Street Artist Bordalo II Turns Trash Into Vibrant Sculptures
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From Nation, For Nation - Pulse of the Nation
Swiss Break Record with 1.2-Mile-Long Passenger Train
The Swiss have commemorated the 175th anniversary of their first railway by launching a record-breaking 1.2-mile-long passenger train consisting of 100 cars.
Weighing 2,990 tons, the extra-long train was comprised of 25 smaller “Capricorn” electric trains, traveled approximately 15 miles from Preda to Alvaneu along a UNESCO World Heritage route in eastern Switzerland on October 29, according to CNN. The area is renowned for its plunging hills, switchbacks, viaducts, and tunnels.
Chugging Along
During the hour-long excursion, the train descended from 5,866 feet above sea level in Preda about 30 miles from Italy’s border to 3,279 feet at Alavneu. The route is slightly treacherous due to its sharp curves, 22 tunnels, 48 bridges, and narrow-gauge construction.
Belgium and the Dutch previously held the longest passenger train record but did so by operating their trains on standard-gauge railways on level landscapes. In contrast, the Swiss train traveled on a narrow-gauge railway in which the rails were spaced just 3.3 feet apart as opposed to the standard gauge of 4 feet 8.5 inches.
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Cliffs
The Burial Cliffs of Sagada and Their Hanging Coffins Taking burial traditions to new heights!
Believe It or Not!, there are cemeteries suspended from cliffs in Sagada, Philippines! They were put there by indigenous people following ancient traditions, which are said to stem from the belief that the higher the dead are to the sky, the more elevated their spirits are in the afterlife!
Because the coffins are attached and suspended at incredibly high points on the cliffs, they are seemingly unreachable and have attracted tourists from all over the world.
Six Feet… Up?
The practice dates back thousands of years but is no longer prevalent, with burials on the cliffs only taking place once every few years!
When it does occur, the body is wrapped tightly in fabric and carried up the mountain to be placed in its coffin. Some coffins are noticeably shorter; this is because it was once common practice to fold the deceased into the fetal position, sometimes breaking bones in the process, since it was believed the body should leave this world as it entered it.
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From Globe, For Globe - Pulse of the Planet
Trees
Trees are Migrating West
Scientists Aren’t Exactly Sure Why
We speak for the trees and uh... they are on the move!
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