Where They Still Press Vinyl Records [video]

Man Narrowly Missed Both Doomed Malaysia Airline Flights

According to BuzzFeed –

Maarten de Jonge was supposed to fly on both Flight MH370, which has yet to be found after disappearing over the Indian Ocean in March, and MH17, which was likely shot down over Ukraine this week, reports Netherlands public broadcaster RTV Oost. The athlete told RTV Oost he still plans on flying to Malaysia later this week, and that despite his close calls with disaster, he isn’t too worried about the flight. “I have been lucky twice,” he reportedly said.

Read more HERE.

 

Can Sound Kill You?

According to ExtremeTech –

Can sound kill you? The short answer is “yes” — and, rather shockingly, the European Space Agency says that it now has such a sonic weapon in its arsenal that, if it was so inclined, could kill you. The huge horn pictured above is one of four giant acoustic orifices at the ESA’s Large European Acoustic Facility in Noordwijk, the Netherlands. Rather than killing humans, though, the horns are actually for testing satellites — to see if they can withstand the noise of a rocket launch. (As you may know, the Space Shuttle’s Mobile Launch Platform used to dump 300,000 gallons of water onto the platform during launch, to absorb the intense acoustic energy that would otherwise damage the Shuttle.) The ESA’s horns are essentially giant air horns, using nitrogen gas to produce sounds as loud as 154 decibels. The question is, is 154 decibels enough to kill you?

Continue reading HERE.

Amsterdam’s Oldest Prostitutes Retire – Meet The Fokkens Sisters

The Mirror reports –

Twin sisters who claim to be Amsterdam’s oldest prostitutes have retired after more than 50 years each in the business. Louise and Martine Fokkens, 70, have decided they are too old after bedding a total of 355,000 men. Mum-of-four Louise, says arthritis now makes some sexual positions “too painful”. And Martine, who has three children, admits she finds it hard to attract punters – though one elderly man still has his weekly sadomasochism session.

Continue reading HERE

 

Artist Creates Real Clouds Indoors

Mashable reports –

Dutch artist Berndnaut Smilde has developed a way to create clouds indoors by carefully regulating the space’s humidity, temperature and light. This intersection of science and art was recently named one of TIME magazine’s “Best Inventions of the Year 2012.” The fluffy white clouds are summoned up temporarily using a fog machine, creating a surreal experience in the middle of a room. Smilde has created his clouds inside different types of locations, ranging from corridors and hallways, to bedrooms and common spaces.

One Way Mission To Mars Planned For 2023

Mars-One, a European group is planning to begin to colonize Mars in 2023. Initially, no return to earth is planned, so all astronauts will agree to live out their lives on Mars. Four astronauts will be launched in 2022, and four more will join them every 2 years. There is much more detail about the mission on their web site.

Holland’s Bizarre Christmas Tradition – Black Pete

The FasterTimes reports –

Whenever you start to feel bad about race relations here in the U.S., it’s always nice to remember that Europe is approximately one million times more f’d up.  Take Holland’s beloved Christmas tradition of Black Pete (Zwarte Piet),  Santa’s black slave in a court jester outfit. Santa, as the story goes, has captured Black Pete and forced him to accompany him on his rounds.  If you are a good little Dutch boy or girl, Santa will bring you presents.  But if you are naughty, Black Pete will abduct you and take you back with him to Spain.

Continue reading and view some pics of Black Pete HERE.