Archive for February, 2010
The STS-130 Shuttle Mission #19 – The shuttle has safely landed
by Marshall Brain | February 22, 2010
Space Shuttle Endeavor landed safely, bringing STS-130 to a successful conclusion after a nearly flawless mission. Here is the landing: The video description mentions: Flames from the tail are normal. The APU which powers the hydraulics vents excess energy after landing. The hydraulics system is what helps the crew to land since they have no [...]
The brake warning lights in your car light up as part of a routine test; but when they stay on, they indicate that there’s something wrong with your brake system. Learn more about brake warning lights in this episode.
Some authors have described Zenobia, a queen of Palmyra, as a second Cleopatra. Listen in as Sarah and Katie explore the history of Palmyra and Zenobia in this episode.
Trexa announces surprisingly affordable base price for EV platform – “Now that the initial excitement over the new Trexa electric vehicle (EV) platform has subsided somewhat, the start-up has decided to issue information that is typically a bit more sobering, the price. In this case however, the six digits just might create much ado anew. [...]
Understanding magic #8 – the very entertaining glass and bottle trick
by Marshall Brain | February 19, 2010
If you have never seen this trick done before, it is very entertaining. It is called the “glass and bottle trick”: A second version of the same trick: A variation is called the Passe Passe routine, which is nicely done here: So how do they do this? Sit and think about it for a minute. [...]
High Speed Stuff Wrap-up: Roadside Attractions and Driving in the Snow
by Scott C. Benjamin | February 19, 2010
It’s time for another weekly roundup of what Ben and I have been talking about on our High Speed Stuff podcast over the past few days. So, here we go…
When we started looking into the topic that we chose for Tuesday’s show, roadside attractions, Ben and I both knew right away that we were going to receive a huge influx of listener mail. And you’ve proved us right! We’re getting a big response to this one. And while it’s clear that everyone has their own personal favorites, there was simply no way for us to mention every single big lobster, 6-ton Ukrainian garlic sausage and corn water tower that’s out there. You see, if we were to include each Tywheelosaurus Rex and two-story outhouse along the road…
Stuff from the Science Lab Roundup: Lizard Throwdown!
by Allison Loudermilk | February 19, 2010
Imagine you’re walking along the beach of a small Indonesian island, the pounding surf in your ears and thoughts of your next fruity drink filling your mind. Then the world’s largest and most intelligent lizard, the Komodo dragon, lumbers into your path, its forked tongue flicking the air incessantly, while its clublike tail drags through the sand, marking your last days. Got that image?
Now go back in time 68 million years or so. You’re hiking through the woods enjoying the prehistoric scenery when the forest fills with the roar of the great lizard king, Tyrannosaurus rex. Oh, and both beasts haven’t eaten in a while. So which scenario, if either, makes you want to run like one of those cartoon characters with the windmilling legs?
Earlier this week I wrote about cooking with canned tomatoes, thanks to an intense craving for spaghetti, which has since been fulfilled. Today, it’s time to pay homage to the pasta.
When I shop for pasta, I honestly don’t think much about what kind of sauce or dish it’s complementing. I generally just grab whatever basic variety – spaghetti, penne, farfalle – I’m most in the mood for and keep walking. But there’s a reason why the pasta aisle boasts so many type of noodles, both large and small, thick and thin; Italians intentionally crafted them for different pairings.
If you were going on safari, what would you bring? A compass, some sunscreen, a few maps? If you were Charles Bedaux, that simply wouldn’t be good enough. Instead, you’d stock up on Champagne, truffles and silk pajamas before attempting to travel from Edmonton, Alberta to Telegraph Creek, British Columbia. The man had a sense of style.
Haven’t heard of superstar Satchel Paige? Here’s why: Because of the unspoken segregation in MLB, he didn’t join the big league until he was 42. He was the oldest rookie in history, despite years of being the absolute best on the field.
Recent Postings by Category
BrainStuff
- Thank You and Best Wishes to Marshall Brain
- Contest – Design a $300 house and win $25,000
- How the Philtrum works – the place under your nose where your face comes together
The Coolest Stuff on the Planet
- Have a Coke and a Smile
- The Latest in Frugal Lodging: Camping in Somebody Else’s Backyard
- The Painted Beauties of Bucovina
Keep Asking
- Why can a 5 foot 8 inch man dunk a basketball on a 10 foot rim while some people of taller stature can’t?
- What happens to our sun once it runs out of fuel?
- How do we know the age of the universe?
Stuff Mom Never Told You
- Who invented the Christmas card?
- How the Kinsey Report Fueled Whiskey Sales
- How to Get Your Wedding Announcement into The New York Times
Stuff to Blow Your Mind
- Space Music: DJ Food and ‘The Search Engine’
- Stuff to Blow Your Mind: Hug it Out
- Space Music: Jay-Z and Beyoncé to Film Music Video in Orbit
Stuff You Should Know
- The Southern Death Cult, the Maya and Georgia
- Deformed Baby Spider Brains
- Amazing Medical Conditions: Maple Syrup Urine Disorder
The Stuff of Genius
CarStuff
- Why is NASA studying car safety?
- Tips for in-car Navigation Systems
- Tips for Using Bluetooth in the Car
How-to Stuff
- How to Swim with Dolphins (When Deep Water Terrifies You)
- How to Cure a Homemade Cookie Craving Without Turning on the Oven
- How to Know When It’s Time for a New Pet
PopStuff
- PopStuff Show Notes: Episode 36: Now Available in 3-D
- PopStuff Show Notes: Episode 35: Let’s do brunch!
- PopStuff Show Notes: Episode 34: Play it again, Sam
Stuff They Don't Want You To Know
Stuff to Change the World
- Who will own the Arctic?
- Obesity: The New Global Crisis
- Bill Gates Makes For A Pretty Decent Cartoon
Stuff You Missed in History Class
- Butch Cassidy: Should we read between the lines?
- Are we rooting for D.B. Cooper?
- Party Time: A Look at Unconventional Politics

