Unfiltered Stories

  1971 Green Beret Captain Richard Flaherty stands next to 6'6" Pfc. Nipps. Richard J. Flaherty due to complications at his birth only grew to 4-Foot-9-inches tall 97-Pounds. Coming from a family of military heroes Richard also wanted to do his part and serve his country. People laughed at the idea of a man his size in the military and all the branches turned him down. But that didn't deter Richard, he spent the next 3 years writing letters until he finally received a medical waiver. With the waiver the Army allowed him to join... but no one ever believed he would make it through basic training. His uniforms didn't fit, the equipment was too big, and he was required to carry a back pack during long marches that was almost the same weight as he was. Because of his leg length marching in step with the rest of his company was incredibly difficult but Richard kept up. All the obstacle courses were built for average size men but Richard conquered them all. No rules were eve...

  During World War II, Irena Sendler, a Polish social worker, played a crucial role in rescuing Jewish children from the horrors of the Warsaw Ghetto. Together with a team of dedicated associates, Sendler orchestrated an elaborate operation that provided false identification documents and safe accommodations for these children. Their courageous efforts ultimately saved the lives of approximately 2,500 Jewish children, marking one of the most remarkable rescue missions of the Holocaust. The Situation in the Warsaw Ghetto The Warsaw Ghetto was established by Nazi Germany in 1940 to confine the Jewish population of Warsaw in an area of approximately 1.3 square miles. Conditions in the ghetto were appalling, with severe overcrowding, rampant disease, and widespread starvation. The Nazis systematically deported ghetto inhabitants to extermination camps, primarily Treblinka, where most were murdered. Amid this backdrop of despair, Irena Sendler emerged as a beacon of hope.  Irena Se...

On June 8, 2005, Nigeria witnessed one of the most egregious instances of police brutality in its history: the Apo Six killings. This horrific event, in which five young Igbo traders and a young woman were brutally murdered by the police, remains a dark stain on the nation’s conscience. It exposed the systemic issues within Nigeria’s law enforcement and judicial systems, sparking widespread outrage and calls for justice and reform. The Victims The victims of this tragic incident were: 1. Ifeanyi Ozor 2. Paulinus Ogbonna 3. Chinedu Meniru 4. Isaac Ekene Mgbe 5. Anthony Nwokike 6. Tina Paul Ogbonna (often mistakenly referred to as Tina Arebu) These six young people were full of dreams and aspirations, seeking better lives for themselves and their families. Five of them were traders at the Apo auto spare parts market in Abuja, a bustling hub of commercial activity. The lone woman among them, Tina Paul Ogbonna, was also tragically caught in the crossfire of a corrupt and brutal system. The...

  On the evening of October 11, 1973, two men, Charles Hickson and Calvin Parker, experienced an event that would forever alter their lives and become one of the most famous alien abduction stories in history. The incident took place on the west bank of the Pascagoula River in Mississippi, where the men claimed to have had an encounter with extraterrestrial beings. Their account, met initially with skepticism, gained credibility through an unexpected turn of events involving a secret police recording. The Encounter Charles Hickson, 42, and Calvin Parker, 19, were fishing off a pier when they noticed an unusual sight. They described hearing a whirring or whizzing sound and saw two flashing blue lights. As they turned to look, they observed an oval-shaped object, estimated to be 30 to 40 feet across and 8 to 10 feet high, descending toward them. According to their account, three creatures emerged from the object. These beings were unlike anything Hickson and Parker had ever seen. The...

  On October 24, 1946, Kurt Daluege, a high-ranking Nazi official and war criminal, was executed at Pankrác Prison in Prague. As the former Chief of the Ordnungspolizei (Order Police), Daluege was instrumental in enforcing the brutal policies of the Nazi regime during World War II. His execution marked a significant moment in the post-war efforts to bring Nazi war criminals to justice. Kurt Daluege: The Man Behind the Uniform Born on September 15, 1897, in Kreuzburg, Silesia, Kurt Daluege quickly rose through the ranks of the Nazi Party. He joined the NSDAP (Nazi Party) in the early 1920s and became a member of the SA (Sturmabteilung) before transferring to the SS (Schutzstaffel), where he found his true calling. Known for his ruthlessness and unwavering loyalty to Adolf Hitler, Daluege was appointed as the Chief of the Ordnungspolizei in 1936. In this capacity, he oversaw the German uniformed police and played a crucial role in the implementation of Nazi policies. The Crimes of Da...

In 2014, a woman from Edinburgh, Scotland, experienced a series of unusual and persistent nosebleeds. Initially, she attributed these nosebleeds to a motorcycle accident she had been involved in some months prior. However, the true cause of her discomfort was far more surprising and disturbing. The Mystery of the Nosebleeds The woman, who had been suffering from frequent and unexplained nosebleeds, grew increasingly concerned as the episodes persisted. She sought medical advice, but the cause of the bleeding remained undiagnosed. It wasn’t until one particular morning in the shower that the mystery began to unravel. As she was washing her face, she felt a strange sensation in her nostril, as though something was moving. Alarmed, she gently probed her nose and discovered a dark, wriggling creature emerging from her nostril. To her horror, it turned out to be a leech, approximately three inches long, that had been living inside her nasal passage. The Leech's Origin The discovery of a...

Frank Lucas, the notorious drug lord who ruled Harlem in the 1970s, was known for his discretion, operating under the radar of law enforcement. This all changed in 1971, when he made a decision that would alter the course of his criminal career. Lucas decided to attend a Muhammad Ali boxing match wearing a $100,000 full-length chinchilla coat. This ostentatious display of wealth caught the attention of law enforcement, leading to his eventual downfall. The Muhammad Ali Fight Frank Lucas had managed to keep a low profile, building a massive drug empire without attracting much attention. However, his appearance at the Muhammad Ali fight in 1971 marked a significant turning point. Wearing the extravagant coat and sitting in seats better than those of celebrities like Diana Ross and Frank Sinatra, Lucas stood out in the crowd. Law enforcement officials at the event were intrigued by his presence and his apparent wealth. A "Massive Mistake" Lucas later described his decision to we...

  In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a significant shift in urban living led to innovative, yet sometimes bizarre, inventions aimed at improving health and well-being. One such invention was the baby cage, a peculiar device that gained popularity among urban dwellers in the early 20th century. This invention was driven by the belief that fresh air was essential for infants' health, a concept widely endorsed by medical professionals of the time. The Fresh Air Movement By the late 19th century, doctors had begun recommending that parents living in urban apartments regularly expose their infants to fresh air. The prevailing belief was that fresh air would strengthen a child's immune system, promoting better overall health. This was particularly important in cities, where cramped living conditions and industrial pollution were common concerns. Parents living in urban environments often lacked access to private outdoor spaces such as gardens or backyards. This limitation pos...

  On February 22, 1970, a tragic incident occurred at Sydney Airport that left an indelible mark on those who heard about it. Keith Sapsford, a 14-year-old boy from Australia, met a heartbreaking end after attempting a daring but ill-fated adventure. This incident, captured by sheer chance, serves as a poignant reminder of the youthful desire for adventure and the tragic consequences that can sometimes result. The Fateful Day Keith Sapsford, like many teenagers, was filled with a sense of wanderlust and curiosity about the world beyond his immediate surroundings. On that February day, driven by a yearning for adventure, Keith made his way to Sydney Airport. He managed to sneak onto the tarmac and, in a desperate bid to see the world, hid inside the wheel-well of a Japan Airlines plane bound for Tokyo. The wheel-well, a compartment that houses the landing gear of an aircraft, is not designed for human occupancy. It is a perilous space, subject to extreme temperatures and a lack of o...

In June 2012, 16-year-old Yasser Lopez and his friends went spear fishing at a Miami lake to way to celebrate the last day of school.  One of his friends was loading the spear gun when it accidentally deployed, hitting Yaseer in the head. Yasser was airlifted to Ryder Trauma Center with three feet of the spear protruding from his forehead. The spear entered Yasser’s head two inches above the right eye and came out at the vertex at the back of his skull.  A rebar cutter, provided by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, and vise-gripes (locking pliers) were used to stabilize the spear in the patient’s head.  Eighteen inches of the protruding spear was removed on the outside of his forehead to allow doctors to do a complete radiographic evaluation of the patient. Luckily, the spear didn’t hit any vessels in hi s brain. Lopez said, ‘I could see the spear. It was bothering me on the back, like it was scratching the floor. 'I could feel it inside my head, so I wanted to take it out,’ Yasser...

A Jewish family named Karnofsky, who immigrated from Lithuania to the United States, took pity on the 7-year-old boy and brought him to their home. There he stayed and spent the night in this Jewish family home, where for the first time in his life he was treated with kindness and tenderness. When he went to bed, Mrs. Karnofski sang him Russian lullabies, which he sang with her. Later he learned to sing and play several Russian and Jewish songs. Over time, this boy became the adopted son of this family. Mr. Karnofsky gave him money to buy his first musical instrument, as was the custom in Jewish families. Later, when he became a professional musician and composer, he used these Jewish melodies in compositions such as St. James's Hospital and Go Down Moses. The little boy grew up and wrote a book about this Jewish family, who adopted him in 1907.  In memory of this family and until the end of his life, he wore the Star of David and said that in this family he learned "how to li...

  In the book of sports history, certain moments stand out not just for the victories achieved, but for the remarkable circumstances under which they were won. One of the greatest moments in sport belongs to Jim Thorpe, an athlete whose indomitable spirit and sheer talent transcended the challenges he faced. At the 1912 Olympics in Stockholm, Thorpe represented the United States in track and field. His performance remains legendary, not just for the gold medals he won, but for the incredible story of perseverance behind them.  The Lead-Up to the Olympics Jim Thorpe was born in 1887 in Indian Territory, now known as Oklahoma, and belonged to the Sac and Fox Nation. His Native American name, Wa-Tho-Huk, means "Bright Path," and indeed, his path in life was marked by extraordinary achievements despite numerous obstacles. Thorpe's athletic prowess became evident early in his life. He excelled in multiple sports, including baseball, football, and track and field. By 1912, Thor...

   On September 11, 2001, the world watched in horror as the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York City were attacked. Among the many stories of survival and heroism that emerged from that day, one of the most iconic images is that of Marcy Borders, a 28-year-old Bank of America employee, covered head to toe in dust as she sought refuge in an adjacent office building following the collapse of the South Tower.  The Morning of September 11, 2001 Marcy Borders began her day like any other, heading to her job at Bank of America located on the 81st floor of the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Little did she know that this day would become one of the most significant and traumatic days in modern history. At 8:46 a.m., American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the North Tower, striking between the 93rd and 99th floors. The impact sent shockwaves through the building, and chaos ensued as occupants tried to make sense of what had happened. Borders, like many othe...

  In a distressing turn of events, a Kenyan police officer lost both forearms while attempting to throw a teargas canister at peaceful protesters in Nairobi. This incident, which took place during a demonstration, has raised significant concerns about the use of force and the handling of peaceful protests in the country.  The Incident The incident occurred during a protest in Nairobi, where citizens had gathered to voice their concerns over various social and political issues. The demonstration, which was initially peaceful, saw a heavy police presence aimed at maintaining order. As tensions rose, the police resorted to using teargas to disperse the crowd. According to eyewitness accounts, the officer was handling a teargas canister when it prematurely exploded in his hands. The explosion caused severe injuries, resulting in the loss of both his forearms. The injured officer was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment. Response and Reactions The news of...

On the evening of June 24, 2009, the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, was in his element. At the Staples Center in Los Angeles, he was engrossed in what would tragically become his final rehearsal. Just twelve hours later, on June 25, 2009, the world would be stunned by the news of his sudden death. This rehearsal, a poignant echo of his illustrious career, stands as a testament to Jackson's unmatched dedication to his craft and his relentless pursuit of perfection. The Context of the "This Is It" Tour Michael Jackson was preparing for his highly anticipated "This Is It" tour, a series of 50 concerts that were to take place at the O2 Arena in London. This tour was more than just a comeback; it was a resurrection of his legacy, a chance to remind the world of his unparalleled talent and to silence the critics. Fans across the globe eagerly awaited the return of the pop legend, who had not performed a full concert tour since the "HIStory World Tour" in 1996...

  In 2007, a remarkable discovery captivated the world and offered a poignant glimpse into the human experience of ancient times. Archaeologists unearthed the Lovers of Valdaro, a pair of 6,000-year-old skeletons locked in a tender embrace, their limbs entwined and faces turned toward each other. Found in a Neolithic tomb near Mantua, Italy, this find not only showcased an extraordinary instance of prehistoric burial practices but also ignited the imagination and emotions of people around the globe. The Discovery The discovery was made by a team of archaeologists led by Elena Maria Menotti. The Lovers of Valdaro were found in a small Neolithic tomb, lying on their sides in a seemingly eternal embrace. The positioning of the skeletons, with their arms and legs intertwined and their faces close together, suggested a profound bond between the two individuals. The skeletons were remarkably well-preserved, providing a rare opportunity for detailed study and analysis. Analyzing the Lover...

  Jeffrey Dahmer, infamously known as the Milwaukee Cannibal, was a serial killer who shocked the world with his gruesome crimes. Over a span of 13 years, Dahmer murdered and dismembered 17 males, committing acts of necrophilia and cannibalism with some of his victims' remains. His heinous acts, discovered after his arrest in 1991, revealed a horrifying glimpse into the mind of one of history's most notorious serial killers. Early Life and Descent into Darkness Jeffrey Dahmer was born on May 21, 1960, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. His childhood, though seemingly normal, was marred by neglect and isolation. As a teenager, Dahmer exhibited signs of troubling behavior, including a fascination with dead animals. This macabre interest foreshadowed his later atrocities. Dahmer's descent into darkness began in earnest in 1978, shortly after his parents' divorce. At 18, he committed his first murder, luring a hitchhiker named Steven Hicks to his home. Dahmer bludgeoned Hicks with a ...

In 2015, the world was once again reminded of the brutalities inflicted by ISIS when a man in Mosul, Iraq, was publicly executed by being thrown from a tall building. His crime, as alleged by the extremist group, was homosexuality. This tragic event not only highlighted the ruthless measures ISIS employed to enforce their strict interpretation of Islamic law but also brought into stark relief the group's campaign against what they termed "sexual deviance." The Rise of ISIS and the Reign of Terror The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) emerged from the chaos of the Syrian Civil War and the instability in Iraq following the U.S. invasion. By 2014, the group had captured significant territories in both countries, declaring a caliphate with its capital in Raqqa, Syria. Their rule was marked by extreme violence, oppressive governance, and a draconian interpretation of Sharia law. ISIS’s approach to governance was rooted in fear and terror. Public executions, amputations, a...