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”
Tag Archives: History
The Post-Apocalyptic Underground Lunchroom
One of the more quirky destinations in New Mexico is Carlsbad Caverns. Located 228 metres below the surface is a diner/lunchroom that is frozen in the middle of the 20th century. The eatery sells cold cuts and food stuffs that don’t require cooking (as they don’t have cooking facilities), along with souvenirs. Over the ensuingContinue reading “The Post-Apocalyptic Underground Lunchroom”
Dumbo and Co: Charming Pics of Mid Century Elephants
Elephants are one of the largest land mammals on earth and also one of the longest lived, with a lifespan averaging 60 years or longer. In the Buddhist tradition, a white elephant is considered to be the incarnation of Buddha. Thus the rare appearance of a white elephant is still heralded as a manifestation ofContinue reading “Dumbo and Co: Charming Pics of Mid Century Elephants”
Creepily Correct Predictions Circa 1880 About the World in the 21st Century
Albert Robida was born in 1848 and died in 1926. A French illustrator, etcher, lithographer, caricaturist, and novelist, he came up with some creepily accurate predictions about World War II and also how our world would look like in the 21st Century. He wrote a futuristic trilogy in the same vein as Jules Verne OfContinue reading “Creepily Correct Predictions Circa 1880 About the World in the 21st Century”
The Sea Chair: Oceanic Imposters Turned Into Elegant Art
The Sea Chair is an ingenious and clever response to a growing encumberance that’s carried by our oceans – floating rubbish. Studio Swine and Kieren Jones have merged traditional fishing practices, industry and synthetic materials to fabricate a chair made from discarded plastic on-board of an old fishing vessel and using a custom-made seapress. TheContinue reading “The Sea Chair: Oceanic Imposters Turned Into Elegant Art”
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”
Poetry For Inspiration: The Sea, The Sea
Exhultation is the going Of an inland soul to sea Past the houses – past the headlands Into deep Eternity Bred as we, among the mountains Can the sailor understand The divine intoxication Of the first league out from land? Emily Dickinson. American (1830 -1886)
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”
Iceland’s Powerful Wilderness + Indigenous Wisdom From Around the World
Black Elk: Oglala Sioux (1863 – 1950) The first peace, which is the most important is that which comes within the souls of men when they realise their relationship, their oneness with the universe and all of its powers. When they realise that at the centre of the universe dwells Wakan-Tanka, and that this centre isContinue reading “Iceland’s Powerful Wilderness + Indigenous Wisdom From Around the World”
18 Rules for Living by the Dalai Lama
At the turn of this century, the Dalai Lama issued these simple and humble rules for living than anyone can follow. Rule 1. Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk. Rule 2. When you lose, don’t lose the lesson Rule 3. Follow the three Rs: 1. Respect for self 2. Respect for othersContinue reading “18 Rules for Living by the Dalai Lama”

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