer.

Healthline notes that “back pain that could be a sign of cancer usually occurs along with other cancer symptoms.”

Some of those symptoms include back pain unrelated to movement or not worsened by activity, pain that appears at night or early morning and eases during the day, persistent pain despite treatment, changes in bowel or urinary habits – including blood, sudden and unexplained weight loss, unexplained fatigue, weakness, numbness, or tingling in arms or legs.

Early-stage cancers like lung, pancreas, or kidney cancer can cause back pain by pressing on nearby nerves, muscles, or bones. Pancreatic cancer, in particular, often begins with gradually worsening back pain that may spread to the lower abdomen.

If your back pain is persistent, seek medical help.

2. Persistent Abdominal Pain

Pexels

Abdominal pain is a common symptom that can be caused by many conditions, including cancer. In cancer, this pain may result from the tumor itself, its spread to other organs, or side effects of treatment.

Cancers that can cause abdominal pain include pancreatic cancer, liver cancer, stomach cancer, colorectal cancer, and ovarian cancer.

Early-stage stomach cancer may cause upper abdomen discomfort, which is usually rated as mild to moderate and described as bloating or a dull pain. Pain can increase in frequency from dull to sharp as cancer develops.

Some women with ovarian cancer may experience pelvic or abdominal pain, bloating, or changes in appetite.

So if you’re experiencing consistent, repetitive or severe abdominal pain — especially if it’s accompanied by weight loss, nausea or difficulty eating — it’s wise to have a healthcare provider assess the situation.

3. Headaches and Neurological Symptoms

Pexels

Although most headaches are caused by dehydration, illness, or sinus problems and aren’t usually concerning, they can also indicate a brain tumor, so it’s important to know what other warning signs to look for.

Because the skull is made of bones, anything that grows inside it — such as a tumor — can raise pressure on the brain. This increase in intracranial pressure frequently presents as headaches.

Consult with your doctor if you are dealing with new headache patterns, headaches that wake you from a sound sleep or are very painful; nausea, vision issues (flashing lights or blind spots), or headaches that worsen over weeks or months.

According to The Brain Tumor Charity, headaches caused by brain tumours are usually not relieved by painkillers, worse in the morning, and aggravated by straining, coughing, shouting, or bending over. Their intensity may lessen when standing upright, as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) begins to drain.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Consult a healthcare professional if you notice warning signs or changes in your body.

Please SHARE this article with your family and friends on Facebook.

Bored Daddy

Love and Peace

The ultimate guide to cloves: Benefits, uses, and common mistakes

By
Monica Pop
-

Cloves are a versatile spice with a peculiar flavor used in the kitchen, especially in the Indian cuisine, and as a medicine. Among the rest, cloves are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, which makes them extremely healthy if included in your diet, but not excessively.

They are the lower buds of the clove tree, an evergreen also known as Syzygium aromaticum.

Cloves can be found in a variety of dishes, from sabzis and dals to even desserts, adding a spicy flavour and an aroma that elevates the dish to the next level.

Nowadays, they are mostly grown in India and Madagascar but are used in countries all around the world.

Besides being used as a spice, cloves are the source of clove oil, a concentrated essential oil high in volatile compounds and antioxidants.

When it comes to the health benefits this spice provides, they are many. From supporting the immune function, fighting infections, helping stabilize blood sugar levels, providing pain relief, and promoting digestive health to relieving itchy skin and fighting obesity, cloves are a powerhouse of healing properties.

Ease Dental Pain and Prevent Gum Disease

Eugenol, found in cloves, has strong antibacterial effects that can fight plaque, cavities, and gum disease. Clove oil or clove-based rinses may ease toothaches and gum inflammation. Of course, it is not a permanent solution, but a temporary pain relief, so always check with a dentist if your pain proceeds.

May Help Lower Blood Sugar

Cloves have been linked to better blood sugar control, possibly by enhancing insulin response. While adding them to meals is safe, they shouldn’t replace your prescribed treatments.

May Help Lower Blood Pressure

Cloves may help relax blood vessels and ease blood pressure, while also fighting inflammation. Adding them to food or even using clove oil in aromatherapy could support heart health.

Relieve Itchy Skin

Traditionally, clove oil’s been used to ease itching and irritation. Just mix it with coconut or olive oil before applying, and test a small spot first. If you’ve got sensitive skin, check with your doctor to be safe.

Improve Breathing

Got stubborn mucus after a cold? Breathing in steam with cloves might help open airways and soothe your throat. Add a few cloves to hot water, cover your head with a towel, and inhale gently. Be careful, it should be warm, not scalding.

Cloves for Weight Loss?

If you are trying to lose weight, cloves might give your metabolism a gentle boost and support the process. This is thanks to the compounds like eugenol that cloves have. Of course, consuming cloves alone doesn’t do all the work, you should as well have regular sleep, balanced diet, and exercise.

Despite the benefits they offer, overusing cloves can provide more harm than good, so make sure you avoid the common mistakes people make with this spice.

Storing Cloves Improperly

When exposed to heat, moisture, or light, cloves lose their properties. That is why it is crucial to store them the right way in order to keep their qualities. With that said, they should be stored in airtight dark glass or ceramic containers, kept in a cool, dry place like a pantry.

Overusing them

While cloves offer numerous health benefits, consuming too much can backfire. One or two cloves daily is a reasonable amount. Everything above that number may upset your stomach and stress your liver due to excess eugenol. A with any other food out there, moderation is key.

Combining Cloves with Diabetes Medication

Because they help reduce the levels of sugar in the blood, combining them with medications such as insulin or metformin — which serve the same purpose — may lower your blood sugar too much. This can lead to dizziness, weakness, and confussion.

Replacing Dental Care with Clove Use

Cloves can temporarily relief a toothache, but they don’t treat the underlying cause. Prolonged use without dental care may lead to complications so only use them as a temporary remedy.

Misusing Clove Essential Oil

Clove oil is super strong, with one drop being equal to a dozen of whole cloves. If applied directly to the skin or the gums, it may cause burns. Instead, you should mix it with a carrier oil and use it in small amounts. It is intended for aromatherapy or diluted topical application only, never for consumption.

How to Use Cloves for Wellness?

1. Clove Tea (Simple & Soothing)

  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 3–4 whole cloves
  • Optional: cinnamon stick, lemon slice, or raw honey

Steep for 5–10 minutes. Strain and enjoy warm.

This tea helps with sore throat, digestion, and is great during the cold season.

2. Diluted Clove Oil (For Oral or Topical Use)

  • Mix 1–2 drops of food-grade clove oil with 1 tsp carrier oil (like coconut or olive oil)
  • Use for:
    • Toothache relief
    • Minor skin irritations (patch test first)
    • Natural cleaning spray (antimicrobial)

*Undiluted clove oil can burn skin or damage tooth enamel.

3. Homemade Mouthwash

  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1–2 drops clove oil
  • 1 drop tea tree oil

Gently swish in your mouth for 30 seconds.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only. Always consult your doctor before using cloves medicinally, especially if you have a medical condition.

Please SHARE this article with your family and friends on Facebook.

Bored Daddy

Love and Peace

If your mouth feels dry at night, here are 8 reasons why

By
Monica Pop
-

Despite having a full night’s rest, many people still get up feeling sleepy and lacking energy. One possible cause is mouth dryness, a seemingly minor issue that can impact the entire body.

Waking up with your mouth feeling like parched paper isn’t just a matter of discomfort, it can signal that something might be wrong.

This problem usually presents itself in the latter stage of sleep and is due to many interrelated factors, and while it’s not something that should be ignored, many people take little notice when their mouth becomes dry at night.

Pexels

Being aware of the causes and dealing correctly with it can significantly improve both sleep quality and general health.

1. Digestive Issues

What you eat before you sleep can affect how well your digestive system works. Some foods are particularly a bad choice for nighttime snacks, including greasy, spicy, and salty foods. The reason to avoid them before bed is that they irritate your digestive system and make it harder for the body to process meals while you’re sleeping.

These types of foods use the water of the body and can also increase fat and blood pressure, further exacerbating digestion. As the body continues to process food while you sleep, it will take fluids from other areas, which can lead to a dry mouth in the morning.

2. Liver Problems

Unsplash

The liver is responsible for filtering toxins from your body. When it becomes inflamed or doesn’t work properly, toxins can accumulate in the system. A subtle sign of liver trouble is waking up with a dry mouth during sleep. If it happens often and for no obvious reason, it’s important seek medical advice.

3. Dehydration

One very common reason for dry mouth at night comes down to not drinking enough water throughout the day. Even while you sleep, your body still uses and loses water via respiration, among other basic functions. Low hydration can result in a dry mouth, so drink water consistently throughout the day to avoid this from happening.

4. Oral Diseases

Unsplash

Diseases like gingivitis, periodontitis, and cavities are signs of poor oral hygiene and can cause harmful bacteria to multiply in the mouth. Over the course of the night, these bacteria can accumulate and lead to inflammation and dryness.

This can be prevented with regular brushing, flossing, and visits to the dentist to prevent oral infections from developing.

5. Diabetes

People with diabetes often experience dry mouth, especially at night. High blood sugar levels make your kidneys work harder to eliminate excess sugar through urine. This leads to fluid loss and dehydration. As a result, your mouth may feel unusually dry during sleep.

6. Bile Reflux

Unsplash

Bile reflux can also contribute to dry mouth at night, along with other digestive discomforts. Supporting and maintaining liver health is important for managing this problem.

7. Fever

When you have a fever, your body temperature rises, causing you to lose more fluids than usual. This can lead to a dry mouth and a burning or itchy sensation. Drinking water and reducing the fever through rest or medication can help relieve these symptoms.

8. Hyperthyroidism

An overactive thyroid speeds up metabolism, which increases the body’s need for water and overstimulates the nervous system. As a result, the mouth may feel extremely dry, even during sleep.

If you find that you often get dry mouth at night, taking a closer look at your diet, hydration, and oral hygiene habits may be helpful.

If the problem doesn’t go away in spite of this, it would be best to consult a doctor to see if there are any underlying medical conditions causing it.

Please SHARE this article with your family and friends on Facebook.

Bored Daddy

Love and Peace

We didn’t think he would make it through the night: He kept asking for ‘Murphy…’

By
Monica Pop
-

The bond between humans and dogs goes back centuries. This bond is not founded on words or vows, but on constant presence and loyalty. Sometimes, dog’s devotion is so profound that it carries people through life’s toughest moments.

Walter was so ill that the doctors feared he wouldn’t make it through the night. His breathing was shallow, and his high fever forced him to drift in and out of consciousness. Yet even in that state, he kept whispering one name over and over again: “Murphy… Murphy…”

For a while, everyone thought he had been calling for his son or an old friend. But when they asked him who Murphy was, he replied faintly, “My boy… my good boy.”

Pexels

The nurses called his daughter, who could hardly hold back her tears. “Murphy is his Golden Retriever,” she said, adding, “He’s thirteen. We left him with my brother while Dad’s in the hospital.”

Eventually, the nurse worked things out and Murphy came. A few hours later, the dog quietly entered the room, as calm and as faithful as ever, with his tail wagging slightly in greeting. Without any hesitation, he went straight to Walter’s bed and lay his head on Walter’s chest.

Walter opened his eyes and smiled. “Murphy… did you find her?” he said.

His daughter looked confused. “Who?”

Pexels

And that’s when Walter explained that years ago, he and Murphy had searched the snow for a teenager named Lizzie who had gone missing. Everyone else had given up looking—but not them. One day, Murphy barked near a ditch and refused to move on. When Walter went to investigate, they found Lizzie there, alive but weak from hunger. That memory had stayed with him all these years.

That story sounded so special, that it was quickly shared with friends and family, and it somehow reached Lizzie, who was now a grown woman and mother herself. She sent Walter’s daughter a message, saying, “My name is Lizzie. I think that’s me.”

A few days later, Lizzie came to see Walter. She hugged him tightly and whispered: “If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t be here today.”

Walter smiled, shaking his head, “No, it wasn’t me. It was Murphy.”

Pexels

When Walter died shortly after, Lizzie attended his funeral and spoke through her tears, “Murphy found me twice. First when I was lost in the snow, and again when he brought me back to say goodbye.”

Not long afterward, Murphy also passed away. The family buried him next to Walter, and upon his grave they placed a stone that read, “Murphy – Guardian Angel. Forever a good boy.”

This story is a reminder that sometimes all it takes is a single loyal heart to change someone’s life. And if you’re lucky, there will be a “Murphy” in yours as well.

Please SHARE this article with your family and friends on Facebook.

Bored Daddy

Love and Peace

61-year-old man remarries his first love, wedding night brings shocking revelation

By
Monica Pop
-

Richard, 61, had been living a life of solitude since his wife died eight years ago. His children checked on him every once in a while, helping him with money and medicine, but their lives were so busy that there was little time for bonding.

He somehow got used to the thought of spending the rest of his life all by himself, until he stumbled upon a familiar name on Facebook: Anna Whitmore, his first love.

Anna was the girl he made a vow to himself to marry, but he never fulfilled that promise. Her hair was as red-bright as autumn leaves, and her laughter was contagious. At least that was how he remembered her.

Pexels

Sadly, her family decided to move places, and Richard didn’t even get the chance to say goodbye. All these years, he had no idea where she was or how her life turned out.

And now, to see her again, with streaks of gray in her hair, flooded him with the warmth of old memories. The two got back in touch, shared stories about their lives, and had long conversations over coffee dates.

Shortly after, he proposed, and she said, “yes.”

The wedding was simple. Richard had on a navy suit, and his bride an ivory silk dress. Friends murmured that they looked like teenagers.

But, the evening would take a startling turn.

As Richard helped her out of her dress, he noticed a scar on her wrist and by her collarbone. Alarmed, he asked softly, “Did somebody hurt you?”

She froze. Then she said with a voice that shook between fear and guilt, “Richard… my name isn’t Anna.”

She then went on to explain that Anna was her sister. “She died young,” she said. “Our parents buried her quietly. Family and friends always said I looked like her, spoke like her — I became a shadow of her. When you contacted me on Facebook, I couldn’t help myself. That someone looked at me the same way they looked at Anna, that was the first time it ever happened to me, and I didn’t want to let it go.”

Richard was shocked. The woman standing next to him wasn’t his old love.

Pexels

He was mad at first, but then he looked at her and understood her reasons. Eleanor, that’s what her name was, had spent her life unnoticed, overshadowed by her sister.

“All I ever wanted was to know what it feels like to be chosen, just once,” Eleanor said, asking for forgiveness.

Without saying anything, Richard lay beside her. He was torn between the memory of his first love and this woman who had taken her place.

Richard took a deep breath, and quietly made up his mind: To stay with her, to accept the present instead of grieving over the past and to start a new chapter with Eleanor, unexpected one, but theirs.

Please SHARE this article with your family and friends on Facebook.

Bored Daddy

Love and Peace

A baby’s wail, a cop’s sixth sense

By
Monica Pop
-

A young police officer starting off his job in Savannah has won the praise from many after helping a 16-month-old child found alone in gang-ridden Cuyler-Brownsville.

The photo of Officer James Hurst comforting the little boy has gone viral on Facebook, attracting thousands of likes and shares.

On May 9, Officer Hurst, who joined the Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department in January, was dispatched as backup after residents reported a toddler wandering in high-traffic areas. While his training as a police officer guided his response, the father of two, one of whom has Down Syndrome, admits that his experience as a parent influenced his actions.

“This job is so much more than just chasing the bad guys, it is about serving the citizens of the communities you work in and doing what they need you to do,” Hurst said.

Savannah Police Department/ Facebook

The boy was taken to the Memorial University Medical Center.

In the emergency room, the distressed child began crying during the medical examination and that’s when Hurst asked if he could hold him.

“The boy, obviously, being so small, became very upset. He was crying. He was sobbing. I asked the hospital staff if I can hold him to comfort him and soothe him a little bit to try to calm him down, to continue getting medical care and they said that was fine. So I picked him up, minutes later, I was standing and he was asleep on my chest and with all my body armor and my gun belt, became very heavy holding this small child, so that’s when I decided to sit down on the bed and make it easier for him and me,” the officer explained.

Hurst let the boy sleep right there because he was finally feeling comfortable.

James Hurst/ Facebook

Hurst, who served in the U.S. Army as a Black Hawk crew chief before joining the police force, emphasized that his actions were nothing special. “I didn’t run into a burning building,” he told Today, “I was just there for a child.”

He added that compassion is a daily part of policing in Savannah, even if it isn’t always photographed.

“We do this type of stuff every day. It felt great I was able to be there for him,” Hurst said. “We have 605 officers that would do the same thing.”

The Savannah-Chatham Metro Police Department later confirmed the child is safe and in stable condition. The case has been turned over to the Georgia Department of Family & Children’s Services for review.

Please SHARE this article with your family and friends on Facebook.

Bored Daddy

Love and Peace

1...345...932Page 4 of 932