Opus – Page 5 – Encyclopædia of the sublime

Penis fencing

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.

Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory

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

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.

Ramune

Ramune is a Japanese carbonated soft drink. It was introduced in 1884 in Kobe by the British pharmacist Alexander Cameron Sim. Ramune is available in a Codd-neck bottle, a heavy glass bottle whose mouth is sealed by a round marble (instead of a cap) due to the pressure of the carbonated contents. In 1884, Sim introduced this carbonated beverage based on lemonade to the Kobe foreign settlement. This drink, sold in the distinctive Codd-neck bottle, soon became very popular with the local Japanese after it was advertised in the Tokyo Mainichi Newspaper as a preventative for cholera. The drink remains a popular soft drink, sold worldwide, under the name of ramune. Although the Codd-neck bottle was once commonly used for carbonated drinks, today Ramune, along with Banta, is one of its very few users. People trying Ramune for the first time sometimes find it difficult to drink, as it takes practice to learn to stop the marble from blocking the flow.

The Majestic

When Georges Roy set out to combine the best qualities of an automobile with the thrills of a motorcycle, he created a remarkable machine – the Majestic. It’s the ultimate French Art Deco motorcycle, as his design enabled a free hand to create stylish, stunning bodywork over a radical chassis. The Majestic was revolutionary in 1929, and the ideas Georges Roy made into metal are still being explored by motorcycle designers.

Ferdinand Cheval

Ferdinand Cheval was a French postman who gained renown for constructing an extraordinary structure known as the "Palais idéal" (Ideal Palace) in Hauterives, France. The inspiration for Cheval's masterpiece came in 1879 when he stumbled upon an oddly shaped stone while delivering mail on his route. Intrigued by its unique form, Cheval began collecting stones during his daily rounds, gradually amassing a vast collection of rocks, pebbles, and shells. Over the course of 33 years, he meticulously crafted the Palais idéal using these found materials, working tirelessly during his spare time to bring his vision to life. Cheval's architectural creation is a whimsical and fantastical structure characterized by its eclectic blend of architectural styles, incorporating elements of Gothic, Islamic, Hindu, and other influences.

Dong Tao chicken

Dong Tao chicken is a rare Vietnamese chicken breed with enlarged feet, that originates from the village Đông Tảo in Khoái Châu District near Hanoi. Dong Tao chickens are valued as a delicacy in Vietnam, and they were once bred exclusively to be served to the royal family and mandarins. They are difficult to breed as their large legs make hatching difficult, and they are also sensitive to changes in temperature. Hens often break the eggs with their bulky legs, so eggs are usually kept in an incubator.

Uniklinik Aachen

The Uniklinik Aachen is the university hospital of the city of Aachen, Germany. The hospital's exterior has extensive visible pipes, which give the building an industrial appearance reminiscent of an oil refinery.

Shirdan

Shirdan is an offal dish prepared by washing the abomasum (lower stomach) of a sheep and then stuffing it with chopped meat, onions, and paprika, then further seasoning it with black pepper, pimento and salt. Water is then added and the opened cavity is sewn with a needle and thread. Lastly, it is baked with animal fat in an earthen casserole. This frequently consumed dish in Adana, Turkey is considered a regional specialty.

Snow goggles

Inuit snow goggles, also known as "Iggaak" or "Ivigarlik," are traditional eyewear used by the indigenous Inuit people of the Arctic regions, including Alaska, Canada, Greenland, and Siberia. These goggles are ingeniously designed to protect the eyes from snow blindness, a condition caused by the intense glare of sunlight reflecting off snow and ice. The construction of Inuit snow goggles typically involves a narrow horizontal slit or groove carved into a single piece of bone, wood, or other translucent material, such as walrus ivory or caribou antler.