Monday 30 November 2015
Beautiful Images From Rare Books Of Science And Astronomy
If you're a big fan of old-timey science illustrations, then you're in for a big treat. Martin C. Gutzwiller of Yale University was a Swiss-American physicist best known for his work on chaotic systems in classical and quantum mechanics.
His books are about Ptolemaic and Copernican astronomy in the early modern era, as well as the historical development of celestian mechanics and related advances in both physics and math.
Even Santa Poops
What happens when all those milk and cookies catch up with Santa on his big night? He gets busted like never before.
YouTube link
(via Miss Cellania)
YouTube link
(via Miss Cellania)
The Polish Hand Magic Trick 'Revealed'
The Polish Hand Magic trick is an annoying little brain teaser that somehow works, although it looks like it shouldn't. Not only that, but the algebraic proof is totally unsatisfactory, in that it doesn't offer any insight into the mechanics of the trick.
YouTube link
(thanks Bogdan)
YouTube link
(thanks Bogdan)
A Crash Course On Iconic Helmets
Builders, cyclists, police officers, superheroes, Sith Lords, they all love a good helmet. Not only do they provide a solid protection, but they can also look totally badass too, which is surely the perfect combination.
MorphCostumes decided to recreate the most iconic helmets for your visual enjoyment; from Darth Vader to Daft Punk they picked their favourites from the world of film, comics, music and games.
The Scale Lane Bridge In Hull
The Scale Lane Bridge is an innovative pedestrian swing bridge located in the city of Hull, England, that offers pedestrians the unique experience of riding on the bridge while it's still moving.
The bridge is shaped like a giant apostrophe sweeping across River Hill from west to east connecting Hull's Old Town to the undeveloped industrial land on the east bank. Opened in 2013, the Scale Lane Bridge is designed to be the first stage of a wider masterplan that will unlock the potential of the riverside to promote wider regeneration and increase the use of the river frontage.
Sunday 29 November 2015
A Bridge For Santa
Wow yourself with the Christmas story of Coca-Cola and discover how the love of a father for his son rescued the Christmas magic and changed the lives of an entire city.
YouTube link
(thanks Cora)
YouTube link
(thanks Cora)
The IKEA Dictionary
Part of what makes IKEA unique is their product names. Each name means something, often in a funny or ambigious way. When IKEA went international, they decided to use the same Swedish names everywhere. This makes sense from an organizational sanity standpoint, but it deprives most of the world of this particular joy.
Until now! Here's the IKEA Dictionary.
13th Century Kelburn Castle Covered With Colorful Graffiti
Who said castles need to be somber colored stone buildings with grey and brown exterior? Ask the Earl of Glasgow, who had his castle transformed into the brightest in all of Scotland.
The Kelburn Castle, 35 miles west of Glasgow, has been the family home of the Boyles since its construction in the 13th century, making the castle the oldest in Scotland to have been continuously inhabited by the same family.
Safari South Africa
Tyler Fairbank went on safari in South Africa, took thousands of photos each day and made this time-lapse film.
Vimeo link
(thanks Cora)
Vimeo link
(thanks Cora)
There's A Lot Of Confusion About Eating Fat. Here's What Scientists Agree On
Media coverage of dietary fat has been confusing and contradictory over the years, as you can see in this graphic of Time magazine covers.
Egypt '90% Sure' There Are Hidden Chambers In King Tutankhamun's Tomb
Egyptian researchers have said there is a 90% chance that hidden chambers will be found within King Tutankhamun's tomb. The discovery of a new chamber could shine fresh light on one of ancient Egypt's most turbulent times, and one prominent researcher has theorised that the remains of Queen Nefertiti might be inside.
British Egyptologist Nicholas Reeves theorises that Tutankhamun, who died at the age of 19, may have been rushed into an outer chamber of what was originally Nefertiti's tomb.
Saturday 28 November 2015
15 Turkey Facts That Will Make You Sound Smart This Thanksgiving
Did you know that male turkeys are the only ones that gobble. Fittingly, a male turkey is called a gobbler, female turkeys are called hens. Or that a group of turkeys can be referred to as a rafter.
15 Turkey Facts That Will Make You Sound Smart This Thanksgiving.
The Hardest 'Would You Rather' Quiz
Asylum Aid is an independent, national charity working to secure protection for people seeking refuge in the UK from persecution and human rights abuses abroad. They provide free legal advice and representation to the most vulnerable and excluded asylum seekers, and lobby and campaign for an asylum system based on inviolable human rights principles.
Asylum Aid have just released the hardest 'Would You Rather' quiz in the world which aims to get people to consider real life situations refugees face. Take the quiz and see how you can help.
(thanks Lee)
European Bike Stealing Championships 2015
In Europe, bike thieves are a pain in the neck. So online magazine We Love Cycling took a bait bike along with the camera crew to Amsterdam, Rome and Prague to find out which city is the worst.
And what happened after someone finally plucked up the courage to steal the bike? You better watch the whole video to see the show. They never saw it coming.
YouTube link
More info at We Love Cycling.
(thanks Cora)
And what happened after someone finally plucked up the courage to steal the bike? You better watch the whole video to see the show. They never saw it coming.
YouTube link
More info at We Love Cycling.
(thanks Cora)
Top 30 Best New Movies Of 2016
Shooting's underway so let's explore what are likely to be the best new movies 2016 has to offer. We've got Spielberg, Scorsese, Coen bros, Warcraft, Ghostbusters, Harry Potter universe and the biggest ever superhero scrap.
(thanks Sheridan)
Data-Mined Photos Document 100 Years Of (Forced) Smiling
Turn-of-the-century photographers used to tell subjects to say 'prunes' rather than 'cheese,' so that they would smile less. By studying nearly 38,000 high-school yearbook photos taken since 1905, UC Berkeley researchers have shown just how much smiling, fashion and hairstyles have changed over the years.
The goal was not just to track trends, but figure out how to apply modern data-mining techniques and machine learning to a much older medium: photographs. Their research could advance deep-learning algorithms for dating historical photos and help historians study how social norms change over time.
Friday 27 November 2015
Eat, Fry, Love: A Cautionary Remix
State Farm worked with John Boswell, aka melodysheep on YouTube, to auto-tune the William Shatner turkey fryer video called 'Eat, Fry, Love: A Cautionary Remix.'
YouTube link
YouTube link
Bizarre Concept Cars You Never Even Knew Existed
Every year, automakers redesign their car models and create new ones to keep up with the current style and technologies. Some of these concept cars are also made to test out new features and technologies and end up looking crazy bizarre.
Most of them never end up being mass produced, but they definitely do look cool. Here are some of these out-of-the-ordinary car designs to take a peek at and find out what the future of the car industry might look like.
Windows Turns 30: A Visual History
The PC revolution started off life 30 years ago. Microsoft launched its first version of Windows on November 20th, 1985, to succeed MS-DOS. It was a huge milestone that paved the way for the modern versions of Windows we use today.
While Windows 10 doesn't look anything like Windows 1.0, it still has many of its original fundamentals like scroll bars, drop-down menus, icons, dialog boxes, and apps like Notepad and MS paint.
Introducing The Privi-Pee
Men: we've all been in that situation where you're out having a drink and you need to pop to the toilet. The worst thing is walking through that door only to be confronted by a busy urinal space. What do you do? Do you stand shoulder to shoulder with the man next to you?
Introducing the Privi-Pee, an ingenious solution to make urinal 'stage fright' a thing of the past. The Privi-Pee is a cape that you can wear when you enter a public bathroom. It's designed to help you cover your modesty and let you pee without worry.
(thanks James)
100% Possible
On November 30th our leaders will meet for COP21, the world's biggest climate summit. It's time to show anything is possible when we come together - including a world powered by 100% clean, safe, renewable energy.
YouTube link
(thanks Mike)
YouTube link
(thanks Mike)
10 Planets That Could Potentially Sustain Life
In order for a planet to be habitable or hospitable for life, it needs to meet certain criteria. They have to be the right distance from a star, they have to be big enough to have a molten center, and the planet needs to have rock.
Exoplanets, which are planets outside of our solar system, may not only support life other than our own, but we could also consider these as oases in the universe in case we are ever forced to leave Earth. As of right now, obviously there is no way we can travel to these planets, but with changes in space travel and space colonies, we may get there one day.
Does Eating Turkey Really Make You Sleepy?
Thanksgiving Day. You pile your plates with turkey, dressing, two kinds of potatoes, cranberries and dig in. Second helpings? Of course! An hour later, after plenty of food and conversation, you push back and notice you've become very, very sleepy. You think, 'I’m sleepy because turkey is high in tryptophan.'
Is this true? Or is it a myth? Find out.
Thursday 26 November 2015
Logs To Lumber - An Aerial Journey Through The Sawmill
Unmanned aerial vehicle footage takes you up close and personal through the complete sawmilling process used at the Colville mill in Washington, USA.
YouTube link
(thanks Cora)
YouTube link
(thanks Cora)
10 Ways Criminals Use The Internet For Organised Crime
The internet and especially social media have had an unprecedented impact on almost all areas of life. From how we get directions to how we shop, our everyday lives have become dependent on the internet.
But at the same time as we're doing our holiday shopping or looking at cat pictures, it's easy to overlook just how dark some corners of the online realm can be. Organized crime has set up shop there, too, and their influence over social media and the web is as bizarre as it is sinister.
(via Miss Cellania)
The Secret Life Of Pets - The Holiday Greeting
For their fifth fully-animated feature-film collaboration, Illumination Entertainment and Universal Pictures present The Secret Life of Pets, a comedy about the lives our pets lead after we leave for work or school each day.
YouTube link
(via Laughing Squid)
YouTube link
(via Laughing Squid)
Sheldon Cooper Presents Fun With Flags
The people at UK Feather Flags are big fans of the TV show The Big Bang Theory and in particular Sheldon Cooper. They have put together a blog post showing all of the episodes of his video podcast Fun With Flags.
Guests on Fun with Flags have included Amy, who initially co-hosted the vodcast with Sheldon and later directed it, Penny, Wil Wheaton, LeVar Burton and Barry Kripke.
How To Tell If You've Been Abducted By Aliens
Believe it or not, there is a support group called Abduct Anon for people who believe they've been kidnapped by extraterrestrials. Are you about to be abducted by aliens and subjected to medical experiments?
Or has it happened already? Here are some signs that Abduct Anon and other UFO groups say you should be on the watch for.
What Is Li-Fi?
Imagine a world where every one of the billions of lightbulbs in use today is a wireless hotspot delivering connectivity at speeds that can only be dreamed of with Wi-Fi. Li-Fi deliver speeds 100 times faster than current Wi-Fi technology in actual tests.
An Estonian startup called Velmenni used a Li-Fi-enabled lightbulb to transmit data at speeds as fast as 1 gigabit per second, meaning a high-definition film could be downloaded within seconds. So, just what is Li-Fi and how does it work.
Wednesday 25 November 2015
Just You And Your Cat
Nestle Japan is now offering a catering service to prepare food for you and your cat. A professional chef will come to your home and cook for you and your feline friend.
YouTube link
(thanks Cora)
YouTube link
(thanks Cora)
The Telharmonium Was The Spotify Of 1906
The Telharmonium was an early electronic organ, developed by Thaddeus Cahill in 1897. The electrical signal from the Telharmonium was transmitted over wires; it was heard on the receiving end by means of 'horn' speakers.
10 Interesting Facts About The Placebo Effect
The placebo effect happens when someone is given a pill, a shot, or some other form of treatment, and are told it will help with their ailments. They feel better, but it's just their mind and body healing itself because the treatment is essentially fake.
Researchers are very interested as to why the placebo effect works, because understanding it will help with patient care and decrease the amount of drugs that need to be prescribed.
(via Neatorama)
The Cigar Connoisseur
A New York man explaining why he smokes cigars and what he enjoys most about them.
Vimeo link
(thanks Cora)
Vimeo link
(thanks Cora)
15 People Who Started Their Own Micronations
A micronation is a piece of land which claims to be a sovereign state - but isn't. By the most bare-bones definition, this means all you have to do to create one is declare that you've done so.
Some micronations are serious attempts driven by political ideology, while others are more like practical jokes. By some accounts, over 400 currently active micronations now exist. Here are 15 of the most interesting from the past few decades.
There's A Good Reason Why The Next Generation Of Robots Will Look Like Animals
Biomimetics. That's the field dedicated to imitating aspects of nature to better understand, and potentially solve, complex human issues. It's the reason why so many engineers and researchers are creating robot models of animals.
Robotic animals can help researchers better understand locomotion, evolution, and simply how certain animals accomplish the amazingly unique tasks that they do. But they can also have tangible applications, from scouting for danger for the marines to aiding in search and rescue missions.
Tuesday 24 November 2015
The Inventor Of A Green Dye That May Have Killed Napoleon
If anyone tells you that all you need to do to succeed is work hard, just mention Carl Wilhelm Scheele. They'll say, 'Who?' And your point will be proved. This may be the most accomplished chemist never to get credit for anything - except possibly accidentally killing Napoleon.
Google Honors Lucy The Australopithecus With A Doodle
Lucy is the common name of AL 288-1, several hundred pieces of bone fossils representing 40% of the skeleton of a female of the hominin species Australopithecus afarensis. November 24 is the 41st anniversary of the discovery of 'Lucy' who lived in Ethiopia 3.2 million years ago.
In Defense Of The Cassowary, The Maligned Killer Of The Bird World
Do a quick search of 'cassowary' and you will find that almost everything written about Australia's heaviest bird has to do with its reputation as a killer of men. In the annals of birds that are thought to be a dangerous threat to humans, cassowaries may just be king.
And given that cassowaries are the third largest bird species on the planet, looking like some sort of prehistoric holdover, it's no wonder they are so often painted as avian monsters.
Crazy Synthesizer Demo
Meet the Collidoscope, a prototype double granular synthesiser by researchers Fiore Martin and Ben Bengler. This hybrid keyboard is a combination between a sampler and a supercollider synth engine, designed to be played by two performers at the same time.
YouTube link
YouTube link
Historical Sites Throughout Jordan In Google Street View
You can now explore more than 30 historical sites throughout Jordan in Google Street View. People all over the world now have a window into this kingdom in the heart of the Middle East.
Throughout the ages, ancient civilizations have left their footprints in Jordan. Reminders of the Silk Road which linked the regions of the world in commerce. Ancient cities, such as the Romans' Jerash and the Nabateans' Petra and significant religious sites like Mount Nebo and the River Jordan.
(thanks Cora)
Science Says Dancing Is Good For You
Anyone taking part in any kind of dance can reap a whole range of rewards. Dancers and teachers from the passionate and committed world of community dance have long known about the benefits of dance, but now there's the research evidence to back this up.
Studies have started to emerge on the positive impacts community dance activity can have on different populations, across a range of issues. They show that whether you're young, older or disabled, dancing can be good for you.
Monday 23 November 2015
Wing Walkers
It was not long after the Wright Brothers' historic first flight that people began attempting death-defying stunts on airplanes.
Starting in airshows and barnstorming during the 1920s, wing walking is the act of moving on the wings of an airplane during flight.
Mind-Blowing Facts About Octopuses
With their eight arms and giant egg-shaped head, octopuses are one of the most alien-looking creatures on the planet. Yet scientists have an extremely difficult time studying them in the wild because these highly intelligent invertebrates are the ultimate masters of disguise.
In her book, 'Octopus!' Katherine Harmon Courage travels the globe to swim, observe, and even taste some of the many octopuses of the world. Here are 30 mind-blowing facts she learned about this squishy predator of the sea along her epic journey.
Why Being A Bell-Ringer During The Middle Ages Was One Of The Worst Jobs In History
A bell-ringer is a person who rings, tolls or peals a large bell, usually a church bell, by tugging on a long rope. In the Middle Ages, it was believed that the sound of a bell could disperse thunder. A large number of bell-ringers were electrocuted as a result.
In France between the years 1753 and 1786, 103 bell-ringers were killed during thunderstorms as a result of holding on to wet bell ropes. The Parlement of Paris enforced an edict in 1786 to prohibit the practice. Deaths likely continued until the 19th century, when the lightning rod came into general use.
(via Everlasting Blort)
Morgan's Story
St George Community Housing in New South Wales, Australia, has provided homes and social and economic opportunities to the vulnerable and low income people for 30 years. This film features the true story of Morgan, who with the help of SGCH rose above a troubled upbringing.
Vimeo link
(thanks Stefan)
Vimeo link
(thanks Stefan)
Why Are Autumn Leaves Mostly Yellow In Europe And Red In North America?
The colour of a European wood in autumn is predominantly yellow. There are relatively few European trees which have red leaves in autumn. Evolutionary biologists have long pondered the phenomenon of the changing colours of autumn leaves.
It's possible that the red pigments are manufactured in the leaf as a side-effect of something else that's happening at this time. But it could also be that the red pigment is somehow adaptive: that red autumn leaves are a product of natural selection, because they perform a function which offers some advantage to the tree.
Along The River During The Qingming Festival
People lined up to wait for six hours to see one of China's most famous artworks, an exquisite 12th century scroll painting depicting the Song Dynasty capital of Haifeng during the festival of Qingming.
The painting, titled 'Along the River during the Qingming Festival,' has been copied several times, but the original is rarely displayed because it is so fragile. Zhang Zeduan (1085-1145) painted the scroll. It measures 24.8 centimeters high (9.76 inches) by 5.29 meters long (208 inches).
Sunday 22 November 2015
Blindfolded Muslim Man Asks People To Embrace Him
A blindfolded muslim man stands at the Place de la Republique in Paris. In front of him are two signs. One reads: I'm a Muslim, but I'm told that I'm a terrorist. The other says: I trust you, do you trust me? If yes, hug me.
One by one, all kinds of people - some in tears - walk up to the blindfolded man and embrace him. He says: A terrorist is a terrorist, someone willing to kill another human being over nothing. A Muslim would never do that. Our religion forbids it.
YouTube link
One by one, all kinds of people - some in tears - walk up to the blindfolded man and embrace him. He says: A terrorist is a terrorist, someone willing to kill another human being over nothing. A Muslim would never do that. Our religion forbids it.
YouTube link
How Is It Possible That Galaxies Are Moving Away From Us Faster Than The Speed Of Light?
According to Albert Einstein, the speed of light is an absolute constant beyond which nothing can move faster. So, how can galaxies be traveling faster than the speed of light if nothing is supposed to be able to break this cosmic speed limit?
Meet The Queen's Beasts
British heraldry has a long tradition of using animals in its imagery. On the grounds of Queen Elizabeth II's favorite residence, Windsor Castle, is St. George's Chapel, and on the roof of the chapel are 76 heraldic statues representing the Queen's (or King's) Beasts.
The original statues dated back to the 16th century but were removed in 1682. They were finally restored in 1925. The statues represent 14 of the heraldic animals of England, both real and mythical.
Mezcaliente
In the middle of the Mexican desert, two desperados fall to the charms of a young barmaid, and use their skills in order to seduce her.
YouTube link
(thanks Cora)
YouTube link
(thanks Cora)
The Science Of Smiling
When we are happy, our natural response is to smile. But if you flip that around, does the reverse hold true? When we smile, is our natural response then to be happy? Science says yes. In fact, even faking or forcing a smile reduces stress and makes you happier.
Rare Sighting Of A 'Blue Dragon' Spotted On The Shores Of Australia
Depending on your tastes, this bizarre little blue creature may inspire either aww-worthy shrieks of excitement or a bit of discomforted shock. Meet the blue dragon, one of the weirdest and most wonderful little-known animals in the world.
The proper name of this mythical-looking creature is Glaucus atlanticus, or blue sea slug, and although it is much smaller than its fictional brethren of lore it has a host of nasty tricks up its sleeve - er wing?
(via Everlasting Blort)
Saturday 21 November 2015
Why Isn't It Faster To Fly West?
If the earth is spinning to the east at 1000 miles per hour... why can't we fly west more easily?
YouTube link
YouTube link
The Most Precarious Vehicle Bridge In The World
There are plenty of dangerous-looking vehicle bridges around the world, but few as adrenaline-inducing as Kuandinsky Bridge, in Russia's Trans-Baikal Region.
Stretching over the Vitim River, this precarious vehicle crossing is just over two meters wide and features no railing or other safety features to keep the cars from falling into the frozen water if anything should go wrong.
The Beached German Submarine U-118 At Hastings, England
In the morning of 15 April, 1919, the townsfolk of Hastings, in Sussex, on the south coast of England, woke up to an astonishing sight. A huge German U-boat had washed ashore right in front of the popular Queens Hotel.
The submarine SM U-118 was commissioned on 8 May 1918, and put into service in the eastern Atlantic. The SM U-118 scored its first hit on the British steamer Wellington after four months. Early the following month, U-118 sank its second and last ship, the British tanker Arca.
The Weird, Sketchy History Of Internet Cafes
Internet cafes started as coffee shops where you could check email. But over the years, people turned them into dens for sharing pirated music, hotspots for video game addiction, and even temporary housing.
The Most Bizarre Versions Of Stonehenge
The ancient and mysterious Stonehenge, in the plains of Salisbury in Wiltshire, England, is arguably one of the most famous monuments in the world, inspiring modern builders to erect replica monuments in hundreds of sites all over the world.
Some are derivatives of the original structure with the sculptor adding their own touch to the design. Some are permanent structures that have become attractions in their own right, others are temporary installation made during a festival. Here are some of the strangest imitations of England's famous Druidic circle.
Friday 20 November 2015
Color Footage Of Berlin In July 1945
Fascinating moving pictures in color show the situation in Berlin in summer 1945, just after the Second World War and the capitulation of Germany. Pictures from the destroyed city with the Reichstag, Brandenburger Tor, Unter den Linden, rubble women working in the streets, the tram is running again.
YouTube link
(thanks Cora)
YouTube link
(thanks Cora)
16th Century Prayer Nuts Reveal Incredibly Detailed Scenes
A prayer nut was an extravagant, intricately carved boxwood carving from the Middle Ages that could be carried and used for private devotion. Owned mainly by the wealthy in northern Europe, a prayer nut was as much a status symbol as a sign of faith, as only those with money could afford them.
Prayer nuts are small, measuring only a few inches in diameter. When closed, the object resembles an elaborately carved nut that could be worn on a belt or a rosary. Once opened, the interior reveals incredibly detailed, religious scenes.
(via MetaFilter)
The Long And Glorious History Of Cat Ladies
You've seen them on television. You might know one in real life. Perhaps you even aspire to be one. A cat lady is usually a single woman who owns many pet cats. The term is usually considered pejorative, though it is sometimes embraced. Cat ladies have been around since time immemorial. This is their story.
(via Nag on the Lake)
A World Of Exoplanet Discoveries
Twenty years ago this month, astronomers announced the discovery of 51 Pegasi b, the first confirmed planet orbiting a Sun-like star. The hellish gas giant orbits just beyond the searing heat of its parent star, and it opened astronomers' eyes to the astonishing range of alien worlds that exist throughout the Galaxy.
The tally of known extrasolar planets now stands at 1,978, with nearly 4,700 more candidates waiting to be confirmed. On November 29, exoplanet researchers will gather in Hawaii to review these extreme solar systems - and map out a path for the next two decades.
The Cache Machine
The Cache Machine is a kinetic sculpture that adds rhythm and irony to the tradition of hiding coins in a safe place. The machine comes to life when a coin is inserted. This coin travels along a mechanically generated transverse wave that is activated by a poetic system of cams and levers.
Vimeo link
(thanks Cora)
Vimeo link
(thanks Cora)
10 Ancient Textiles That Will Blow Your Mind
Textiles made of organic fibers are easily destroyed by the ravages of time. Insects, microorganisms, water, fire, and regular old wear-and-tear all destroy fabric, sometimes leaving behind only the most meager of scraps.
When it comes to archaeological textiles, only in exceptional circumstances can cloth beat time at its own game. Here are some textiles that laughed in the face of entropy.
Companion Pet Cats
Hasbro's 'Joy For All' Companion Pet cats are designed to bring comfort, companionship and fun for your elder loved ones. With realistic fur, purrs and meows - and sensors that respond to petting and hugs with familiar, cat-like actions - Companion Pets deliver a soothing, joyful experience that inspires smiles, laughter and fond memories for people of all ages.
Thursday 19 November 2015
The Original Names Of 10 Cartoon Characters
Like most kids, you probably grew up watching all the standard cartoon characters - Mickey Mouse, Tweety, and Betty Boop. But had different decisions been made, your Saturday mornings might have been occupied by Mortimer, Orson, and Nan instead.
Find out what 10 of your favorite cartoon characters were nearly named.
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