Raise your hand if you ever believed that Red Bull really does give you wings… My 6-year-old has asked me a few times why he doesn’t see people flying after they drink the energy drink. I’ve tried to explain that it’s not true. But my words are a fact he just refuses to accept. Much like a grown man did back in 2004.
New York resident Benjamin Careathers took Red Bull to court for false advertising. And ended up proving his point. The company agreed to a $13 million settlement, despite maintaining that Red Bull’s marketing has always been “witty, truthful and accurate.” A spokesperson claimed they only paid out to avoid the “unpredictability and high costs” of litigation.
The story is one of many random but interesting short tales you’ll find on the Ironwiill Instagram page. The bio states that it’s an elite page with the goal of helping you become the best version of yourself. And it must be doing something right because the account has clocked up more than 4 million followers since its launch.
Bored Panda has put together a list of their best posts and short stories. Grab a cup of coffee, or a Red Bull, and keep scrolling to take your mind off the day’s negative news.
#1
In 1987, Dr. Religa monitored his patient’s vitals following a grueling 23-hour heart transplant. At that time, the surgery was considered nearly impossible, but Dr. Religa took the risk—and the operation succeeded.
Remarkably, the patient, shown in the next image, lived for another 30 years and even outlived Dr. Religa himself.
Image credits: ironwiill
Reading these short stories won’t only teach you something you might not have known before. It could also help boost your well-being. Research has shown that there are endless benefits when it comes to reading for pleasure. And we’re not talking about scrolling through the negative and dreary day’s news headlines.
Reading for pleasure boosts academic achievement, and provides a foundation for critical, digital and information literacy, notes New Zealand’s National Library site. It also builds cognitive function and stamina, and helps develop empathy and knowledge — of self, other worlds, culture, heritage, and ways of being and thinking.
The Library adds that it empowers people to become active citizens, improves and builds psychological wellbeing and healthy behaviours, and can be relaxing and provide an escape.
#2
In 2011, a Nebraska man, David, sought to buy back an 80 acre portion of his family farm that had been separated and passed down to a distant relative.
When the land went up for auction, David and his father were prepared but unsure. Upon placing their bid, an unexpected show of solidarity unfolded: the other farmers present stayed silent, allowing David to win the auction and reunite his family’s land. This profound gesture of respect highlighted the strength of community support in rural areas.
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#3
Disneyland’s first-ever customer on its opening day, July 17, 1955, was a 22-year-old college student named David MacPherson from Long Beach, California. 🎟️🎡
Arriving at the park at around 2:00 a.m. to secure his place in line, MacPherson bought ticket number 2, with the first ticket reserved for Walt Disney himself. He remembered riding the Jungle Cruise and Peter Pan Flight attractions and witnessing the opening day’s chaos and crowds.
Later in life, MacPherson became a successful attorney in Southern California and remained a devoted Disneyland fan, regularly using his lifetime pass to visit. Dave attended the park with friends and family every year until his passing in 2018. His legacy lives on as the person who kickstarted the magic at „the Happiest Place on Earth.“
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“Reading for pleasure counts as learning,” says Sue McDowall, a senior researcher at the New Zealand Council for Educational Research. “There’s so much research that shows children who read for pleasure have all sorts of better life outcomes including achievement.”
Reading strengthens your brain. Several parts of the brain are working when you’re reading, and over time, it may change your brain structure. “One 2020 study found that increased gray matter in the part of the brain called the left superior temporal cortex was associated with better reading performance in children. Gray matter plays a role in cognitive function,” reports Healthline.
#4
Jeff Permar, a gardener in Delaware, noticed someone was stealing his vegetables in 2019. To identify the culprit, he set up a camera and discovered a groundhog eating his crops. Amused by the footage, he decided to coexist with the groundhog, naming him “Chunk.”
Jeff began sharing his vegetables with Chunk, who was later joined by a mate, Nibbles. Their family eventually grew to include Nugget, Chip, and Chibbles.
Jeff carefully observed the family’s social dynamics, noting Chunk’s leadership and later the rise of Chunk Jr. He even cared for Snacks, a groundhog with dental issues. Over time, Jeff’s garden became a shared space for both man and groundhog.
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#5
A baby girl named Alba was left by her mother at birth, rejected by her father, and turned down by 20 potential adoptive families.
But everything changed when Luca Trapanese, a single man from Italy, took her into his arms and chose to give her a loving home. He stepped forward to adopt Alba after hearing that no one else was willing to.
“Since I was 14, I’ve been volunteering and working with people with disabilities, so I felt I had the right background and experience to take this step,” he shared.
Today, Alba is growing up surrounded by love, showing the world that true family is built on care and commitment—not just biology.
Image credits: ironwiill
#6
“The Boss,” an extraordinary 600-pound bear in Banff National Park, Canada, surviving a train collision and dominating as the largest and oldest resident.
Nicknamed for good reason, The Boss fathered an impressive 70% of the area’s cubs, establishing his reign atop the local food chain.
This behemoth even cannibalizes other grizzly bears, showcasing unparalleled resilience in the wild.
Despite a run-in with a train, The Boss remains an awe-inspiring force in Banff National Park, embodying the epitome of bear toughness.
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Reading also builds vocabulary. Researchers have found that reading comprehension and vocabulary knowledge are related, notes Healthline. “A student with greater reading comprehension is more likely to have a larger vocabulary, and vice-versa,” reads the site. And the benefits of having a large vocabulary can influence how well you do in certain tests, college admissions and job opportunities.
#7
The St. Joseph of Arimathea Pallbearer Ministry at the University of Detroit Jesuit High School and Academy is a student-led initiative that provides pallbearer services for homeless individuals, military veterans, and others who have no one to honor them at their funerals.
Established in 2015, the program aligns with the school’s motto, “Men for Others,” and is inspired by a similar ministry at St. Ignatius High School in Cleveland.
Students involved in the ministry undergo training to serve as pallbearers, learning about funeral procedures and the importance of dignity in death. Before each funeral, they gather to pray and, when possible, learn about the deceased. After the service, they reflect on their experience, often expressing a deepened sense of empathy and community responsibility.
The ministry not only honors those who might otherwise be forgotten but also profoundly impacts the students, fostering a commitment to service and compassion. Many alumni continue to engage in community service, inspired by their experiences in the program.
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#8
When eight-year-old Bryson Kliemann’s puppy, Bruce, was diagnosed with parvovirus, he set up a stand to sell his cherished Pokémon cards, hoping to cover the costly vet bills.
His mother shared the story online, and it quickly spread, sparking community and online support. Through donations and a GoFundMe page, Bryson raised more than $19,500—well above the initial goal. Pokémon even sent him a package of collectible cards to thank him for his generosity.
With the funds, Bruce received life-saving treatment, and Bryson’s family plans to donate the surplus to help other pet owners with veterinary costs, allowing Bryson’s kindness to benefit even more pets.
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Even if you’re not up for reading an entire book, these short positive stories also have benefits. “Good news triggers dopamine release, a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of pleasure and reward,” explains the Insight Mental (IM) Wellness site.
“When we read about very inspiring achievements, uplifting, very good stories, or tales of resilience, our brain interprets this as a rewarding experience, boosting mood and motivation.”
#9
A man sued Red Bull for “false advertising,” claiming the drink didn’t enhance performance more than a regular cup of coffee.
The lawsuit argued that its marketing, including the famous slogan “Red Bull gives you wings,” was misleading.
In 2014, the company settled for $13 million, offering $10 or free Red Bull products to eligible customers—without admitting wrongdoing.
Image credits: ironwiill
#10
A pilot captured an incredible photo of a thunderstorm from 37,000 feet in the air while flying over the Pacific Ocean!
The photographer, Santiago Borja, shared the story behind the shot, explaining that it was difficult to capture due to the speed of the lightning and reflections from inside the plane.
Borja, who calls flying and photography his two greatest passions, was able to get the shot using a Nikon D750 and has more of his photos available on his website and Instagram.
Image credits: ironwiill
You might also find that you’re a little less stressed once you’re done scrolling through this list. That’s because exposure to stress-inducing news (like the many headlines flooding our social media feeds and the stories broadcast on television news bulletins) elevates cortisol levels, leading to fatigue, irritability, and long-term health problems. “Good news counterbalances by reducing cortisol levels, calming the mind, and restoring emotional balance,” explains the IM site.
#11
Researchers at Italy’s National Research Council have, for the first time, transformed light into a solid state, which is a groundbreaking advancement in quantum physics.
This achievement reveals a unique form of matter that behaves both as a rigid structure and with fluidity, enriching our understanding of exotic quantum states.
Building on earlier experiments that demonstrated light’s fluid behavior, the team’s latest work culminates in the creation of a quantum supersolid, a state previously thought to exist only at ultralow temperatures.
Image credits: ironwiill
#12
In the early morning, Riste Trajkovski, the beloved zookeeper of giraffes, passed away. A few hours later, Flopi, the giraffe under his care for 12 years, also departed.
Their bond made them favorites among zoo visitors.
Image credits: ironwiill
These positive short stories can also act as emotional “buffer zones.” They soften the blow of the negative stuff happening around us. “When exposed to very uplifting content, it becomes easier to cope with challenges in our lives,” the folk at IM say. “Good news reminds us of the potential for positive change, reinforcing resilience in adversity.”
#13
Kade Lovell, a 9-year-old from Minnesota, was supposed to run a 5K race, but after taking a wrong turn on the course, he accidentally ended up in the 10K event. Surprisingly, that didn’t slow him down — he finished the longer race in just over 48 minutes, beating the second-place runner by nearly a full minute.
Kade has been running since he was just 18 months old, but he hadn’t planned on competing in a 10K. His unexpected victory has made waves in the running community and earned him recognition as a rising young talent.
Image credits: ironwiill
#14
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#15
Italian police used a specially adapted Lamborghini Huracán to deliver two donor kidneys across hundreds of kilometers.
The organs were transported from Padua to hospitals in Modena and Rome, ensuring life-saving transplants.
The Huracán, gifted to police in 2017, has a top speed of 300 km/h and is used for emergency medical transport.
Image credits: ironwiill
#16
This loving husband spent two years of hard work to make his wife happy.
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#17
At the time the 9-year-old Mexican girl named Adhara Pérez Sánchez is bullied by her classmates for her autism and labeled a “weirdo”. Despite the haters Adhara is making quite the name for herself in the academic space after achieving an impressive IQ score of 162 (higher than Albert Einstein and Stephen Hawking).
The high-achieving now 12-year-old has already graduated high school and is currently working towards degrees in systems engineering and mathematics. Pérez aspires to become an astronaut some day and travel to Mars.
Image credits: ironwiill
#18
Sandra Venegas captured this poignant moment of her father just before his final hospital moments. Despite knowing he was headed to the emergency room, he packed his laptop and charger, showing his dedication as a teacher.
Tragically, he passed away the next day.
In a heartfelt post, Sandra acknowledges the often-unrecognized efforts of teachers, even amidst a pandemic and personal health struggles, emphasizing their unwavering commitment.
Image credits: ironwiill
#19
The gravitational pull of the Moon plays a crucial role in creating the tidal phenomenon, where oceans bulge towards and away from the Moon, causing high and low tides worldwide. 🌙 🌊
Additionally, this gravitational influence stabilizes Earth’s climate by moderating its axial wobble, ensuring a relatively consistent climate over extended periods.
Thus, the Moon’s gravitational forces not only shape oceanic patterns but also contribute to maintaining Earth’s climatic stability.
Image credits: ironwiill
#20
An Australian retired couple, Marty and Jess Ansen, has garnered international attention for their remarkable journey, spending nearly 500 days at sea on 51 consecutive cruises aboard the Coral Princess. 🛳️
They outdid many crew members in time spent onboard. Marty and Jess, seasoned sailors before the pandemic, returned to the high seas after Australia’s lockdown lifted. They find cruising cost-effective and prefer it to retirement homes.
This trend of retiring at sea has gained traction due to rising living costs and the accessibility of budget travel. Some retirees are selling their homes to embrace a permanent life at sea, mirroring stories of others who have gone viral for similar choices.
Would you consider doing this?!
Image credits: ironwiill
#21
A man asked ChatGPT, «If you were evil and wanted to destroy America, how would you do it?» Here’s what it answered:
«If I wanted to destroy America:
1. Divide society. Encourage division across political, racial, and ideological lines, amplifying conflicts that create distrust and weaken national unity.
2. Weaken education. Gradually lower standards and shift focus away from critical thinking, creating a population that’s more easily influenced and less informed.
3. Damage public health. Promote widespread use of unhealthy foods, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals, leading to chronic illness and dependency.
4. Break community bonds. Undermine family and community structures by fostering isolation and individualism over collective support.
5. Control the narrative. Limit free speech and censor alternative viewpoints, creating a culture where people fear speaking openly. This would erode resilience, leaving the nation open to influence and control»
What’s your opinion on this response? What else would you add?
Image credits: ironwiill
#22
In the Polish town of Suoszowa, all 6,000 residents live on the same street, creating a unique single-lane layout that stretches for over nine kilometers!
Locals are said to cherish the charm and atmosphere of their one-of-a-kind town, potentially giving it an endearing sense of community.
Image credits: ironwiill
#23
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#24
An 86-year-old Australian man named James Harrison, better known as the «Man With the Golden Arm,» has donated blood nearly every week for 60 years!
Harrison’s blood contains unique antibodies called Anti-D, which helps fight against a condition called rhesus disease that can harm unborn babies. His donations have saved the lives of more than 2.4 million Australian babies, and he is considered a national hero in Australia!
Image credits: ironwiill
#25
Joe Whale, known as “Doodle Boy,” went from getting in trouble for doodling in class to becoming a successful artist!
Recognizing his talent, his parents sent him to an after-school art club. Now, he’s worked with Nike, illustrated children’s books, and even documented a royal tour for Prince William and Kate.
A true example of how passion and dedication can turn dreams into reality!
Image credits: ironwiill
#26
Kevin Ford, 54, is set to receive over $400,000 for his retirement.
This is in recognition of his services as an employee of Burger King, where he works in Las Vegas, Nevada.
In 2022, a video of Mr Ford went viral, showing him opening a gift bag as a reward for never missing a single day of work in 27 years.
Thousands of Americans were touched by the clip and believed he deserved something more substantial.
Following this, a GoFundMe campaign was launched in his honour.
His daughter, Seryna, initially set up the fundraiser to help pay for her father to visit his grandchildren in Texas.
Originally aiming for just a couple of hundred dollars, the campaign quickly surpassed $400,000. (Express)
Image credits: ironwiill
#27
On August 21, 2022, a delivery to Mount Fuji’s summit showcased an employee’s remarkable dedication to fulfilling an unconventional order.
According to news reports, the dedicated worker went all the way by traversing up the mountain for close to six hours (starting at the store), before he delivered the pizza pie and collected his payment of JPY3,776 (US$27.50), which was pretty cheap considering the herculean task he had to do.
Image credits: ironwiill
#28
The legendary character Super Mario was affectionately named after real-life entrepreneur Mario Segale, who leased a warehouse to Nintendo during the company’s formative years!
Following a rent-related setback, Segale granted Nintendo extra time to meet their financial obligations instead of resorting to eviction. In a gesture of gratitude, Nintendo’s developers paid homage by immortalizing him in the nomenclature of one of the most iconic figures in video game history.
Image credits: ironwiill
#29
Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia, a symbol of the city’s rich artistic legacy, is set to be completed in 2026 after more than 140 years of construction.
The basilica, designed by Antoni Gaudí, began its work in the late 19th century and has overcome multiple historical challenges, including funding issues and disruptions during the Spanish Civil War.
Modern engineering techniques have accelerated progress on the final six towers, with the spire poised to become the tallest in the world upon completion.
Image credits: ironwiill
#30
Every year, a Magellanic penguin named Dindim swims 5,000 miles to visit Joao Pereira de Souza, the man who saved his life.
Joao found Dindim covered in oil and near death in 2011 but nursed him back to health in his island village just outside Rio de Janeiro, creating an inseparable bond.
Dindim spends eight months of the year with Joao, and it is believed that he spends the rest of the time breeding off the coast of Argentina and Chile.
Image credits: ironwiill
#31
A group of six teenagers were discovered living on a South Pacific Island, named Ata 🏝️
The man who found them, an Australian adventurer by the name of Peter Warner, was shocked to learn that they’d gone missing 15 months earlier, 1966.
Image credits: ironwiill
#32
A resilient husband’s search to find the remains of his missing wife following the catastrophic 2011 tsunami in Japan.
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#33
The beautiful moment a horse is released to an open field of grass for the first time in 2 years.
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#34
A photographer captures a rare and serene moment of an elephant herd peacefully napping.
In the wild, elephants usually sleep standing up but sometimes lie down for deeper rest, which is crucial for their well-being.
Image credits: ironwiill
#35
Bunny, a disabled dog, received a custom Mercedes-Benz wheelchair designed to enhance her mobility and elevate her adoption prospects.
Multiple organizations collaborated to deliver this solution, which was Bunny’s inaugural experience on wheels!
Image credits: ironwiill
#36
A teacher in Ghana once taught Microsoft Word to students without a computer, determined to bring them digital knowledge despite limited resources.
Facing the challenge of a lack of working computers, Richard Appiah Akoto illustrated digital concepts with chalk drawings in his classroom. He gained worldwide recognition after being invited to the 2018 Microsoft Educator Exchange in Singapore, where fellow educators applauded his creativity and resilience.
With the assistance of organisations like Microsoft, the Sekyedomase village now has two computer centres available for the community.
Image credits: ironwiill
#37
In Japan, a centuries-old tradition called mukoyoshi (literally, “adopted son-in-law”) allows families to adopt adult men, usually in their 20s or 30s, to take over family businesses. Some of Japan’s biggest companies, including Suzuki, Toyota and Kikkoman, have been passed down this way.
One of the most famous mukoyoshi cases is Osamu Suzuki, the former chairman of Suzuki Motor Corporation.
He wasn’t born into the Suzuki family — but as the fourth adopted son-in-law to lead the company, he helped turn it into a global powerhouse, especially in emerging markets like India. Without mukoyöshi, Suzuki Motor Corporation might not be the giant it is today.
Image credits: ironwiill
#38
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#39
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#40
5-year-old boy named Michael invited his whole kindergarten class to watch his adoption and they all showed up for him. 🥹❤️
Michael invited his teachers and classmates because he wanted his whole family there on his special day, as said by his teacher Ms. Allen.
Almost two dozen kindergartners testified to express their admiration for Michael and they all celebrated once the court process was completed.
Image credits: ironwiill
#41
The Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit stealth bomber’s flying wing design resembles that of a falcon, known for its aerodynamic efficiency.
This similarity helps reduce radar detection and improve flight performance for long-range missions.
Image credits: ironwiill
#42
n 1945, as World War II came to an end, a mother experienced an incredibly rare and moving moment—welcoming all eight of her sons home safely from military service. Their story stands as a testament to resilience, sacrifice, and the deep emotional power of reunion.
Image credits: ironwiill
#43
Flying over the Argentinian Pampas, you might spot a giant green guitar etched into the fields. ❤️🎸
This remarkable landscape feature, visible from space, was created by farmer Pedro Martin Ureta as a tribute to his late wife, Graciela Yraizoz.
In the 1970s, Graciela suggested shaping their fields into a guitar, reflecting her love for the instrument. Sadly, she passed away in 1977 before the idea was realized.
Heartbroken, Ureta began planting the guitar-shaped forest in 1979 with his four children, using over 7,000 trees. The cypress trees form the outline and star-shaped sound hole, while eucalyptus trees represent the strings.
Today, the guitar stretches two-thirds of a mile and serves as a powerful symbol of enduring love.
#44
A long-term Harvard study spanning over 85 years has revealed a compelling link between childhood chores and later professional success.
Researchers observed that children involved in household tasks develop a stronger sense of self-worth and empathy, key traits for career achievement.
These tasks instill a robust work ethic and the ability to function well in team settings. Also, a study published in the Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics found that children who start chores early exhibit higher levels of self-confidence and life satisfaction.
Image credits: ironwiill
#45
In 1992, longtime friends Tom Cook and Joseph Feeney made a handshake promise to share any lottery winnings they might secure.
28 years later, Cook purchased a $2 Powerball ticket at a Synergy Coop in Menomonie, Wisconsin, which resulted in a $22 million jackpot and led him to inform Feeney of their shared fortune. When Cook called to give Feeney the good news, the friend couldn’t believe it.
The pair opted for a cash payout of roughly $16.7 million, with each friend netting about $5.7 million after taxes to support a comfortable retirement, travel, and more family time. Cook retired after hitting the jackpot while Feeney was already retired. Neither has any extravagant plans for the winnings. The won with odds of 1 in 292 million.
Image credits: ironwiill
#46
When your boss rewards excellence with a supercar, you know you’re in the right place.
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#47
Brazil is forging ahead with an ambitious highway that cuts through eight miles of the Amazon rainforest to prepare for the upcoming climate summit in Belem.
This large-scale development hopes to welcome over 50,000 attendees, global leaders that will adress climate problems and foster lasting, eco-friendly solutions.
However, some locals are disheartened by the deforestation, fearing that it undermines the region’s natural treasures and their traditional livelihoods.
Image credits: ironwiill
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