Back in the golden era of space exploration – the 1960’s, NASA scientists were concerned with how astronauts would orient their bodies in space. This led to a watershed study at Stanford, featured in the International Journal of Solids and Structures, entitled “A Dynamical Explanation of the Falling Cat Phenomenon.” Partly funded byContinue reading “The Falling Cat Phenomenon: How NASA Trained Astronauts For Zero Gravity”
Category Archives: History
The Culinary and Poetic Legacy of Robert Burns in Scotland
Robert Burns is a cult figure amongst Scottish people for his celebrated poetry and folk songs from the 18th Century. He used to write in the Scots language and also English with Scots dialect. Auld Lang Syne by Robert Burns has travelled far beyond Scotland, to become a universal song for New Year’s Eve. EveryContinue reading “The Culinary and Poetic Legacy of Robert Burns in Scotland”
Ask Us Anything And We Will Answer…Google Before Computers
Remember what it was like when you needed a question answered, and you consulted a book and not Google? Back in the analogue age, we consulted unweildy encyclopaedias which smelt of dusty paper and a pleasant musty ink. Or you could ask the New York Public Library? By writing on a little cue-card, which was researchedContinue reading “Ask Us Anything And We Will Answer…Google Before Computers”
The Secret Back Door to the Entire World
This is just perfect for armchair travelers and people with incurable wanderlust. Take a step through this virtual door and be transported to some of the most curious, random and exotic locations in the world, all courtesy of Google Maps/ Google Earth. What a clever idea by this British door replacement company. Surely the marketingContinue reading “The Secret Back Door to the Entire World”
Scotland’s Momentous Decision on September 18th
In about a week’s time Scotland’s people will be making a momentous decision for the country’s future. The decision to cleave away from their historic neighbours and become an independent country, or to stay and be a part of Britain. There have been fiery debates between Tory minister Alaisdair Darling and First Minister Alex Salmond.Continue reading “Scotland’s Momentous Decision on September 18th”
The Purgatory of Good and Bad Choices: Vintage Criminal Portraits
These photos of Australian female criminals come from a series taken between 1910 and 1930 by the NSW police. For the benefit of the modern-day reader, a surprising amount of detail remains of the subjects’ stories. Unlike a typical mug shot, these women were allowed or perhaps even encouraged, to compose themselves or position themselves inContinue reading “The Purgatory of Good and Bad Choices: Vintage Criminal Portraits”
Welcome to Melbourne’s Rapidly Vanishing World
In just about any city, formerly unfashionable places undergo rapid revamps. Suddenly overnight, these shabby, overlooked places become cool. It’s a fickle and inevitable transformation. A sublimination and muting of tastes into the oblivion of current fashion. This is the case in Melbourne’s western suburbs: Altona, Seddon, Footscray, Yarraville, Sunshine and Newport. Every city withContinue reading “Welcome to Melbourne’s Rapidly Vanishing World”
Leviathan or Lilliputian?
Great photography plays around with our perceptions of big and small. Here are two examples where it’s difficult to tell at first whether or not we’re looking at leviathan or lilliputian objects. Sam O’Hare’s New York City This is actually real and big rendering of NYC teeming with life. The illusion of smallness comes fromContinue reading “Leviathan or Lilliputian?”
Five Creepy Islands in Sydney Harbour
Sydney has some nefarious and idiosyncratic history. Nowadays it’s presented with a shiny, modern patina of progress. Although little more than a century ago the story was less chirpy and cheerful and more like a bad episode of Survivor. 1. Cockatoo Island This island has a somewhat grim intriguing history, matched by its demeanor –Continue reading “Five Creepy Islands in Sydney Harbour”
Unseen Art from Australia’s First Fleet
This gorgeous selection of detailed drawings will be shown at the State Library of New South Wales’ TAL & Dai-ichi Life Derby Collection. The drawings come from the private collection of Australian art collector Kerry Stokes, among other collectors. Some of these treasures haven’t ever been seen before by the public! Anybody with an interestContinue reading “Unseen Art from Australia’s First Fleet”
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