Author: quannd
Insects and terrestrial arthropods have inhabited the Earth since before the time of the dinosaurs, growing much larger to their contemporary equivalents during the Carboniferous period, due in part to a surplus of oxygen in the Earth’s atmosphere. This growth was supported by higher planetary temperatures that increased metabolism, with some theories also suggesting that the evolutionary growth spur was to avoid oxygen poisoning. It is also possible that both groups grew to compete in an evolutionary arms race to take down large prey or to ward off predation, as the absence of key predators such as birds in the…
Archaeologists have revealed new insights into the techniques used in the production of Roman wine, including how it looked, smelled and tasted. During the Roman period, there were notable technological advancements and a growing awareness of winemaking, a knowledge that disseminated throughout the entire empire. The writings of classical Roman authors, including Cato, Columella, Horace, Palladius, Pliny, Varro, and Virgil, provide insights into the significance of wine in Roman culture, offering a glimpse into both contemporary winemaking techniques and viticultural practices. The study, published in the journal Antiquity, compared Roman clay jars called dolia, which were used during wine manufacturing,…
The wooden furniture unearthed from the ruins of Herculaneum, preserved by the devastating eruption of Mount Vesuvius, provides an extraordinary window into the daily existence of ancient Romans. The meticulous craftsmanship evident in these artifacts reflects the skill and artistry of the carpenters, whose work has stood the test of time. Among the remarkable finds are intricately designed boats, bed frames, tables, and shrines, each bearing witness to the ingenuity and creativity of its makers. One particularly poignant discovery is a crib found amidst the remains of a family, a haunting reminder of the human tragedy that befell the city. The Only…
Beautiful sea view windowgetty The tide is turning among Europe’s golden visa programs. A wave of more restrictive policies, more expensive minimum thresholds, and outright eliminations of programs has swept across the Continent in recent months. Ireland eliminated its Immigrant Investor Programme in 2023. Portugal made the real estate investment option of its golden visa program—previously Europe’s most popular—more restrictive and expensive before eventually abolishing it (also last year). Greece is one of the latest countries to follow suit. After weeks of vague statements and speculation about changes to its highly coveted golden visa program, the Ministry of Finance confirmed…
Stocks making the biggest moves midday: Micron, Cameco, MicroStrategy and more Source: www.cnbc.com
A new generation of the Porsche Panamera hatchback starts sales this spring as a 2024 model, though only the base grade will be available initially. More options will arrive shortly after as 2025 models, including the Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid that Porsche this week confirmed will carry a starting price of $192,995, including a $1,995 destination charge. Other options available starting with the 2025 model year include the 4 E-Hybrid and 4S E-Hybrid, which were shown in February and are priced from $117,495 and $128,795, respectively. The base grade that will arrive first in showrooms is confirmed to start at $101,550.…
The Infiniti QX60 mid-size crossover SUV is finally about to receive a long-overdue redesign, and the designers look to be seriously sexing things up. Infiniti late on Thursday unveiled the QX60 Monograph concept at its new headquarters in Yokohama, Japan, ahead of the formal debut on Saturday at Auto China 2020 in Beijing. The striking show car previews the design of the next-generation QX60 due on sale in 2021. The QX60’s corporate cousin, the Nissan Pathfinder, is also about to be redesigned. Prototypes for the new Pathfinder have already been spotted, so it’s no surprise Infiniti is planning a redesign…
Ferrari and battery supplier SK On will partner on advanced battery cell technology, the two companies announced Tuesday. SK On has been supplying batteries to Ferrari since 2019, initially for the SF90 Stradale plug-in hybrid and its open-top SF90 Spider variant, and then for the 296 GTB and 296 GTS plug-in hybrids. The two companies have now signed a memorandum of understanding to “explore new possibilities and potential solutions” in battery-cell tech. Ferrari SF90 Stradale A memorandum of understanding is not the same as a product plan, but Ferrari will likely have more need for batteries in the future for…
JLR (formerly Jaguar Land Rover) in 2022 launched a Defender equipped with a V-8, but a more hardcore V-8 grade is still in the works for the rugged SUV. It was confirmed this week by JLR as the Defender OCTA, and prototypes have been spotted in the wild. It’s set to make a debut later this year, and it’ll likely arrive as a 2025 model should it reach the U.S. All JLR has said about the vehicle is that it will come with a twin-turbocharged V-8 and a version of the automaker’s 6D Dynamics suspension. Both features are found in…
If your job is stealing hamburgers, it helps to have a good getaway car. McDonald’s has given the Hamburglar—cartoon burger thief extraordinaire—his own ride. It’s a modified 1970 Plymouth Barracuda called, inevitably, the Burgercuda. It’s being driven cross country, and McDonald’s is inviting fast food customers to win prizes by spotting it and scanning a QR code on the rear quarter panels. Unexplained in the press release from the fast food giant is why a car called the Barracuda is being used to steal burgers and not Filet-O-Fish sandwiches. McDonald’s Hamburglar Burgercuda 1970 Plymouth Barracuda The Barracuda has a black-and-white…