Hero of the Week! Oil truck driver saves dog in NH House fire

 This week's hero is a truck driver who happened to be driving in a neighborhood and saw a house on fire, so he pulled over and raced to the house to see if someone was trapped inside. He wound up saving a dog, and firefighters who arrived soon after saved cats from the home. 

(Max the dog, saved by Matthew Wrisley. Photo credits: D.F. Richard Energy)

Oil truck driver saves dog in Rochester, NH fire: 'What a courageous act'

By Karen Dandurant, Foster's Daily Democrat, Sept. 24, 2025 

ROCHESTER, New Hampshire — Matthew Wrisley, an oil truck driver for D.F. Richard Energy, is being credited with saving a family's dog in a fire that destroyed their home Sept. 23, 2026.

Michael LaPanne, operations manger for D.F. Richard, said Wrisley was driving by when he saw the mobile home on fire at 23 Royal Crest Park in the Hideaway Village neighborhood. He said Wrisley is shy and doesn't want attention for saving Max, the dog.

"He kicked in the door and saved the dog," LaPanne said. "He is kind of embarrassed by all the attention he is receiving. He said he just did it, and he would do it again, because it was the right thing to do. He said he just wants to go back to doing his job."

Max the dog was saved in a fire in Rochester by a D.F. Richard Energy oil truck driver. Dylan and Erin L'Heureux and their young son were not home at the time of the fire and they are safe. Their two cats were located by firefighters, given oxygen and survived.

Owen Richard, grandson of the D.F. Richard Energy's founder, Ray Richard, said the company is very proud of Wrisley.

Fire strikes a home at 23 Royal Crest Park in the Hideaway Village neighborhood in Rochester Sept. 23, 2025. Dianna Purves, a resident of 47 Royal Crest Park, said she witnessed the driver's heroics and talked to him.

"He could barely see Max’s black face in the front window," she said. "Took him a few tries to kick in that door. He coaxed Max to come to him because he couldn’t go in and he took him and went down to the end of the street just in case the propane exploded. Thankfully that didn’t happen. He waited for the owner to show up. He loves dogs. He has dogs himself. He even had a leash for Max so he could be safely walked to the owners' aunt’s house. I absolutely love Max and was very relieved to see him sitting in the D.F. Richard van. ... He was a hero. What a courageous act."

How to help family who lost home in fire

Kevin Brigham, president and board chair for Hideaway Village Cooperative, set up a fundraising effort to help the family: gofund.me/d8a735913.

Book of the Week: Murder She Wrote: A Body in Boston

The Murder She Wrote mystery series has been one of my all time favorites since Donald Bain began writing it in the 1980s. Terrie Farley Moran is one of the two latest authors that "collaborate with Jessica Fletcher" on the books, and the latest I enjoyed was "A Body in Boston." That's today's book of the week (with 2 of my pet peeves about increased cost and formatting). 

BIG PET PEEVE - BOOK SIZE AND DOUBLE COST -  The size of these books have changed from the 4.25" by 6.75" standard paperbacks to 5.5" by 8.25" so they don't stack with all of the other 60 books in the series. They're also not less than $9.99 anymore- Instead the Publisher DOUBLED THE PRICE to $20 for a Paperback!!!! RIDICULOUS. 

MY TAKE - 4 of 5 stars. This was not one of my favorites in the series (which now has 65 books, and this was #61). I did like the setting in Boston, and the author was familiar with the city (I know it since I worked in Boston). I was glad Jessica and Seth Hazlitt (the Cabot Cove, Maine doctor and Jessica's best friend) were in the story. Also included was Harry McGraw, the private detective that sometimes caused Jessica grief (on television episodes). My favorite character (other than Jessica and Seth) was Mahmood, the Boston Cab driver.  

  - The opening revelation of the murder felt odd, but it worked. The author did a great job of introducing a LOT of suspects, and Jessica took on the role of private eye to interview all of them. The mystery will keep you guessing.

ABOUT THE BOOK: Jessica Fletcher has dinner with her old pal Harry McGraw and gets pulled into a puzzling murder case.

Invited to deliver a lecture at the Boston Public Library, Jessica Fletcher excitedly makes plans to see local friends. Naturally that includes dinner at Gilhooley’s with PI Harry McGraw. Harry excitedly talks about his latest client, the CEO of Cure All Pharmaceuticals, who’s received anonymous blackmail demands and wants Harry to identify the culprit. Cookie, Gilhooley’s longtime bartender, also has something he wants to tell Jessica: he asked Harry to investigate his daughter Aileen’s boyfriend, who Cookie thinks is too slick by half, but now Harry is too wrapped up in this new case. While Jessica wonders how best to approach Aileen, the young woman stumbles into Gilhooley’s covered in blood. She just discovered her boyfriend’s corpse — and quickly becomes the chief suspect in his murder!

Temple to Mars, the Roman god of war, Found in Germany

An 1,800-year-old temple to Mars and statue of Victory was recently unearthed at Roman military fort in Germany!

Archaeologists in Germany have found a temple to Mars, the god of war, next to a Roman Empire military encampment.

  UA NEWS, October 5, 2026

Archaeologists have discovered a temple dedicated to the Roman god of war Mars near the Kapersburg fort in Hesse, about 26 kilometers north of Frankfurt. Fragments of a dedicatory inscription were found in the structure, part of which has already been translated: the text confirms that the temple was dedicated to Mars, Live Science reports.

Statues of Mars and Victoria

According to archaeologist Kai Mükenberger of Hessen Archaeology, researchers also found the remains of a statue of Mars. The discoveries include a damaged statuette of a winged figure with a palm branch and a laurel wreath. Experts believe it likely depicts the Roman goddess Victoria, the embodiment of victory in battle.

The temple was part of a settlement near a Roman military camp. Civilian settlements, known as vici, usually emerged near Roman forts, where traders, families and other civilians lived.

(Photo: Colossal statue of Mars found in the forum of Nerva photographed at the Capitoline Museum. Credit: https://ancientimes.blogspot.com/)

Excavations near the fort

Research at the Kapersburg fort and the adjacent vicus has been ongoing since 2024. According to earlier excavations, the fort itself was built at the beginning of the 2nd century, probably during the reign of Emperor Trajan or Hadrian. For about a century and a half, until around 275, the fort was used by a unit of Roman soldiers and cavalry.

Archaeologists note that the cultural layers at the site are well preserved directly beneath the forest floor, including material bearing traces of burning. During the current work, they found fewer residential buildings than expected, but uncovered evidence of craft activity: blacksmithing pits and ovens for drying wheat and baking bread. The team plans to continue excavations next year.

NH Rescue Event: Learn How your Pets Give Signs in the Afterlife (Nov 7th)

 If you live in New England and recently had a pet pass, or know someone who has, this interactive lecture will teach you how your pets communicate from the afterlife. It will be held at the Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire in Bedford (near Manchester), Saturday, November 7th, 2026 from 11am to 12pm.

Join Rob Gutro, award-winning and best-selling author and pet medium, on Saturday, November 7th from 11 AM to 12 PM for an event to benefit the Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire. Rob will teach you how your spirit pets are sending you signs from the afterlife, based on his best-selling Pets and the Afterlife series (Books 1, 2, 3, and 4).​ ​

Rob will also be joined by his friend Kevin, who will share his story about his amazing dog, Pupeye, and the signs he has sent. Rob will discuss how to cope with grief and loss, identify the signs our pets may give us, and explain the science behind it. He’ll also explore why living pets may be able to sense spirits. By the end of the talk, you’ll have a better understanding of how to recognize signs from your pets in spirit. ​

For this event, please bring a photograph with you of a beloved pet that has passed.nbsp;Rob will not be providing readings at the ARLNH, but he will guide attendees on who has the ability to more easily tune in to a pet in spirit. ​
This interactive event will be held at the Animal Rescue League of NH! Book signing to follow. $25 per person - 100% of your registration fee will be donated to ARLNH! TO REGISTER https://lnkd.in/gHJAZ-HC

RESEARCH: 1 in 8 cancer cases are caused by infections, underscoring the importance of vaccines

New research has shown that 1 in 8 cancer cases are caused by infections, which could have been prevented by getting vaccinated for various illnesses.

So why don't people get vaccinated? Some have allegeric reactions, but others are simply foolish. Vaccines became controversial in the last 20 years because of conservative groups who created all kinds of stupid conspiracy theories about them, like they supposedly "cause autism." Ridiculous. During COVID, many conservatives who don't believe in medical science didn't get the COVID vaccine and either died or watched loved ones die, then they cried. 

1 in 8 cancer cases are caused by infections, underscoring the importance of vaccines

Four pathogens account for most infection-related cancers, a new study highlights, but the tools to prevent them range from well-established vaccines to treatments still under development.

LIVE SCIENCE By Anirban Mukhopadhyay Edited by Nicoletta Lanese, Laura Mondragón Oct 3, 2026 

About 1 in 8 cancer cases are caused by infections with viruses, bacteria or parasites, a new study finds, suggesting that one of the most effective ways to reduce cancer rates might be to prevent common infections.

In a new analysis published Sept. 28 in the journal The Lancet Oncology, researchers mapped the global impact of 12 cancer-causing pathogens. They estimate that infections drove about 2.3 million new cancer cases in 2024, or about 12% of all cancer cases diagnosed that year.

The study highlights that a large fraction of cancer cases could be avoided if these underlying infections were prevented, Dr. Prashant Mathur, director of India's National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research, who was not involved in the study, told Live Science in an email.

"When combined with other risk factors such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, appropriate diet, physical activity, and environmental pollution, it is estimated that about 50 to 60 percent of all cancers in India are avoidable," he said. Past studies suggest that similar figures hold on a global scale.

In the new study, the researchers used the Global Cancer Observatory's GLOBOCAN database, which combines data from various cancer registries to estimate that about 20 million new cancer cases were diagnosed in 2024. The team combined that information with other published data examining the prevalence of different infections in people with specific cancers. This enabled them to estimate how many cases were attributable to each infection.

Their analysis focused on 12 pathogens tied to cancer, including human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B and C, HIV and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), the virus behind mononucleosis. The resulting breakdown revealed that just four pathogens accounted for roughly 92% of the cancer cases caused by infections.

A bacterium called Helicobacter pylori, which infects the gastrointestinal tract, accounted for 760,000 cases, primarily gastric cancers. 

The other three leading cancer triggers were viruses. HPV accounted for 750,000 cases, including cervical, penile, throat and mouth cancers. The liver-attacking hepatitis B virus was responsible for 360,000 cases and EBV drove 260,000 cases. (EBV is known to increase the risk of throat cancers, as well as certain lymphomas and stomach cancers.)

The scale of the burden contrasts with gaps in prevention. In 2024, just 31% of eligible adolescent girls worldwide received at least one dose of the HPV vaccine, well below the 90% target, the World Health Organization reports. The degree of protection provided by the vaccine is striking in countries that have achieved higher coverage.

Short Video pondering: What Ghosts would haunt an airport?

Have you ever encountered a ghost at an airport? I haven't, but here are some thoughts about who may haunt one...

WATCH THE SHORT VIDEO PONDERING: https://youtube.com/shorts/ZYH6GTcxVHM?si=OADPB9CzqrimzjSx 

Since I made this video earlier today, I've learned of ghosts reported at the Denver, Colorado airport, the airport in Atlanta, Georgia and Denmark!  

Read about hauntings, and why and where ghosts choose to stay behind in my books! Rob Gutro

Weekend Visitors Part 2: Fall Corn Maze and a Lighthouse

This is part 2 of 2 in the blog about our early October visitors. In this blog, we enjoyed a large corn maze in the shape of a Chipmunk, and a visit to a famously photographed Maine Lighthouse.

THE CORN MAZE! We took a ride to the Coppal House Farm in Lee, New Hampshire to enjoy the corn maze! This was only the second time Tom and I have gone through a corn maze and it was a lot of fun. His sister Lisa and hubby, Greg visited in early October, and we thought the corn maze would be a fun thing to do.

The temperature outside was in the 60s, and it was sunny with a beautiful blue sky, making for the perfect experience.

(Tom and Rob take a wrong turn) 

THE CHIPMUNK CORN MAZE!

For the last 22 years, Coppal House Farm, in Lee, New Hampshire, owned and run by John and Carol Hutton, has proudly been “getting people lost” with their themed corn maze. And this year is no different.

Designed to look like a chipmunk with an acorn, this year's 6-acre maze boasts stalks of corn 8-9 feet high and opened on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026  

CLUES TO DIRECTIONS - The maze comes with an additional challenge in the form of trivia that can be found in mailboxes throughout the corn maze: answer correctly and you will be guided in the right direction, but answer incorrectly, you will be sent in the wrong direction. “(The trivia) works for little kids," said Hannah Bendroth, a farm manager at Coppal House Farms. "It works for the older generations, and it’s meant to help you find your way through the maze. It’s a fun way to incorporate some education into going through the corn maze.” 

WHO KNEW? Chipmunks have five dark stripes on their backs and sides, separated by lighter bands of cream or white fur

FARM INFO- Coppal House Farm 118 North River Rd, Lee, NH, Website: www.nhcornmaze.com/corn-maze-home Contact: 603-659-3572

LIGHTHOUSE AND BEACH STOP! - We drove to York, Maine and they enjoyed Long Sands Beach, and then the most photographed lighthouse in Maine, Nubble Light. For that trip, our canine kids, Jimmy, Joey and Roger came along. 

(Photo: Lisa and Greg at Nubble Light) 

ABOUT NUBBLE LIGHT - Located in scenic York, Maine, Nubble Lighthouse (formally known as Cape Neddick Light Station) is one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world. It sits just off the mainland on Nubble Island and can be viewed by visitors from Sohier Park. "The Nubble", as many locals refer to it, stands as an iconic symbol of Maine's maritime history.

 (Photos: Nubble Lighthouse, the most photographed Maine lighthouse, and Lisa and Tom) 

NUBBLE LIGHT'S HISTORY - In the late 1870's, the decision was made to construct a lighthouse along the rough shoreline in York after numerous boat wreckages. In 1878, Congress appropriated $15,000 to begin the construction of a lighthouse off the coast of York. By July 1, 1879, the Cape Neddick Light Station was illuminated using a fourth-order Fresnel lens.

From the moment the tower was lit for the first time, the Nubble Lighthouse played an important role in guiding ships through the perilous waters. The light itself is visible for 13 nautical miles and helped mariners navigate around the reefs and shoals.

For over a century, the Nubble was manned by 13 different lighthouse keepers and their families, who lived on the island. The keepers ensured that the light was operational and maintained the structure during harsh New England coastal conditions.

In 1985, the Nubble Lighthouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing its historical significance and architectural beauty.

  (Photo: Jimmy got to ride with his aunt Lisa to the lighthouse and beach!) 

Good News: Dolly Parton's Imagination Library had a proven impact on children around the world

Sundays are usually reserved for "idiot of the week" but this weekend is my birthday weekend, so it's going to be a day of Heroes instead!

Since her passing back on August 25th, Dolly Parton's legacy continues to improve the lives of children around the world through her free book program. Recently a study was conducted in Australia (because the program is also there) The worldwide evidence showed that children enrolled in the Imagination Library were significantly more likely to display foundational early literacy skills and to develop an interest in reading compared to those not on the program. (Sadly, here in the U.S., dumb states like Missouri reduced funding for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library from $6 million to $2 million, which forced the state to freeze new enrollments starting July 1, 2026 and Indiana: Removed state funding matches, leaving local libraries and nonprofits to cover costs.)

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library had a proven impact on children around the world 

Aug 26, 2026,By Claire Galea  GoodGoodGood.co

Dolly Parton had first-hand experience of the effects of limited literacy. Her father could not read or write. He was, she once said,

This sentiment fueled her passion for encouraging childhood literacy. It drove her to establish the Imagination Library, with the goal of inspiring “a love of reading and learning from a young age."

Launched in 1995, the Imagination Library sends children enrolled in the program a free, age-appropriate, culturally inclusive book in the mail every month from birth until their fifth birthday. The program began in Sevier County, Tennessee — Parton’s home county — before spreading across the world.

It has established roots in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Ireland.

To date, the Imagination Library has distributed 318 million books, with 3.4 million books sent out monthly across these regions.

The Australian program was officially launched in 2013 and now operates in more than 430 locations. Currently, nearly 50,000 Australian children are receiving a free book every month.

Building foundational skills For the past five years, I have been working firstly on a research project in Tamworth into the effects of the Imagination Library program. As Head of Research at United Way Australia, distributors of the Imagination Library in Australia, I am not involved in the delivery of the program itself. All the data I analyzed was de-identified.

The Tamworth region has produced rich data on early childhood literacy. It boasts 98% enrollment of newborns in the Imagination Library program.

The research conducted in Tamworth was then extended to a global sample. Data has been collected from over 86,000 caregivers across the five countries the Imagination Library is delivered in. This study is currently the largest dataset in the world on shared book reading in the home.

One of the key findings from Tamworth was that the program encouraged caregivers to read to their children. Compared to the average Australian child, children in the Imagination Library in Tamworth were found to be read to more often, for longer, and have more books in the home. Further, these early reading routines were maintained.

The worldwide evidence showed that children enrolled in the Imagination Library were significantly more likely to display foundational early literacy skills and to develop an interest in reading compared to those not on the program.

In Australia, enrolled children were found to be nine times more likely to be interested in books, 17 times more likely to join in during shared book reading, and six times more likely to demonstrate key emerging literacy skills than those who were not enrolled.

Help celebrate my birthday with a book!

  I made it one more year around the sun and thank you for coming along on the ride with me into True Paranormal adventures. I'm very thankful to everyone who has supported me, come to lectures, taken my classes, read my books or joined investigations.

As an author, medium and scientist, and pet medium, I've talked with countless people around the world, something I never thought would happen. If you want to know more about my true paranormal books- and learn the difference between Earthbound ghosts vs. Spirits, Haunted places, or how pets communicate from the afterlife, find me at Robgutro.com or PetSpirits.com or on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/author/robgutro

Then tell me what book you got!

Thank you!

Rob

Book of the Week: Dream More by Dolly Parton (Best Book, ever!)

Dolly Parton delivered her famous commencement speech at the University of Tennessee for the College of Arts and Sciences on May 8, 2009. She also received an honorary doctorate degree, earning her the affectionate title "Doctor Dolly". Her address famously urged graduates to dream more, work hard, and count their blessings.In 2012, she published that speech and expanded upon it in a great book called "Dream More." 5 of 5 stars.

In the book, Dolly highlights four themes, which are all chapters on how to best live life: Dream More, Care More, Learn More, Be More. I learned these things from watching her as a teenager and I've enacted them throughout my life. This short book will make you look at your life and how you live it, and give you a fresh perspective about how you may want to change the way you view life. Dolly's wisdom changed my life for the better, and by reading this book, you'll be able to see what she taught me and helped me in becoming the person I am today. 

It's fitting to me that I write this blog on my birthday week because she helped make me who I am. 

 **This is her "how to live life better" advice that everyone needs to read (and follow).

ABOUT THE BOOK: The legendary Dolly Parton shares her heartfelt hopes and dreams for everyone.

Expanding on the popular commencement speech Dolly Parton gave at the University of Tennessee, Dream More is a deeper and richer exploration of the personal philosophy she has forged over the course of her astonishing career as a singer, songwriter, performer, and philanthropist.

Dolly elaborates on the four great hopes she wants us all to embrace: Dream more, Learn more, Care more, and Be more. She offers examples from her own life, from her childhood in the hills of eastern Tennessee to her life as the iconic performer she is today.

From one of the legends of our time, Dream More is an honest, funny, and uplifting anthem for all who want to take charge of their lives and forge a future on their own terms.

Celebrate Spirit Ed's birthday - Read his story:"Kindred Spirits"

 Today would have been my Spirit friend Ed's birthday. It's a good day to read his story that teaches YOU how spirits of your loved ones give you signs.

READ ABOUT HIM IN "Kindred Spirits: How a Spirit Befriended a Medium" by Rob Gutro

Imagine that the spirit of someone you never met in life comes along in your new relationship. The spirit died 20 years before you met your partner, and this spirit was in a committed relationship with your partner decades before. That's what happened to author and medium Rob Gutro.

The spirit, whose name is Ed, has come through in so many ways from dreams to coins, look-alikes, and more. Ed's spirit told Rob many things he couldn't possibly have known. Rob confirmed everything with his partner.

"Being a friend with Ed in spirit is like having a friend who lives in another state" - Author Rob Gutro describing his relationship with Ed's spirit.

It's uncommon for a medium really get know a spirit so well that the living person considers the spirit a best friend. But that's exactly what happened to medium and paranormal investigator Rob Gutro. When Rob met his partner Tom in 2005, Ed's spirit came along for the ride. Rob never knew Ed in life.

Now, Ed often communicates to Rob and has revealed his sense of humor, his heart, and helped solved the mystery of his passing. Ed's "Spirit Treasure Hunt" showed his family he's with them, too. Ed even sent a look-alike to rescue Rob during a vacation in England. Ed also proved to Rob and Tom that he was with all of their dogs who passed.

As you read about this special spirit named Ed and his sometimes funny communications, you'll learn signs your loved ones send. This book will teach you how to be more aware of messages from your loved ones in spirit.

GET THE BOOK HERE: Link to Book on Amazon

New species of armored dinosaur's fossil found in Japan

A newly discovered species of armored dinosaur, related to the ankylosaurus, was recently found in Japan. It is only the third nodosaurid fossil found in Asia, and researchers say its ancestors may have migrated from North America.

(Image; A new species of armored dinosaur whose ancestors likely migrated from North America to Asia, a new study finds. Image credit: Masato Hattori)

Rare armored dinosaur found in Japan may have ancestors that migrated across a land bridge 100 million years ago

By Skyler Ware Edited by Laura Geggel, Kimberly Hickok, Live Science, September 24, 2026

Rare fossils discovered in Japan more than 30 years ago are from a new species of armored dinosaur — one whose ancestors likely reached Asia by trekking across a land bridge, a new study finds.

The newly named dinosaur, a type of nodosaurid, is now one of just three species of its kind found in Asia to date. It was named Nipponopelta yezoensis. "Nippon" refers to Japan, and "pelta" means "shield" in Greek. "Yezo" is the traditional name for Hokkaido.

The scarcity of nodosaurids in Asia, and the fact that the newly described beast is similar anatomically to those from North America, hint that its species likely arose from a migration from North America to Asia via the Bering Land Bridge, an ancient strip of land that connected present-day Alaska and Russia, researchers reported in the February 2027 issue of the journal Cretaceous Research.

"It's super cool to see [the specimen] getting a new look and a new name," said Victoria Arbour, manager of research and collections at the Royal B.C. Museum in Canada. Arbour was not involved in the new work.

Nodosaurids are armored dinosaurs covered in bony plates. They are closely related to ankylosaurids, but they lack the heavy tail clubs ankylosaurids used to protect themselves from predators. Nodosaurid fossils have primarily been found in North America and Europe, though a few have been uncovered in Asia.

In the new study, a team of researchers revisited one such fossil specimen originally discovered in 1995 on Hokkaido, the northernmost main island of Japan. The scientists performed computed tomography (CT) scans of the fossils, which are somewhere between 93 million and 100 million years old, and include the back of the skull, part of the lower jaw, and several teeth and bony plates.

Weird spikes poking through a teen's eyelid turned out to be a wayward tooth

Today's blog will put you in a Halloween mood... because it is about something very unusual- the growth of a tooth in a place other than someone's mouth. In this case, a teenager's tooth grew out of his skull between his eyebrow and eyelid! Here's the story from LIVEScience.

(Photo: Ectopic Canine Tooth in the Superior Orbit . Credit: Meghana Tanwar, DNB, FRCS (Ophth)1 ∙ Vedant Sharma, MBBS2 ∙ Usha Kim, DO, DNB1) 

Weird spikes poking through a teen's eyelid turned out to be a wayward tooth

The patient: A 16-year-old boy in India

The symptoms: The teen developed swelling on his left upper eyelid that persisted for a few months but was painless. However, he later noticed two sharp, white projections poking out from the skin above his eye.

About a month after these projections appeared, he went to a hospital.

What happened next: Doctors examined the teen's eyelid, noting that the spikes had a "fairly smooth surface and were hard on palpation," said Dr. Meghana Tanwar, a medical consultant at the Aravind Eye Hospital in India who co-authored a report of the case. The texture and color of the projections suggested they might be teeth, she told Live Science in an email.

Initially, the doctors thought the points also might have been related to a teratoma, a rare type of tumor that can include different types of tissue, including bone and tooth tissue. They also wondered if the projections might be a foreign body in the eyelid. They conducted a CT scan to take a closer look.

The diagnosis: The scan revealed that the projections were indeed part of a tooth.

"The structure of a lone tooth in the superior orbit was quite obvious," Tanwar said. "Superior orbit" refers to the upper eye socket, and the tooth had poked out in the small space between the boy's eyelid and eyebrow.

Teeth that develop and erupt in abnormal locations are known as ectopic teeth. This umbrella term includes teeth that are in the mouth but erupt outside their typical positions; for instance, in about 2% to 6% of people, their first permanent molars grow "out of place" in the expected line-up of teeth.

In this case, though, the patient had an ectopic tooth that appeared completely outside the dental arch, which is far rarer.

The treatment: The doctors surgically removed the ectopic tooth from the patient's eyelid and found that it was a mature canine tooth. It didn't have any features that suggested it was part of a teratoma.

"Since the imaging done did not show the presence of any other ectopic teeth, the likelihood of him having another one are unlikely," Tanwar noted.

What makes the case unique: This is not the first ectopic tooth in the medical literature, but it was in a very notable location.

"To the best of our knowledge this is the first and only ectopic tooth reported in the superior orbit," Tanwar said. Previously, they've been reported in the nasal cavity and the bottom of the orbit, under the eye, she noted. According to MedPage Today, they've also been found in the nostrils, chin and maxillary sinus, which is located inside the cheekbone.

"This was a first not just for us but the world over," Tanwar said of the case. "We were very surprised by it."

CLICK FOR Journal article. 

Discovery! Tilcayo, the First Brand-New Cat Species Identified in More Than a Century

 In the forests of Bolivia, there was a new cat species discovered recently. Thanks to my friend Jackie for sharing this cool news. That's today's blog. 

(Caption: Paola Nogales-Ascarrunz, a biologist and National Geographic Explorer, first encountered the new species at the Senda Verde Wildlife Sanctuary in Bolivia. Fernando Faciole / National Geographic)

Tiny Tilcayo, the First Brand-New Cat Species Identified in More Than a Century

Sarah Kuta | Daily Correspondent, September 21, 2026, Smithsonian

The diminutive feline, dubbed the tilcayo, lives in the Bolivian Yungas, the cloud forest where the eastern slopes of the Andes Mountains meet the Amazon basin. It’s smaller than a house cat, weighing just three to four pounds, and has large, irregularly shaped rosettes dotting its light brown fur.

Scientists say the creature, which they describe in a study published September 17 in the journal Current Biology, is a reminder that the natural world still holds plenty of mysteries.

“Our world is extremely complex,” study co-author Paola Nogales-Ascarrunz, a biologist and the founder of the Bolivian Felids Research Program, tells National Geographic’s Jason Bittel. “Sometimes we think that most of it is known, that there’s not a whole lot to discover, but in fact, it’s the other way around.”

The tilcayo’s discovery story began around 2016, when a local man found a tiny cat on a road in the forest near La Paz. Thinking it was a domestic kitten, the man took the creature home and started feeding it noodles, rice and eggs. After about a year, however, he realized the animal was probably wild. He took it to the nonprofit Senda Verde Wildlife Sanctuary.

That’s where Nogales-Ascarrunz first encountered the mysterious animal, a male nicknamed Tigrino that had rounded ears, a small face and big, leopard-like spots. At first, she thought the creature might be a northern tiger cat, also called the oncilla (Leopardus tigrinus). But that identification didn’t seem quite right—the cat itself was too small, its rosettes were too large and its tail seemed different.

“It didn’t really match,” she tells the New York Times’ Kate Golembiewski.

Genetic testing confirmed her hunch: The unusual cat belonged to its own species, one that was previously unknown to science. Researchers named the creature L. tilcayo because tilcayo is what local people call it—though the origins of that name remain unclear.

“When you ask, ‘Does it have some meaning in Quechua or Almyra and other Indigenous languages?’ they say, ‘No, my grandpa told me that’s the tilcayo,’” Nogales-Ascarrunz tells NBC News’ Evan Bush. “This is a traditional knowledge that they have in the community. We want to preserve that knowledge, and we didn’t want to give it another name.”

Because the cats are so small and elusive, scientists know very little about L. tilcayo, including its diet, lifestyle and behaviors. Researchers also don’t know how many tilcayo exist in the wild. However, scat samples suggest the cats might eat small rodents, and wildlife camera footage hints that they could be nocturnal, per Reuters’ Marta Serafinko.

A genetic analysis of 38 individuals from the Leopardus genus—a group colloquially called tiger cats—revealed that L. tilcayo split off from the lineage roughly 1.4 million years ago during the Early Pleistocene, a period of substantial climate fluctuation. As glaciers advanced and retreated, tropical forest lowlands became dry savannas, the researchers write in the paper. Montane forests, meanwhile, held onto their humidity, acting as “climatic refugia” for cloud forest species. The resulting habitat fragmentation likely isolated different populations of tiger cats, setting the stage for their genetic divergence.

The cat family tree has gained several new branches in recent decades as researchers have elevated subspecies to full species or determined that what was once considered a single species is actually multiple. L. tilcayo, however, is different. It’s the first brand-new feline species identified since the pampas cat in 1923.

With the addition of L. tilcayo, scientists have now described five distinct species of tiger cat, which live in Central and South America. Beyond the new member, the group includes the northern tiger cat (L. tigrinus), the southern tiger cat (L. guttulus), the clouded tiger cat (L. pardinoides) and the eastern tiger cat (L. emiliae). Nogales-Ascarrunz and colleagues also identified a new subspecies found in Peru’s Yungas called L. tigrinus antisuyo.

BONUS Idiot of the Week: Political PAC accidentally runs ads in the Wrong State

As a Mainer, this idiot can't wait for Sunday's Idiot of the week. A GOP PAC accidentally paid for running a Pro-Susan Collins ads in the wrong state. They ran ads in Portland, Oregon, instead of Maine for a Maine candidate. This is what happens when out-of-state groups fund political ads and don't know the candidate or what state they live in. Who are the idiots? "The Republican Main Street Partnership encompasses a broad alliance of conservative, governing Republicans, including more than 100 sitting members in Congress."  The MEDIA company should NEVER have refunded these Morons. 

Pro-Susan Collins ads accidentally run in the Wrong Portland!

A Republican Super PAC mistakenly spent nearly $25,000 on television ads targeting voters in Portland, Oregon, instead of Portland, Maine, in support of U.S. Senator Susan Collins' reelection campaign

Key Details of the Gaffe

• The Error: The ad buy was placed by Defending Main Street SuperPAC Inc., which is linked to the Republican Main Street Partnership.

• The Target: The commercial attacked Maine's Democratic Senate nominee, Troy Jackson, branding him "taxin' Troy Jackson".

• The Location Mistake: The media buyer, Cross Screen Media, mistakenly targeted the Portland, Oregon television market (which also reaches parts of Washington state) rather than Portland, Maine.

• Financial Impact: Between $20,000 and $25,000 was misallocated.

• The Resolution: After the mix-up came to light, Sarah Chamberlain, president and CEO of the Republican Main Street Partnership, stated she was furious about the blunder. Cross Screen Media admitted the mistake, pulled the ads from the Oregon market, issued a full refund to the PAC, and redirected the campaign to run in Portland, Maine.

• The Context: The gaffe occurred during a tight, high-stakes Senate race in Maine where Collins and Jackson are running neck-and-neck in the polls.

Weekend Visitors Part 1: Farms, Food, Fun and a Memorial

Over the weekend of Oct 2-5, Tom's sister Lisa and her hubby, Greg, visited for the first time since we moved. It was their first visit to Maine, so they got to experience Maine and New Hampshire attractions, a memorial celebration, food and events and enjoy the beautiful fall colors. And of course, there were many dog walks!

(Lisa and Greg loved the breakfast at our favorite restaurant so much we went back 2 days in a row)

(Photo right: Beautiful horses at the farm where we stopped)

FOOD STUFF- Local food is always a treat for visitors, and you can't get any more local than me (Rob's) home cooking. :) One evening I made homemade sloppy joes on white rice with baked beans and another night I made pot roast with baked potatoes, corn and fresh bread. Not to mention baking fresh pumpkin bread and other desserts. We ventured out to our favorite Mexican restaurant, and our favorite breakfast place located in a former train station in southern New Hampshire.

(Photo right: Rob with Lisa, Tom and Greg at a farm enjoying the horses)

FALL FARM STANDS - Since we're experiencing fall colors, and it's in the 40s at night, and 60s in the daytime, Fall is in Full Swing in Maine. 

What better place to go than a farm stand connected to an apple orchard and big working farm?

The amount of pumpkins and the different varieties were incredible! 

CHASE FARMS - From their website: "Family owned and operated since the 1600s, Chase Farms specializes in homegrown meats and produce. Come visit us in Wells, Maine to try our beef, pork, produce, fresh baked goods, a large variety of locally sourced items, and a greenhouse with abundant offerings that change with the seasons."     

"HAD TO BUYS" - Of course we bought a pumpkin. Tom bought a bunch of "Indian corn" to use as a seasonal decoration outside of the house. I bought homemade Apple Butter, and Lisa and I both eyed the "apple cider donut," so we got one to split later. 

(Photo: Rob and Lisa with a homemade apple cider donut and apple butter) 

DOG WALKS! - One of the best things to do after big meals is to take a walk and digest. That quickly became a welcome habit, as Lisa and Greg have two dogs of their own back home, so they were used to it. The crisp 50 and 60 degree days, blue skies and sunshine and the changing colors of the trees along our wooded street made the walk even more enjoyable.

A MEMORIAL EVENT - We also paid tribute to Tom and Lisa's mom and step dad whose ashes were finally interred near us. Months ago, we found the perfect cemetery that was outlined by a border of Maine pine trees and located in a quiet area, close by. 

On the morning of the event, the weather was perfect with temperatures in the 60s with sunshine and blue sky. It was a solemn event but a nice peaceful place, and its comforting to know that although they're spirit is in a better place, what's left behind for us is close by.  The cemetery had a meditation area near by with benches under a trellis. the trellis was nicely decorated with large pots of beautiful fall mums. 

PART 2 of Weekend Visitors will appear next Monday, October 19, 2026 on this blog