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2012/07/09

Neatorama

Neatorama

Queen of the Jail

Posted: 09 Jul 2012 05:07 AM PDT

The following is an article from the book Uncle John’s Ahh-Inspiring Bathroom Reader.

From our Dustbin of History files: Here’s a true story of danger, seduction, betrayal, and a deadly escape.

THE SETTING

Allegheny County Jail, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 1901

THE CAST

Katherine Soffel -The warden’s beautiful wife
Ed Biddle -Famous outlaw
Jack Biddle -Ed’s accomplice and younger brother
Peter Soffel -The prison warden

PROLOGUE

Jack and Ed were “the Biddle Boys,” leaders of a gang of small-time outlaws who relied more on brains than on brawn to carry out their nefarious crimes. Sometimes they used chloroform to render their potential victims unconscious; sometimes they used beautiful women as distractions. They carried guns, too …just in case.

On April 12, 1901, the gang was robbing a house next to a grocery store in Mt. Washington, Pennsylvania. A female accomplice kept the grocer occupied while the boys searched the adjoining house, looking for a pile of cash. The distraction didn’t work, though -the grocer heard a noise and went to investigate. A struggle ensued, shots were fired, and the grocer ended up dead on his living room floor. The Biddle brothers fled the scene and holed up in a safehouse, but the police soon caught up with them. After a violent shootout, the outlaws were arrested, but not before a policeman was killed. The trial was quick and the sentence severe: the Biddle Boys were to be hanged for their crimes on February 25, 1902.

SECRET LOVE AFFAIR

Peter and Katherine Soffel were in the midst of a divorce when the Biddles arrived at the Allegheny County jail. Katherine, who had previously spent time in an asylum, showed no interest in her husband. Instead, she spent most of her time visiting the prisoners, offering them spiritual advice and bringing them Bibles. For the inmates, Katherine Soffel was a welcome sight. They called her “Queen of the Jail.”

She first went to see the Biddles out of curiosity; their exploits throughout the Midwest had made them somewhat notorious. Ed’s charm and good looks soon won her over, though. She became infatuated and visited him more and more often, at least 25 times over the next few months, sneaking hm food and books. The warden knew his wife had taken an interest in the outlaw but must not have realized just how keen an interest. He allowed her to keep visiting.

After a few months, Ed and Jack convinced Katherine that they were innocent and asked her to help them escape so they could live honest lives as coal miners in Canada. She agreed.

DARING ESCAPE

As luck would have it, Ed’s cell could be seen from Katherine’s bedroom window. The two designed a secret alphabet code with which Katherine could point to various body parts, representing different letters, and spell out messages about the warden’s movements. This allowed the Biddles to devise a plan. Then they had Katherine -at great risk to herself- smuggle in two saws and a revolver.

On Wednesday night, January 29, 1902, the boys cut through their cell bars. The apprehended three guards and locked them in a cell. As they were leaving the prison, they were met by a waiting Katherine, which was not part of the plan. She was supposed to lay low and meet them in Canada a month later. But Katherine, mad with love, took a page out of the Biddle’s book and chloroformed her husband, then snuck away in the night. She didn’t want to be away from Ed Biddle.

The warden awoke to a nasty headache and an empty house. When he was told the Biddle boys escaped, he knew Katherine was involved and immediately put out an all-points bulletin on the three of them.

ON THE RUN

Meanwhile, Ed agreed to let Katherine come along, much to the dismay of Jack, who thought she’d slow them down. But Ed was the boss. They stole a horse and a sleigh from a nearby farm and made it to Cooperstown, 38 miles north of Pittsburgh. They planned to have a quiet breakfast there and slip away unnoticed, but news of the breakout had beat them to the town. The Pennsylvania winter was harsh, and the three fugitives didn’t have any warm clothes. They were easily identified and the police were now hot on their trail. They stopped for lunch in Mount Chestnut, 54 miles from Pittsburgh, and Ed and Katherine consummated their relationship. Time, however, was running out.

FINAL SHOWDOWN

With their horse and sleigh, the Biddle boys and Katherine Soffel left Mount Chestnut on the snowy afternoon of January 31, 1902. They had only traveled a few miles when a posse met them head on at the crest of a hill. Ed stopped the sleigh, handed the reins to Katherine, and he and Jack jumped off, each with gun in hand. The sheriff told them to surrender. Ed told them to go to hell and opened fire. The lawmen responded with a hail of bullets.

When the shootout was over, Ed was shot twice, Jack 15 times, and Katherine -who had grabbed a gun and joined in the fray- was shot once by Ed after pleading for him to take her life. She didn’t want to live without him.

The three were taken to nearby Butler Hospital. Katherine’s wound was treatable; Ed and Jack were not so lucky. As they lay on their deathbeds, they told police varying accounts of what had happened. Ed claimed he’d never loved Katherine, that he just used her to help him escape. Katherine claimed that Ed was just saying that to protect her. Love letter he wrote her while still in prison backed her up, but only Ed knew for sure. He and Jack both died on the night of February 1, 1902.

POSTMORTEM

The Biddle boys’ bodies were put on display at the Allegheny jail for two hours. More than 4,000 people came to see the famous bandits. Katherine served 20 months in prison and lived out the rest of her life in shame. She died a brokenhearted woman on August 30, 1909.

“We wouldn’t have been captured if we hadn’t stuck to the woman.” -Jack Biddle

(Images are from the 1984 film based on this incident, Mrs. Soffel)

_________________________

This article is reprinted with permission from Uncle John’s Ahh-Inspiring Bathroom Reader.

Where else but in a Bathroom Reader could you learn how the banana peel changed history, how to predict the future by rolling the dice, how the Jivaro tribes shrunk heads, and the science behind love at first sight? Get ready to be thoroughly entertained while occupied on the throne. Uncle John rules the world of information and humor. It’s simply Ahh-Inspiring!

Since 1988, the Bathroom Reader Institute had published a series of popular books containing irresistible bits of trivia and obscure yet fascinating facts.

If you like Neatorama, you’ll love the Bathroom Reader Institute’s books – go ahead and check ‘em out!

 

Alternate Mickeys by Ward Kimball

Posted: 09 Jul 2012 04:00 AM PDT

You ain't never seen Mickey like this before! Just marvel at these 14 alternate Mickeys drawn by Ward Kimball back in 1985: Link - via Drawn

The Cat Who Hates On The Spot News Reports

Posted: 09 Jul 2012 03:21 AM PDT

(YouTube Link)

Be forewarned-Try and film an on location piece in this angry kitty’s territory and he will take down your silly little news program, one reporter at a time.

This reporter is lucky that she caught him on a good day, or else he would have shredded her blouse to smithereens on live television.

Perhaps he went easy on her because she’s a cat lover? She certainly doesn’t seem fazed by the fact that a sinister cat has interrupted her precious news broadcast.

Or maybe that’s what she was planning all along….*cue suspenseful music*

–via Stuff I Stole From The Internet

Warped Sculptures Of Characters From Wonderland

Posted: 09 Jul 2012 03:20 AM PDT

These wicked cool sculptures were created by multimedia artist Mark James Porter, a guy who has clearly spent some time with his head in the clouds above Wonderland.

His Cheshire Cat, complete with realistic teeth, looks great alongside a White Rabbit with a clock body, a cracked up version of Humpty Dumpty and a figure called the “Dance Of The Hanged Men”.

These are truly kooky works of sculptural art, and I love each and every one of ‘em!

Link  –via Super Punch

That’s the Spot!

Posted: 09 Jul 2012 02:50 AM PDT

(Video Link)

Can you get that itch for me? Oh yeah, there it is, right on the nose -litterally.

Via I Can Has Cheezburger

How To Create A Fire Tornado In Your Own Backyard

Posted: 09 Jul 2012 02:15 AM PDT

(YouTube Link)

This video demonstrates a rather simple way to create a fire tornado right in your own backyard, so please keep your drunken friends from getting their hands on this video.

Fire tornado is so pretty, so deadly, so…..flamey! It’s the next best thing to having the natural version sweep through your yard and singe off your eyebrows!

–via Obvious Winner

The Creepiest Ways To Say “I Love You”

Posted: 09 Jul 2012 01:50 AM PDT

Whether you spell it out, say it in a foreign language or use symbols to get your point across, there are plenty of ways to tell someone you love them. Of course, unless you’re a stalker, you probably won’t want to turn to any of these creepy methods seen on Oddee.

Link

Kansas City Parking Garage Transformed Into Giant Bookshelf

Posted: 09 Jul 2012 01:12 AM PDT

Here’s a fun way to make a parking garage look like less of an eyesore-paint it over to look like a giant bookshelf, housing classic novels such as The Invisible Man, The Lord Of The Rings and….Silent Springs? How did that one get in there?

Oh I see, the townsfolk of Kansas City voted on which classic works of literature would appear on the parking garage wall.

I guess KC is lucky that a giant copy of 50 Shades Of Gray didn’t end up on the shelf!

Link  –via Beautiful/Decay

True to Her Name, Zelda Loves Gaming

Posted: 09 Jul 2012 12:49 AM PDT

(Video Link)

Of course, being a modern kitten, Zelda’s too hip for old NES games. Instead, she prefers the iPad app “Games for Cats.”

Via BoingBoing

Try Not To Lose Your Mind While Watching This Slit-Scan Video

Posted: 09 Jul 2012 12:01 AM PDT

(YouTube Link)

Slit-scan is a form of video processing that results in some rather mind blowing effects. Here’s how it’s done:

1. record a video of your action
2. extract each frame as an individual image (the opposite to what you would do for a time lapse)
3. extract a vertical single pixel wide line from each image (for example a line from the center)
4. stack those lines horizontally from left to right to form an actual “slit scan” image

Sounds easier than sitting through an entire slit-scan video!

And I know that this video is about a year old, but if you haven’t seen it before it’s new to you!

–via Gizmodo

Who Says Cupcakes Have to Be Sweet?

Posted: 08 Jul 2012 11:48 PM PDT

This BBQ pulled pork cupcake from the Bourbon Steak Lounge in Washington D.C. may not be full of sugar, but it’s loaded with something just as good -sweet, saucy pork. As for the batter, it happens to be made with cheddar scallion biscuit batter.

Sure it sounds a little odd, but I’m willing to bet this cupcake is going to be better than anything you’ll find at your local grocery store.

Link Via Laughing Squid

Cardboard Children’s Furniture

Posted: 08 Jul 2012 10:59 PM PDT

Japanese company Tsuchinoco produces whimsical children’s furniture made out of corrugated cardboard panels, perfect for the playroom of a kid who’s a bit rough on the furniture.

Their furniture kind of looks like a three day weekend DIY project, or something that belongs on the shelves at IKEA, but the fun shapes and rough edged style make these pieces simply delightful.

Link  –via DesignTAXI

Picnic Lunch Boxes

Posted: 08 Jul 2012 10:56 PM PDT

Picnic Lunch Boxes – $12.95 (sold individually)

Are you looking for a doggone cute and functional lunch box? You need a udderly adoarable Picnic Lunch Box from the NeatoShop. These soo-ee-eet lunch boxes fold out to become a placemat. The Picnic Lunch box is purr-fect for back to school.

The Picnic Lunch Box is available in:

Be sure to check out the NeatoShop for more great Back To School items and Lunch Boxes!

Link

 

Giant Clay Head

Posted: 08 Jul 2012 10:53 PM PDT


Photo: Dwi Oblo/Reuters

Indonesian sculptor Eddi Prabandono sculpted a gigantic sculpture of his 5-year-old daughter's head, out of 25 tons of clay.

More pics over at My Modern Met: Link - via Oddity Central

The Throw & Grow Vending Machine

Posted: 08 Jul 2012 10:48 PM PDT

Seed bombing might just be the kindest form of graffiti ever created -after all, what could be nicer than throwing a bunch of flower or grass seeds on an otherwise empty plot of land? That’s why these seed bomb vending machines, made by Greenaid are so fantastic:

Made from a mixture of clay, compost, and seeds, "seedbombs" are becoming an increasingly popular means combating the many forgotten grey spaces we encounter everyday-from sidewalk cracks to vacant lots and parking medians. They can be thrown anonymously into these derelict urban sites to temporarily reclaim and transform them into places worth looking at and caring for. The Greenaid dispensary simply makes these guerilla gardening efforts more accessible to all by appropriating the existing distribution system of the quarter operated candy machine. Using just the loose coins in your pocket, you can make a small but meaningful contribution to the beautification of your city!

Have any of you ever tried your hand at seed bombing?

Link Via Laughing Squid

Remixed Star Wars Tattoo Designs

Posted: 08 Jul 2012 08:00 PM PDT

Tattoo artist Joshua Couchenour has some excellent ideas for your next tat. They combine popular tattoo patterns and symbols with content that will excite any Star Wars fan. Come’on, let’s head to the studio.

Link -via io9

Selfish Young Brain Lacks the Skill to Share

Posted: 08 Jul 2012 07:00 PM PDT

As parents of three young children, my wife and I constantly tell our kids that they have to share. It's an uphill battle, because they just don't want to - Now, we found out why sharing is so hard for little kids:

If a child you know refuses to share his toys, chances are he knows he is doing wrong but cannot help it. New research published in March in Neuron reveals that underdevelopment of an impulse control center in the brain is, at least in part, the reason children who fully understand the concept of fairness fail to act accordingly.

Link

Onward to Final Victory: Kim Jong Un’s Official Theme Song

Posted: 08 Jul 2012 06:00 PM PDT


[YouTube Clip]

Kim Jong Un took a moment off from looking at things and finished his own theme song called "Onward Toward the Final Victory." Shuan Sim of The Atlantic has got it translated:

Song: "Onward Toward the Final Victory"
Composer: Yoon Du Geun, Lyrics: Kim Moon Hyuk

By exploding the mental strength of the united heart of our million citizens
Joseon resounds the marching drums of the powerful, prosperous nation
Let's go, Great Baekdu-mountain nation, by the calling of the political party
Onward, onward to the final victory

As our undefeated army boasts winning a hundred battles
Joseon is bolstered as the gun barrel of the powerful, prosperous nation
Let's go, Great Baekdu-mountain nation, Songun's height of ensign
Onward, onward to the final victory

By raising the beacon of the new industrial revolution of the new century
Joseon is spreading the word of the rise of the powerful, prosperous nation
Let's go, Great Baekdu-mountain nation, embrace the blessing of the sun energy
Onward, onward to the final victory

Sing along! Link 

Crabwich

Posted: 08 Jul 2012 05:30 PM PDT

Family Fun magazine has a great idea for an entertaining sandwich. You’ll need a croissant, sandwich filling of any kind, baby carrots, a black olive, a radish, a red bell pepper, cream cheese and toothpicks. You can find the recipe at the link.

Link -via Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons

Lord of the Falls

Posted: 08 Jul 2012 05:00 PM PDT


(YouTube link)

One does not simply stumble into Mordor! Nick Barton made a supercut of the many, many falls in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Three minutes of nothing but falling all over the place. Is this all the falls? Hard to say, since three minutes is the limit of the average attention span for songs or internet videos, there could very well have been more! -via The Daily What Geek

World’s Oldest Purse Decorated with a Hundred Dog Teeth

Posted: 08 Jul 2012 04:00 PM PDT


Photo: Klaus Bentele/LDA Halle

Talk about a biting sense of style. Researchers have discovered the world's oldest purse, decorated with hundreds of dog teeth:

Excavators at a site near Leipzig (map) uncovered more than a hundred dog teeth arranged close together in a grave dated to between 2,500 and 2,200 B.C.

According to archaeologist Susanne Friederich, the teeth were likely decorations for the outer flap of a handbag.

"Over the years the leather or fabric disappeared, and all that's left is the teeth. They're all pointing in the same direction, so it looks a lot like a modern handbag flap," said Friederich, of the Sachsen-Anhalt State Archaeology and Preservation Office.

Link - via Incredible Things and Ecouterre

Shaving with an Obsidian Razor

Posted: 08 Jul 2012 03:30 PM PDT


(Video Link)

Some of you sissies are still shaving with sharpened shovels. But Mike Cook does it old school–as in using Stone Age technology. Watch him knap a slice of obsidian off a block and then shave his face with it.

Cook refers to obsidian as “the sharpest substance known to science.” I don’t know if that’s true, but at the link, you can see electron micrographs of a surgical scalpel and an obsidian blade. The obsidian appears to have a sharper edge.

Link

DIY Back To The Future Clock

Posted: 08 Jul 2012 03:00 PM PDT

Great Scott! Now this is awesome: Phillip Burgess wrote the instruction of how you can create the Time Circuit Clock from Back to the Future with Adafruit gear.

Check it out: Link  - via Technabob

Vinderpants

Posted: 08 Jul 2012 02:10 PM PDT

Vinderpants – $8.95

Are you planning an intimate dinner party. Don’t let your wine selection embarrass you. Dress up your wine in the Vinderpants wine cover / cooler from the NeatoShop. Remember, even a flamboyant wine shouldn’t go commando.

Be sure to check out the NeatoShop for more great Barware & Cocktail items!

Link

Why Rich Kids Hate Their Parents

Posted: 08 Jul 2012 02:00 PM PDT

Perhaps you've heard the ancient Chinese proverb that wealth does not pass three generations. And indeed, 70% of family businesses fail to pass successfully to the next generation. But why?

Canadian financial advisor and author Franco Lombardo pondered the question and found that many wealthy families have huge emotional problems. In fact, the wealthier they are, the bigger the mess:

"The emotional component just wasn't being dealt with," [Lombardo] told [Robert Frank of CNBC] in a recent interview. "The more money families have, the more these problems are magnified."

He said wealthy kids hate their parents for three common reasons. First, wealthy parents don't say "no" enough. "A child grows up with a sense that they get whatever they want," Lombardo says. "When they go out into the world and the world tells them 'no," they're angry. And they resent their parents."

The second cause is time. Wealthy parents are often absent parents, and the kids feel abandoned. When the parents try to make up lost time with money, the kids get even angrier. "Money is the wrong currency to pay back lost time. You make up lost time with time."

The third reason is society. The culture at large, Lombardo says, makes fun of rich kids. So parents tell their kids at an early age to hide their wealth. When the kids grow up, they feel that a big part of their identity has to remain hidden — and they blame their parents.

Link

LEGO Portal Gun

Posted: 08 Jul 2012 01:30 PM PDT

YouTube user ferlessleedr made a functional Portal gun out of LEGO:

The gun took about a year to plan, three weeks to build, and is just under 2,000 pieces. It has a LEGO Mindstorm controller stuffed inside, so the prongs can be opened and closed via a switch, as well as some light-up effects.

Check it out at Geekologie: Link

 

Medical Marijuana Without the High

Posted: 08 Jul 2012 01:00 PM PDT


Photo: Tikun Olam

Let me boil down the medical marijuana controversy into a single sentence: instead of helping people with serious medical conditions, medical marijuana is an excuse for other people with dubious ailments to get high*.

But what if you can get the health benefits of cannabis without the high? That's what the Israelis are working on:

Situated in an undisclosed location near Tzfat, northern Israel, is a government-approved medical marijuana plantation which was founded in 2004 by a retired biology teacher. Named Tikun Olam, the plantation has created a new cannabis strain which contains very low traces of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main constituent in cannabis responsible for making people feel "stoned". By virtually eliminating THC in the new strain, Tikun Olam can now offer the drug's medicinal benefits to those patients who wish to keep a clear head.

Adam Williams of Gizmag has the story: Link

Trail of Potato Chips

Posted: 08 Jul 2012 12:30 PM PDT

When a robber broke into a Subway, all the police had to do was follow a "trail of potato chips" to find the culprit:

Sickles, pictured in the mug shot at right, approached the cash register, but apparently was unable to secure some loot. So he “threw cups at cash register, grabbed two hand full of chips (9 bags)” and exited the Subway with the stolen snacks.

When Washington City Police Department cops arrived, “a trail of chips lead to suspect who was on steps of Washington High School,” according to a criminal complaint. The Subway eatery is only a couple of blocks away from the school, from which Sickles graduated in 2009.

Link

 

Mayan End of Times (of Sorts) is Back for 2012

Posted: 08 Jul 2012 12:00 PM PDT

Did we tell you not to panic because archaeologists have discovered evidence that the Mayan Apocalypse has been delayed some 7,000 years in the future? Well, scratch that.

A newly discovered Mayan text reveals that 2012 is indeed an "end date" of sorts: the end of political stability, instead of an outright apocalypse:

Now, researchers exploring the Maya ruins of La Corona in Guatemala have unearthed another reference. On a stairway block carved with hieroglyphs, archaeologists found a commemoration of a visit by Yuknoom Yich'aak K'ahk' of Calakmul, the most powerful Mayan ruler in his day. The king, also known as Jaguar Paw, suffered a terrible defeat in battle by the Kingdom of Tikal in 695. [...]

In an effort to tie himself and his reign to the future, the king linked his reign with another 13th cycle — the 13th bak'tun ending on Dec. 21, 2012.

David Stuart, a professor of art history at the University of Texas at Austin, recognized the reference to the date among 56 glyphs that were carved on the stone block. "It was a time of great political turmoil in the Maya region, and this king felt compelled to allude to a larger cycle of time that happens to end in 2012," Stuart said in a statement released by UT.

Are they talking about the US presidential election? Can't be a coicidence now, can it?

Link

Politician Pulled Gun on Live TV Debate

Posted: 08 Jul 2012 11:30 AM PDT


Excitement starts at 1:35 - Link [YouTube]

Now this is exciting live TV. A Jordanian member of parliament was debating a political activist about the uprising in Syria, when he's had enough, threw his shoe and then reached for his revolver:

The MP, named in a YouTube clip of the confrontation as Mohammed Shawabka, was debating a political activist named in the clip as Mansour Sayf al-Din Murad, discussing aspects of Jordanian politics including attitudes surrounding the uprising in Syria.

As the Jo Sat TV station discussion became more heated, each of the men accused the other of various crimes and deviancies. Shawabka claimed Murad was in the pay of the Syrian regime. Murad countered that Shawabka worked for the Israeli Mossad intelligence agency. “You’re a Mossad agent,” he said. “You’re a big crook,” came the response.

Kayla J. Adams of Time of Israel has the story: Link

 

NeatoShop Weekend Deal Ends Today!

Posted: 08 Jul 2012 11:25 AM PDT

We've posted this before, but I'd like to repost this as a reminder: on this weekend, select Funny T-shirts from the NeatoShop will have a Mystery Bonus. When you buy these special shirts, you'd automatically get something extra and neat (you'll get one bonus per shirt - so go ahead, stock up and buy as many as you'd like!)

What's the bonus? Well, duh! It's a mystery and we can't tell you! Here are the T-shirts with the Mystery Bonus:
 
 

While supplies last. This limited time deal ends today, so get your T-shirts now! Check out the full selection of Funny T-Shirts over at the NeatoShop: Link

William Shatner’s Get a Life Trailer

Posted: 08 Jul 2012 11:00 AM PDT


(YouTube link)

William Shatner's Get a Life is a documentary about Star Trek fans. The movie will premiere, appropriately enough, at Comic Con in San Diego on July 14th. -via Laughing Squid

The Literary Wave

Posted: 08 Jul 2012 10:30 AM PDT

We've featured Guy Laramee's book sculptures before on Neatorama, but his new ones are too good to pass. Take a new (or another) look at Guy's artwork: Link - via swissmiss

 

Bicycle That You Can Pedal with Both Your Hands and Your Feet

Posted: 08 Jul 2012 10:00 AM PDT


(Video Link)

The Swiss-made RaXibo Hand-Tret-Velo comes with a pedaling system built into the handlebars so that you can use the strength in your arms as well as your legs. The only downside that I can see is that it would make texting while riding much harder.

Link (Google Translate) -via DVICE

Big Box Supermarket Turned Into a Library

Posted: 08 Jul 2012 09:30 AM PDT

We told you about the Walmart in McAllen, Texas, that the town converted into a library. Turns out, reusing big box stores is a lot more common than I'd expect. Neatoramanaut xcentric pointed out this shining example of a "big box" supermarket being turned into a state-of-the-art library in Eden Prairie, Minnesota.

Check out the vaulted ceiling: Link

All Ears Women’s iPhone 4 / 4S Case

Posted: 08 Jul 2012 09:03 AM PDT

All Ears Women’s iPhone 4 / 4S Case – $11.95

Listen up! Are you looking for a way to add more personality to your phone? You need the eareverently earesistible All Ears Women’s iPhone 4 / 4S Case from the NeatoShop. This great phone cover comes with 6 hilarious inserts to achieve the perfect disguise for your celebrated lobes.

Be sure to check out the NeatoShop for more Mobile Phone & Tablet Gadgets!

Link

The Cats of The Hermitage

Posted: 08 Jul 2012 09:00 AM PDT


(video link)

The Hermitage museum in St. Petersburg, Russia, has been officially guarded by cats since 1745. About 65 stray cats live on the property and keep rodents away from the priceless artworks. Link -via Nag on the Lake

Unsafe at Any Speed

Posted: 08 Jul 2012 08:30 AM PDT

Ford Pintos are not known for the safety of their gas tanks, but this homemade fuel system is not much better. Minnesota State Troopers pulled over this Pinto as unsafe. And took lots of pictures. The substitute gas tank is a plastic container perched on a tire in the passenger compartment. A gas hose led out the window, under the edge of the hood, and into the engine. The vehicle was impounded and the unnamed driver was cited. Link -via reddit

(Image credit: Minnesota State Patrol)

88 Books that Shaped America

Posted: 08 Jul 2012 07:50 AM PDT

The Library of Congress has your summer reading list! Or rather, they have complied a list of the 88 most influential books written by American authors. The only author with more than one book on the list is Benjamin Franklin, who has three.

The list includes poetry, novels, nonfiction, plays, a polemic, books of science and grammar, cookbooks and children’s books. The list includes 26 books published since 1950, 35 published from 1900 to 1950, 15 published from 1850 to 1900, six published from 1800 to 1850 and nine published before 1800.

For those who can get to Washington, the Library of Congress has the books on exhibit through Sept.  29. Those who can’t get there to see the books in person are welcome to take the Library of Congress’ online survey, which asks readers which of the big list of books they think are most significant.

I would bet your local library has quite a few of them. Check out the entire list at the L.A. Times. How many have you already read? Link -via mental_floss

The Shadow of an Atom

Posted: 08 Jul 2012 07:17 AM PDT

For the first time ever, scientists have captured an image of a shadow thrown by a single atom. In this case, the atom is an Ytterbium ion, trapped in a vacuum and cooled down to “only a few 'millikelvin'.”

Researchers from the Centre for Quantum Dynamics at Griffith University in Brisbane, Queensland, captured the image using their custom-built ion trap, which was also responsible for capturing the highest-resolution image of a single atom last year.

"The question is, how many atoms do you need to cast a shadow? We found that it only takes one," said David Kielpinski co-author of the paper, which was published in Nature Communications.

The team praised the special camera and lens over the technique they used. Read more about it at Cosmos magazine. Link -via Not Exactly Rocket Science

(Image credit: Centre for Quantum Dynamics)

“Frankenstein” Bog Mummies

Posted: 08 Jul 2012 05:46 AM PDT

Ten years ago, archaeologists removed a couple of 3,000-year-old skeletons buried in a peat bog in Scotland. Recent DNA tests have determined that the male and female bodies, which were buried in a fetal position, were actually made up of body parts from at least six people -and that they had died hundreds of years before they were buried!

Terry Brown, a professor of biomedical archaeology at the University of Manchester, said there were clues that these bog bodies were more than they seemed.

On the female skeleton, “the jaw didn’t fit into the rest of the skull,” he said. “So Mike [Parker Pearson, of Sheffield University] came and said, Could we try to work it out through DNA testing?”

Brown sampled DNA from the female skeleton’s jawbone, skull, arm, and leg. The results show that bones came from different people, none of whom even shared the same mother, he said.

The female is made from body parts that date to around the same time period. But isotopic dating showed that the male mummy is made from people who died a few hundred years apart.

The reasoning behind such a scheme might never be known. It may have been symbolic or esthetic, or someone may have fancied themselves a “Dr. Frankenstein” of the era. Link

(Image credit: Mike Parker Pearson, University of Sheffield)
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