Aalsmeer Flower Auction is a flower auction that takes place in Aalsmeer, Netherlands. It is the largest flower auction in the world. The Aalsmeer Flower Auction building is the fourth largest building by footprint in the world, covering 518,000 square metres. The auction is set up as a Dutch auction in which the price starts high and works its way down. Bidders get only a few seconds to bid on the flowers before they are sold and passed on to the new owner.
Paa Joe is a Ghanaian sculptor, and figurative palanquin and fantasy coffin carpenter. Joe is considered one of the most important Ghanaian coffin artists of his generation.
Khanjar Rolexes refer to a specific type of Rolex wristwatch adorned with the distinctive Khanjar symbol. The Khanjar, a traditional dagger emblematic of Oman, features prominently on these watches, serving as a symbol of pride and heritage for the Omani people. These Rolex watches, often customized with the Khanjar emblem, hold significant cultural and historical value within Oman. They are often gifted to dignitaries, government officials, and individuals of importance as a symbol of honor and respect. The Khanjar Rolex watches typically feature the iconic Rolex design and craftsmanship, with the addition of the Khanjar symbol on the dial or case back. This customization adds a unique touch to the timepiece, making it highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.
The Tree of Ténéré, also known as the Lone Tree of Ténéré, was a solitary acacia tree that stood as a symbol of resilience in the vast Sahara Desert. Located in what is now Niger, it was once considered the most isolated tree on Earth, standing over 400 kilometers (250 miles) away from the nearest vegetation. The Tree of Ténéré gained legendary status due to its improbable survival in one of the harshest environments on the planet. It served as a crucial landmark for travelers navigating the desert, providing a rare source of shade and shelter in an otherwise barren landscape.
Bois Durci is a unique material with a fascinating history and diverse applications. Developed in the mid-19th century by inventor François Désiré Froment-Meurice, Bois Durci is a composite material made from natural wood dust or shavings combined with a binding agent such as egg white or blood. The production process involves compressing the wood particles and binding agent under high pressure and heat, resulting in a dense and durable material that closely resembles natural wood in appearance and texture. However, Bois Durci possesses unique properties that set it apart, including increased hardness, resistance to moisture, and the ability to be molded and shaped into various forms. Bois Durci quickly gained popularity as a versatile material for decorative and functional objects, ranging from jewelry and buttons to knife handles, pipe stems, and even small sculptures. Its durability and aesthetic appeal made it a favored choice among artisans and craftsmen during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Alessandro Moreschi was an Italian chorister of the late 19th century and the only castrato to make solo recordings.
The Belle Isle ice tree is a striking winter spectacle found on Belle Isle in Michigan, United States. Unlike natural ice formations, the Belle Isle Ice Tree is a man-made creation that occurs annually as part of a unique tradition. Each winter, volunteers and park staff come together to construct the Belle Isle Ice Tree. The process begins by pumping water from the nearby Detroit River onto the trees and vegetation. As the water freezes upon contact, layers of ice gradually accumulate, forming intricate and elaborate structures resembling cascading icicles or frozen waterfalls.
Penis fencing is a reproductive behavior observed in certain species of hermaphroditic flatworms, particularly those belonging to the genus Pseudobiceros and Pseudoceros. During this unusual mating ritual, two flatworms engage in combat using their elongated and sharp penises, known as "stylets," in a competition to inseminate the other. The process begins when two flatworms encounter each other and become sexually aroused. They then extend their stylets, which are typically stored inside their bodies, and engage in a fierce duel. The goal of each flatworm is to pierce the skin of its opponent and inject sperm into its body cavity. The flatworm that successfully inseminates its partner gains reproductive success, while the loser may suffer physical harm or fail to reproduce.
The Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL) is an astronaut training facility and neutral buoyancy pool operated by NASA. The NBL's main feature is a large indoor pool of water,[3] in which astronauts may perform simulated EVA tasks in preparation for upcoming missions. Trainees wear suits designed to provide neutral buoyancy to simulate the microgravity that astronauts experience during spaceflight.
Roopkund is a high-altitude glacial lake located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, nestled within the Himalayas. Situated at an elevation of approximately 5,029 meters (16,499 feet) above sea level, Roopkund is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and intriguing archaeological significance. One of the most distinctive features of Roopkund is the presence of human skeletal remains scattered along its shores and submerged within its icy waters. The origin of these skeletons has long been shrouded in mystery, sparking fascination and speculation among researchers and explorers. In 1942, a British forest guard made the initial discovery of the skeletons while on a patrol in the area. Subsequent investigations revealed the presence of hundreds of human remains, dating back to the 9th century CE. The skeletons were remarkably well-preserved due to the cold, oxygen-deprived environment of the lake.