STUFF: News, Technology, the cool and the plain weird

[MIKA27]

‘Super Troopers 2’ Red Band Trailer

It’s about time for more shenanigans. It’s been 17 years since Super Troopers hit screens and delivered a slew of lines we would go on to quote for 17 years. Soon, however, we will have a fresh batch, as Super Troopers 2 is set to hit theaters on April 20 (see what they did there). Thorny, Mac, Farva, and the rest of the guys don their highway patrol uniforms once again. After a border dispute between the U.S. and Canada finds the map of North America slightly redrawn, it’s up to the Super Troopers to establish a Highway Patrol station in the disputed area.

[MIKA27]

ORPHAN BARREL ENTRAPMENT CANADIAN WHISKY

Despite the recent bourbon boom, Canadian whisky is still the best-selling whiskey in North America. The first Canadian whisky release from Orphan Barrel was distilled by Crown Royal in 1992 and matured in Gimli, Manitoba. Originally slated to be included in a batch of Crown Royal DeLuxe, this spirit never made it into the blend and has instead spent 25 years awaiting this bottling.

[MIKA27]

THE PLANET CHAIR

Mixing a futuristic design and minimal materials, the Planet Chair gives any room a quiet place. It's constructed from multiple triangular segments of plywood. Fastened together with steel connectors, the sphere shape surrounds its occupant creating a private nook. An ergonomic mattress lines the interior for comfort while a LED-lamp, speaker system, and solar panels turn this seat into a personal pod for work or relaxation. $3,350

[MIKA27]

This Vodka Is Made from Actual Clouds

While fishing the back waters of South Carolina's Hilton Head Island, Joe Fenten noticed it was blanketed in a layer of thin, dense clouds of moisture. Fenten, the founder of Hilton Head Distillery, wondered if there was some way to capture it and use it in the distillation process. Aermoor, the distillery's "cloud sourced vodka," was born.

At its core, vodka is pretty simple to make. It’s made up of ethanol and water, with the first ingredient usually sourced from fermented potatoes. It can also be made from various other ingredients, including: grapes, wheat, rye, barley, rice, and even horseradish. So why not clouds? Well, easier said than done.

An engineer by trade before becoming a self-taught distiller, Fenten designed an Air Water Generator, a machine that was designed to tap into an abundant water source—water vapor. The AWG turns that source water into pure alkaline water, which is used to proof down the vodka. The result is a pure, crisp, clean vodka with a subtle, sweet aroma.

"As long as there is humidity in the air, we’re able to generate a proofing water unlike any other spirit company in the world," says Fenten. "The water is less acidic, creating a smooth mouthfeel, less stringency, and better drinkability."

Water vapor trapped in the atmosphere is a renewable resource that many people take for granted. "We thought it would be fantastic to tap into Mother Nature’s bounty instead of pulling water from the local water supplier, which on the island is a precious resource in limited supply," says Fenten.

This isn’t the first vodka to use water vapor as an ingredient. Two years ago, San Francisco’s Hangar 1 distillery released a limited-edition vodka made from Bay Area fog called Fog Point. The difference is that instead of using technology to source water vapor, the distillery with help from a local non-profit called FogQuest used "fog catchers" (mesh sheets that would get saturated with fog and then drip down into basins) to capture the water used in distillation.

The only downside of cloud sourced vodka? Limited quantities. "Our capacity is only limited by our ability to generate water from the clouds which is heightened when humidity on the island is at its peak," says Fenten. So the cloudier it is on Hilton Head, the more vodka there is for us.

MIKA: Aren't clouds the source of ALL WATER one way or another? 

[MIKA27]

Logan Just Had a Monumental Moment for Superhero Movies

The Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay has gone to Gone With the Wind, To Kill a Mockingbird, The Godfather (parts I and II), No Country For Old Men, and, last year, Moonlight. Now, for the first time, it could go to a superhero movie. This morning, Logan became the first film of the genre to be nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay at the Academy Awards. Even in the adjacent Best Original Screenplay category, the closest thing to a superhero film that's been nominated is Pixar's The Incredibles—which doesn't even exactly count, as it wasn't based on a pre-existing comic book property.

This marks another groundbreaking moment for the superhero genre, where in recent years it has been elevated from popcorn summer blockbuster to award-caliber films. Logan, for its part, played out more like a simmering arthouse film, an apocalyptic thriller and the final chapter for Hugh Jackman's Wolverine. It detailed the tragic conclusion for the hero as he escorted a young mutant to safety across the southern United States. Co-writers James Mangold (also the film’s director), Michael Green, and Scott Frank crafted human, complex characters rarely seen within a genre, with sharp dialogue and truly emotional moments. This wasn't simply an action film; it was a drama, a tragedy, a touching story above all else, all inspired by Mark Millar and Steve McNiven's graphic novel Old Man Logan.

Certainly this isn't the first Oscar-nominated superhero film (and Heath Ledger won for his role of the Joker in The Dark Knight). This is, however, the first superhero film to be nominated for its writing—something that's never a focus on a genre that's considered more for its technical mastery (sound and visual effects) than its stories.

As I noted when Logan came out early last year, this film marked a new era in the genre—on in which audiences aren't afraid of complex heroes. It was a box-office success upon its release, even with a generally avoided R-rating. It also proved that studios were willing to take risks with the genre. In this case, it was a creatively ambitious superhero film that could have alienated audiences. Thankfully, the risk paid off, and even the Oscars are taking note.

This nomination—even though it won't likely be a win up against Call Me By Your Name—is a huge step for superhero films. What this means going forward is that studios may begin to put real effort into these stories. While the action sequences might be important, the plot and dialogue can shine as well. It means that studios will hopefully continue to take risks with these stories—and that the creative liberty superheroes have enjoyed for decades might finally translate to the big screen. Most importantly, studios will hopefully think twice before releasing a dull, formulaic story that's all CGI flash and no substance (ahem: Justice League, Batman v Superman, etc., etc.) And maybe that will be Wolverine's truly final heroic moment.

[MIKA27]

THE MACALLAN’S LATEST PRIZED WHISKY TOOK FOUR DECADES TO CREATE

In the world of rare and exotic whiskies no one does it better than a handful of distilleries from the U.K and Japan. The Macallan’s latest expression lives up to this hype thanks to its four decades spent in Sherry Oak casks made from a select number of trees hailing from Jerez in Spain.

Only 151 examples of The Macallan 1977 Fine & Rare Vintage will be released worldwide with a price tag of US$15,000 for each 750ml bottle. That’s no standard Friday night bevvy but it’s certainly set to become a collectors item amongst sherried single malt lovers and the dreamers alike.

What you’re paying for here isn’t so much a fancy bottle and wooden box, but rather an exacting process in fine whisky making. This particular expression was laid down on September 26 in 1977 with only three casks that carried a combination of two sherry butts and one hogshead. Time would eventually do the rest in producing a rich and dark amber tone of whisky that connoisseurs and fans lust after.

Those lucky enough to get their hands on a bottle can expect strong notes of cinnamon, dates, and figs alongside a subtle scent of spice and citrus.

[MIKA27]

New ‘God of War’ Story Trailer Promises to Be Not Just a Game but an Experience

Ahead of its arrival this spring, Sony PlayStation’s God of War has unveiled a new story trailer that’s an absolute winner. Taking cues from more contemporary games like The Last of Us and Horizon Zero Dawn, the franchise is heading in a new direction while also keeping core elements of what made the mythology such a compelling title. But the Gods of the Greek pantheon have had their day; it’s all about the Norse now!

The new story trailer teases some of that mythology that will play into the gaming experience and storyline, but another big factor is just how Kratos will interact with his family members. Sony’s Santa Monica Studios is dead set on tugging the heartstrings and dipping into nostalgia every bit as much as they are concerned with beheadings, impeccable marksmanship, and vicious bloodletting. Sounds fun, and we can’t wait to check it out!

Available April 20, 2018

[MIKA27]

HINOKI S1 GYUTO CHEF’S KNIFE

Any professional chef can tell you that their number one most important tool in the kitchen is a knife. That’s why anyone who’s remotely serious about cooking should get themselves at least one really good chef’s knife. And you can’t do much better than the Japanese Hinoki S1 Gyuto.

Made by 3rd generation master bladesmiths in Osaka, Japan – these absolutely stunning cutting tools are crafted over the course of 103 production steps from start to finish. That includes making their blades from a high-carbon steel known as White Steel #1 – a material as close as it comes to that once used in the creation of Samurai swords. After bringing that steel up to 1,000 degrees Celsius and hammering out every single imperfection, it’s then attached to a beautifully crafted minimalist handle crafted from your choice of charred walnut, European oak, or American walnut. The final result is equal parts the tool of an artist and a work of art itself. But this level of craftsmanship doesn’t come without a price, as these knives run for $400 each.

[Fuzz]

17 hours ago, MIKA27 said:

HINOKI S1 GYUTO CHEF’S KNIFE

The final result is equal parts the tool of an artist and a work of art itself. But this level of craftsmanship doesn’t come without a price, as these knives run for $400 each.

$400 each? Not really that expensive when it comes to Japanese knives.

[MIKA27]

New letter claiming to be from John Anglin suggests that three convicts escaped from Alcatraz and survived

They escaped from Alcatraz in 1962 but were believed to have died in the attempt. Now, a letter from one of the men says they survived.

The FBI has reopened the cold case into three Alcatraz Prison escapees after receiving a letter claiming to be from one of the trio.

Brothers John and Clarence Anglin, along with fellow inmate Frank Morris, are believed to have died after tunneling out of their cells and vanishing into the cold, rough waters surrounding the now-defunct island penitentiary in 1962.

This letter is said to be written by John Anglin who was thought to have died after escaping from Alcatraz.

But The Sun reports that the prison’s iconic boast that no prisoner has ever escaped alive may now be under threat after cops were sent a mysterious letter starting: “My name is John Anglin.”

Sent to a San Francisco Police Department in 2013, but made public this week, it goes on: “I escaped from Alcatraz in June 1962 with my brother Clarence and Frank Morris.

“I’m 83 years old and in bad shape. I have cancer ... Yes we all made it that night but barely.”

The phantom author claims Frank “passed away” in 2008 and his brother John died three years later.

He then aims to strike an astonishing deal with the FBI, writing: “This is no joke.

“If you announce on TV that I’ll be promised to first go to jail for no more than a year and get medical attention, I will write back to let you know exactly where I am.”

The FBI lab analysed the letter for DNA and fingerprints but their results were inconclusive, CBS San Francisco reported.

The fate of the escapees has been the subject of much speculation over the decades, thanks in no small part to the 1979 Clint Eastwood movie based on their getaway, Escape From Alcatraz.

Along with accomplice Morris, the bank robbing Anglin brothers crept out of their cells via holes dug for months with spoons.

It was believed they then attempted to paddle to freedom from Alcatraz Island on a raft made from 50 raincoats.

The Anglin family claimed this photo showed the brothers living in Brazil in 1975

The FBI concluded the inmates most likely either drowned in the fierce, cold currents of San Francisco Bay or died of hypothermia.

But in 2016, their nephews reignited the mystery by presenting the police with a photo which they claimed was John and Clarence in Brazil in 1975.

In a documentary screened in the US, Ken and David Widner, of Georgia, claimed their uncles were picked up by a criminal associate who whisked them to freedom in South America.

They then presented a photo they claim was taken on a Brazilian farm owned by the men.

It featured two men with a striking resemblance to the Anglins standing on the roadside.

 

Clint Eastwood played Frank Morris in Escape from Alcatraz

They recently gave it to ex-US marshal Art Roderick, who headed a 20-year probe into the escape, saying it was taken by family friend Fred Brizzi.

A forensic expert who compared the faces to their mugshots said they were “very likely” the same men.

 

Fred Ward played John Anglin in Escape from Alcatraz. 

The Widners also handed over Christmas cards signed with Clarence and John’s names which were delivered to their mother, with no postage, for three consecutive years after the escape.

[MIKA27]

Mellow Out Your Day With This Snowboarder's Peaceful Ride Down A Mountain

The vast majority of snowboarding videos are packed with high-speed slalom runs, over-the-top jumps, and stunts intended to show off a rider's extreme skills. But watching this video of Alex Pashley gently ploughing through fresh powder as he weaves through trees might be the most relaxing thing you'll watch this week.

The combination of the serene snow-covered landscape, the smooth overhead camera shot, and the addition of Claude Debussy's "Clair de lune" as a soundtrack means the next time you're having a hard time falling asleep at night, three minutes of this should be all you need to drift off.

[MIKA27]

Shipwreck Scavengers Reportedly Dumped Remains Of WWII Sailors In Mass Grave

Remember those World War II shipwrecks that mysteriously vanished from the bottom of the Java Sea? When they were found to be missing in 2016, it was heavily suspected that illegal salvagers exploded the ships and then looted them for metal. According to new reports, those metal scavengers also brought up the remains of Dutch and British sailors - and then unceremoniously dumped them into mass graves. Officials in the Netherlands and UK aren't happy.

As the Dutch site Telegraaf reports, workers employed by the metal scavengers say the remains were dumped in a common grave near the port of Brondong in east Java, Indonesia. The British Ministry of Defence has condemned the acts, saying it was in "distress" upon hearing the news. In the Netherlands, the Dutch parliament is in a furor over the situation, demanding answers from Indonesian officials.

Back in 2016, the Dutch defence ministry was horrified to discover that three of its ships lost during the 1942 Battle of the Java Sea - the de Ruyter, Java and Kortenaer - had all but disappeared from the seafloor. Scavengers, posing as fisherman, used explosives to rip apart the ships so that the resulting bits and pieces could be raised to a barge waiting on the surface. The material was brought to shore where workers meticulously sorted through the debris in search of valuable metals. According to The Guardian, the metal from a single ship can fetch upwards of $US1.3 million ($2 million). Around 40 WWII-era ships have been either partially or completely destroyed in the area, including UK, Australian and US vessels.

But the scavengers also came across the remains of Dutch and British soldiers killed during the historic naval battle. Amidst the debris the workers found skulls, jawbones, feet and hand bones, hips, and ribs. Indonesian website Tirto.id say the remains were bagged and buried at a depth of 1m.

This is a huge no-no, as military wrecks are internationally recognised as war graves, regardless of where and when they went down. In a statement, the British Ministry of Defence had this to say:

Quote

The British Government condemns the unauthorised disturbance of any wreck containing human remains. Under International Law naval warships and associated artefacts enjoy protection through Sovereign Immunity. International law also provides for protection for war graves. Desecration of wrecks of war and merchant vessels causes distress to loved ones of those lost on board and is against international law. A military wreck should remain undisturbed and those who lost their lives onboard should be allowed to rest in peace.

This story is also causing great upset in the Netherlands. Members of the Dutch parliament are frustrated that there are no leads in the case, nor any suspects. The Netherlands is now asking Indonesian authorities for clarification about the fate of the Dutch warships and how something like this could have happened. The Dutch also want to know if it will be possible to secure the remains of the sailors so that a "decent funeral" can be arranged.

As noted by the British defence ministry, laws, both international and national, exist to prevent this from happening (the US, for example, has the Sunken Military Craft Act). Enforcing these laws in foreign waters is difficult, but not completely impossible. In light of this incident, British officials are hatching a plan to monitor wrecks in UK waters with satellites, radar and sensors. It isn't a stretch to believe that similar strategies could eventually be used to monitor wrecks in foreign waters as well.

[MIKA27]

Here's What Nintendo's HQ Looked Like In 1889

Nintendo's original headquarters in Shimokyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan, in 1889, the year of the company's founding. 

It's well-known that Nintendo was originally founded in Kyoto, Japan as a maker of playing cards in 1889. But a recent historical project by the city of Kyoto has turned up, for the first time, a photograph of what the company's headquarters looked like in that year.

The photo, and an accompanying blog post, were published in December on "Memories of Kyoto, 150 Years After The Meiji Period," an ongoing historical project documenting the city's history during the reign of Emperor Meiji from 1868 to 1912.

Nintendo historians authors Florent Gorges and Isao Yamazaki shared them around today, noting that the blog post was full of fascinating little-known information about Nintendo's founding.

Nintendo's founder Fusajiro Yamauchi originally ran a company called Haiko, which at the time specialised in cement, the post says. His name was originally Fusajiro Fukui, but he was adopted as an adult by his boss Naoshichi Yamauchi.

This is actually extremely common in Japan -- government records show that the vast majority of adoptions are adult men adopting other adult men, so that their companies can remain a "family business" even when there is no biological son to inherit the company.

Nintendo stayed a family business until the retirement of Fusajiro's great-grandson Hiroshi Yamauchi in 2002, after which Satoru Iwata took the helm. Haiko is still in operation and is run by Kazumasa Yamauchi, who wrote the City of Kyoto's blog post.

In 1889, Fusajiro Yamauchi struck out on his own to form Marufuku Nintendo Card Co., producing traditional Japanese playing cards called hanafuda and eventually Western playing cards as well. Here's a map of where that original headquarters used to be located, in case you want to make a pilgrimage.

If you want to see the oldest Nintendo building that's still actually standing, there's one very close to downtown Kyoto.

According to Gorges and Yamazaki's book, the building that housed the original headquarters was demolished in 2004, and replaced with a parking lot.

[MIKA27]

In a Profoundly Stupid Move, the Dutch Are Introducing Actual Fashion Police

Here's a great idea with absolutely no potential for abuse or misuse: Over in the city of Rotterdam in the Netherlands, Dutch police are testing a new pilot program that will empower officers to confiscate designer clothes from young men who, according to the officers' judgment, don't look like they have enough money to afford them.

Super idea! No problems there! None at all!

Good thing these kids are in London, not Rotterdam

See, the idea is that young folks wearing Gucci clothes and Rolex watches can't possibly have come by their swag honestly, so the police should take them to... reduce crime, or something? And there's no way this would be used to, say, create a system in which racial or ethnic profiling runs rampant. Right, Dutch News?

However, city ombudsman Anne Mieke Zwaneveld has told the AD that the plan is the start of a slippery slope into ethic profiling.

Oh. Damn. Well, at least it's not like the whole plan is also so deeply flawed that the clothes will be taken before the legality of the confiscation is even established. Right, Quartz?

But while there may be legal reviews of what the police can ultimately keep, they’ll still be taking clothes from those they suspect in the moment. “We’re going to undress them on the street,” Frank Paauw, chief of Rotterdam police, told told De Telegraaf (link in Dutch). He said the suspects often act as if they’re untouchable, and their flashy clothes send the wrong signal to other residents in Rotterdam.

Well, OK then. Like I said: great plan. 

[MIKA27]

Ellen Page's Zombie Outbreak Movie Will Give You Extreme Anxiety

It's been a few years since we've had a solid zombie outbreak movie. The last decade and a half has brought us films like Brad Pitt's World War Z, Will Smith's I Am Legend, and the 28 Days series, and also the comedy-horror gems like Shaun of the Dead and Zombieland.

Next month sees the release of The Cured, a new movie of the horror sub-genre starring Ellen Page. As the movie's synopsis reads:

Quote

What happens when the undead return to life? In a world ravaged for years by a virus that turns the infected into zombie-like cannibals, a cure is at last found and the wrenching process of reintegrating the survivors back into society begins. Among the formerly afflicted is Senan (Sam Keeley), a young man haunted by the horrific acts he committed while infected. Welcomed back into the family of his widowed sister-in-law (Ellen Page), Senan attempts to restart his life—but is society ready to forgive him and those like him? Or will fear and prejudice once again tear the world apart?

So there we have a subtle twist on the formula, which offers a bit of a social commentary. But, more than anything, this two-and-a-half-minute trailer will give you some extreme anxiety. The Cured is out on February 23.

[MIKA27]

Psychokinesis Trailer Pulls Blunt Objects Toward Netflix

It’s not easy moving things with your mind. Carry White, from Brian De Palma’s adaptation of Stephen King’s Carrie, made it look easy. Yoda did it with a yawn. The Sacred Riana makes it look like an offhand imposition. The trailer for Netflix’s upcoming supernatural action hero comedy Psychokinesis shows the hard work, training and occupational hazards that go into it.

The sci-fi horror comedy reunites Ryu Seung-ryong, who starred in Miracle in Cell No. 7, and Shim Eun-Kyung, who starred in the body-swap movie Miss Granny and played the hypnotic young musician Seol Nae-il on the series Naeil's Cantabile. The onscreen father daughter-daughter team voice acted for Yeon’s Train To Busan's animated prequel movie Seoul Station (2016).  South Korea’s Eun Kyung was 9 years old when she made her acting debut in the 2004 television series The Woman Who Wants to Marry. She also put in a zombie cameo as Patient Zero in Train to Busan.

"A father sets out to save his troubled daughter with superpowers that he discovers he possesses," reads the official synopsis. "Suk-Hun (Ryoo Seung-Ryong) happens to gain a supernatural power. He tries to save his daughter Roo-Mi (Shim Eun-Kyung) after she gets involved in an unexpected accident."

Russian psychic Nina Kulagina may have mentally manipulated her defamation case before she died but the power of psychokinesis hasn’t been fully proven past what Carl Sagan called pseudoscience. This makes it perfect for science fiction. 

Netflix will release Psychokinesis globally in 2018. It will get a Korean release in February.

[MIKA27]

Rare Japanese Camera Rifle, Used To Train Fighter Pilots During WWII, Pops Up On eBay

Turns out making cameras that look like rifles (or grenade launchers, in this case) was popular back in the day. Take for instance this incredibly hard-to-find Konishoruko Rokuohsha Type 89 "machine gun" variant, which found its way onto eBay for the princely sum of $US4500 ($5549).

According to International Military Antiques, the Type 89 was used to "train gunners on the famed Zero fighter plane":

Quote

A multi-purpose training device, this "gun" is effectively a camera mounted in an oversized housing, suitable for installation in a wing mount or waist-gun emplacement. When the trigger is pulled, the camera runs, with footage being taken of what the gun is aimed at, as well as an optional stopwatch; after landing, the film can be analysed by the trainers for proper lead and burst timing.

At a little over 73cm long, it would certainly feel like you were holding a rifle... or a fighter-mounted machine gun.

While it'd look amazing in anyone's pool room, $5549 is a lot to ask. But, if you're really, really into your WWII memorabilia, it's probably worth it.

[MIKA27]

Stunning Fossil Discovery Pushes First Human Migration Out Of Africa Back 50,000 Years

Archaeologists in Israel have uncovered the partial jawbone from what appears to be a modern human. Dated to between 175,000 to 200,000 years old, the fossil is 50,000 years older than any other human fossil found in the region, suggesting humans left Africa far earlier than previously thought.

The fossil was found in Israel's Misilya Cave, one of several prehistoric cave sites on Mount Carmel. Archaeologists have been exploring these caves for decades, so the discovery of the odd bone or artefact isn't particularly extraordinary; ancient humans, including now-extinct species and anatomically modern Homo sapiens, populated these caves repeatedly during both the Upper and Lower Palaeolithic, leaving signs of their occupancy behind.

The recent discovery of a partial jawbone with several teeth still intact didn't seem like a huge deal at first, but when multiple dating techniques put its age at between 175,000 to 200,000 years old, the archaeologists who found the fossil realised they had stumbled upon something special.

A view of the Misilya cave.

As the ensuing study published today in Science shows, the new fossil resets the date for when modern humans (Homo sapiens) first left Africa, leaving their continent of origin for the Middle East.

Prior to the Misliya discovery, traces of the earliest modern humans to have left Africa were found at the Levantine sites of Skhul and Qafzeh, which were dated to between 90,000 and 120,000 years ago. Genetic analyses of other human remains hinted at an even earlier exit date, but tangible, archaeological evidence was lacking. The jawbone, dubbed Misliya-1, is now providing that crucial bit of evidence.

"Misliya is an exciting discovery," said Binghamton University anthropologist and study co-author Rolf Quam in a statement. "It provides the clearest evidence yet that our ancestors first migrated out of Africa much earlier than we previously believed. It also means that modern humans were potentially meeting and interacting during a longer period of time with other archaic human groups, providing more opportunity for cultural and biological exchanges [i.e. mating]."

Indeed, by the time Homo sapiens ventured out of Africa, other humans (now extinct) had already taken root in the Middle East, Europe, and parts of Asia. Neanderthals made Europe their home as far back as 500,000 years ago, while Homo erectus settled into the Middle East around the same time. Our species was late to the show -- but Homo sapiens eventually prevailed, going on to settle virtually every corner of the planet.

Israel Hershkovitz, the Tel Aviv University archaeologist who led the research, said a key challenge of the study was to present evidence that proved the fossil belonged to a modern human, and not a Neanderthal or archaic human. The scientists didn't have a lot to work with -- some bone surrounding the tooth sockets, a bit of cheekbone, part of the nasal cavity, the roof of the mouth, some teeth in the upper left dentition -- but it was enough.

After careful analysis, it was shown that the fossil bore virtually no resemblance to other types of humans, exhibiting an anatomy consistent with Homo sapiens, including the size of the teeth (Neanderthals, for example, had a tooth crown that was low and broad).

Virtual reconstruction of the jaw. The transparent side is a mirror image of the preserved portion.

MicroCT scans and virtual 3D models were used to compare the fossil to other hominid fossils from Africa, Europe, and Asia. The researchers also took great pains to date the fossil, using three independent methods.

In addition to the partial jawbone, the archaeologists also found traces of fire use and some tools within the same stratigraphic layer -- including a stone cut with the Levallois technique. These humans, the study suggests, were sophisticated tool makers and competent hunters, capable of taking down large game and processing animal carcasses.

The Levallois tools are the oldest in the region to be linked with modern human activity. Previously, these high-tech tools were also found at the nearby Tabun Cave, and dated to between 190,000 to 260,000 years ago; the authors say this suggests modern humans were in the region even earlier than the new fossil suggests.

Katerina Harvati, Head of Paleoanthropology at the Senckenberg Center for Human Evolution and Paleoenvironment, is impressed with the new study, saying the authors presented "an extremely thorough analysis of the anatomy of this fossil." She said the jawbone was "remarkable" in that it exhibited no features typical of Neanderthals or other archaic humans, but is instead similar to modern humans.

"This discovery is highly significant, as it represents the earliest known modern human out of Africa," Harvati told Gizmodo. "The timing and mode of the modern human dispersal out of the African continent has been long disputed, with different lines of evidence supporting different scenarios for this major event in modern human evolution."

Eric Delson, a paleoanthropologist at Lehman College and researcher at NYC's American Museum of Natural History, also likes the study, saying it's an exciting new find of "probable members of our own species" outside Africa, and earlier than any other well-accepted finding. What's more, the recent revelation that modern humans were hanging out 300,000 years ago in what is now Morocco hints at even earlier migrations.

"The recent demonstration that Jebel Irhoud fossils represent early Homo sapiens at about 300,000 years ago means that Misliya may be one of several 'out of Africa' migrations, and not necessarily the earliest, by that species," Delson told Gizmodo. "There were probably a number of exits from northeast Africa, which may not have gone very far or led to any later populations, but just died out, until after 80,000 years ago or so.

Other Israeli fossils, such as Zuttiyeh, may need to be reassessed in light of this new evidence. Now we all want to see what the skull of the Misliya people looked like!"

As for matching the tools to the jawbone, Delson is less impressed.

"The authors suggest that the tools found with the fossil indicate that Homo sapiens must have been present earlier in time, but I do not agree with this," he told Gizmodo.

Archaeologists have long known about similar tools dated to between 150,000 to 60,000 years ago (and possibly even much older) that have been associated with both Neanderthals and early Homo sapiens in the Near East.

"Different human groups could well have made similar artifacts in this earlier time period as they did later on," said Delson. "Their argument is just a supposition, not even a hypothesis; there is no clear evidence for it, it must be tested through recovery of much additional material."

In addition to establishing a new historical timeline for human migration out of Africa, the new study is also telling us something about ourselves.

"The origin of humankind is a fundamental question that has occupied us since the dawn of time," Harvati told Gizmodo. "Understanding how our ancestors lived, where they came from and what challenges they overcame -- or succumbed to -- gives us perspective for our own lives and for our future as a species."

[MIKA27]

Try To Watch An SUV Cross This Terrifying Siberian Bridge Without Having A Panic Attack

Even when they're built from concrete and steel using proven engineering principles, some people get anxious when crossing certain bridges. So there's less than a zero per cent chance that most would ever try crossing this 500m test of bravery in Siberia. It looks like it could instantly collapse under the weight of just a single snowflake.

The bridge, which spans the Vitim River in Siberia, Russia, was built for use by trains, which explains the lack of any safety barriers. The bridge has long since been replaced by a much safer structure, but after the rails were removed it was never torn down, and it eventually became part of the Baikal-Amur Mainline (BAM) road in Siberia, which attracts adventure seekers and common-sense-lackers such as Martin Remiš, who successfully traversed the wooden peril in his Ford Bronco.

[MIKA27]

MIZU SAGA BARLEY SHOCHU

Often confused with Korean Soju or Sake, Shochu is the highest selling spirit in Japan. And now, it's beginning to make waves in the United States as well. This 70 proof expression from Mizu is one of the best to make it's way stateside and is single distilled from Japanese two-rowed barley, black koji rice, and the water from Black Hair Mountain. It can be sipped neat, mixed into a cocktail, or served on the rocks with the addition of hot or cold water.

[MIKA27]

G-SHOCK G-STEEL CONNECTED WATCH

The G-Shock G-Steel collection produces tough timepieces that are versatile enough to wear for formal occasions or every day. The latest addition to the line marks the first G-Steel connected timepiece that features a carbon bezel. The bezel boasts superior shock resistance with a distinctive pattern from the carbon materials to give it a standout look. It also features scratch-resistant sapphire glass and Bluetooth that lets you connect to your smartphone at the press of a button for accurate timekeeping no matter where your travels take you. $700

[MIKA27]

The Ritual Brings A Sinister Old-Gods Twist To Wilderness Horror

We've seen this set-up a million times: Friends go into the woods with a specific purpose (making a documentary, partying, skiing, spelunking, etc.), and end up encountering darkest evil instead. This trailer for The Ritual, however, suggests a forest-based menace that's a cut above what we're used to.

The Ritual, which is based on Adam Nevill's award-winning horror novel of the same name, is directed by David Bruckner (The Signal), and comes to Netflix on February 9.

There's an important bit of context that the trailer doesn't explicitly impart, which is that these guys are hiking in a Swedish forest - meaning the malevolence they encounter leans heavily into the realms of Norse mythology. To me, at least, that adds a lot more interest, even with that obvious plot twist of having the guy in glasses klutz around and throw the journey off course. The cast includes Rafe Spall (Prometheus, the upcoming Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom) and Robert James-Collier (Downton Abbey).

[MIKA27]

You Can Buy an Entire Scottish Island for $350,000

Need to run far, far away from your problems and the unraveling of American civility in general? Try an island off the Scottish coast, where the wind sweeps across rolling green hills, the water is calm and soothing, and you're the only person around. One island in particular, called Linga, is now on the market, and bids are starting at $351,000.

Linga is a tiny, 64-acre island located off the Shetland Isles, which are north of the Scottish mainland—Shetland is actually closer to Norway than Scotland. The island itself is just a boat ride away from the Shetland village of Walls, so you wouldn't be too far from civilization, but it's secluded enough to feel like a real escape. After flying into Glasgow—and making a detour to Lagavulin or Laphroaig to stock up on whisky—you jump on a short flight to Shetland's main airport and drive 18 miles from there to Walls. Take a look at Linga and the surrounding countryside here:

No one has lived on Linga since 1934, so the two cottages are a bit run down. Despite Shetland's strict building codes, its future owner can renovate the existing structures and also build a new cottage, agricultural buildings, a reception area, and a pier. Vladi Private Islands, which put Linga on the market, already has plans in place to get solar and wind power, fresh water, and plumbing to the island, so it won't be medieval—but it's definitely a fixer upper that'll end up costing you more than the $350K upfront.

But man, once you get it fixed up, furnished, and stocked, it'll be a dream getaway from the craziness of your life. Just build a roaring fire, pour yourself a glass of something smoky, and enjoy the silence. Shetland sheepdog not included.

 

[MIKA27]

For the first time in 152 years, a supermoon, blue moon, and total lunar eclipse will coincide

On Jan. 31, it doesn’t matter what you’re doing—you owe it to yourself to gaze at the darkened sky.

In the early morning hours of the Western Hemisphere and the evening in the Eastern, you will be treated to both a visible supermoon—what we call a full moon at its closest orbital point to Earth—and a total lunar eclipse. As the second full moon of the month, it earns the title of a blue moon as well. The celestial coincidence hasn’t happened in more than 150 years. That means there were people who lived and died on this Earth without ever having had a chance to see this phenomenon, which won’t reappear again for another decade.

This supermoon also happens to be the final one in a supermoon trilogy—the first two of which appeared on Dec. 3 and Jan. 1.

And get ready for the blood moon

The moon on the night of Jan. 31 is, by a combination of low probabilities, exceedingly rare.

Visible supermoons appear 14% bigger and 30% brighter than full moons that occur at the farthest point in the moon’s orbit. During the eclipse, with totality visible from eastern Asia across the Pacific to western North America, the moon will slowly lose its brightness and take on a reddish hue because of the way the atmosphere bends the light, says NASA.

As a result, totally eclipsed moons are sometimes also called “blood moons.”

When can I see the supermoon and total lunar eclipse?

The best time to enjoy a supermoon is right after moonrise and before sunrise, when the moon is sitting on the horizon. It will appear its biggest and brightest because of a “moon illusion” effect that’s created when you are able to compare the lunar body to other objects for scale, like buildings and foliage. Check your local moonrise time here.

For the real highlight of the show, the lunar eclipse will begin at 6:48am ET (11:48am UTC) and reach its maximum at 8:30am ET (1:30pm UTC). (Technically, the eclipse begins an hour earlier during which observant viewers will notice a dark shading on the moon’s face, but the moon won’t actually begin to disappear until 6:48am ET.) Viewers from eastern Asia, the Pacific, and western North America will get the best view, but viewers in eastern North America and Europe will also catch a partial eclipse. Here’s an interactive map of where you will be able to see the eclipse.

Can I see the supermoon and lunar eclipse without going outside?

If it’s too cloudy, or too cold, or you aren’t in the path of totality, there are options to view the celestial event online. The Virtual Telescope project provides a livestream of the supermoon’s eclipse over Rome’s skyline, beginning at 6:30am ET (11:30am UTC).

What’s the best way to photograph the lunar eclipse?

To take a picture of the supermoon or the lunar eclipse with a smartphone, tap on the moon on the screen and hold your finger in place to lock the camera’s focus. Then adjust the exposure slider that appears next to your finger to get the right balance of light for your shot.

If you’re using a DSLR, NASA’s senior photographer Bill Ingalls recommends that you use the daylight white balance to adjust for the sunlight being reflected off the moon. He says that it’s important to keep in mind that the moon is a moving object: “It’s a balancing act between trying to get the right exposure and realizing that the shutter speed typically needs to be a lot faster.”

To get an original shot, Ingalls suggests taking a picture that puts the moon in context of a local landmark, something that gives your photo a sense of place. “Don’t make the mistake of photographing the moon by itself with no reference to anything,” say Ingalls. “Everyone will get that shot.”

Do I need special glasses to watch the supermoon and lunar eclipse?

Unlike the solar eclipse, the supermoon and the lunar eclipse are safe to view with the naked eye. There’s nothing to worry about if you find yourself enthralled and staring up into the sky for a very long time. Except maybe your neck.

[MIKA27]

The Duo Glass Might Be the Best Whiskey Glass Around

After almost a year of research, development and testing, the team at Aged & Ore has finally released all the details on what might be the best whiskey glass out there. The Duo glass is a hand-blown, insulated, double-walled, borosilicate glass that’s purpose built to be the only cocktail or spirits glass you need. First off, it’s specially designed to perfectly accommodate a 2″ ice ball (your purchase also includes molds) at the bottom, so no more unnecessary jostling of your favorite ice as it chills your drinks. The insulated construction also means ice will melt slower, you can use it for hot toddies, and you don’t need to use a coaster. Speaking of things you don’t need, the duo glass has 1 ounce pour indicators molded into the inner glass, so you don’t need separate measuring tools. As if all that wasn’t reason enough to get excited, the chamfered square base transitions into a circular top profile which makes it ideal for drinking as well as holding.