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Ancient port discovered in Egypt {Gadling}

Aug 2nd 2011 8:46AM The study of Ancient Egypt is fascinating.

In ancient Egypt, the era of 2686 to 2181 BC was considered “The Old Kingdom” period and “The Age of the Pyramid Builders.”

Boats were carved out of wood and had a significant role in ancient Egyptian society and funerary beliefs. The old Pharaohs had boats buried near them to guide their journey through the afterlife.

Hunters near the Nile used papyrus boats to capture birds and collect lotus blossom. Papyrus (tall grassy stem plants) and lotus flowers were important symbols in Egypt during “The Old Kingdom” period.

King Neferikare whom ruled ancient Egypt from 2475-2455 BC after Pharaoh Sahure had construction plans for a larger pyramid than King Sahure but his pyramid was never finished.

King Neferikare’s tomb-pyramid would have held important clues if ancient Egyptian waterways-sea ports were used for other purposes. Tombs throughout the Old and New Kingdom periods would have held important clues also.

Interesting history and recent developments...

(I have some old books on Egypt but have not traveled there before. Like many students of history, I would like to visit the ancient museums-centers someday. )

Reference: Ancient Egypt, Kingdom of the Pharaohs.

Cobras cause panic on train in Vietnam {Gadling}

Jun 3rd 2011 9:38AM Has anyone experience some difficulties while traveling in Vietnam? Just curious... one of my friend’s uncle went back to visit recently and had some difficulties during his trip. Is this a familiar trend with other travelers as well???

If you or anyone you know would like to learn more about authentic Vietnamese cuisine, please visit www.abandonedlittleangels.com (or contact their office located in Houston) and ask about a cookbook called, Gia Chanh Vietnam- “Home Cooking of Vietnam.”

This special cookbook features over 100 recipes and highlights recipes ranging from traditional appetizers, family dishes, and desserts (no exotic outlandish dishes like you see of T.V. or short-round telling Dr. Indiana Jones to cover his heart...Heehe!) Proceeds benefits children’s charities-orphanages in Vietnam. Thanks!

(Funny, I forgot to mention, Gia Chanh Vietnam- “Home cooking of Vietnam” is written in Vietnamese, so you might need a friend to translate or use a Vietnamese/English Dictionary...Heehe! ) The book is popular with young chefs. I’m sure everyone will enjoy it also. My folks, friends, and I shared resources to help produce this special cookbook project.

Vietnam has a long and epic history. Sadly many of those years are heartbreaking and often difficult to talk about. Like many, I was born-raised in the U.S., and my ancestry roots are from Asia-Europe. Part of my family’s history is from Bui Chu (northeast) -Saigon (southeast) Vietnam. The ancient trade roots-silk roads flow through those lands and sea-maritime.


Video of the Day - Cloud surfing over Australia {Gadling}

May 20th 2011 7:00AM “I could have gone on flying through space forever.” (1961, The New York Times.) Cosmonaut Yuri A. Gagarin.

Looks like a lot of fun. Thanks for posting “Surfing the Clouds.”
Cool flight video. An inspiring and unforgettable vacation session...GoPro, smiling! : )

From the Shores of Louisiana: Dredging {Gadling}

Aug 3rd 2010 7:19AM (Sorry I have not posted in a while friends, I took some time off after a tragic death in my family. Hope I can contribute to this discussion.)

Insane Nerds Thinking Past-historical events….

hmmm interesting…

-- In the late 1970’s there was an drilling platform accident in the North Sea which spewed millions of gallons of crude oil into the ocean, the cause of the accident was believed to have been the blowout prevention mechanism, later it was suggested the blowout prevention mechanism was installed incorrectly.

However, the data on the conditions of affected coastlines-environments nearby were lost, not recorded, or never studied. A few years later within the same region, an oil rig collapse due to a bad storm-a severe weather system, (trivia) what was the name of the oil rig?

A) Mick Dundee
B) Alexander Kielland
C) Phillips Petro
D) Paul “Red” Adair
E) None of the above

--In 1543, Spanish Explorers discovered a group of island near the Americas and large amounts of an unknown substance floating on the surface of the water, which was called “seeps or black gold.” Many of the explorers within the region fell ill after a few weeks and later died due to unknown causes, perhaps, by drinking contaminated water or from other unknown circumstances.

The seeps or black oil was believed to have been used to treat ailments, waterproof canoes, to lubricant machines, and provide cheap heating-lighting applications. But how was seeps-black gold collected during this era??? Was there a unique collection method(s)??? Perhaps, Native tribes or the explorers found a specific way to collect this vital resource...

--Hmmmm, interesting...??? (The Space program is at idle for a little while...) I wonder if Engineers at NASA could design new proto-types... UWaves robots (Under-water aquatic viewing and evaluation system) to study marine life-underwater ecosystems for scientific research purposes...?

I’m also curious to see if an old school design can be implemented to help clean up a modern day spill? Old school thinkers vs. new school technology ....(sounds like a new episode for Myth busters on the Discovery Channel...Heehe, just kiddin.)

Thinkers and Technology... (Archimedes screw vs. Skimmers)???


--During the 3rd century BC, one of the greatest minds in science-history designed a unique device which shaped the course of history; this device was known as “Archimedes screw.” Throughout history many designers-creative thinkers studied Archimedes’ inventions to help provide transfer of water, build cities attractions, and develop historical civil engineering projects.

Could an Archimedes’ screw application be implemented to collect large amounts of spewed crude oil in today’s Gulf region and help clean up fragile coastlines???
(An Archimedes’ screw could reach different levels of water within the ocean...water/oil transfer collection method. Archimedes Screw-->holding tank on ship-->separate oil/water or evaporation process-->production products)???

Water/oil could be transferred to a shipping vessel where the mixture be separated?

The oil-water mixture could be evaporated through a natural cycle of progression... (perhaps, by another historical invention-steam engine approach--boil oil/water mixture to produce steam to begin a natural evaporation process or steam to turn Archimedes screw.)??? Is steam better for the environment, an alternative to control burns at sea???

Could Archimedes screw application-design be implemented to pump vital oxygen molecules from the surface of the water down to lower-deeper ocean depths (low oxygen areas in the ocean)?

Hmmm, interesting...still a lot of questions, old school -new school???

Racecar fabricator and NuFormz owner Shaun Carlson dead at 35 {Autoblog}

Oct 8th 2009 9:29AM We knew Shaun's work from back in the days…in the early-mid 90’s. Shaun was a very talented professional-sport compact tuner/racer/fabricator.

A cool guy on and off the drag strips/show circuits. He did a lot of good things over the years for the automotive industry.

Please extend our condolences to the entire Carlson Family-NuFormz Crew.



A Lake House You'll Wish Was Yours {Shelterpop}

Aug 25th 2009 7:42AM I admire this architectural piece-[Lake House Cabin]. Great design.

I also agree, I think the design compliments the surrounding environment and natural landscapes well.

I wonder if the cabin shell can be shipped-assembled?

Thanks for posting. : )

Wish We Could...Eat Here! {Shelterpop}

Jul 20th 2009 11:36AM Impeccable restaurant design.

My friends and I were glancing through banq's menu selections online…looks enticing.

Is there live music?

We might come to visit sometime. : )

Second That Emotion: Toyobaru re-confirmed for Tokyo Motor Show? {Autoblog}

Jul 10th 2009 4:12AM Nice design.

It would be interesting to see a newly designed fuel efficient, eco-smart, and advance sports coupe in Toyota’s line up-product mix.

Lately, I’ve been seeing a few Nissan 350-370 Zs on the road.

I’m curious to see if Toyota will produced new advance motorcycles under new management also.

Hmmm…very interesting.

Paris Air Show 2009: The debut of a new Russian airliner the Sukhoi Superjet 100 {Gadling}

Jun 30th 2009 8:38AM The bigger super jets are more expensive to implement in today's fleets. I think more airliners are focused on better and more fuel efficient mid size jets.

Very interesting new aircraft indeed. Up to date design, technologically advanced avionics and aviation systems.

Very curious about SSJ 100 applications. Intersting fuel efficient turbojet engines produced by powerjet.

Viacom and Michael Bay: Stop whining, Mike {BloggingStocks}

Jun 23rd 2009 7:12AM A young reporter for the New York Journal once said, “Ninety-five per cent of films are born of frustration, of self despair, of ambition for survival, for money, for fattening bank accounts. However five per cent, maybe less, are made because a man or woman has an idea, an idea which he or she must express.”

He also mentioned, “Van Gogh was a great inspiration for passionate film students, a guy for whom life was work and work was life. Mr. Sammy wanted to be like him, except he didn't want to go nuts and cut off his ear.”

[“Limited chocolates and no cigars…kid.”] (Sam M. Fuller 1912-1997)

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  • Thanh T. Tran
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