Accidental Oasis In The Middle Of Nevada


 
Burning Man is not the only man made wonder in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert. Seeker Stories presents a story about a man made oasis which sprung from an industrial mining accident on the edge of the vast desert. The gorgeous landmark is known as Fly Geyser and came to being when an electrical power company dug a little too deep and released water filled with sulfuric minerals. Overtime, the water attracted an algae that feeds on the minerals and turned the natural build up of limestone into vibrantly colored mounds.

Exploding plants are way too excited

The Smithsonian’s YouTube channel has some really great videos but this is one of my favorites. Time-lapse footage captures the humorous process by way many plants, including the ‘squirting cucumber’, spread their seeds.

Aldous Huxley & Kirby: Are Drug’s GOOD for You?

Wisecrack asks you to just “Press Start” for “Are Psychedelic Drugs GOOD for You?”. A playful combination of classic video games that introduce famous thinkers, problems and teachings.” This one features my main man Aldous Huxley and my fallback Smash Bros. contender, Kirby.

Billions In Change: 5 Hour Energy Wants to Save the World


 
National Geographic is reporting that, Manoj Bhargava, the brain behind the very popular 5-hour Energy drink, plans to donate 99% of his wealth to solving the world’s biggest problems. The documentary above, “Change in Billions” was released Monday and lays out Bhargava’s plan to put the majority of his $4 billion in wealth into a variety of inventions.

“Manoj Bhargava has built a stationary bike to power the millions of homes worldwide that have little or zero electricity. Early next year in India, he plans to distribute 10,000 of his Free Electric battery-equipped bikes, which he says will keep lights and basic appliances going for an entire day with one hour of pedaling.”

The Lookout: The first line against forest fires

Each summer, Leif Haugen lives in a tiny cabin in the Flathead National Forest of northwestern Montana, where he serves as the fire lookout for the forest. His amenities are few. There is no running water or electricity in the cabin that serves as his home and office. He spends his days sitting in solitary watching for any signs of a fire, quickly responding to the occasional outbreak. Brian Bolster’s film ‘The Outlook’ follows Leif through his time on up on the mountain documenting the nuances of his crucial role while also featuring the beautiful views and vast nature that surrounds him.

A Chairy Tale: A Short Film from 1957 with music by Ravi Shankar

Present by the Nation Film Board of Canada: A Chairy Tale

In this Oscar-nominated short film, a chair, animated by Evelyn Lambart, refuses to be sat upon, forcing a young man to perform a sort of dance with the chair. The musical accompaniment is by Ravi Shankar and Chatur Lal. This virtuoso film is the result of a collaboration between Norman McLaren and Claude Jutra. Directed by Claude Jutra & Norman McLaren – 1957