Buzz
The weekend is here, so why not unwind and catch up on some of the more bizarre news stories that made waves this week? If you missed our previous offbeat list, feel free to check it out here.
This week, we explore a few intriguing rivalries, one debating which state boasts more lakes, and another centered around research rights at Pompeii. We also address some burning questions, like “What became of the submarine Minerve?” and “Where are all Bob Ross’s paintings?” We dive into an 800-year-old tradition and even talk about the world's priciest sneakers.
10. Asterix in Britain
After a decade of research, the artifacts belonging to an ancient warrior, known as a “real-life Asterix,” are finally set to be showcased for the first time.
Archaeologists from England revealed the discovery in West Sussex, calling it “the most intricately equipped warrior grave ever uncovered in England.” Though we don't know his identity, this Iron Age soldier fought alongside the Gauls against Caesar, just like the famous comic character. He may have been a Gaul who later sought refuge in Britain or a native Briton who traveled across the channel to join the Gauls in their fight against the Romans.
The warrior’s grave was initially uncovered in 2008 during excavation work for a housing project. However, it took years for scholars to preserve and study the items inside. Notable finds include a bent sword, most of a detailed, decorative headdress, and a helmet with Celtic openwork crests that is said to be “truly one of a kind.” These items will be displayed at the Novium Museum in Chichester starting in January 2020.
9. Where Have All the Happy Little Accidents Gone?
Bob Ross is considered one of the most prolific American painters, with an estimated 30,000 paintings created throughout his life. Of these, 1,143 were produced for his PBS show The Joy of Painting. However, these artworks are rarely seen. This led The New York Times to question where all these paintings might be, prompting an investigation. The answer? Herndon, Virginia.
Herndon is the home of Bob Ross Inc., which is still run by his longtime business partner Annette Kowalski. The vast majority of Bob Ross's paintings are kept in a warehouse, where they are carefully preserved, but they are not for sale. The Kowalskis never considered selling them, as that would go against the spirit of Bob Ross’s mission as an artist. He didn’t sell his paintings; instead, he promoted the idea that anyone could be an artist with a bit of practice and the willingness to make some happy little accidents.
Recently, Bob Ross Inc. donated several paintings to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, including four pieces, three of which were versions of the same artwork titled On A Clear Day. Bob Ross often created three versions of a painting for each episode of his TV show: the first as a reference, the second as the one you saw on TV, and the third as a more detailed version that was included in his books.
8. Glow-In-The-Dark Shark
Researchers from Tulane University and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have discovered a new shark species with a fascinating trait: it glows in the dark.
This tiny shark measures just 14 centimeters (5.5 inches) in length and is found in the Gulf of Mexico. It was first observed in 2010 during an unrelated study on sperm whales, but its true identity remained a mystery until 2013, when a NOAA researcher made the connection. The shark has now been officially named the American pocket shark, a reference to the bioluminescent pocket gland near its front fins that secretes a glowing fluid.
This is only the second known specimen of a pocket shark to be captured or recorded. The first was discovered in the Pacific Ocean in 1979. Though these two sharks live in separate oceans, they belong to different species and appear to be extremely rare. Scientists believe the shark uses its glowing abilities to lure prey, though much remains unknown about this elusive creature.
7. Minerve Found
On January 27, 1968, the French submarine Minerve vanished while en route to the Toulon naval base, taking its entire crew of 52 with it. Its fate remained unknown for more than fifty years until the wreck was finally discovered last week.
When the Minerve disappeared, French authorities initiated several search-and-rescue operations, one of which was led by explorer and conservationist Jacques Cousteau. Unfortunately, no trace of the submarine was found, and the search was halted in February.
This July, the French government renewed its search efforts after increased pressure from the families of the crew. Equipped with modern technology and advanced equipment, the search proved successful. The wreck was first spotted by private US company Ocean Infinity, located 45 kilometers (27 miles) from Toulon at a depth of 2,370 meters (7,775 feet). Underwater drones confirmed the vessel’s identity by capturing the first three letters of its name in low sedimentation.
Investigating the wreck could provide answers as to why the submarine sank. Captain Andre Fauve, with thousands of hours of experience on similar vessels, was not believed to have made an error. Some theories suggest severe weather caused the disaster, while others propose that issues with the rudder led to the submarine’s implosion and sinking.
6. Getting Rich Off Snail Mucus
A new and thriving industry has emerged in Thailand: “milking” snails. The slime produced by these mollusks has become a sought-after ingredient in cosmetics, especially in Korea and the United States. With face creams costing hundreds of dollars, the Thai snail “milking” industry has grown to an estimated $314 million in just three years.
Referring to the process as “milking” is a bit of a misleading but positive term. The substance collected is called mucin, a type of slime, and no actual milking takes place. The process is entirely safe for the snails, involving the gentle application of water, which stimulates their glands to produce mucin. To ensure their health and maintain the quality of the secretion, the snails are fed grains and vegetables and are only “milked” once every three weeks.
The Thai farmers are reaping benefits from this new industry. Previously, they considered snails to be pests that ruined their crops, often collecting and discarding them in rivers. Now, they are able to sell the snails for a profit.
5. Wisconsin vs. Minnesota
In recent months, an ongoing rivalry has erupted between the states of Wisconsin and Minnesota over which state boasts more lakes.
Minnesota has long boasted the title of the “Land of 10,000 Lakes.” But in May, Wisconsin’s new tourism secretary, Sara Meaney, seized the chance during a radio interview to point out that her state actually has 15,000 freshwater lakes.
Technically, she was correct. According to Wisconsin’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR), there are 15,074 documented lakes, while Minnesota’s DNR lists only 11,482. However, many Minnesotans quickly noted that the two states have different definitions of what constitutes a lake. There is no official standard, so Minnesota classifies any body of water over 10 acres as a lake, while Wisconsin counts anything starting from a half-acre pond. If both states used the same criteria, Minnesota would come out on top.
A spokesperson for the Wisconsin Department of Tourism wasn’t backing down. Instead, he took the opportunity to boast about his state’s football supremacy, another ongoing rivalry between the two rivals. He acknowledged the discrepancy in lake counts due to differing definitions but then invited Minnesota to tally its lakes alongside its Super Bowl rings—of which they have none, while Wisconsin has four.
4. The First Landing On The Irish
To mark the 50th anniversary of the Moon landing, Ireland decided to release new commemorative stamps honoring astronauts with Irish heritage. While the stamps feature both English and Irish text, an unfortunate mistake slipped through on the Irish version: the word “Moon” was misspelled.
In English, the stamps read, “50th Anniversary of the First Moon Landing.” The Irish version was intended to convey the same message but mistakenly used Gaelach instead of Gealach. While Gealach means “Moon,” Gaelach refers to something Irish or Gaelic. As a result, the stamps now commemorate the “50th Anniversary of the First Landing on the Irish.”
The error was made by An Post, Ireland’s state-run postal service, who attributed the blunder to a transposition mistake that went unnoticed before the stamps were sent to print.
3. Just Buy It
A pair of Nike sneakers set a new record as the most expensive shoes ever sold at auction, fetching an astonishing $437,500.
The buyer, Canadian entrepreneur Miles Nadal, purchased a rare pair of 1972 Nike Waffle Racing Flats, also known as “Moon Shoes.” These were handcrafted by Nike co-founder and iconic track coach Bill Bowerman. Originally made for athletes at the 1972 Olympic Trials, only 12 pairs were produced, with these being the only pair never worn. The distinctive sole design left imprints on the ground that resembled those made by astronaut suits, which led to the shoes being dubbed “Moon Shoes.”
The shoes were sold by Sotheby’s as part of a sale titled “The Ultimate Sneaker Collection.” The pair came from Jordy Geller, the world’s largest sneaker collector, while 99 other pairs were provided by the streetwear marketplace Stadium Goods.
Initially, the plan was to auction all 100 pairs as a complete collection at a private event. However, the “Moon Shoes” were deemed so rare and desirable that they were sold separately at a public auction to maximize their value. Miles Nadal paid $850,000 for the other 99 pairs, and then placed a winning bid of $437,500 for the “Moon Shoes,” completing his acquisition of the entire collection.
2. Changing An Ancient Tradition
Karen Hammond from South Dakota made history as the first woman to participate in an ancient English tradition that dates back to the 12th century. She took part as a royal swan upper.
Swan upping is an annual event that occurs in the third week of July, during which the swans on the River Thames are counted. The tradition, based on a centuries-old decree, states that the swans are owned by the Queen. Originally, this practice was used to determine the number of swans for consumption. Today, the event serves as a means of preserving an 800-year-old custom while aiding conservationists by tracking the birth rates of swans. The swans are also tagged, and their health is checked.
The counting is carried out by six wooden skiffs, traditionally manned by all-male rowing teams. However, this year, Karen Hammond joined the ranks as the first female swan upper. A close friend of David Barber, the official Queen’s Swan Marker, Hammond’s love for wildlife and her skills in rowing made her a perfect fit for the role.
1. Who Can Study Pompeii?
A heated debate is unfolding between two groups of scientists regarding who has better access to Pompeii’s ruins. Volcanologists argue that they are being sidelined by archaeologists who not only dominate the prime excavation sites but are also allegedly damaging volcanic deposits in their quest to uncover artifacts.
In 2012, Italy initiated the Great Pompeii Project, a major undertaking aimed at preserving the site devastated by Mount Vesuvius’ eruption 2,000 years ago. Since then, archaeologists have uncovered a wealth of new insights into the daily lives of the citizens of Pompeii as they meticulously peel back layer after layer of rock.
On the other hand, volcanologists are eager to study the very rocks that are being excavated. Mount Vesuvius is among the world’s most perilous volcanoes, with experts believing that it will eventually erupt again, posing a threat to the millions of people living in its shadow.
A group of Earth scientists recently voiced their concerns in an open letter published in Nature, condemning their fellow researchers for rapidly destroying volcanic deposits. Roberto Scandone, a volcanology professor at Roma Tre University, denounced this as “an act of vandalism to volcanology.” These scientists also lament the growing number of areas that have been restricted from them due to “health and safety reasons.”
A representative from the Archaeological Park of Pompeii played down the ongoing dispute, stating that both parties are collaboratively studying the site under an agreement established years ago. Archaeologists maintain that Pompeii is vast enough and that there is ample rock for further analysis beyond the central city area.
