The 2nd century AD satirist Lucian, in his biting wit, preserved the horrifying story of the "Bull of Phalaris," a torture device so cruel it continues to capture our morbid fascination. Also known as "the brass bull of Perilaus," this instrument of suffering supposedly originated in the mind of a sculptor named Perilaus, who lived between 570-560 BC. Perilaus offered his … [Read more...] about The Bull of Phalaris: A Ghastly Tale of Tyranny and Invention
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U.S. Route 50: A Journey Through Nevada’s Untamed Beauty
Unfurl a map of Nevada, and a single road snakes across its center, a bold red line against the vast emptiness – U.S. Route 50, aptly nicknamed "America's Loneliest Road." But don't be fooled by the moniker. This 408-mile odyssey, stretching from the sapphire waters of Lake Tahoe to the arid embrace of the Utah border, is anything but lonely. It's a tapestry woven with rugged … [Read more...] about U.S. Route 50: A Journey Through Nevada’s Untamed Beauty
A Timeless Tinkle: The Athenian Owl Takes Flight on the Modern Euro
Have you ever stopped to truly examine a seemingly ordinary coin? Take a closer look at the unassuming Greek one euro. Nestled on its reverse is a design that transcends mere currency – it's a window into the glorious past. Fun fact. The Greek one euro coin of today is adorned by the same motif as the silver tetradrachm of Athens from the period 425-400 BCE. That's right, … [Read more...] about A Timeless Tinkle: The Athenian Owl Takes Flight on the Modern Euro
Here’s How Huge the Mississippi River Basin Actually Is
With its 3.2 million square kilometers (1,245,000 square miles) in area, the Mississippi Watershed is the largest drainage basin in North America, as evidenced below. Yes, the Mississippi Basin is really that big. So big, actually, that it covers almost half of the USA’s continental landmass! (40%, to be precise) The Mississippi River watershed is the 4th largest in the … [Read more...] about Here’s How Huge the Mississippi River Basin Actually Is
Alarming Heat: This Year Smashes Records as Hottest in Recent Memory
This year is shaping up to be a scorcher, with temperatures consistently exceeding those of recent years. While data for the entire year is still being collected, multiple sources confirm that current trends place it as the hottest on record. This extreme heat is cause for serious concern. It contributes to a variety of problems, including: Scientists overwhelmingly … [Read more...] about Alarming Heat: This Year Smashes Records as Hottest in Recent Memory