The BBC has a very interesting in-depth look at new archaeological and other discoveries, suggesting the existence of what it calls a “first Viking Age” starting about 3,000 years ago in Norway. People who lived in Norway 3000 years ago were far less primitive than many have imagined. They were not hunters who still lived… Continue reading Did the Viking Age begin 2,000 years earlier than we thought?
Tag: Amazing
A 235-foot trailer, 14 feet wide, weighing 152 tons
A heavy hauling company was recently asked to deliver a mammoth toll bridge gantry in Florida. It was quite the effort! Here’s a video of the proceedings. I wonder how many cops and other specialist personnel were involved in that trip, from start to finish? I’m betting it ran well into double figures – and… Continue reading A 235-foot trailer, 14 feet wide, weighing 152 tons
Pinky swear?
This news report made me do a double-take. Shakespeare was right: There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, Than are dreamt of in your philosophy. Peter EDITED TO ADD: Overseas readers who may not understand the title of this post, see here.
A fascinating tale of obsession, teamwork and undersea exploration
The New Yorker has a very interesting (and very long) article about a man’s obsession with reaching the bottom of the deepest point in every ocean, and how he set about it. In the process, he built – as a private venture, using his own money – the only vessel in existence certified to dive… Continue reading A fascinating tale of obsession, teamwork and undersea exploration
OK, this is a weird one . . .
The BBC reports on a strange placebo effect in the world of sports that even the scientist investigating it can’t explain. The Pico Simón Bolívar is one of the highest mountains in Colombia. Near the top, there is only half as much oxygen as at sea level, a dizzying 5,500m (18,000 feet) below. The air… Continue reading OK, this is a weird one . . .
Dave Barry was right (again)
A few days ago, Dave Barry posted on his blog: IF YOU WATCH ONLY ONE VIDEO TODAY. OR, FRANKLY, EVER. It should be this. (Please explain, if you can, how the hell he did this.) After having watched the video, I think he may have a point. See for yourself. That’s mind-bogglingly clever! Peter
“Such high temperatures would completely melt an automobile in less than a minute”
That statement is from a report analyzing the destruction of Abu Hureyra, an early agricultural settlement in Syria, some 12,800 years ago. Abu Hureyra, it turns out, has another story to tell. Found among the cereals and grains and splashed on early building material and animal bones was meltglass, some features of which suggest it… Continue reading “Such high temperatures would completely melt an automobile in less than a minute”
Sunday morning music
One of the advantages of the so-called “digital age” is that it allows us to recreate sounds and sound effects that had long been lost to history. One can electronically alter what one hears so that it resembles sounds that were made long ago, but which can’t be accurately reproduced today for any number of… Continue reading Sunday morning music
OK, warbird fans, you can geek out now
A treasure trove of World War II-era aviation blueprints have been saved for posterity. Warbird Digest reports: AirCorps Aviation of Bemidji, Minnesota has just announced that they have acquired a massive trove of original manufacturing drawings for North American Aviation (NAA) covering types such as the P-51, T-6, B-25 and P-82. Ken Jungeberg was the… Continue reading OK, warbird fans, you can geek out now
Amazing critters
Earlier this month I posted a photograph of octopus eggs that fascinated me. In response, a reader sent me the link to this video report on the critters, which is even more interesting. I’ve seen many octopii in the wild, during my youth in South Africa, but I never knew all that about them. I’ll… Continue reading Amazing critters