The capture of German Tiger 131 in Tunisia

The capture of German Tiger tank 131 in North Africa is a fascinating story. In April 1943, during the Tunisian campaign of World War II, the tank was part of the Schwere Panzer-Abteilung 504, a German heavy tank battalion.

The fascinating history of Taxi Cabs

The first taxi was launched in 1907 by businessman Harry N. Allen through his company, New York Taxicab Company. These were the first fleet of gasoline-powered cabs. The taxis were imported from France and equipped with “taximeters” to charge fees based on mileage. Drivers dressed like West Point cadets manned the taxis, which were originally painted red and green.

The First Yellow Taxi Company

A Chicago entrepreneur John Hertz, in 1915, opened the first Yellow Cab Company in his city. While choosing the best colour for the cabs, Hertz commissioned a local university study by the students of the University of Chicago to “scientifically ascertain which colour would stand out strongest at a distance,” per his biographer—and yellow won. To date, colour researchers agree that yellow is the most visible colour, though some have suggested that it’s chartreuse that the eye most easily detects. Thus, the first-ever yellow taxi emerged, and the idea stuck from then on.

1925 Yellow Cab

This story ignores the fact that yellow taxis had already appeared in various American cities before 1915. Businessman Albert Rockwell was operating a fleet of yellow cabs since 1909, as Yellow Taxicab Co. in NYC. Legend has it that Rockwell was merely appeasing his wife, Nettie, who preferred the colour.

Now, according to the law, all medallion cabs must be yellow, and any other vehicles for hire can be any colour besides yellow.

Cabs Around the World

In some cities, like London for example, cabs have always been historically black, and that has not changed since the 17th century when they used a horse and carriage. The iconic history of these cabs makes them stand out without having to be bright yellow!

So now the next time you see a taxi, you will know where its color came from!

1946 Bikini Atoll Atomic Bomb Test [video]

 

The 1946 Bikini Atoll Atomic Bomb Test, codenamed Operation Crossroads, was a pivotal event in history. It was a series of two nuclear tests conducted by the United States at Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands. The tests aimed to assess the effects of nuclear explosions on naval ships and to demonstrate the power of atomic bombs. The Two Tests: - Able: The first test took place on July 1, 1946. A nuclear bomb was dropped from an aircraft, detonating 520 feet above the target fleet. Although it sank only five ships, the test provided valuable insights into the effects of nuclear explosions on naval vessels. - Baker: The second test occurred on July 25, 1946. This time, a nuclear bomb was detonated underwater, sinking eight ships. The Baker test created a massive condensation cloud and contaminated the surrounding ships with radioactive water, making them unusable for further testing The Operation Crossroads tests marked the beginning of a series of nuclear tests at Bikini Atoll, which continued until 1958. These tests had a profound impact on the environment, the local population, and the world's understanding of nuclear power.

Why do people collect diecast toy cars?

 

Collecting diecast miniature cars and vehicles has been a popular hobby for many decades, and its appeal can be attributed to several factors. Here are some of the main attractions:

Film producer David Lynch has died aged 78.

David Lynch has died aged 78. David Lynch was a renowned film director, screenwriter, and artist, rather than just a producer. He's known for his surrealist and often unconventional style, which has captivated audiences and inspired generations of filmmakers.

Some of his most famous works include:

• - Eraserhead (1977)
• - Blue Velvet (1986)
• - Wild at Heart (1990)
• - Twin Peaks (1990-1991, 2017)
• - Mulholland Drive (2001)
• - Inland Empire (2006)

Lynch's films often explore themes of identity, trauma, and the human condition, frequently incorporating elements of mystery, horror, and dark humour. He's also known for his collaborations with actors like Kyle MacLachlan, Naomi Watts, and Isabella Rossellini.

Throughout his career, Lynch has received numerous awards and nominations, including several Academy Award nominations. He's widely regarded as one of the most innovative and influential filmmakers of his generation.

Where is Spitbank Fort and what was it used for?

 

Spitbank Fort played a significant role during World War II, primarily serving as part of the coastal artillery defense system. Its strategic location in the Solent, near Portsmouth, allowed it to contribute to the protection of the vital naval base and dockyards ¹.

Spitbank Fort was built in the 1860s and 1870s as part of the Palmerston Forts, a series of coastal defense fortifications constructed in the United Kingdom during the 19th century.

The primary reason for building Spitbank Fort was to protect the strategic naval base and dockyards at Portsmouth from potential enemy attacks, particularly from France. The fort was designed to defend the entrance to Portsmouth Harbour and prevent enemy ships from passing through the Solent Strait.

Spitbank Fort was one of several forts built in the area, including Horse Sand Fort, No Man's Land Fort, and St Helens Fort. Together, these forts formed a strong defensive line to safeguard the naval base and surrounding area.

The fort was equipped with anti-aircraft guns and radar installations to detect and counter enemy aircraft, adapting to the new threats of aerial warfare ². Its garrison remained on high alert throughout the war, operating the artillery and anti-aircraft defenses.

Interestingly, the soldiers stationed at Spitbank Fort were deliberately chosen for their inability to swim, to prevent any attempts to escape ¹. Life on the fort was grim, but its presence helped secure the area and provided a sense of security for naval operations conducted from Portsmouth.

John Farnham narrates his audiobook

 The legendary John Farnham AO will narrate the audiobook edition of his highly anticipated memoir, The Voice Inside, co-written with Poppy Stockell. In a special touch, two chapters written by John’s wife, Jill Farnham, will be narrated by Jill herself.

 John Farnham says: ‘I’ve just finished narrating my audiobook. It was a bit of a roller-coaster ride. There were more than a few laughs, and some tears, but it made me realise how lucky I’ve been.’

 Vanessa Radnidge, Head of Literary at Hachette Australia, says: ‘Earlier this year when we announced John Farnham was writing his memoir with the help of Poppy Stockell, many fans eagerly asked if he would record the audiobook himself. At the time, we could not provide an answer, and I honestly did not think it would be possible. But John is a born entertainer, and he never wants to disappoint his fans. Despite the challenges posed by surgery and radiation, John dedicated many hours in the studio to record his book in his own voice. Now, I cannot imagine anyone else narrating it. Listening to him is such a delight - the heart, emotion, and showmanship are all there. So are the laughs, the giggles, and the tears. John feels lucky to have lived the life he has, and I know we are all incredibly lucky to have John Farnham share the voice inside with all of us.’

The audiobook edition of The Voice Inside, narrated by John Farnham with Jill Farnham, will be available on 30 October 2024.

LISTEN TO A SAMPLE

About John Farnham:  

JOHN FARNHAM is an Australian national treasure, one of Australia’s top performing artists and the greatest singer Australia has ever produced.  His career spans more than five decades.  

Born in London, John immigrated to Australia with his family in 1959 at the age of ten. From high school he played in local bands around  Melbourne and in 1967 John left a plumbing apprenticeship to pursue a full-time career in entertainment. And what a career it has been.  

For five years, from 1969 to 1973, John was voted the King of Pop, and his success brought him screaming fans and recording contracts, won him  starring roles in stage shows and musicals and delivered twelve singles and six albums that all achieved gold status. The fickle nature of pop saw  his pop career wane in the late seventies, but John’s talent continued to develop. In 1980 he formed his own band and with them he performed  the Beatles classic ‘Help’ to critical acclaim. In 1982, he was invited to front the Little River Band (LRB) and he toured extensively with the band in  the US. But it was after leaving LRB that John truly came into his own. In 1986 he released his first solo album in six years, called Whispering Jack.  This phenomenal album was No. 1 on the Australian music charts for 25 weeks and topped the charts throughout Europe, England and Canada. It  

is still Australia’s highest-selling album of all time by a local artist and the album won John numerous ARIA awards. More chart-topping albums  would follow. Throughout his career John has regularly toured both Australian and overseas markets. At home, his tours are renowned for  breaking attendance records at major entertainment venues.  

There are so many accolades to list so here are just a few. In 1987 John Farnham was named Australian of the Year and on Australia Day in 1996  he was honoured with the Order of Australia for Services to Music and Charity. In 1997 he was recognised as the Most Broadcast Australian  Recording Artist of all time by the Phonographic Performance Company of Australia. ln 1999, he toured East Timor for the ‘Tour of Duty – Concert  for the INTERFET Troops’. In 2000, John performed with Olivia Newton-John for the Opening Ceremony of the Sydney Olympic Games. In 2003,  John was inducted into the Australian music industry’s ARIA Hall of Fame. John continued to record and tour and has collaborated and toured  with some of Australia’s and the world’s best performers. He is acknowledged by artists like Celine Dion, Tom Jones, Chris Martin and Jimmy  Barnes as ‘the Voice’.  

Post cancer surgery (Source: news.com.au)

In August 2022, John was diagnosed with mouth cancer and retreated with his wife of over fifty years, Jill, to fight this cancer battle. In 2023 the  documentary called Finding the Voice, that looked at John’s career and the creation of Whispering Jack, was released. It became the highest grossing  Australian-made film in 2023. The soundtrack received an ARIA Award, and it was awarded an ACCTA Award for Best Documentary.  Following the release of the documentary John had three albums in the ARIA Charts. Over his career he has won twenty ARIA Awards. Twelve  months on from his diagnosis and subsequent surgery John remains cancer free. Whilst he continues on the road to recovery, he is writing his  memoir, which will be released by Hachette Australia in November 2024.