The beginning of life may have been in rocks instead of the primordial soup. The alkaline vents of the ancient ocean had the necessary chemical reactions, even if it’s a counter-intuitive idea. (via Metafilter)
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Scientists have developed a robot that can shuss down the hills on skis. Of course, just like the Winter Olympics, it’s much more fun to watch its slips and tumbles. (via Neatorama)
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This guy gets really drunk and wanders all over a convenience store and the surveillance video becomes an internet hit. But the show is even better with editing, a nice soundtrack, and proper silent film staging. (via Gorilla Mask)
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Atlas Obscura looks at some of the most magnificent spiral staircases in the world. Now I really want one of my own!
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A man joined the US Army at age 39 so his wife will be covered by health insurance. She needs chemotherapy for ovarian cancer, but he won’t be there when she gets the treatment.
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A man cheats death (just barely) when crossing the street. A longer video of the same accident gives more context.
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People in Order. A video project you’ll never forget from filmmakers Lenka Clayton and James Price.
Comments (6)
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I love the skiing robot. It looks like me when I was a kid trying to learn to ski. Now if they can get a robot to snowboard, I’ll be even MORE impressed!
posted by Craig on 10-21-2009 at 9:03 am
The story about the man that joined the Army just so he could get health care coverage for his ailing wife brought me to tears but that’s probably because I suffer from two chronic and painful conditions of my own. I was laid off last summer and two months later I was in a wreck that by the grace of God didn’t take my life. I just don’t understand why insurance companies make things so hard for those of us that need the coverage the most!
posted by KillerQueen11 on 10-21-2009 at 12:39 pm
That was one heck of a music mash-up for the skiing robot! The People in Order post was fantastic – thanks for the re-post!
As always, excellent links – great job!
recaptcha: gangster milk
posted by Hastings on 10-21-2009 at 12:57 pm
KillerQueen11: Unfortunately, in the case of health insurance, capitalism sucks. Insurance companies are not in business to provide health care; they are in business to make money for investors. Period. Their interests are completely at odds with yours. And it will stay that way until we have nationalized/socialized health insurance. NOT nationalized/socialized HEALTH CARE; just nationalized/socialized INSURANCE. But as long as health insurance is a for-profit business, customers will continue to get the short end of the stick.
reCaptcha phrase: gelatine Craig (what are the odds?)
posted by Craig on 10-21-2009 at 1:58 pm
Is it required to wear a helmet?
posted by RedLedger on 10-21-2009 at 3:34 pm
Gee whiz, did NPR’s comment pages accidentally get posted to MCoL? I fondly remember the days when one could get their knowledge fix in an aesthetic-free environment.
The spiral staircase link was inspired as they are among my favorite architectural structures. I particularly loved the set at Contarini del Bovolo, Venice.
posted by Rabullione on 10-21-2009 at 6:16 pm