Category: Culture

Los Angeles based, Donn Delson began his aerial photography career nearly a decade ago. He has spent over 300 hours in helicopters, capturing scenes from the cherry blossoms of Japan to hidden mountain trails in the Red Sea—sometimes from 12,000 feet. He charters private helicopters, costing between $800 and $2,500 per hour, funded by his entrepreneurial success. After selling his company BandMerch, a leading entertainment merchandise business, Delson briefly retired before a holiday trip sparked a new passion.

While many might balk at hanging out of a doorless helicopter, Delson prefers this setup—he won’t put his camera lens near a window. “It’s the only way I want to shoot,” he said back on the ground the next day, discussing his passion for aerial photography.

“I work on a large scale to convey the feeling I get up there.“The world from above is so different from what we know,” Delson said.

Check out a collection of his photos here!

Little House on the Prairie is certainly a staple of American culture. I am sure most of you have read at least some of the famous work. Or, if you haven’t read any of it your sister or mother probably has.

The books are considered semi-autobiographical. While some of the dates, people and events are apparently not one hundred percent accurate, they are very close and for the most part biographical.

For a while some of the things detailed in the books remained a mystery. Where is the school house that Laura taught at? Why did Mary Ingalls go blind from a sickness that does not cause blindness? How bad was the Long Winter? Do we have any way of knowing how bad it was comparably?

Well, some people asked those questions and they had the skills to back it up. I would recommend reading this article that tells how these scientist investigated events to discover their hidden history.

The quietest place on Earth isn’t where you might expect. It’s tucked away in Orfield Laboratory, Minnesota, within their Anechoic Chamber. This chamber is engineered to absorb sound, creating an environment where even the slightest noise can feel overwhelming.

Inside, the ambient noise level measures at an unprecedented negative decibel of minus-24.9 dBA, making it below the threshold of human hearing. Visitors often report hearing the faint sounds of their own bodily functions due to the complete absence of external noise.

Steven Orfield, the lab’s founder, explains that extended exposure to such silence can disrupt one’s sense of balance and coordination, as the usual auditory cues are absent.

The chamber itself is constructed with a steel box suspended within another steel enclosure, lined with fiberglass ridges to neutralize soundwaves.

Beyond its scientific utility, the chamber has also attracted commercial interest, being used by companies like Harley Davidson to test noise reduction and by NASA to prepare astronauts for the silence of space.

For those curious about this unique experience, a visit to the Anechoic Chamber in Minneapolis comes at a cost. A one-hour session for up to four people is priced at $400, offering a rare opportunity to immerse oneself in absolute silence.

According to a new survey, a third of your month is bound to be ‘extraordinary.’

The survey of 2,000 Americans revealed that the average person experiences 10 extraordinary days each month, totaling 120 remarkable days every year. Those residing in Hawaii, Idaho, or South Dakota enjoy even more, with an average of 13 extraordinary days per month.

The concept of a joyful lifestyle is subjective, but there are some common themes. Majorities agreed that the following factors contribute to a joyful life:

What Defines a Joyful Life?

Feeling happy (77%)

Being healthy (71%)

Having positive personal and family relationships (69%)

Feeling comfortable (69%)

The survey, commissioned by Santa Margherita and conducted by Talker Research, aimed to determine how frequently Americans treat themselves and what occasions warrant indulgence.

The findings showed that half of the respondents believe “any day is a good day” to treat themselves. They enjoy spending their most joyful days with family and friends (62%), and 76% prefer sharing their joyful feelings with others whenever possible.

People like to treat themselves during their birthday (66%), while on vacation (59%), and when having a good day (48%).

Sixty-one percent consider a nice meal to be the perfect treat for an extraordinary day, especially when accompanied by a nice beverage.

Moreover, 71% believe that indulgences are best shared with others, particularly their significant others (75%), family members (72%), and close friends (65%).

Over three-quarters (78%) enjoy hosting family and friends for dinners at home, and 80% believe that pairing food and wine enhances the dining experience, making the meal feel more special.