Royal Gunpowder Mills, Waltham Abbey

This is one of the most important, but least known historical and archaeological sites in Britain. Gunpowder has played a huge role in modernisation; without it we would not have city states, mining, wars, hunting, and spectacular fireworks. This is from historian Brenda Buchannan: Gunpowder and the explosives and propellants which followed it provided a … Continue reading →

Earth’s Toughest Life Form

Here’s an article that opens the door on theories of what alien life may be. This is from the i paper: Scientists have investigated what will kill the world’s most indestructible species and concluded that almost nothing can – except the death of the sun. The tardigrade, also known as a water bear, space bear … Continue reading →

Capturing Asteroids

This seems to be an idea from science fiction, and for no apparent useful purpose, but this article from the i on 2 June suggests otherwise: Asteroids were once viewed as the vermin of the sky, disrupting astronomical observations by leaving streaks on long-exposure photographic plates used to stay the stars. How times have changed. … Continue reading →

Wintergarten Music Machine

This is a brilliant piece of automated music from Sweden. The machine reminds me of the Strandbeasts I featured a few years ago, creatures made of junk that walk powered by wind. The inventor even shows how they work so you can make your own. Basmati rice included. Enjoy! http://www.openculture.com/2016/03/how-the-fantastic-wintergatan-marble-machine-makes-music.html

Music to Destroy the Universe

Here’s an odd article from over a month back in the i newspaper by Emily Jupp: “Norwegian art-rock outfit Gazpacho have announced details of their new album Molok along with the bold claim that a code at the end of the CD could cause the destruction of the universe. I tried to talk it through with … Continue reading →

Proving Galileo

Here’s a short clip from Brian Cox on the BBC showing Galileo’s demonstration of the force of gravity. First some feathers and a bowling ball fall, then they do it in a vacuum. Beautiful! http://www.openculture.com/2015/10/see-galileos-famous-gravity-experiment-performed-in-the-worlds-largest-vacuum-chamber-and-on-the-moon.html