A Blast From The Past: Episode 15

The Grass Roofs of Norway

Norwegians have their own way of going green, and quite literally. For hundreds of years houses in Norway have been covered with turf. And they come in different varieties. Some are bright green and almost velvety. Others are golden and look like they’re growing wheat or oats. A number of turf roofs have flowers mixed in with the grass, and a few have small trees.

45 Vintage Sexist Ads That Wouldn’t Go Down Well Today

Of course, advertisement is still sexist but early print advertisements were more blatant, some of them downright offensive. Could you imagine what the reaction would be if any of these advertisements were put up today?

The Living Root Bridges of Cherrapunjee, India

The ancient War-Khasi people of Meghalaya sliced betel nut tree trunks half in the middle for their entire length, hollowed them out and passed the thin and long tender roots of Indian Rubber trees through them. The roots start growing towards other end of the stream and when they are reached they are allowed to take root in the soil. Given enough time, a sturdy, living bridge is produced. Some of these root bridges are over 100 feet long and over 500 years old.

Jim Denevan’s Giant Artwork on Frozen Lake Baikal

These incredibly huge concentric forms were created by American artist Jim Denevan by carving out ice from the frozen lake of Baikal in Siberia. Denevan is known for creating expansive, meditative works with repetitive patterns and endless scale. The Baikal artwork spans an area of nine square miles!

The Impossible Stone Balancing Art of Adrian Gray

Adrian Gray has been developing his art of stone balancing for many years. His ability to create almost impossible to believe compositions has created wonder and left witnesses in awe and mesmerized.

China’s Overloaded Cycle Carriers

French photographer Alain Delorme became fascinated by the piles of stacked products migrant Chinese workers loaded into their bicycles. The precariously overloaded packages often assume unusual forms. His documentation of the packed bicycles forms a series of photographs entitled Totems, which are both aesthetically glorious and astoundingly indicative of daily life in China.