JC

Leonardo da Vinci painted a merchant’s wife and never delivered the portrait. He kept working on it for years and carried it with him across cities.

Interesting Things with JC 1685: "Lisa del Giocondo"

RSS | MP3 | Open Curriculum: JimConnors.net

A sea otter can fall asleep in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

The water beneath it keeps moving the entire time.
Yet many wake up exactly where they need to be.

Interesting Things with JC 1682: "Sea Otters Hold Hands when they Sleep"

RSS | MP3 | Open Curriculum: JimConnors.net

Scientists do not announce a possible alien signal first. They repeat observations, share data, and wait for independent teams to confirm it.

Interesting Things with JC 1681: "The Day After Disclosure: Humanity Already Has a Plan"

RSS | MP3 | Open Curriculum: JimConnors.net

The world's largest operating steam locomotive, Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014, made a historic whistle-stop in Ripley, moved through Hamburg and Blasdell at speed! This all part of its nationwide tour commemorating America's 250th anniversary.

Thousands gathered along the tracks as the legendary locomotive paused for approximately 30 minutes at the State Street crossing before continuing its East Coast journey.

The scale of Big Boy 4014 is difficult to appreciate until you see the numbers. The locomotive and tender weigh more than 1.2 million pounds (544 metric tons), stretch 132 feet 9 inches (40.5 meters) in length, and carry approximately 25,000 gallons (94,600 liters) of water. Depending on terrain and load, it can consume roughly 200 gallons (757 liters) of water and 20 to 25 gallons (76 to 95 liters) of fuel oil for every mile traveled.

Built in 1941 to haul massive freight trains across the Wasatch Mountains, Big Boy 4014 remains one of the most powerful steam locomotives ever constructed and a moving reminder of America's industrial and transportation heritage.

Did you get to see the train roll through your town?!?! Share your story of you did!